Best New Hardware

Best New Hardware

Acer Iconia W700P-6821
Acer Inc.

Acer’s Iconia W700 offers a hybrid desktop/tablet or modular small PC solution. It can be used alone as a normal Windows 8 tablet, or it can be connected to its docking station and Bluetooth keyboard as a touchscreen PC. Judges raved over the “high-quality sound” and they liked the screen rotation lock feature. One judge added that the keyboard connection was “flawless” and found the device sturdy enough for classroom use.

Acer C710-2847 Chromebook
Acer Inc.

The Acer C710-2847 Chromebook is an affordable yet powerful machine with a 320GB hard drive, a full selection of ports, and a keyboard that blends traditional and Chrome layouts. Judges praised the “wired network and external monitor ability.” They also preferred the additional keyboard capabilities to other Chromebooks.

AVer EVC100 Interactive Video Conferencing
AVer Information, Inc.

The EVC100 provides high-definition, user-friendly interactive video conferencing systems in one box, making it easy for schools to start IVC programs. Judges were impressed with the HD quality and affordable price. They also liked having multiple inputs.

Capture HD High-Definition Capture Recorder
Crestron

The Crestron HD High-Definition Capture Recorder offers a cost-effective solution for capturing lectures, presentations, and training sessions in 1080p definition, used on its own or as part of a CaptureLiveHD system. One judge suggested that it could be used to set up high-quality online courses in a quick and well-designed way. Another judge raved over the integrated lecture recording system.

AVer TabSync iPad Sync and Charge Cart
AVer Information, Inc.

The AVer TabSync is a tablet-agnostic sync and charge cart that can be set up in minutes, and it can also be used to deploy and manage 32 iPad, Android, and Windows tablets. Judges appreciated the helpful touches of pre-numbered slots and a drawer to hold dongles. One judge raved over the pre-wired USB power extensions and said that its lightweight nature made it easy to move between classrooms.

eBeam Edge Wireless with Battery Pack
Luidia Inc.

The eBeam Edge Wireless is now available with an Edge Battery Pack that provides up to a week’s worth of typical use and can transform any surface into an interactive learning space, no matter where the computer is placed. Judges found it easy to navigate through the on-screen wheel interface. They appreciated that it was small, easy to set up, and wireless, making it a portable solution for classrooms.

GALAXY Note 10.1
Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet is powered by a 2.3Ghz quad-core processor with 3GB memory, features high-speed LTE connectivity, and includes an 8-megapixel camera with auto focus, LED flash, and enhanced battery life. Judges found it easy to navigate and reported that it responded very quickly to touch. They thought the included stylus was a nice touch, and they liked that the speakers are located in the front for crisp sound while holding the device.

MimioProjector
Mimio

The Mimio Projector is built around a 1280x800 DLP chip, offers high brightness of 2800 lumens, and can be integrated with Mimio’s IR camera. Judges raved over the “great picture quality” and liked the ability to use two pens simultaneously for real-time collaboration. They also appreciated the multiple input/output options, such as HDMI, VGA, and S Video.

Motorola AP 6562 Outdoor Dual Radio 802.11 a/b/ g/n MESH Wireless Access Point
Motorola Solutions

The AP 6562 Outdoor Dual Radio 802.11 a/b/g/n MESH Wireless Access Point supports bandwidth-heavy wireless applications and a large number of wireless devices, even when used outdoors. Judges said it would be great for schools with outdoor classrooms or peripheral buildings. Though it’s designed for business, the judges found it excellent for school applications.