How much does a SMART Board cost for a classroom?
Smart boards have been integrated into classrooms for years, but how much do they cost? Click here to learn about and compare smart board prices.
Generally speaking, you should be budgeting between $2000.00 and $6000.00 for a quality smart board for your office space. The amount you spend will depend on the size, features and accessories you’re looking to add.
These are without a doubt the coolest new innovation in presentation technology today, and adding one to your meeting room instantly impresses guests and clients alike.
They also give your employees the same functionality they’re used to in their day-to-day lives from their smartphones and tablets. As Virgin.com recently wrote in a great blog called Privacy Pods and Other Architectural Office Trends to Look Out For:
“Acutely aware that the next generation employees are digital natives, used to different ways of working, sharing, and collaborating from an early age, employers are under increasing pressure to close the gap and make the workplace as technically up to speed as their employees’ homes.”
So let’s take a look at some of the factors that should be involved in your purchase decision.
What Screen Size Do You Need for Your Smart Board?
Generally speaking, most units start at about 56″ and go up to about 96″ in size.
The actual screen itself is LED technology. This means you’re going to get:
- Incredible image and text display quality
- Low power consumption
- Accurate response times
Also, most units will come with a very good or lifetime warranty on your screen.
What Type of Features Do I Need?
Most smart boards on the market today should allow you to:
- Enter text efficiently
- Take detailed notes
- Easily create virtual versions of flipcharts and other traditional presentation tools
You can do all this without annoying and messy ink markers. Most will require no special writing equipment needed and you will literally be able to write with your finger.
The popular features among most users include:
- It acts as an extension of your computer. Any tasks you can do on your laptop will be displayed and manipulated on the board
- You can store files locally on its internal memory
- Most have no proprietary software to download or install. Just plug-and-play. They also work perfectly with any computer using Windows, Mac, Linux
- TAA Compliant
The Top Best Selling Smart Boards
Smartboard SBM680
Size: 77 inches
Features: Adaptable and user-friendly gesture capability, which allows you to do more with the onscreen content.
Smartboard BOARDSBM685
Size: 87 inches
Features: Two different users can work instantly without having to switch to a multi-user mode or be forced to work in a confined area.
Smartboard SBX880
Size: 77 inches
Features: DViT(TM) (Digital Vision Touch) technology can distinguish between several different actions and respond accordingly.
Smartboard SBID8084i-G4-SMP
Size: 84 inches
Features: It offers 2 presence detection sensors that can detect people up to 16′ (5 m) away.
Smartboard SPNL-4084
Size: 84 inches
Features: 4K ultra-high-definition resolution display offers the best possible resolution.
Smartboard SPNL-6265-V2
Size: 65 inches
Features: 4K ultra-high-definition resolution for the crispest and most striking images.
Smartboard SPNL-6275
Size: 75 inches
Features: It offers 8 simultaneous touchpoints on Windows and Mac devices and full integration with most tablets and smartphones, and even Chromebooks.
Smartboard SBM680V
Size: 77 inches
Features: It can easily process two simultaneous touches, so two users can interact using the included pens or other objects, or by using their fingers to write and perform gestures.
Smartboard SBM685V
Size: 87
Features: Smooths out how digital ink looks on screen, which improves the legibility of a user’s handwriting.
Smartboard SB885E
Size: 87
Features: Cameras automatically identify when a user switches between their finger, fist or a pen.
Does My Office Need a Smart Board?
If you’re reading this, there is a good chance you do. You just may not be sure on which make and model you need.
Like most tools, it all depends on what you will be using it for. Here are some common applications, and how the smart board comes in handy.
Presentations
Anytime you want to present something with a bit of wow-factor. You can spice up some pretty plain numbers and analytics, with some more interactive features.
Training Sessions
Keep your audience’s attention longer and help them retain more of the information, with a more entertaining and engaging presentation.
Sales Pitches
When you don’t want to leave any expense spared to impress a client, use a smart board.
Don’t tell your clients that you’re cutting edge. Show them with videos and an interactive pitch.
Show them you take their business seriously and blow them away with more than just a PowerPoint deck.
Teleconferences
If stakeholders have to dial into the call remotely, put them on the big screen while multitasking through other features at the same time.
Town Halls
Again, this will allow remote stakeholders to dial in and be a prominent part of the meeting.
It also allows you to add everyone’s ideas and feedback to the board, so people can see their comments were noted and appreciated.
Creative Meetings/ Planning Sessions
Ideas will fly through the air at a fast and furious rate when your company’s best minds get together to collaborate.
There’s no time to worry about getting things down on an old-school whiteboard. Use a smart board to get them up and on record, so you can spend your time talking about them, not writing them down.
