Real Whiteboard vs. Interactive Display: The ultimate comparison

In every classroom, meeting room, or brainstorming session, there’s one essential tool: the board. But which type works best for your needs—a traditional whiteboard or an interactive display? Both have their advantages, and knowing which one to choose can make all the difference when it comes to engaging your team or audience.

In this comparison, we’ll explore the strengths of real whiteboards and smart boards (also known as interactive whiteboards) and see how you can elevate your traditional setup with ShareTheBoard. Let’s get to it!

Ah, the classic whiteboard. It’s straightforward, reliable, and doesn’t need a manual to operate. Whether you’re sketching out the next big idea, writing out complex equations, or doodling to get the creative juices flowing, a real whiteboard is always ready for action.
There’s no screen to crash, no batteries to die, and no awkward silences while you try to figure out how to make the stylus work. Just pick up a marker and go.

Interactive whiteboards, often called smart boards, are digital displays that allow users to interact with content using touch, stylus, or even gestures. These devices integrate with computers and can display presentations, videos, and other digital content, while also allowing for annotations. They combine the functions of a computer screen, projector, and whiteboard into one interface.

These digital displays can be great for structured presentations, allowing you to impress clients with smooth animations and seamless integration of multimedia content. But, as with any gadget, there’s a price tag and a learning curve. And let’s face it, tech problems can turn a smooth presentation into an awkward disaster faster than you can say, “Can everyone see my screen?”

But how do they stack up against traditional whiteboards?

1. Simplicity vs. Functionality

Real Whiteboards are straightforward. There’s no software, no setup, and no need for troubleshooting. Just write, erase, repeat.

Interactive Whiteboards offer a range of features—annotations, videos, and internet connectivity. But they require more time to set up and familiarize yourself with, which can slow down spontaneous discussions.

2. Cost Considerations

Real Whiteboards are budget-friendly. You buy it once, and it lasts for years. Maintenance costs are mostly limited to replacing markers.

Interactive Whiteboards are an investment. They can be expensive, and you may need to account for software updates, potential repairs, ongoing maintenance, and eventually an expensive replacement.

3. Flexibility & Creativity

Real Whiteboards excel in encouraging free-flowing creativity. They let you capture ideas on the spot without worrying about user interface.

Interactive Whiteboards are great for structured presentations but can be less intuitive for spontaneous brainstorming sessions.

4. Reliability & Maintenance

Real Whiteboards are low-maintenance. The worst that can happen is a dried-up marker.

Interactive Whiteboards are tech-dependent. They can malfunction, and repairs can be costly, disrupting your meetings or lessons.

What if you could combine the simplicity of a real whiteboard with the digital benefits of a smart board? Enter ShareTheBoard.

Unlike smart boards, ShareTheBoard isn’t a physical device. It’s an app that enhances your existing, physical whiteboard, letting you share it digitally, save content, and receive input from remote participants. Here’s how ShareTheBoard enhances your whiteboard experience:

1. Seamless Remote Sharing

Using any camera (even the one on your laptop), the app captures and streams your whiteboard content in real-time. Your remote participants see a clear, glare-free view, ensuring everyone stays on the same page, no matter where they are. Not even presenters get in the way as ShareTheBoard makes them appear transparent.

2. Real-Time Digital Collaboration

Forget passing the marker around. With ShareTheBoard, participants can add their own digital annotations directly onto your board e.g. from their smartphone or laptop. Their input appears alongside your notes, fostering collaboration without the need for multiple tools or screens.

3. Effortless Content Saving & Sharing

A great brainstorming session can lead to dozens of ideas scribbled across your board. Instead of losing those insights after a quick wipe, ShareTheBoard lets you save everything digitally. You can review, share, and revisit the session anytime. Content is also encrypted to ensure the highest grade security. And, of yeah, you can transcribe your board contents with the push of a button: not only will your scribbles turn into digital content, they’ll be captured in the correct – and fully editable – format (tables, flowcharts, graphs, code, etc.).

4. Easy Integration with Existing Hardware

One of the biggest benefits of ShareTheBoard is that it works with what you already have. You don’t need to invest in expensive new screens or tech. Use your laptop, webcam, or existing conference room setup to bring your whiteboard into the digital age. This compatibility means you get the benefits of smart board features without the hefty price tag or complex installations.

Choosing between a traditional whiteboard and an interactive display depends on your needs. For simple, spontaneous discussions, real whiteboards are hard to beat. For multimedia presentations, interactive whiteboards offer a range of possibilities.

But if you want the best of both without investing in new hardware, ShareTheBoard is the answer. It upgrades your existing whiteboard, bringing digital benefits like remote sharing, real-time collaboration, and easy content saving or transcription — without sacrificing the simplicity and ease you love. It’s a smart, cost-effective way to enhance your whiteboard experience.