SMART Technologies Inc., the industry pioneer and global education market segment leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools, has announced the newest addition to the award-winning SMART Board™ interactive whiteboard family. Ideal for larger classrooms and training rooms, the new 94" (238.7-cm) SMART Board 690 interactive whiteboard is wider, offering 33 per cent more active working surface than the 680 model. The new model is now available across the Middle East markets through SMART’s sole regional distributor, Intmark Distribution.
A 16:9 aspect ratio accommodates the need for more whiteboarding space in larger rooms while ensuring students and teachers can still comfortably interact with all parts of the display. Content is visible to students even at the back of a large classroom or training room. The SMART Board 690 interactive whiteboard offers the same functionality and aesthetics as other models in the award-winning 600 series and is compatible with most 600 series accessories.
“Given the many large classroom and training rooms, and the emerging interest in 16:9 projectors, educators have expressed to us their need for even larger interactive whiteboards,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s president and co-CEO. “The introduction of the SMART Board 690 interactive whiteboard provides instructors and students with an interactive whiteboard that is designed to maximize whiteboarding space and visibility in large groups.”
Maher Husseini, Director, Intmark Distribution, said, “The addition of this model to the highly successful 600 series of interactive whiteboards will present a wider choice for educational institutions in the region. The SMART Board 690 will efficiently cater to the requirements of those institutions that have large training rooms or classrooms.”
Features of the SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboard
More screen sizes: SMART Board interactive whiteboards are now available in four sizes that accommodate a variety of applications. The SMART Board 690 interactive whiteboard is 94" (238.7 cm), the 680 is 77" (195.6 cm), the 660 is 64" (162.6 cm) and the 640 is 48" (121.9 cm) diagonally. Only the 690 has an aspect ratio of 16:9. The others in the 600 series have 4:3
Expansion slot: Users can add future hardware upgrades and peripherals to the SMART Pen Tray, providing more functionality and ease of use.
USB connectivity: As a USB native device, the SMART Board interactive whiteboard is plug-and-play. This makes it easy to integrate USB peripherals and accessories, such as the new USB audio system.
Help button: Located on the pen tray, the Help button provides quick access to the screen orientation feature and to SMART’s online training and support material.
SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboard accessories compatible with SB690
GoWire™ SMART Board software auto-launch cable: GoWire SMART Board software auto-launch cable is the newest accessory for SMART Board interactive whiteboards. It is a specially designed software-enabled USB cable that automatically launches SMART Board software upon connecting to any computer and a SMART Board interactive whiteboard or Sympodium® interactive pen display. With it, users can access the full capabilities of SMART Board software without installing it on a specific computer.
USB audio system: The USB audio system includes two 15-watt, stereo amplified speakers, with a two-port USB hub, that mount to the SMART Board interactive whiteboard or to the wall. Only one cable connection is required to transmit both an audio and data signal, meaning less cable management. The speakers can also provide room audio via an auxiliary input for a DVD player or VCR.
SystemOn expansion module: The SystemOn module can be added to the expansion slot on the pen tray of a SMART Board interactive whiteboard and will turn the computer, projector and interactive whiteboard on or off, all with the push of a button.
Wireless Bluetooth® connection: The wireless module operates on the Bluetooth wireless standard and integrates with AirLiner™ wireless slates. Wireless functionality allows for greater mobility and classroom interaction, and eliminates any loose wires that might get in the way.
About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc. is both the industry pioneer and global education market leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools. SMART products include the family of award-winning SMART Board interactive whiteboards, as well as interactive pen displays, interactive digital signage, wireless slates and software. Using SMART products, groups can access and share the information they need to meet, teach, train and present. SMART has been issued and maintains a broad portfolio of patents with numerous other U.S., Canadian and other patents pending.
SMART is a private company founded in 1987. Employing more than 800 people, SMART is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with assembly facilities in Ottawa, and offices in Bonn, Tokyo, New York City and Washington DC. In 1992, SMART formed a strategic alliance with Intel® Corporation that resulted in joint product development and marketing efforts, and Intel’s equity ownership in the company. SMART products are sold through dealers across North America and distributors worldwide. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com.
