Interactive whiteboard and interactive display: what is the difference, features, what are they suitable for?

An interactive whiteboard and a display or panel are large screens that can be attached to a wall or placed on a stand. They allow the user to write, draw and interact with content using special markers or fingers. However, an interactive panel and a whiteboard are different pieces of equipment.

Interactive whiteboard: what it is

An interactive whiteboard is a large surface screen. It is controlled with a marker or fingers. Interactive whiteboards connect to a computer and can be used to display information, take notes, draw, and interact with various applications, documents, and videos.

They are often used in education, business and other areas for presentations, training and teamwork. Such equipment has a more affordable price. They are used more often than panels or displays.

Interactive display: what is it

An interactive display or panel is a touchscreen display and a built-in computer. It is usually equipped with a processor, RAM, data storage and an operating system. Therefore, the display or panel functions as standalone computers or gadgets.

Such devices are portable and are used for presentations, training, meetings and appointments anywhere. Interactive displays support various interaction methods including touch, multitouch, styluses and even gestures. Being fully self-contained makes them convenient to use without the need to connect to an external computer or network. Panels give you more ways to interact with information and applications. This makes interactive displays a popular tool in education, business and other fields.

Differences between an interactive display and an interactive whiteboard

The difference in capabilities is a key feature. They also have different magnitudes.

What are the differences between an interactive whiteboard and a whiteboard:

• An interactive whiteboard is usually larger in size than an interactive display.
• An interactive whiteboard can be attached to a wall or placed on a stand. An interactive display stands on a table or is hung on a wall.
• An interactive whiteboard is more often used for working with large groups of people or for presentations in front of an audience. An interactive display is needed for small group work.

Some models of interactive whiteboards need to be calibrated before use. This is to ensure that the cameras and sensors get the touch correct. It is not difficult to do, just takes some time to set up. An interactive display does not need to be calibrated. It, like a tablet, is already set up for touch interaction with a stylus or the user's fingers.

Since an interactive whiteboard or panel is a fully self-contained device with complex and expensive parts like processor and RAM, they have a higher price tag. If you need to demonstrate on a large screen data from a tablet, computer or smartphone, then the best option will be an interactive whiteboard. If you need to carry a large screen frequently, an interactive whiteboard may be more convenient.