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January 15, 2003
What's New
Hardware
Data Storage
McGowan Technologies has announced the iClick PocketPak, a small, portable data storage device that allows users to save up to 32MB of information from any USB-equipped Macintosh or PC. A single unit sells for $29.95, and bundles of 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 are available. Bundles come with free Microsoft educational templates.
McGowan Technologies, 600 First Ave., Ste. 306, Seattle, WA 98104; (888) 448-6469
Mobile Computing
Dell has entered the handheld market with the Axim X5, a 300 MHz Pocket PC device that comes preinstalled with Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, personal information management applications, and more. In addition to 32MB SDRAM and 32MB ROM memory, the unit can be expanded using the integrated Type II CompactFlash card slot and Secure Digital/MMC card slot. Other specifications include a 3.5-inch color TFT display, and a removable, rechargeable battery. $249, not including $50 rebate.
Dell Computer Corporation, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682; (888) 820-7454
Hewlett-Packard recently unveiled the Compaq Tablet PC TC1000, a full-function, 1.0 GHz, 3-pound mobile computer that incorporates Microsoft's digital inking technologies. Users can write on the PC's screen with an electronic pen or snap on a removable keyboard to type. Other features include a 10.4-inch TFT display, built-in 802.11b wireless LAN capabilities, USB 2.0 connectivity, and an average battery life of four hours, 30 minutes. Prices start at $1,699.
Hewlett-Packard, 3000 Hanover St., Palo Alto, CA 94304; (800) 613-2222
Presentation Tools
Pioneer Electronics has introduced the PDK-50HW2 touch-screen device for its 50-inch PureVision plasma displays that lets users open and close files, add handwritten or illustrated input, and emphasize key points during a presentation. The device operates at resolutions above WXGA (1280 x 768) and is Windows compatible. $3,999.
Pioneer Electronics, 2265 E. 220th St., Long Beach, CA 90810-1639; (800) 421-1404
Software
Sunburst Technology announced a new line of standards-based math and reading software. The new Key Skills line is designed to provide teachers with assessment tools that record student performance and generate reports while delivering to students a series of 10 skill-building activities. The first of eight titles target K-2 and include Key Skills: Letters and Words, Key Skills: Basic Word Concepts, Key Skills: Basic Number Concepts, and Key Skills: Shapes, Numbers, and Measurement. $119.95 each.
Sunburst Technology, 101 Castleton St., Ste. 201, Pleasantville, NY 10570; (914) 747-3310
EHelp Corporation just released a new version of its Flash demo and tutorial creation tool. RoboDemo 3.0 is designed to let users build Flash tutorials that can be viewed via the Web and on different platforms without plug-ins. The program lets users record Flash movies, which can then be played back for instructional purposes. RoboDemo also includes e-learning features, such as branching and scoring. $399.
eHelp Corporation, 10590 W. Ocean Air Dr., San Diego, CA 92130; (800) 358-9370
Crick Software has released Wordbar, designed to offer writing support to high school or adult students using a word processor. The software provides access to word banks and phrases when struggling writers need assistance with spelling and writing. $149.
Crick Software, 50 116th Ave. SE, Ste. 211, Bellevue, WA 98004; (866) 332-2745
Reference
HelpDeskCards announces the availability of HelpDeskCards for Office XP. This computer training courseware for educators and students includes reference cards designed to guide them through the use of spreadsheets, templates, charts, and other applications common to productivity suites. The cards also help users train others in these software applications.
HelpDeskCards, P.O. Box 3844, San Diego, CA 92163; (619) 501-4862
Correction
In October 2002 Picks of the Month, "The New Cinema Ecole," we incorrectly reported that Ulead's VideoStudio 6 does not output to DVD. The program's output options do indeed include MPEG-1 for Video CD and MPEG-2 for DVD. As well, the Adobe Premiere 6.5 does, in fact, support a wide range of DVD writers and CD-R devices on both Macintosh and Windows platforms for DVD publishing.
Clarification
Play Attention, a product referred to in our November issue ("Top 10 Smart Technologies for Schools"), costs significantly less than traditional biofeedback programs we cited in the article. Schools and other organizations may purchase an unlimited site license for $2,500. To learn more about the technology, which incorporates educational objectives and correlate activities.
Read other articles from the January Issue
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