SMART Technologies is a manufacturer of interactive solutions geared specifically towards educators including interactive whiteboards (AKA "smartboards") interactive projectors, short-throw projectors, document cameras, and interactive LED/LCD screens. Smart Technologies owns the trademarked Smartboard name. Traditionally a smartboard is a system that requires a projector. In other words, you have to shine the computer image onto the screen using your projector. It will not simply “turn on” like a TV.
Mondopad is a trademarked name for an interactive LED screen by InFocus. In comparison to a traditional “Smartboard” it is much more advanced but much more expensive. A better comparison would be to compare the Mondopad to Smart Technologies line of interactive LED screens, the 8000,
6000 and 4000 series. These screens are comparable to the InFocus mondo pad but lack many of the additional features like built in computer, conferencing camera, windows operating system, wireless keyboard, and more.
The Mondopad by InFocus can function as a Smartboard, computer, television, iPad, sound system and video conferencing system all built into one convenient presentation machine! They range in size from 57”, 70” and their flagship 80” model. With these additional features the Mondopad is on the cutting edge of presentation technology.
Resolution
Smart Technologies has one advantage over the current line of Mondopads is that Smart currently offers a 65” model that is capable of displaying up to 4K resolution. However, many users find that there is still a very limited amount of 4K content or their computers are unable to output at that high of a resolution.
Built-in PC
One of the major advantages the InFocus Mondopad has over Smart’s line of interactive LED’s is that they include a built in Windows based PC with an i7 processor. This means that the Mondopad is ready to go out of the box. There is no time spent installing bulky software on your own computer and figuring out how to run the wires. The only wire you need with a Mondopad is the power cable.
Video Conferencing
While both InFocus and Smart have designed their line ups of interactive LED screens around collaboration, InFocus has taken it to the next level. What makes the Mondopad so unique from what Smart currently offers is that it is the whole package. With the included top mounted camera, you have the capability of using your Mondopad as the ultimate video conferencing platform straight out of the box. This allows you to skip the hassle of stringing together a video conferencing system from third party solutions.
BYOD Friendly
InFocus also takes the Mondopad’s accessibility a step further by offering an app called ControlView for both iOS and Android platforms. ControlView allows users to connect their iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android tablet, or Android phone to their Mondopad. Giving them the ability to control and view what is happening on the Mondopad’s display. This unique feature provides audience members the ability to participate hands on with a presentation. You can download the app
here. See the app in action below!