Media Center Holdings- with Call Number and ... - Monarch School

Media Center Holdings- with Call Number and Librarian Notes
01 Apr 2011 12:44 PM
Monarch Media Center
Title Author
Call Number
Resource Type: Hardware
**NEO Wireless Augmentative Keyboard :
AlphaSmart (AlphaSmart)
A Laptop Alternative
The latest model, the Neo, is AlphaSmart's most stripped-down offering. It's about the same size (12.4 x 9.8 x 1.8
inches) and weight (2 pounds) as its Palm OS and Wi-Fi-capable siblings, but it's primarily designed for word
processing. A monochrome 5.8 x 1.5-inch LCD tilts slightly for easier viewing, and can be configured to show
between two and six lines of text. At the six-line setting, we found the text somewhat hard to read; many users will
prefer the four- or five-line setting. Unlike many PDAs or laptops, the Neo does not have a backlight, which limits
its use in dark environments.
All of the Neo's applications are stored in system memory, which is maintained by a lithium battery when the unit
is turned off or when the three AA batteries have been run down. An optional set of NiMH rechargeable batteries
is available from AlphaSmart. With a battery life estimated at 700 hours, the rechargeables are hardly necessary.
On the other hand, it's a good idea to carry a spare set of AAs, as it is very easy to inadvertently turn the system
on. The optional soft carrying case helps a bit, however.
The Neo has several Smart Applets available that let a teacher or manager control the unit in a classroom or
training setting. You can also perform basic calculator functions. AlphaWord Plus, however, is the real
meat-and-potatoes application that justifies the Neo's price. While it doesn't begin to approach the functionality of
Microsoft Word, AlphaWord Plus is a surprisingly competent word processor, that includes an integrated spell
check, a thesaurus, and a user dictionary. You can even perform Spanish-English word lookup, a handy feature if
you write for a bilingual audience. Unfortunately, the Neo doesn't support any type of formatting, something the
AlphaSmart Dana does handle because it comes with the much more robust Documents to Go program.
Up to eight files can be saved and retrieved using a set of File keys located where the function keys are generally
found on a standard keyboard. The Neo has 2MB of internal memory, so the AlphaWord files can be fairly
lengthy. If you need more than eight files, you'll have to offload some files to a PC or notebook and delete them
from the Neo's memory. Downloading is easy since the Neo comes with a USB cable and IrDA port.
Once you've established a connection with a laptop or desktop running Windows or the Mac OS, simply open up
your word processor and hit the Send key on the Neo. The file is automatically transferred to your computer's
word processor. At that point you can perform any necessary formatting. You can print directly from the Neo's
USB printer port or, if you have an Infrared-enabled printer, from the IrDA port.
The Neo is sort of a one-trick pony: It really is good only for writing or editing on the go. If you need spreadsheet
or presentation graphics capability, you should upgrade to one of the Dana models. For $249, though, the Neo is
a very affordable and portable word processor.
Review from Laptop Magazine Online
http://archive.laptopmag.com/Review/AlphaSmart-Neo.ht
**Portable Choice-Display Board
Portable Choice/Display Board
Renaissance Learning Inc. / Neo I
Augmentative Resources, Inc /
900 .401 REN
HDW.3901
- 48” x 16” (open) 1 side velcro-friendly fabric, the other side is nylon fabric.
- Equipped with webbing carrying handle.
- Velcro closure also reverses, to allow board to stand upright or angle sides forward for larger standing display
area.
- Pictures not included
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