BoardWiz Interactive Whiteboard

Before I begin, I’d better let you know that this review is almost a clone of the Clasus and Promethean review, because, essentially, BoardWiz is a clone of the Promethean.  BoardWiz are Interactive Whiteboards that look like Promethean IWBs, act like Promethean IWBs and are Promethean IWBs under a different name (allegedly).  C-IT & Bach marketing are the Irish company attempting to sell these  boards for cheaper than anybody else and they have succeeded.

The BoardWiz’s claim to fame is that it does exactly what a Promethean does but for €1,950.  Add €99 for Promethean’s software and you’ve got a replica of the Promethean for about €450 cheaper.

The Technology

Exactly the same as Promethean – there is an electromagnetic board which is controlled by a pen.

The Software

This particular board comes with its native software, which you should instantly ignore and download ActivStudio for €99.

The Price

A new bar has been set for an all-in solution.  BoardWiz (with Promethean) costs €2,049, which is incredible value.  Aside from the price, unlike Promethean’s €2,500 offer, training and support are also offered. Promethean’s similar package is €3,500 so you’re really saving a lot.

The Quirks

If you have a Promethean board, there are no real extra quirks to this board as it’s basically a clone of  it.  The quirk, I would guess here, is that you’re supporting a new company who have told me they’re going to be sourcing similarly cheap technology.

The Verdict

This whiteboard is exactly the same as the Promethean but a lot cheaper.  An IWB for around €2,000 has set the bar even lower.  This company is new and they seem to have some good ideas – there’s talk of laptops for €200 or lower coming soon from them.  I hope they manage to survive the madness of the IWB world here and can compete with the big two!