You may think dry erase boards are a fairly straightforward subject, but there is a tremendous array of options available. It really all depends on the application.
A dry erase board is traditionally a tool used in busniess and education, but people are finding models and options more appropriate for the household, using them for quick notes or temporary artwork.
The dry erase board has generally replaced the chalkboard as the standard medium for writing and displaying information to a large group. started to understand the value of whiteboards}. Users are finding these boards to be worth the price, as they create very little mess, have countless color options, and creative stylings.
Prices have actual decreased considerable in recent years as demand has risen and manufacturers have increased production to meet that demand.
Many believe dry erase boards are made of the same stuff, but that is simply not true. They may look the same, but the materials it is made out of greatly change its performance. Prices increase with boards that are more durable and made of better material. High-quality boards, however, will last for the life of a buidling (even under heavy use) and not need to be replaced. Heavy-duty boards like these are usually made of stainless steel and contain a porcelain surface layered over a thick laminate. They’re every bit as heavy as old-style chalkboards and require firm, permanent mounting for safe use.
On the other extreme, less expensive dry erase boards are made from a variety of much less expensive, though less durable materials. Base materials include wood, cardboard, Masonite, particleboard, and stainless steel. These sometimes come in color options, going beyond plain white to virtually any color in the rainbow. Some boards are very simple, only providing a thin sheet of steel with a light coat of lamination. Smaller boards can take on these variations because the market generally calls for more personalization and variety. Because household users probably won’t be presenting information to a large crowd of people, the optics and contrast aren’t as essential of concerns.
Whiteboards with a steel base or frame have the added advantage of being magnetic, allowing for easy placement of additional visual aids to augment whatever’s being presented on the board.
The electronic dry erase board is the pinnacle of technology for presentation. There are a few different companies that manufacture such boards, Panasonic being on of them. There are many different types of boards that can dramatically improve usability compared to the standard dry erase boards. Electronic boards often allow for instant digital imaging of that which is being written, in addition to whatever papers or other materials are stuck on it. By allowing the audience to receive individual prinouts of the material on the board, this can elimate or augment note-taking. This can be extremely useful for complex presentations, allowing students and audience members to fully engage in the presentation as it takes place. Some users find that PowerPoint, or similar programs which are the go-to option for digital recording of presentations, is far too sterile for some subjects. Electronic whiteboards are ideal for presentations that need to be digitally recorded, but which benefit from the kinetic energy of ideas being outlined in a visual way.
Whiteboards can even be cutomized to fit a wide variety of uses. Having lines printed across the board is one available option. These can be made into lines that are useful in musical instruction, or ruled lines for writing practice. Dry erase presentation boards can even be printed with a grid pattern for architectural, engineering, or mathematical purposes, or geographic maps for educational applications. Pre-printing options are also available for athletic applications. These pre-printed lines save time and effort for users in these applications, providing reliably clean lines that do not erase and present the subject clearly.
Weigh your needs with the available options and prices and then choose carefully. Be sure to test the products themselves. This provides an good purchase on serious functionality and visibility for groups in any setting.