Put your pagers away, and forget sticky notes — the future is in smart messaging and this system is pretty brilliant.
We are talking about the Vestaboard Smart Messaging Display, which was once just for the office but can now be installed at home, too.
Since the era of the pandemic combined the home and office, we were intrigued, as not only does the Vestaboard look snazzy in a home office, but it can also be connected to those in the office in real life, or anywhere, with the free app.
Since it also makes for an amazing luxury holiday gift for loved ones or even employees, we wanted to try it out for ourselves ahead of the holiday season.
Read on for what the Vestaboard can do, pricing and our first-person review.
What is Vestaboard?
Vestaboard is a lot of things, including smart messaging platform, unique wall art, a screen-free way to communicate and more.
At its core, Vestaboard is a smart messaging device, enabled through your home’s WiFi and either a smartphone app or a website. Once installed, you can set the board to read your favorite quote, display a to-do list and more.
One of the coolest features is the ability to allow others to send you messages, appearing directly on the board. The product was originally designed by the founder Dorrian Porter to keep in touch with his kids while traveling, sending them inspirational quotes while he was away. Now, you can send messages to loved ones with Vestaboard too, adding them to your account so they can access the board.
The board itself is also a refreshing way to be connected but disconnected from screens, another aim of the Porter’s. The simple yet captivating design and even the ticking sound of the flipping tiles is a retro way to decorate a space, instead of a TV or virtual assistant device.
How much does Vestaboard cost?
We are so glad you asked, as now is the time to buy.
Right now, pricing for the Vestaboard is $2,995 for the black board and the same price for the limited edition Vestaboard White, which had 400 units left at time of publications. However, in 2023 those prices are set to go up and so the time to buy is right now.
After getting the Vestaboard itself, you can also opt for any of the fun and exciting apps that come with a Vestaboard+ subscription. This gives you access to other displays like sports scores, the weather, a world clock and more. Memberships start at less than $8/month for one year, or billed $95/year, or subscribe to the three year package for less than $7/month, or billed $242.25 for the three year period.
Using Vestaboard at home: our review
Finding fun and unique artwork for my Brooklyn bedroom has always been hard, especially as my tastes change. Since the Vestaboard changes with you, I decided it was the perfect thing to devote my wall space to.
Starting with installation: it was a breeze — since I opted for the White Glove service installation package, that is. Two gentlemen came over and within 30 minutes the board was mounted on the wall, turned on and they even stayed while I tested it myself with the app, should there have been issues.
However, if you have two willing people at home, you can skip the service. Just be sure you have a stud finder, a drill and a level at home too, to be sure the board is securely attached to the studs in your wall. For help, head here. One thing to note: the board does need outlet access, and so if you do not have inset outlets in the middle of your walls, an extension cord is needed to reach any outlets lower down.
After that, all I needed to do was download the app, and like magic, a code appeared on my Vestaboard for me to type into the app, paring the two devices.
Then, I got to play around! The first message I sent was a birthday note to my cat, Motek, using the create tool to make my own design and message from my phone. After that, I spent some time browsing the pre-made messages, ranging from inspirational quotes to funny jokes and a selection of patterns that served as a cool visual art piece.
One downside to the Vestaboard system was the paywall when wanting to add on features like weather, clocks and Google calendar. For that, you’ll need Vestaboard+, with the pricing structure outlined above.
That being said is the Vestaboard for you? If you love a niche piece of art in your space, customization at your fingertips and the ability for loved ones to send you messages directly into you home sans a screen, then yes!
Furthermore, for a commercial space, start-up company or any home office, this can be a game-changer in the new landscape of remote and hybrid work — bosses and CEOs, take notes.
Pros:
- Smart capabilities without a screen
- Uses home WiFi and a power outlet — no other supplies needed
- Easy installation and mounting hardware included
- Pre-made messaging and ability to craft your own — ever-changing artwork!
- Invite others to send messages to your board
- Great for corporate use as well, in the era of hybrid work
Cons:
- The included power cord is short, so you’ll need an extension cord if you’re using a wall outlet
- You need a Vestaboard+ subscription to access other features like weather, sports scores and your Google calendar
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