It also guarantees good record keeping, so nothing will be forgotten or missed when you send the meeting minutes/notes/ summary.
How Smart Boards are Better Than Whiteboards
I mean, it’s sort of asking why a landline with a rotary dial isn’t as good as the iPhone X. These two things really aren’t even in the same category. Especially comparing what they can do in the classroom.
It goes way beyond the difference between analog and digital things. It’s about the potential a smart board gives you.
Simply by seeing moving objects and graphics (versus blue ink on a white background), your audience will be more engaged. That means they:
- Are less likely to “wander off” mentally
- Are more likely to contribute
- Will retain more of the information presented
- Are more likely to feel like they contributed if they can see their words on the big screen
Are You Ready to Add a Smart Board to Your Office?
As you can see, they are an investment that will actually bring more value to nearly every meeting you have after buying one.
We can help you pick out the right technology and match it with an overall design for your office. You can click here to contact us anytime.
With their transformative influence on learning and collaborative work environments, smart boards have been increasingly adopted in schools, offices, and other settings.
These interactive displays, often seen as an investment in enriched communication and education, lead potential buyers to enquire about the cost of smart boards.
This article aims to shed light on the costs of smart boards, their installation, and the numerous factors that influence these expenses.
Have a network installation project?
Get A Free Quote
Understanding the Cost of a Smart Board
When contemplating the cost of smart boards, one must recognize that the cost isn’t a one-size-fits-all number.
Prices vary significantly, depending on several factors, including the display screen size, model, brand, and the additional features the smart board offers.
Breakdown of Smart Board Pricing
A basic smart board model may start at the entry-level and be as low as $500. However, these simpler models are often smaller and come with limited features. The price rises considerably as you move towards higher-end models with larger screens, enhanced resolutions, and sophisticated functions.
For example, a modest 65-inch smart board may cost around $1,500, offering standard functionality suitable for most common uses.
However, if you’re looking for more advanced features – a larger 75-inch display screen, 4K resolution, multi-touch functionality, and integrated software – the price can soar to as much as $6,000.
Check out the difference between 1080p and 4K resolution.
Factors Affecting Smart Board Prices
Size & Resolution
Like with televisions or computer monitors, the display screen size and resolution of smart boards greatly influence the price. Larger boards with higher resolutions provide better clarity and larger interactive surfaces, particularly beneficial in larger classrooms or conference rooms.
For instance, a 75-inch 4K model can cost up to $6,000, whereas a standard 65-inch HD smart board might be priced around $1,500. The best smart boards in the interactive display market tend to cost more in proportion to their performance.
Features & Functionality
The more features an interactive whiteboard has, the higher its price. Basic interactive whiteboards may only offer touch response with a digital pen, whereas advanced models may provide multi-touch capability, allowing multiple users to interact with the board simultaneously.
Moreover, boards with integrated software, onboard operating systems, or wireless connectivity will charge a higher price.
Brand & Quality
Like many products, brand reputation and quality play a role in determining the price of smart boards. Trusted brands like SMART Technologies and Promethean are known for their high-quality products and superior customer support.
Many brands often offer proprietary software and extended warranties, which can justify a higher price tag than lesser-known brands.
Diving Deeper into Smart Board Installation Costs
Understanding the smart board cost extends beyond the cost of the equipment itself. Installation costs can contribute significantly to the total expense of implementing a smart board system, typically falling from $150 to $500. However, these costs can fluctuate based on several crucial factors.
The Intricacies of Installation
The complexity of the installation process is one of the main factors that impact the final cost of a smart board setup. Different setups demand different resources, and this variety is reflected in the cost.
For instance, you can wall mount or link the smart board to a nearby computer. This relatively simple setup will cost on the lower end of the spectrum. These are common in smaller conference rooms or classrooms, where space is premium and mobility is not a priority.
On the other hand, if the smart board is installed on a rolling stand, it provides the benefit of mobility, allowing the board to be shared across various rooms or spaces.
However, this flexibility comes at increased prices due to the device and installation complexity.
Similarly, smart boards installed in larger meeting rooms or auditoriums might require a more complex setup. This could involve running cables through walls or ceilings, integrating with existing AV systems, or setting up remote access for offsite participants. These scenarios present additional challenges and thus will typically be on the higher end of the cost scale.
Whatever your setup needs, discussing the installation requirements with the installer beforehand is essential to get an accurate cost estimate.
Factors such as room size, mobility needs, integration with existing systems, and accessibility for all potential users should all be considered when planning the installation of a smart board.
