AlphaSmart 3000 - Beautiful Simplicity

Reviewed by Andrew Downie

For students who need a notetaker/information storage device which is both inexpensive and robust, here is an option well worth considering. This is a portable notetaking device which has a compact keyboard. "Compact", however, doesn't mean squashy. Proper touch typing, which those of us from the old school would recommend where possible, is readily accommodated. On the other hand, those
who can only use one or two fingers or a pointing stick should also find the keyboard readily accessible. Sticky keys and key repeat adjustment are available. Keyboard layout is adjustable - QWERTY, Dvorak, left handed and right handed. Dvorak is claimed by some to be vastly better (easier/faster) than QWERTY, which is great if you only have to use one keyboard. When the AlphaSmart is connected to a PC, its keyboard can be used to control the PC. This is especially useful for those who have trouble when swapping between keyboards.

The AlphaSmart can store up to 100 pages of information in memory, divided into 8 pre-defined files. There is a rudimentary word processor, which offers copy andpaste facilities. It also includes a spell checker. A basic calculator is also included. Optional software, including word prediction, can be purchased.

Documents created on the AlphaSmart can be sent via cable or, optionally, infrared beam, to a computer (either Windows-based or Macintosh) for further embellishment and printing. A simpler option for producing a hardcopy version of your work is to connect the AlphaSmart direct to any of "a wide range of printers". Nor is transfer a one-way street. Material can also be sent from a computer to the AlphaSmart for reference or editing purposes.

The machine has a four-line x 40 character liquid crystal display. It is powered by three AA batteries and it is claimed that up to 700 hours of use can be achieved with one set of batteries. That compares more than favourably with a notebook computer serving as a notetaker! Nor do you have to spend a couple of minutes booting up and shutting down each time you want to jot down today's homework tasks or print out your "sorry I'm late" note.

Dimensions: 48 x 314 x 235mm.

Weight: 0.91 kg.

Cost: starts at around $550.

Suppliers: AlphaSmart products are available from a number of specialist suppliers in Australia.
Ability Technology in Sydney Phone (02) 9907-9736 Web: http://www.abilitycorp.com.au/ and
Spectronics in Brisbane Phone (07) 3808-6833 Web: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/ would be happy to assist with your enquiries.
You may also like to check out AlphaSmart's web site at http://www.alphasmart.com.

AlphaSmart Dana - Clever and Versatile

Reviewed by Andrew Downie

Think of the AlphaSmart 3000 discussed above. Now think of the Palm discussed in the previous issue - a handheld device where the user's input is via stylus. And now, put the two concepts together. Confused? Well, let's see if we can produce some clarity.

The Dana's size and weight are the same as the 3000 discussed above. Its keyboard is also similar. Another common feature is availability of USB and infrared connection to computers and printers. But now for the differences. An obvious physical difference is the Dana's much larger (and backlit) screen. But, given the Palm connection, it isn't just larger. Like Palm devices, a stylus can be used to write directly onto the screen. Graffiti is a proprietary, stylised form of writing. The user therefore has the option of using the keyboard or stylus to produce the written word.

The Dana uses the Palm operating system. Its screen is about 3.5 times wider than screens on most handheld devices, but no higher. That is, 560 x 160 pixels rather than the standard 160 x 160. Some, but by no means all, Palm-based software is being written to take advantage of this larger screen size. According to AlphaSmart, "Virtually all Palm applications are compatible with Dana". That's a lot - more than 10,000!

AlphaWord is a "full-featured" word processor and is compatible with Microsoft Word on your desktop computer. Unlike the 3000, this allows adjustment of font size and style. Other standard applications include date and address books. There are also two expansion slots, which can accept multimedia or memory cards.

But why would you buy a Dana instead of a Palm or other handheld device? Clearly, if ultimate portability is important, you wouldn't. As discussed in the last issue, you can also get that lovely folding keyboard for Palms. What the Dana has going for it, though, is the larger screen plus nice keyboard integrated into one unit. If much of the writing is to be done with the keyboard, the Dana may prove more convenient than unfolding and plugging the keyboard into the Palm. This would especially apply to anyone who lacks fine motor control. The Dana is also more powerful than its more rudimentary sibling, the 3000.

At around the $1,000 mark, the Dana is very inexpensive compared to a notebook computer. On the other hand, you could buy a very fancy handheld with full colour screen (the Dana's isn't) for the same price. So, it's a matter of "playing with" the various options and choosing the right tool to meet individual needs.

Dimensions: 48 x 314 x 235mm.

Weight: 0.91 kg.

Cost: starts at around $990 (Ex GST).

AlphaSmart

Skip Navigation \| ANU Home \| Search ANU \| Students \| Staff
	Division of Registrar & Student Services Disability Services Unit