Smartboard+Alternatives

Has anyone tried any of the less expensive SmartBoard alternatives (e.g,, Mimio, eBeam)?

Here at SJNRCS, we have a pilot program using the WiiMote Project idea. So far, we have spent $150 for a ceiling mounted solution for 1 classroom.

The results so far: -Cheap pens (<$8) don't last long. Have upgraded to $18 model from IRPens. -Distance from board must be <6 ft if you use Pentablous open source software. -Pentablous sometimes crashes -Calibration takes 10-15 minutes for initial setup (for Pentablous) -A inexpensive software (smootboard.net) is available and allows annotation and capturing. Going to try this one next.[|Smootboard Software] -Teacher and student response has been positive

Karen (kmoraes@sjrncs.org)

We looked at several options and even tried them out at GAETC. These were our perceived disadvantages: We eventually used funds to purchase SMARTBOARDS. Carrie (cwatson@scsiena.org)
 * Pens. You needed a pen to work with the Mimio. Since the first thing lost in any classroom is a pen, we were pretty sure these wouldn't last very long. You could request a replacement, but that would mean that the teacher would be without until one arrived. Also, the Mimio has electronic pens that you can fit a regular dryerase marker into. This sounded like a good idea, but was clumsy and inefficient. The cap couldn't be put on the marker without taking it out of the holder.
 * Long term cost of batteries. Batteries are needed for the pens and for the base unit (if wireless). We thought the cost of batteries would be less cost effective in the long run.
 * Teacher materials. There are not as many made for the Mimio as for other options.
 * On the other hand, many people who tried them out were very pleased with them.