Types of whiteboards

Copy/Capture

This copyboard looks like a regular whiteboard but includes capturing technology to connect it to a printer or to flash-memory storage (e.g., CompactFlash card, Secure Digital card, USB thumb drive).

Consider if: You currently have no whiteboard and are looking for an easy way to capture and save notes in a digital format.

What's out there? Hitachi F-Series StarBoard, Plus Vision M-5 Copyboard, Polyvision Walk-and-Talk Cordless Adjustable Height Stand.

Copy/ Camera arm

This device looks like a standard whiteboard, but sports a projection arm so the board can double as a screen for electronic slideshows, videos or other presentations.

Consider if: You currently have no whiteboard or projector in the room and want projection capabilities.

What's out there? 3M Visual Systems Wall Display, PolyVision CopyCam, Smart Technologies CamFire.

Copy/Front-projection

This device has the note-capture abilities of a copyboard, but when paired with a projector, it also shows PowerPoint slides, lets you annotate over computer applications or surf the Web (provided you have Internet access).

Consider if: You don't have a whiteboard but you have a projector to pair with one and want full interactive and projection capabilities.

What's out there? Egan TeamBoard, GTCO CalComp InterWrite boards, Hitachi F-Series StarBoard, PolyVision Walk-and-Talk and Impulse LTX series, Virtual Ink MimioBoard.

Podium/Tablet PC

A sibling of Copy/Front-projection whiteboards, these whiteboards give an educator or presenter complete computer and annotation features within a Tablet PC-like device. A 12- to 15-inch touchscreen with function buttons connects to a projector to display the screen's content. Such devices eliminate the need for a presenter to turn their back to the audience to write on the board; it's all done on the tablet screen with a stylus.

Consider if: You have no whiteboard but you have a projector and a screen to pair with one, and if you want full interactive and projection capabilities.

What's out there? GTCO CalComp InterWrite iPanel, Hitachi's StarTablet, PolyVision Walk-and-Talk Cordless Lectern, Smart Technologies Sympodium.

Rear-projection

This traditional, high-powered interactive whiteboard is a cabinet that holds a computer, DVD/VCR player, a projector and a large screen. Special stylus pens make it easy to write over any display without actually marking the screen. You can surf the Web, as well as view PowerPoint slides, movies and anything else using the projector and computer hookups. These systems are big, averaging about 80 inches in height, 60 inches in width and 26 inches in depth.

Consider if: You have no whiteboard or projector and want the capabilities of both. You will need some extra acreage in the room, as these systems take up a lot of space.

What's out there? Hitachi StarBoard, Smart Technologies SmartBoards.

Capture device

This peripheral device attaches to regular, nonelectronic whiteboard, usually with suction cups, and can capture whatever is written on the board within a 4 x 8-inch range. Some models even have wireless capabilities that work with wireless-enabled computers.

Consider if: You have a plain whiteboard and want to capture notes, but have no need for interactive-projection features. These devices are quite budget-friendly.

What's out there? Luidia eBeam Interactive, Virtual Ink Mimio Xi.

Flat-panel Overlay

Although this technology is likely out of reach for most classrooms, it's a good fit for boardrooms and conference rooms. A flat-panel overlay goes directly over a plasma or LCD display and provides all the annotation features of a whiteboard. It's an easy way to get the interactive features you want without messing with room aesthetics.

Consider if: If you have an LCD or plasma display and wish to add whiteboarding capabilities.

What's out there? Hitachi StarBoard, Smart Technologies flat panel overlays, PolyVision Walk-and-Talk Flat Screen module (not an overlay, but a pen tray module).