Classroom Furniture

Interactive whiteboards combine the usefulness of a whiteboard with advanced technology to enhance any presentation. Interactive boards allow more attention to be paid in classes, conferences, and training processes, because the audience does not need to take notes. Notes are displayed automatically on your computer to be saved, distributed, or printed later. Interactive boards also allow you to control your computer applications directly from the board, so there is no need to walk back and forth between your computer and the board.

Interactive whiteboards are an important tool in any presentation. Below we have put together a few helpful tips for making your interactive board purchase successful. If you still have questions after you read our guide, please feel free to call us at (800) 508-1735. Our interactive whiteboard experts are ready to help you!

• How does it work?
• Will it work with my computer?
• What type of software do I need?

How does it work?

Interactive whiteboards are very easy to use. You simply write on it as you would any other whiteboard, but using an electronic pen. All interactive whiteboards must be connected to a computer, either with a cable or wirelessly. In order to display computer applications on the board, your computer should be hooked up to a projector. Although the exact way that interactive boards work varies by brand, the basic components needed for an interactive board are always the same. They consist of a surface to capture written information, an electronic pen or pen sleeve, and software.

• Interactive Surface: The surface is generally the interactive whiteboard itself, which uses infrared or electromagnetic technology to "read" what is being written on it and transfer that information to a computer. The surface could also be an existing board that has a retro-fit interactive board attached.
• Electronic Pen or Pen Sleeve: The electronic pen or pen sleeve uses infrared or electromagnetic technology to “read” what you are writing, so that as you write, your text shows up automatically on your computer screen. In order to erase both the physical writing and the image on the computer screen, you must use an electronic eraser.
• Software: Included with interactive whiteboards, the software is what helps connect your computer to the interactive board. The type of software varies by brand, but is included with each interactive board.

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Will it work with my computer?

We carry interactive boards that are compatible with PCs, Macs, or both. Make sure to check the system requirements for each particular interactive board to ensure that it is compatible with your computer. Call our helpful customer service representatives if you need any assistance.

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What type of software do I need?

Nearly all the interactive whiteboards that we carry include the necessary software to operate them successfully. We also offer additional software for writing recognition, note-sharing, and other tasks. If purchasing additional software, make sure that it is the same brand as your interactive board.

We appreciate that you have taken some time to read our interactive whiteboards buying guide and hope that it has been informative. If you still have some questions or something wasn’t clear, please feel free to call our toll free number (800) 508-1735. Our interactive whiteboard specialists are waiting to help you!