An interactive display is a large-format screen with intuitive touch capabilities. These types of displays are the ideal replacement for old-fashioned whiteboards or outdated projectors. They have the ability to access information on the web, share content with other devices, and even have built-in software to enhance collaborations and video conferences. They are a worthy investment for corporate and educational spaces to make the shift from an analog world to a digital one.
However, we live in a digital world where technology is constantly advancing, and our devices are becoming obsolete quicker – for many businesses and educational institutions, keeping up with shifting environments means having to purchase expensive equipment to adapt. So, what does that mean for the devices which we have invested heavily on, such as interactive displays? It certainly doesn’t make economic sense to constantly update and upgrade each time a new model comes into the market.
So, how does one extend the product life of an interactive display? Continue reading to find out how you can extend the life of your interactive display at your schools or offices.
How to Extend the Product Life of Your Interactive Display
ViewSonic interactive displays are a worthy technology investment for classrooms or conference rooms, especially now as we’ve transitioned to a world of hybrid learning and remote meetings. And while these displays are built to last, rated for 50,000 hours of use, you of course want to ensure that you’re getting the most out of all your technology investments. One way to expand your interactive display’s many features and extend its life at the same time is to connect it with a mini desktop PC.
What is a mini desktop PC? A mini desktop PC is basically a minicomputer that possesses most of the features and capabilities of a desktop computer or a laptop. It comprises of a central processing unit (CPU) for operation, memory card for data storage, and an operating system to run desktop programs. Mini desktop PCs are also decked with multiple ports so that they can be plugged into interactive displays or touchscreen monitors.
You might be familiar with the Chromebox, which is a small form-factor desktop that can deliver PC performance over a Chrome operating system. It is also known as a mini desktop PC.
Some mini desktop PCs are equipped with platforms to download and install software applications. For example, the ViewBoard Box provides access to Android apps for education, productivity, and entertainment needs. This allows users to enjoy their favorite applications on the interactive display. Designed for maximum portability, these mini PCs can be easily connected to any display or monitor to bring workstation-grade capabilities. You can store your documents within its internal storage and share them easily via a WiFi connection. This transforms the already powerful interactive display into a computer with added applications.
Benefits of Extending the Product Life of Your Interactive Display
1. Enhances the Existing Interactive Display’s Capabilities
When you equip your interactive display with a mini PC, it revives the operating system by adding increased performance and speed, transforming the large flat-panel into a smart desktop. It also brings an entire collection of applications that can be used for productivity, entertainment, or collaboration purposes. For example, the ViewBoard Box offers Android apps that can downloaded and used on the interactive display. Users will be able to access their favorite apps and use them for lessons or meetings.
2. Helps Reduce Costs
Extending the product life of your interactive display stretches your investment out longer. When your display ‘lives’ longer, this means you can replace wait until a later time to replace it. Instead of purchasing a new generation of devices each time they are released, you can continue using your existing models and invest the money in other tools and solutions.
3. Reduces Electronic Waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In 2019, Fortune magazine reported that about 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was generated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stressed the impact of e-waste on human health, especially children and expecting mothers. By extending the product life of your interactive display, you reduce the amount of e-waste being sent to landfills and help conserve the environment for future generations to come.
Summing It All Up
Keeping in touch with the latest technology does not mean constant purchases and wastage. Although it’s important and effective to replace displays that are outdated for use, sometimes the solution for extending the product life of your technology can just be as simple as adding another tool to enhance and extend the original device. In the case of an interactive display, a mini desktop PC can deliver additional periods of usage and even more features to play around with.
If you want to learn more about mini desktop PCs or ViewSonic’s ViewBoard box, get in touch with us or set up a demo. You can also browse our selection of ViewSonic interactive displays for all of your collaboration needs.
