Test Drive: eBeam System 3 Whiteboard presentation system

Imagine plugging a whiteboard into your computer: class notes, diagrams, and even the solutions to math problems can be digitally captured, saved, printed, and shared. The eBeam System 3, a whiteboard presentation system by Luidia, lets you do exactly that.

The new system consists of a small receiver, a USB cable, four electronic sheaths that hold dry-erase markers, an electronic eraser, and software. The system's boomerang-shaped receiver is slightly larger than a CD, and you can mount it on a corner of the whiteboard. Connect the system to your computer, install the software, and you're ready to roll. Add a Liquid Crystal Display projector and the eBeam Mouse software and your whiteboard becomes an interactive computer desktop. Tap on the whiteboard with a stylus, and you can launch a program, open and close files, browse the Internet, or show a slide presentation.

Before you use the system for the first time, it's necessary to calibrate it by "telling" the receiver how large the area of your whiteboard is. After the system was up and running, I used it to solve a linear algebraic equation, compose a haiku, and copy an outline, saving each entry as a separate page. The computer captured everything I wrote—and in color. When I wrote extremely fast, the computer dropped some pen strokes; but this problem was easily remedied by simply slowing down. I saved the pages in several formats, including HTML and PDF, which made it easy to post the pages on the Web. If you save a page in the eBeam format, it can be replayed as a movie. So, for example, I was able to watch myself solve the algebraic equation, step-by-step. That's a real plus in my opinion. But no matter what format you choose, the pages are easy to edit or annotate.

The eBeam System 3 definitely has a place in our media center. Its easy portability makes it a very flexible tool, convenient for use in a variety of situations. And at $749, it's a cost-effective alternative to a dedicated interactive whiteboard, particularly when you consider eBeam's built-in networking and sharing capabilities.

David McQuin is media and technology specialist for Mankato (MN) Public Schools; dmcqui1@isd77.k12.mn.us; (507) 387-5671.