PLUS® Introduces Next-Generation N-20 Copyboards:
Industry’s First to Bring Network and Mobile Device
Integration to Business Meetings
BEAVERTON, Ore. — April 18, 2012 — PLUS® Corporation of America today raised the bar for electronic copyboards with the release of its next-generation N-20 Series. Built on the success of the company’s M-Series and designed to take business meetings to the next level, N-20 copyboards are the industry’s first to offer integration with networks and mobile devices. In addition, for businesses on a tight budget, PLUS has introduced the new cost-effective M-17 Series of black and white copyboards.
Until now, electronic copyboards have existed as stand-alone products, but the N-20 integrates seamlessly with the systems in any office environment by connecting to a network through a standard Ethernet cable. Meeting notes written on the board can be saved as image files to the N-20’s internal memory or to an FTP server. Users can then conveniently access the meeting notes through their network-connected computer. Files saved to the N-20’s internal memory can be accessed even when the copyboard is in stand-by mode.
Another industry first is the N-20’s smartphone integration. Using PLUS’ “MTG pocket app” (Meeting Pocket Application), meeting attendees are able to perform the “scan” function of the board from their iPhone®, iPod touch®, iPad®, and soon the Android™ smartphone and then preview and save the image of the scanned meeting notes to their phone’s memory, or to any phone at the meeting that has the MTG pocket app installed. Furthermore, the app allows users to record audio and video during meetings. Scanned notes and recordings are all conveniently organized in one folder on the user’s smartphone. A brief demonstration of how the MTG pocket app works can be viewed at http://youtu.be/BsrmtupjQbI.
Offering the industry’s slimmest profile, N-20 copyboards have a depth of only three inches. They are easier to mount on a wall and take up less space in a meeting room or office. The copyboards are also environmentally friendly, boasting an industry-low power consumption of 12 W in operation and 3 W in standby.
With improved scanning times of as little as 15 seconds, content written on the N-20 copyboards can be quickly saved to a USB memory stick, to a connected computer, or even printed out via an optional on-board printer. Employees of any technical skill level will find the N-20 easy to operate. It features a simple push-button interface and built-in software for connecting to a PC or Mac®.
Other small but notable improvements have been added to the N-20. The USB memory stick port has been moved to the front of the board, making it easier to access; and, when operated manually, the writing surface now only requires 7 oz. of force to scroll by hand.
“The new N-20 Series offers a number of unique features to increase meeting efficiency,” said Mike Bluhm, national sales manager for PLUS Corporation of America. “When meeting attendees don’t have to concentrate on taking notes, they are more likely to participate; and as a result, meetings become more lively and effective. Our next-generation N-20 copyboards encourage this by making it easier than ever to share information, whether it’s by saving content to a USB memory stick, a mobile phone, or a server, or by printing out copies on the spot.”
In addition to the N-20, PLUS has also released the M-17, the most affordable black and white copyboard on the market. Offering the same thin, light-weight design and simple push-button interface of the N-20, the M-17 has a clean, stylish look that complements any meeting space. Black and white copies of meeting notes can be saved to a USB memory stick or a connected computer. When connected to a compatible inkjet printer, the economical M-17 provides black and white copies of the scanned meeting notes.
“The M-17 replaces our BF Series, providing a number of new features while maintaining a competitive price point,” added Bluhm. “Our most affordable copyboard to date, the M-17 offers the perfect solution for businesses wanting the benefits of a copyboard, but that are on a tight budget.”
The copyboards will be available in April 2012. The N-20 Series will be available at MSRPs of $1,995 for the standard version, $2,295 for the wide version, and $2,495 for the four-panel version. The M-17 Series will be available at MSRPs of $1,145 for the standard version and $1,395 for the wide version.
About PLUS®
Headquartered in Beaverton, Ore., PLUS® Corporation of America is an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of extremely sophisticated, full-featured electronic copyboards. With an unprecedented level of performance, PLUS Meeting Tool Products are designed to provide a high degree of value to today’s business professionals, including corporate, medical and legal professionals, educators, trainers, military/government professionals, and technical consultants. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of PLUS Corporation of Japan. The PLUS Group has a 50-year-old history and consolidated revenue of $1.5 billion from its presentation, office, and communications products. For more information on PLUS, visit www.plus-america.com.
