Using uBoard for a Presentation

The uBoard interactive system comes with its own fully featured software called MINT Interactive.
It has all the usual tools and capabilities that you would expect in any modern interactive whiteboard system, but some users may not be aware that it gives you the ability to run engaging presentations very easily indeed.

If you already have a presentation created, you can simply open it in MINT and then you have the power to use the pen and tools to make your presentation very interactive and interesting. For example, you may have a slide show made using PDFs (yes,you can do this!). Imagine how much more engaging it would be if you could interact with your audience by highlighting key points, drawing connections on the slides, or magnifying sections that need emphasis - well, with MINT you can!

It is as simple as starting MINT, clicking on "Open", navigating to your file then selecting import.
The software brings it into MINT automatically and you can then use the full range of tools.

At the end of the presentation, you can discard all the annotation, or save it to show another audience. Very handy indeed!

Charging your Wireless uBoard

The best thing about the wireless uBoard is that it is super portable and takes almost no space when in action. However, like all wireless devices from ipads to laptops, it has to be charged to work.

The uBoard manufacturers have been pretty smart in the way they have set this up.
Firstly the pen: it plugs into any live usb port or usb charger and takes approximately an hour to fully charge. This is very good when you realise that it will then run for up to 8 hours continuously before needing a top up. Eight hours continuous use translates to several days of steady use!
While charging, the end of the pen glows red until it is completely full - very handy.

The receiver unit: this is the part that sticks to your whiteboard. It also charges through a live usb port. A full charge takes approximately 1.5 hours and will give up to 10 hours continuous use. You will need to recharge about once per week in normal useage. While charging, a small red light shows on the bottom of the case. When in use, if the charge level gets below 20% a small blue light starts to flash quickly indicating that you need to recharge.

Setting up your new uBoard - part 1

All new pieces of technology have a learning curve to getting the best out of them. uBoard is no different and it pays to have a clear idea of what you are trying to do before beginning.
This short video shows the setup of a usb uBoard (the wireless uBoard is the same except there is obviously no usb cable between your computer and the receiver unit on the whiteboard).

Keeping up to date - MINT software updates

One of the great things about uBoards is that the makers are constantly refining and adding features to their software. The latest version is 4.2.1.0101 You can check whether you are up to date by clicking on the MINT Control icon on your desktop. If you see a different version you should click on the "Update" button while connected to the internet.
Once the updates are downloaded, you can select the "Release notes" tab to see what new functions have been added.

Some of the recent updates include:

• Being able to assign functions to the pen buttons.
• Chinese language now supported.
• You can turn off the 'hover' on the cursor.
• Better calibration.
• Web cams are now supported.
• Etc.

New Product added to uBoard range

We are pleased to be able to tell you that there is now another uBoard interactive whiteboard option called uBoard Lite.
This version is extremely good value and we are retailing it at $595nzd ($497usd).

A quick comparison to the wireless uBoard:

uBoard Lite
$595
Connected by usb
No buttons on receiver
Software on CD
uBoard Wireless
$885
Wireless connection
5 function buttons on receiver
Software on usb dongle

So the main differences are that uBoard Lite connects to your computer by usb cable (rather than wirelessly) and is significantly less expensive. Both systems use the same MINT software and have equal functionality. Contact us if you want a quote or more details. 3pi@3pinteract.co.nz