iPads are hot again. With the introduction of the all-new iPad Pro models that eliminate the old touch ID button, the new $499 iPad Air, and the sixth-generation iPad for under $400, more people than ever are using iPads as either a supplemental or primary business computer.
One major application for these devices is collaborating using either Keynote or the iPad version of PowerPoint with one or two people via the screen itself – or on a large display using one of the latest wireless presentation systems. With over 30 different wireless presentation systems to choose from – which is the best for iPad users – and why?
What do iPad Users want in a wireless presentation system?
According to the Commercial Integrators “Deep Dive” report, a whopping 97% of their respondents said they wanted something easy to use as a key part of their collaboration system, resulting in a flexible and simple setup. The overriding message – they want a collaboration system that is as easy to use as an iPad itself.
What makes a wireless presentation system easy to use for iPad users?
Apple users value simplicity, so we designed the InstaShow to be as easy to use as possible. For example, if you want to connect an iPad Pro to a projector using an InstaShow, you plug in USB-C button to your iPad and start presenting in seconds. No apps are needed. Additionally, Instashow works with other models using an HDMI to a Lightning connector. With the InstaShow S, you can also use the built-in Apple AirPlay function, as well as the InstaShare app to mirror your screen.
How flexible are they to use with different devices?
Creative professionals consistently utilize iPad’s, such as engineers, scientists,photographers, and realtors who typically have other equipment such as cameras, media players, and technical instruments that may need to connect to a wireless collaboration system. With an InstaShow, you can connect nearly any device (such as a digital camera or media player) that outputs HDMI to a projector or flat panel display simply by plugging in a button. To switch sources on the screen - just tap the button. With InstaShow S you can display four different sources on the screen at the same time.
How simple are they to setup?
Many wireless presentation systems rely on the corporate WiFi network to connect an iPad or other devices to a projector via a proprietary app. While this eliminates any need for hardware it comes at the cost of being much more complicated to set up.
For example, one popular system requires over 40 network ports configuration – and up to 25mbs of bandwidth for each user on the system – and then add in a yearly subscription to make sure it stays up to date. The alternative is a system that is so easy to set up, and any decent YouTube reviewer can do this in just a few minutes live and on camera. Because the InstaShow doesn’t require any dedicated network connectivity, it is as easy as plugging in a receiver to the display and setting the buttons up on the table in a typical corporate or classroom environment.How do the top models compare?
While there are many choices for wireless presentation systems, including just adding an Apple TV, we will look at the top-selling commercial wireless presentation systems for corporate and education collaboration and how they stack up.
| Feature | BenQ InstaShow S | BenQ InstaShow | Barco Clickshare CS-200 | Airtame2 |
Feature Easy to use - iPad Connection options | BenQ InstaShow S USB-C Button HDMI Button AirPlay InstaShow App | BenQ InstaShow USB-C Button HDMI Button | Barco Clickshare CS-200 ClickShare App AirPlay | Airtame2 Airtame App |
Feature Easy to set up | BenQ InstaShow S Very Easy - no networking or apps required | BenQ InstaShow Very Easy - no networking or apps required | Barco Clickshare CS-200 Easy - no networking required | Airtame2 Complicated - Excess bandwidth and network configuration required |
Feature How flexible are they to use with other devices | BenQ InstaShow S Mac OS iOS Windows Android Chromebooks Media Players Linux Devices Any HDMI Device | BenQ InstaShow Mac OS iOS Windows Android Chromebooks Media Players Linux Devices Any HDMI Device | Barco Clickshare CS-200 Mac OS iOS Windows Android | Airtame2 Mac OS iOS Windows Android Chromebooks Linux |
Feature Security - Encryption | BenQ InstaShow S 128-bit encryption | BenQ InstaShow 128-bit encryption | Barco Clickshare CS-200 128-bit encryption | Airtame2 No encryption |
Feature # of Presenters on the screen at once | BenQ InstaShow S Four | BenQ InstaShow One | Barco Clickshare CS-200 Two | Airtame2 One |
Feature | BenQ InstaShow S | BenQ InstaShow | Barco Clickshare CS-200 | Airtame2 |
Why consider InstaShow for use with your iPads?
InstaShow delivers the kind of simplicity and user experience that resonates with Apple users. The system works – without having to be trained – or having an IT guy hovering around your meeting to make sure it goes smooth. When MacSources reviewed the InstaShow, he found that he was “able to get the entire system and my screen displayed on our office television within about 5 minutes” and gave it a 9.3 rating. MyMac.com also awarded InstaShow the coveted Nemo’s MyMac Tech Innovation of the Year 2019 Award Winner for its ease of use and high levels of security.
The latest InstaShow S also offers the ability to use either Airplay or the InstaShare app for flexibility on how you want to connect to your projector or panel. It also can display up to four different presenters at the same time, and every transmission out of the InstaShow is secured. If you would like to try out an InstaShow in your organization at no cost for 30 days, click here.