1. Start with the teacher, not the spec sheet
Ask how the panel will be used day to day: writing over lessons, showing a document camera, casting from a teacher laptop, or students working at the board. The answers decide most of what follows.
2. Pick a size for the room
Panels for classrooms commonly come in 65, 75 and 86 inch sizes, and some lines add 55 or 98 inch models. Newline's Q Ultra series, for example, comes in 55 to 98 inch sizes; Promethean's ActivPanel 10 comes in 65, 75 and 86 inch (55 inch for the Premium model); SAGE's IFP-XTR comes in 65, 75 and 86 inch. Bigger rooms and deeper seating usually call for the larger sizes. We measure the room during a site visit before recommending one.
3. Decide how the panel will "think"
- Built-in Android. Many panels run Android on board (for example Newline Q Ultra on Android 16 with Google EDLA certification, SAGE IFP-XTR on Android 11, Promethean ActivPanel LE on Android 14), so teachers can use apps without a computer attached.
- OS-agnostic with a module. Promethean's ActivPanel 10 is OS-agnostic and works with an optional Chromebox, Windows (OPS-M) or Android (OPS-A) module in the OPS slot.
- Teacher laptop. Almost every panel also works as a big touch screen for a connected laptop over HDMI or USB-C.
4. Check pens, touch and writing feel
Look at the number of touch points, whether the panel tells a pen from a finger, palm erase, and how many pens come in the box. Have a teacher write on a demo unit before you buy; it matters more than any number.
5. Count the connections
List what will plug in: teacher laptop, document camera, student devices, speakers. Look for front-facing USB and HDMI ports, USB-C with power delivery (one cable for video, touch and charging), an OPS slot, and wired network ports.
6. Plan the mounting and the move
Decide between wall mounts, height-adjustable mounts and mobile stands. Confirm the wall can carry the weight (a 98 inch panel can weigh more than 230 pounds, per Newline's Q Ultra Elite specs) and plan power and network drops. Ask what happens to the old boards and projectors.
7. Ask about management, warranty and support
Who updates firmware? Can IT manage panels remotely? What does the manufacturer warranty cover, and who comes on site? Haddock Education Technologies offers Managed Device Services for updates and help desk support, and installs with our own certified installers, not subcontractors.
8. Budget for training
A panel nobody is trained on becomes a very expensive TV. Plan at least a short hands-on session per building. We offer online, live web and in-person half or full day training.
Year-end offer from Haddock Education Technologies: through Dec 18, 2026, Buy 5 Get 1 Free on Newline, SAGE and Promethean panels. See us for details. See the specials.
Questions? Haddock Education Technologies can walk you through it. Call (316) 558-3849 or contact us.
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Quick answers
What size interactive panel does a classroom need?
Most classroom panels come in 65, 75 or 86 inch sizes, with some lines adding 55 or 98 inch. The right size depends on room depth and seating; Haddock Education Technologies measures the room before recommending one.
Does an interactive panel need a computer?
Not always. Many panels run Android on board, and some (like Promethean ActivPanel 10) are OS-agnostic and take an optional computing module. Nearly all also work with a connected teacher laptop.
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Request a free demo or quote Call (316) 558-3849Last updated October 31, 2026 · Haddock Education Technologies