Maintenance & Repair Costs of a Smart Board
Software Maintenance
Smart boards rely heavily on software for interactive and collaborative functions. This software must be updated regularly to ensure the smart board runs smoothly and benefits from the latest features and security patches.
While some whiteboard updates may be free, significant upgrades often come at a cost. On average, you might expect to budget around $100-$200 per year for software maintenance, though this can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Hardware Maintenance
Physical cleaning and minor repairs, such as replacing pens or erasers, form part of the digital pen, stylus, and maintenance of other devices.
Depending on usage, you should budget around $50-$100 annually for these minor upkeep tasks.
Major Repairs
Major repairs, such as replacing the projector bulb or fixing the touch sensitivity, can be costly. For instance, a new projector bulb could cost between $200 and $300.
If the touch functionality becomes erratic, the smart board or whiteboard may require professional repair, potentially costing several hundred dollars. Thankfully, major repairs are not frequent, especially if the board is well-maintained.
Warranty & Service Plans
Many manufacturers offer warranties or service plans to help cover some of these costs. These warranties can range from one to three years and may cover hardware failures and software issues.
Some companies also offer extended warranties or annual service plans for an additional cost, providing further peace of mind.
Have a network installation project?
Get A Free Quote
Smart Boards: More Than Just a Digital Device
A smart board, often called an interactive whiteboard, is a pioneering tool that brings an element of interactivity to traditionally static environments.
The digital device converts a large display screen into an interactive display, where users can manipulate images, use digital markers, and even control a computer with a mere touch.
It’s not just a piece of hardware to purchase; it’s a technology enabler that enhances how we learn, teach, present, and collaborate in the business industry.
Smart Board Uses
The use cases of smart boards are broad and varied. A smart board transforms teaching in classrooms by enabling interactive lessons, video presentations, and even remote learning. They foster student engagement and make complex concepts more understandable.
In a corporate meeting room, smart boards facilitate dynamic presentations, brainstorming sessions, training programs, and video conferencing, promoting collaboration and enhancing communication.
Its Applications
Presentations
Premium smart boards offer direct control of presentations from the TV display screen, eliminating the need to click the mouse to switch slides in meetings and presentations.
Additionally, you can effortlessly draw arrows, write notes, deliver ideas, highlight and annotate the presentation directly on the board, and then email the updated file to everyone.
Training Sessions
The finest smart boards enable annotation of any document or picture on the screen, allowing you to draw attention with arrows, shape recognition, write notes, and even rotate 3D images directly on the display screen.
Touchscreen TVs with split-screen capability facilitate side-by-side comparisons for maximum impact in presentation training.
Teleconferences
Transform your smart board into a cost-effective video conferencing system by attaching a camera, offering functionality comparable to dedicated systems like Microsoft Smart Hub or Google Jamboard at a fraction of the cost.
Many smart boards like Google Jamboard can also be upgraded with a Windows OPS computer to serve as a video conferencing hub.
Advantages of Interactive Whiteboard
The advantages of a smart board, whiteboard, and multi-touch technology are manifold. A smart board or whiteboard encourages active participation, fosters collaboration, enhances understanding, and caters to different learning styles.
A whiteboard also allows real-time access to a wealth of online resources, making the environment for presentations and meetings richer and more dynamic.
FAQs
How is a smart board different from a traditional whiteboard or projector?
A smart board or whiteboard offers interactive features like touch-sensitive screens and digital annotation capabilities, whereas a traditional whiteboard relies on markers and erasers.
Unlike projectors, smart boards allow direct content manipulation without casting shadows or requiring additional equipment. For pricing and other concerns, contact us and set a meeting.
Can I connect devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones to a smart board?
Yes, smart boards typically support connectivity with various devices, enabling seamless integration for sharing presentations for meetings, documents, and multimedia content.
Users can wirelessly or via cables connect other devices, such as a camera, to the smart board for collaborative interactions and content sharing.
Are smart boards easy to install and set up?
Yes, smart boards are designed for straightforward installation and setup solutions.
Most models come with detailed instructions and user-friendly interfaces, allowing users to quickly mount the board, connect necessary cables, and calibrate the system for optimal performance.
The Bottom Line
The smart board cost and its installation can vary significantly based on the board’s features, the complexity of installation, and other factors.
A basic smart board installation might cost under $2,000, while a high-end model with a complex setup may cost over $6,500. It’s essential to understand these costs and their influencing factors when considering the integration of a smart board into your educational or professional environment.
Investing in smart boards offers invaluable collaboration, convenience, and productivity benefits. Contact us immediately to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more productive future with a smart board and multi-touch technology.
Have a network installation project?
Get A Free Quote