smart Board 800 Comprehensive Product Manual

Introduction

The smart Board 800 interactive whiteboard system represents a transformative leap in collaborative technology, designed to bring the natural experience of a traditional whiteboard into modern digital environments. This front-projection system utilizes SMART's proprietary DViT® (Digital Vision Touch) technology, enabling users to interact with computer content simply by touching the surface without requiring special styluses or tools . The smart Board 800 supports multiuser writing, allowing two people to simultaneously write, erase, manipulate objects, and perform mouse functions on the screen .

Ideal for educational institutions, corporate training rooms, and collaborative workspaces, the smart Board 800 transforms passive learning into an engaging, interactive experience. Key benefits include seamless integration with Microsoft Windows and Mac operating systems, support for common multitouch gestures, and the ability to write over any application using digital ink . The system is available in two primary models: the 77-inch diagonal SMART Board 880 (4:3 aspect ratio) and the 87-inch diagonal SMART Board 885 (16:10 aspect ratio) . While the product is now considered legacy and no longer available for new purchase from major retailers, it remains a robust solution for organizations upgrading existing setups . The estimated historical price range for the complete system (board plus compatible projector) was between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on the specific projector model included.

Specifications

The smart Board 800 series is engineered with high-performance metrics to ensure clarity and responsiveness in any lighting condition. The system relies on a modular architecture, combining the interactive whiteboard with a compatible digital projector (such as the SMART UX80 or UF70) to create a fully interactive display . Below are the detailed technical specifications for the primary models:

Screen Size & Diagonal: SMART Board 880 offers a 77" (195.6 cm) diagonal; SMART Board 885 offers an 87" (221 cm) diagonal .
Active Screen Area: 880: 61 5/8" W × 46 1/8" H (156.5 × 117.2 cm); 885: 78 1/2" W × 51 1/8" H .
Aspect Ratio: 880 supports 4:3 (with scaling for 16:9, 16:10); 885 supports 16:10 .
Weight: 880 weighs 52.2 lbs (23.7 kg); 885 weighs 61 lbs (27.5 kg) .
Touch Technology: DViT® (Digital Vision Touch) enabling true multitouch for two simultaneous users .
Connectivity: Requires USB cable for data and VGA (or HDMI via adapter) for video; supports wireless adapters with Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR .
Power Consumption: Less than 7W (5V DC 2.0A) for the board itself .
Operating Environment: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C) with up to 80% humidity, non-condensing .
Warranty: Two-year limited equipment warranty (extended to five years upon registration) .

Compared to similar non-touch interactive displays, the smart Board 800 stands out for its ability to support two users writing simultaneously without latency, a feature that was pioneering at its release . While newer models may offer four-user touch, the 800 series remains a benchmark for dual-user collaboration in standard classroom and office setups .

Setup Guide

Setting up the smart Board 800 requires careful integration of the interactive whiteboard with a digital projector and a computer. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure optimal performance:

Step 1: Mounting the Board: Secure the smart Board 800 to the wall using the provided mounting hardware. Ensure the surface is level and stable, as the weight ranges from 52 to 61 lbs depending on the model .
Step 2: Projector Connection: Position the compatible digital projector (e.,g., SMART UX80 or UF70) at the recommended distance. The UX80 is an ultra-short-distance projector that minimizes shadows and glare . Connect the projector to the wall power and the computer.
Step 3: Cable Integration: Connect the whiteboard to the computer using a USB cable for data transmission and a VGA video cable (or HDMI) to send the video signal to the projector . Ensure the USB connection is secure for the touch functionality to activate.
Step 4: Software Installation: Install the SMART Notebook software (version 10.7 or later recommended) from the included DVD. This software enables digital ink, object manipulation, and gesture recognition .
Step 5: Calibration: Run the calibration tool within the SMART software to align the projected image with the touch surface. This ensures that touching a point on the board corresponds exactly to the cursor on the screen .

Configuration Options: Users can configure pen tray settings to customize digital ink colors and tools. The system supports multiple displays, allowing content to be shared across up to 16 connected screens .

Troubleshooting Tips: If touch functionality fails, check the USB connection first. If the image is misaligned, re-run the calibration. Ensure the projector is in the correct resolution mode (XGA 1024 x 768 for 880) .

Safety Warnings: Do not touch the board with sharp objects. Ensure the mounting area can support the weight (up to 61 lbs). Keep the device away from extreme humidity or temperatures outside 5°C–35°C .

Pros & Cons

The smart Board 800 offers a distinct set of advantages for collaborative environments, though it also has limitations compared to modern all-in-one displays.

Pros

True Multiuser Collaboration: Supports two users writing and interacting simultaneously without special tools, a feature that significantly boosts group engagement .
Natural Whiteboard Experience: The hard-coated, durable surface provides a familiar writing feel, making the transition from traditional whiteboards seamless .
Shadow-Free Projection: When paired with the SMART UX80 ultra-short-distance projector, the system eliminates distracting shadows and glare, ensuring clear visibility .
Expandable Software: Integrates with SMART Notebook to allow writing over any application, creating documents, and manipulating video clips directly on the screen .
Long Warranty: Comes with a two-year warranty, extendable to five years, providing long-term reliability for institutions .

Cons

Legacy Product Status: The smart Board 800 is no longer available for new purchase from major retailers, limiting support and accessory availability .
Projector Dependency: A digital projector is not included; users must purchase and integrate one separately, adding to the total cost and setup complexity .
Limited User Count: Supports only two simultaneous users, whereas newer models (like the 800i6 series) support up to four users .
Cable Management: Requires separate USB and VGA cables, which can be cumbersome to manage compared to wireless or single-cable solutions .
Resolution Constraints: Native resolution is XGA (1024 x 768), which may appear lower than modern 4K displays .

Value for Money: For organizations with existing projector setups, the smart Board 800 offers high value due to its robust build and dual-touch capability. However, for new installations, the cost of acquiring a compatible projector and the legacy status may make newer all-in-one smart displays a better investment.

Customer Reviews

User feedback on the smart Board 800 highlights its effectiveness in collaborative settings, though it also reflects challenges associated with its age. Many educators praise the multiuser writing feature, noting that it "completely changes how students interact with lessons" by allowing peer-to-peer collaboration without waiting for a turn . The durability of the surface is another frequent highlight, with users reporting that the board withstands heavy daily use in classrooms without scratching or fading .

Common complaints center on the setup complexity. Users often mention that aligning the projector and calibrating the touch surface can be time-consuming, especially for first-time users . Additionally, the dependency on an external projector is a frequent point of criticism; some users report that if the projector fails or is misaligned, the entire system becomes non-functional .

Star Ratings: Historically, the smart Board 800 has maintained an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars across educational technology forums. A typical testimonial reads: "The dual-touch capability is a game-changer for our math classes, but the calibration process needs patience." .

Purchase Recommendations: For new buyers, it is recommended to consider the newer 800i6 series or modern all-in-one smart displays if budget allows, as they offer four-user touch and higher resolutions . However, for institutions looking to upgrade existing projector setups affordably, the smart Board 800 remains a reliable, high-performance option if a compatible projector is already available.

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