Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 3 – Assistive Technology for Writing
Portable Word Processors
If you are looking for increased computer access for students with disabilities but need to
keep costs down, you may want to consider purchasing some portable word processors that
interface with a computer. These portable word processors are lightweight (2.2 lbs. or less)
and extremely inexpensive (under $400) when compared to a laptop computer. There are
many portable word processors available, however here is information on some of our
favorites that you might want to consider. They are very similar, but each has slight
differences in features that you will want to consider when purchasing.
AlphaSmart 3000
The AlphaSmart 3000 is sold by AlphaSmart, Inc. It allows you to enter and edit text, then
send it to any computer for formatting or directly to a printer. The AlphaSmart 3000’s
SmartApplet architecture is capable of extending its functionality with the addition of applets
for keyboarding, templates, word prediction and more. It stores approximately 100 pages of
single-spaced text in 8 files, includes cut/copy/paste and a built-in 70,000 word spell checker.
It saves your text, and your place in the text, even when you turn off the keyboard. You never
have to worry about losing a file. It weighs less than 2 lbs and has the capacity to print
directly to a variety of printers. It can export files directly to any computer (Mac – IIGS or
later). It takes about 7 minutes to export each file. It is the easiest to use of the portable word
processors we have tried and runs about 700 hours on 3 AA batteries. The AlphaSmart 3000
has several features that are useful to students with disabilities, including sticky keys, show
keys, auto-repeat control, and four keyboard layouts: QWERTY, left handed, right handed,
and Dvorak.
The AlphaSmart 3000 is now able to run SmartApplets (mini software applications that can
be downloaded to extend the functionality). Applets now available for the AlphaSmart 3000
include: Co:Writer ® SmartApplet – which provides word-prediction, KeyWords SmartApplet
– full-instructional keyboarding program and typing tutor, AlphaQuiz SmartApplet – used to
design and store quizzes on a computer and administer the quizzes on a AlphaSmart 3000
and the Inspiration Outliner SmartApplet – which allows creation of outlines. SmartApplets
average around $40 for single user license.
Dreamwriter
The DreamWriter line of portable word processors are available from Branium Technologies,
Inc. They currently are featuring 3 different models of portable word processors. The
DreamMax by Brainium Technologies provides fast and portable word processing with a
Windows CE 3.0 device that runs a multitude of applications including word processing,
spreadsheets, and Internet browsing. The DreamMax is 802.11b wireless compatible with
PS/2, serial and USB ports. It has an 8 inch color display and offers instant power-on
capabilities. The DreamWriter 450 is designed for younger students just beginning to learn
keyboarding and features word processing, built-in dictionary and thesaurus capabilities. The
DreamWriter 500 is a full-featured work processor with a laptop design and a backlit screen
adjustable for 8 or 16 line displays. This model also includes a floppy drive for easy transfer
of work.
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 83