Flexible or all-in-one? Choose the right interactive panel solution for your needs

Flexible or all-in-one? Choose the right interactive panel solution for your needs

Published: October 7th, 2024

In today’s world, interactive flat panel displays (IFPDs) are indispensable in classrooms, conference rooms, and other collaborative environments. As technologies evolve, organizations face a key decision—should they invest in a flexible system that allows them to choose their preferred operating system (OS), or opt for an all-in-one solution with an embedded OS? Explore the differences between these two types of IFPDs to learn how they serve different needs, support ongoing security updates, and offer distinct advantages in sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

What’s the difference between flexible and all-in-one?

Interactive flat panel displays typically fall into one of two categories: flexible, also known as “modular,” panels that are OS-agnostic, and all-in-one systems with a built-in OS. Both provide unique benefits, and understanding the distinctions between them is essential for making an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.

Flexible, OS-agnostic panels

Flexible or “modular” panels, like ActivPanel LX, do not come with a pre-installed operating system. Instead, they support interchangeable components and can integrate with a variety of operating systems including Microsoft Windows, ChromeOS, macOS, and Android. This approach is ideal for organizations that require adaptability and prefer to maintain control over their environment.

With a flexible panel, IT administrators select a slot-in computing device, like Promethean’s OPS-M or Google EDLA-certified OPS-A, that aligns within their existing infrastructure and future needs. Organizations are not locked into a single OS and can swap out devices when an update is necessary or if they want to switch to a different system. Additionally, admins can empower individual users to operate a panel simply by connecting their own device, like a laptop or desktop computer, to a panel.

All-in-one displays with built-in OS

In contrast, traditional all-in-one panels come with an embedded operating system that provides built-in intelligence, allowing users to leverage advanced user profiles, authentication protocols, and pre-installed software. Promethean’s ActivPanel 9 Premium offers pre-installed presentation tools and apps that encourage collaboration, productivity and learning. With the hardware and software integrated together, the panel functions as a standalone unit, eliminating the need for external computing devices.

Flexible versus all-in-one: Unique benefits and how each serves different needs

Both types of panels offer a variety of benefits, but they cater to different organizational needs. Here’s a closer look at how they compare in key areas like security, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

Security: Control and updates

Security is a top concern for any organization. Just as with other computing devices—smartphones, tablets, personal computers, enterprise systems—there comes a time when OS manufacturers like Apple, Microsoft, and Google stop supporting updates for older systems. A major advantage of flexible displays is the ability to stay current with security systems and updates. Since the OS isn’t embedded in the display, IT administrators can swap in a newer or more secure compute device at any time, ensuring the system always runs on a supported OS with the latest security patches.

On the other hand, while all-in-one systems are built to be durable and secure, the pre-installed OS may eventually reach its end of life. When this happens, the OS will stop receiving updates, leaving the panel vulnerable to potential security threats and software limitations. Although this may take years, the challenge remains that replacing the entire panel is the only way to regain up-to-date security and features.

Flexibility: Customization for specific needs

One of the core strengths of flexible systems is the freedom of choice. These displays allow organizations to select the OS that best fits their workflows, infrastructure, and budget. These OS-agnostic displays are a popular option for educational institutions, corporations, and organizations that require customized solutions and anticipate changing technology needs.

In contrast, while all-in-one systems offer less flexibility since the embedded OS cannot be changed, they require minimal configuration. All-in-one panels provide an out-of-the-box solution including a full suite of preinstalled tools and software specifically designed to enhance learning and collaboration.

Cost-effectiveness: Initial buy in and long-term sustainability

When it comes to initial costs, the purchase price isn’t an exact apples-to-apples comparison. Typically, an all-in-one panel with a built-in OS and pre-installed software has a higher cost of entry, while a flexible panel has a lower, but variable one. The bottom line for a flexible set up can more easily adapt to budgets of varying sizes based on the compute device and software an organization chooses.

It’s also important to consider the projected life of the product. Promethean ActivPanel displays are durably designed to last for 50,000 hours. This roughly equates to over a decade of use all day, every day. All-in-one panels, while still functional after 10 years, will likely be running an outdated OS by that time. When the OS can no longer be updated, users must make a costly decision: replace the entire panel or continue using an unsupported system. Flexible panels avoid this issue by allowing users to simply swap out the compute device rather than the entire panel. This extends the life of the panel without compromising security or functionality, while also reducing long-term costs and minimizing the number of panels sent for disposal.

Choosing the right solution for your needs

When deciding between a flexible or all-in-one interactive flat panel display, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It ultimately depends on your organization’s needs, budget, and future technology plans. If you prioritize choice, security, more path-to-entry options, and long-term sustainability, a flexible system may be the right choice. On the other hand, if the convenience of a fully integrated, robust solution is more important, an all-in-one display could be a better fit.

At Promethean, we understand that each organization has unique requirements, and our team is here to help you make the best decision for your specific situation.

Let us help you determine the right interactive flat panel display for your needs—connect with us and sign up for a product demo today.