Which One is Better: Promethean ActivPanel vs NearHub Board

Interactive whiteboards have become essential tools not only in education but also in diverse professional settings. Among the myriad options available, Promethean ActivPanel 9 and NearHub Board Series S emerge as powerful contenders, each boasting a range of features tailored for collaborative and interactive experiences. In this detailed comparison, we will dissect and contrast these two solutions from both hardware and software perspectives, shedding light on their four powerful features that may interest you.

Hardware comparison

NearHub Board Series S boasts a superior user experience with its robust specifications. Featuring an 8-core Cortex ARM processor, it outperforms the Promethean ActivPanel 9, which is equipped with a less powerful 4-core Cortex ARM.

This difference in processing power translates to smoother and more responsive interactions on the NearHub Board, ensuring efficient multitasking and handling of resource-intensive applications.
The RAM and storage configurations of the two devices further contribute to the enhanced user experience of NearHub Board Series S. With options for 8GB RAM and 64GB or 128GB storage, users benefit from ample memory and storage space. In contrast, the Promethean ActivPanel 9 offers a more modest 4GB RAM and 32GB storage.

This distinction allows NearHub Board users to seamlessly run applications, store large files, and navigate the system without the limitations often associated with lower RAM and storage capacities.
The NearHub Board Series S boasts an 8MP AI Camera with a 120-degree field of view and a 24-element MEMS microphone array covering 360 degrees. This ensures high-resolution visuals and crystal-clear audio from all directions, providing an immersive communication experience. In contrast, the Promethean ActivPanel 9 does not have a built-in microphone or camera.

The NearHub Board's camera and microphone can be used for a variety of applications, such as video conferencing, live streaming, and document capture. The Promethean ActivPanel 9 does not have these capabilities.

In summary, the NearHub Board Series S excels in processing power, ample RAM and storage, and advanced multimedia features, providing an enhanced user experience. Whether collaborating, multitasking, or engaging in multimedia-rich communication, users can enjoy superior performance with NearHub Board Series S.

Software comparison

Regarding software, both the Promethean ActivPanel 9 and NearHub Board Series S demonstrate outstanding performance. The subsequent analysis will focus on the four powerful features you want to know.

Whiteboard

The two devices both have developed their own whiteboard app. However, they function differently when it comes to collaboration.
Thanks to NearHub Canvas, NearHub Board has become a wonderful solution for real-time collaboration and communication in hybrid learning or working occasions. Collaborators can sign in to the Canvas app or web page and join a canvas to add feedback and ideas using a phone or tablet. The number of collaborators is unlimited.

In comparison, the Promethean Whiteboard also allows you to invite anyone to your whiteboard for real-time collaboration in the canvas. Moreover, it has a multi-user mode. This mode allows users to engage with a full toolbar while interacting with content on the Whiteboard.

Conferencing

Both Promethean ActivPanel 9 and NearHub Board Series S allow you to download any video conferencing apps available from the Google Play Store, such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or ZOOM Cloud Meetings app. In fact, when it comes to conferencing, NearHub Board Series S performs much better than Promethean ActivPanel 9.
With the beamforming microphone array and 4K AI camera, NearHub Board offers versatile camera modes including Gallery View, Speaker Tracking, and Auto Framing to create a more immersive hybrid meeting experience. Meanwhile, the deep learning model applied to the generous 24-mic beamforming array filters out more than 300 noises, including typing, writing on the display, and air conditioning. Therefore, the NearHub Board is the best solution for remote meetings in that remote participants will feel like they’re in person.

With Promethean ActivPanel 9, you can present your ActivPanel screen to team members in the meeting. However, since the whiteboard is not equipped with a camera, you will need a USB web camera to host a video conference on the ActivPanel 9. The audio can be facilitated by the camera’s microphone. You can choose to buy a webcam and an ActivSoundBar from Promethean.

Screen share

Screen sharing or screencasting allows you to quickly connect and mirror others' devices to the whiteboard. One common feature of these two whiteboards that some of the other casting options don't have is the ability to touch back, which allows you to navigate connected devices in real-time from the whiteboard. Then, what's the difference between these two boards?
NearHub Board supports up to 9 devices casting simultaneously, making it ideal for conferencing scenarios. You can share your screen through any screen sharing app, an HDMI connection, or AirPlay if you use Apple devices. Moreover, it is compatible with its specially-designed NearHub Tail, a wireless with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. With a NearHub Tail, you could start your presentation effortlessly in seconds, no cables, apps, or training needed. Enjoy wireless connectivity and present your best work.

With the Promethean Whiteboard, there are three ways to connect, including Sender, Chrome extension, and MyPromethean app. You may have up to 42 devices in your waiting room. Select any name from the Waiting Room list to mirror his or her device to your ActivPanel. The device supports up to 4 devices simultaneously.

Screen capture and record

Both the two devices allow you to capture anything displayed on the whiteboard, be it a screen or a video. Moreover, you are able to make annotations on any app and take a snapshot of the screen to capture the panel with your annotations.
On NearHub Board, these two functions are on the menu bar at the bottom of the screen. You can record the screen with just two clicks. The recordings will be saved on the File.

On Promethean ActivPanel 9, there's a Screen Capture app and a Screen Record app to capture images or videos to share with others. What's better, Explain Everything by Promethean enables you to edit the video before sending it to others.

Which one suits you best？

From a price perspective

Overall, Promethean ActivPanel 9 is more price-competitive. The specific interactive whiteboard to choose from needs to consider the user's budget. If you have a limited budget, Promethean ActivPanel 9 is a better choice. But if you take into consideration the free built-in camera of NearHub Board, you will find it more cost-effective. The judgment will depend on your needs for the camera.

From a functional perspective

If you are a professional prioritizing seamless video conferencing and collaborative presentations is crucial, NearHub Board Series S is the better choice. Its advanced software, including camera, microphone, and screencasting capabilities, creates an immersive and engaging meeting experience.
If you are an educator focusing on interactive learning experiences and diverse applications for teaching and brainstorming is key, Promethean ActivPanel 9 takes the lead. Its powerful educational software solutions — ActivInspire and ClassFlow software ― provide teachers and students with ample tools for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing.

Ultimately, both Promethean ActivPanel 9 and NearHub Board Series S are exceptional interactive whiteboards with unique strengths. Carefully consider your needs and priorities when making your choice to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

NearHub is an all-in-one solution for meeting rooms and classrooms. NearHub possesses an interactive digital Board with cutting-edge smart software. By combining your favorite programs with mess-free writing canvas and video conferencing, you can improve your interaction and productivity in the online classroom. Besides, NearHub also provides MagicPad S13 to improve digital learning and creativity. Click here to view more on NearHub.