how much Google's giant digital whiteboard costs

Remember Jamboard, the giant high-tech whiteboard Google announced in October 2016?

OK, you probably don't remember, but if you do we now know just how much Jamboard costs: $4,999 (about £4,115, AU$6,660).

Don't leave just yet, because while this is a steep price to pay for any device, it is significantly less expensive than a similar product from Microsoft, called the Surface Hub. Microsoft's offering, available in 55- and 84-inch sizes, retails for $8,999 (about £7,405, AU$12,000) and $21,999 (about £18,100, AU$29,305), respectively.

Just what do you get for all that cash? Try 55 inches of collaborative work/presentation space that responds to touch, can recognize handwriting and shapes, and supports Google Cast, Drive, Hangouts and search.

Jamboard features 4K resolution (just like Surface Hub's 84-inch variant), and can support up to 16 compatible devices to connect and post drawings, sticky notes, reminders and web links. There's also an HD camera and microphone so remote co-workers can join in meetings, too.

Google Jamboard is due to release sometime in May, according to The Verge . If you haven't purchased a Surface Hub yet and can hold out for a few more months, Jamboard could well be worth the wait. That stand, by the way, is extra.