news watch: display; making a pitch to a client on a digital whiteboard - electronic whiteboard

Michel marriottmarch 11,200 4It used to be a fascinating point, note card, and maybe a blackboard is enough to make an effective presentation.
But before that, demo software such as PowerPoint running on laptops that connect digital projectors and whiteboards became standard devices.
Now, Smart Technologies, a Canadian company known for its electronic whiteboards, is offering a new generation of flexible devices designed to make standard devices well used.
It's called the Sympodium id50 of the interactive podium that looks like a raised-up tablet PC.
It's actually a self.
Nancy Knowlton, president of the company, said the $2,500 computer was packed with hardware and software tools to help users display information electronically.
Chief executive of Smart, based in Calgary, Alberta.
For more information about Sympodium id50 and where to buy it, please visit the smart technology website www. smarttech. com.
Podium 15-15
The inch inclined screen is a digital working face. It has an on-
Screen keyboards, function buttons, other software tools and tether pens for displaying and operating documents and images that can be shared with the audience when the symbol platform is connected to a digital projector.
Lady, in a more intimate environment
It can serve as a piece of paper for brainstorming and gathering ideas, says Knowlton.
The device itself, she says, can even act as a catalyst, providing some kind of amazing factor.
Michel MarriottWe keeps improving the quality of our text archives.
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A version of this article was printed on page G00003 of the National edition on March 11, 2004, with the title: Newswatch: Display;
Sell to customers on digital whiteboards.