Dual Users

[ally.abdul]

han anybody used the dual user feature? The program is asking me to contact reseller if I want to use that.

[davidlloyd]

We're calling it Activarena and its a product upgrade that will be available soon. Its not useable at the moment.

[alydon]

I had a play at BETT and it's really cool!

[ralston_c]

Is there a date when it is supposed to be available?

[LisaD]

I don't think a data has been announced yet! But I know there are a bunch of people "chomping at the bit!"

Lia

[kevhogg]

Chomp,chomp...
Start a new thread as the chompettes!

[jamoore]

I found this video on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6U5l6Vb64w

Dual users looks so exciting!

[dcsherwood]

With the ActivArena, I could use 2 slates correct? I have two of them and would love to have students try to solve density problems at the same time. Or just have them work on things at same time.

Dawn

[LisaD]

I don't "think" that Activarena has anything to do with slates. My understanding is that the Activarena upgrade will enable two people to work simultaneously at the Activboard using the new special pens. But if anyone knows differently....


Lisa

[marks]

Lisa is correct. Arean is at the board only and two slates cannot be used simultaneously.

[aweyer]

Hi you are correct, the pens work as a master and slave device but unfortunately the Slates are all Masters so wouldn't work with 2 slates.

[jamoore]

Does anyone know what will be required for the upgrade to Arena? Will it require a hardware upgrade?

[LisaD]

I've heard it will require updating your Activboard (through software) as well as new pens. You will likely need to use ActivInspire.

Lisa

[ConnieCox]

When I talked to a rep at Promethean, she told me it wouldn't work, that they were desiging and going to try to "sell" some other type of pen to make it work. Seemed really odd. She said that she doubted it would be free, which didn't set well with me since we just spent so much money on the set up! Not sure of the solution yet.

[Lee Nelson]

When I talked to a rep at Promethean, she told me it wouldn't work, that they were desiging and going to try to "sell" some other type of pen to make it work. Seemed really odd

Not really odd, but this is a strange way of describing it! New pens are required for for dual use as well as a firmware upgrade, so there will certainly be an upgrade pack consisting of the new pens and firmware but I don't know the cost or the release date.

[willylindsay]

Any news on release yet?

[philatdchs]

Having used Promethean Activboards for seven years I am often asked for advice from teaching colleagues about hardware. I of course reply, "no contest Promethean wins in all aspects".
Over a year ago I was telling folk who were thinking of Smartboards that Promethean will soon allow for dual pen use at the board. I now get requests for demonstrations of this major step forward in functionality. SADLY :mad: activarena is not to be seen on the horizon in schools after first being demonstrated (18 months ago?) Has it been abandoned? If so I've lost conviction in one selling point for Promethean versus Smart.
Anybody out there got a snippet of anything active in the arena of have the lions eaten everything?
I ready to pay for any new hardware/firmware/software......

[LisaD]

From what I hear, it is certainly not abandoned. Probably like most things technical, they are likely working out a few more issues before releasing it. It has been a LONG time from the initial concept demonstration until release, I agree.

Lisa

[kevhogg]

Slow cooking usually provides a tender feast. My appetite is well and truly whetted.

[hadis]

Any news about this yet. I have the choice showing in ActivInspire and 2 pens with new boards but it tells me I need to contact Promethean for Active Arena upgrade. I see nothing in searching on the site.????

[LisaD]

Yes, it is available!

Here is information on the Promethean marketing site:
http://www.prometheanworld.com/server.php?show=nav.16891

You can also watch some demonstration tips on how it works by looking at the Activtips videos here:
http://www.prometheanplanet.com/server.php?show=nav.1147

(Scroll to the ones that start with "Dual user..."

You can see an interactive demo here (click on the two pens on the desk!)
http://www.prometheanworld.com/server.php?show=nav.19269

Hope that helps!

Lisa

[hadis]

Thanks Lisa, I have watched the activtips videos. I have been watching all of them most of the day. They are GREAT. I clicked the link you have for the ActivArena upgrade but I am lost about what to do. Is it something that has to be purchased? I am the tech support person for my school. I do remember you : ). We have 10 promethean boards of various models. ActivInspire is installed on all teacher laptops. Please advise.
I see no download option. :confused:

[LisaD]

Hi there! +wave+

It is likely that you will need to upgrade your existing Activboards to run dual user. There is an upgrade kit to purchase called ActivArena. It will include the new pens you will need and the firmware CD necessary to make your Activboard work this way. You will also need ActivInspire (version 1.3, I think...well I would almost always recommend the latest version anyway.) Note: even if the kit comes with an older version of ActivInspire, you should update anyway. CDs or DVD in boxes are typically never the latest versions of any software!

Here's some info that might help you know which ActivArena you would need:


The ActivArena Upgrade Pack is available for most* existing ActivBoards. (*ActivBoard 64, 78, 87, 95) and comes complete with ActivInspire Professional Edition.
ActivArena 50 upgrade pack is for the new 100 and 300 ActivBoard Ranges (an upgrade to ActivInspire Professional Edition is also required for the ActivBoard 100).


Lisa

[hadis]

I have installed 1.3 version and driver is 5.1.2.7. I did go to the site and fill out a form for information on the purchase. It did not show costs. I will wait for an email response.
Thanks Lisa
+wave+ say hi to Phil if he is in your local.

[LisaD]

Where are you located?

Lisa

[hadis]

Atlanta, Ga. Promethean office is near me in Alpharetta. : )
+wave+

[LisaD]

Cool. I'll PM you info on one of the local resellers.

Lisa

[hadis]

PM me? Sorry confused.

[LisaD]

Sorry. Just sent you a private message (PM) on the forum. Look to the top right and you should have a message in your inbox!

Lisa

[hadis]

+wave+ Thanks, I got it and replied with a PM to you.