AFFORDABLE LAPTOP ALTERNATIVES:
PIM KEYBOARDS - Wireless, Portable, Word Processors.
Moving your desktop is sure to set you thinking about a lap top.
Even repositioning your desktop will set you thinking about a lap top.
However, just thinking about a lap top will do more to reposition your pocketbook.
You decide to leave your desktop and bank account alone; to think about moving the keyboard.
Extension cables are a pain. Only long enough to trip over, never long enough to get anywhere.
Wireless [infared] is not far enough to go room to room.
In either instance, you still need to be within sight range of the screen, or ear range of the screen reader.
Even if you use an FM Audio Remote to hear your speech synthesizer; you don't get out of the house.
But, you may pick up your neighbor's portable phone calls.
So what's wrong with a lap top?
New, they cost as much, or more, than your desktop.
Used, they cost less and are "worth - less".
Even if they are not "abused", their battery packs have aged from lack of use, and their keyboards usually have been beaten -to- death from normal use.
New or used, portable computers are vulnerable and fragile.
Why use a more expensive, less - reliable, lap top to backup your already reliable desktop?
When you "got -to- have" a lap top; get a new one!
Consider the following information as a recommendation.
Toshiba is getting out of the portable lap top computer business.
Spend your money now, and buy the top of the line.
While their rebates, discounts, and inventory last.
They won't cost less, but you will get more.
Take some of money you just "saved" and buy the best [most expensive] high impact hard shell [after market] lap top computer case.
Then purchase annual theft replacement and repair service policies.
Short of money, and short of a lap top, the next alternative to think about are Personal Information Management [PIM] computing aides.
1. If you are visually impaired, with low -to- no vision, you should already know about Blazie Engineering the leader in Adaptive PIM computing aides, Braille 'n Speak, Type 'n Speak, and Braille Lite.
You are also aware their price range is $1,500 [less than a lap top].
If you are blind, read braille, and are not oriented to standard keyboards and [ink and paper] print media, Blazie braille based units are ideal, at any price, regardless of cost.
However, these self contained units do not have the power and versitility to take the place of a desktop computer as a backup to up - load files for further processing and storage.
While you can use them anywhere, they can also be used as an alternative keyboard input device for your desktop backup.
2. Whether "able", physically limited, vision or hearing impaired, if you already use a keyboard, you are "keyboard oriented".
You also have several Affordable and Adaptive Alternatives from among the PIM computing aides developed to address the "Computer Gap" currently being experienced in our nation's elementary and secondary schools.
Here PIMs are more than a keyboard, less than a lap top, and "Not For Kids" only!
As you know schools are "going -on- line" across the nation.
This is a major effort being accomplished with already limited public funds, reluctant community tax bases, and far to few local resources.
Along with every class room being wired; every class room is to have a computer.
Many, if not most, will need both!
Next there is the problem of computer access for every student, and then the question of a computer for every student.
Adding to this is the profusion and past accumulation of computer acquisitions and donations.
Within any given school are various models of Apple, Mac, IBM, and PC Clones from the past fifteen years.
Each with their own unique operating systems and software.
AlphaSmart Pro [QuickPad] from Intelligent Peripheral Devices, Inc., and the Laser PC5 from Perfect Solutions, are two self contained, [battery operated] stand-alone, full size [80 charactor] keyboard devices.
Both devices have LED line displays.
With memory to word process and store multiple pages of typed text and spreadsheets into a built-in semiconductor "chip" memory for later up - load into most Apple, Mac, IBM, PC Clone desktop computers for further processing and storage.
Each device supports foreign languages.
Both devices can be used as a normal [80 charactor] keyboard connected to a desktop computer, or as a remote keyboard with one key command to up load and transfer.
Unlike lap tops both devices have regular -sized- keys, are "rugged" in construction, and light in weight, as they are built for daily use by schools and children.
Carry in a brief case or book bag.
Take it out and type or read.
Put it back and up - load later into your desktop for further processing and storage at work, at home, or at school.
AlphaSmart Pro [QuickPad] from Intelligent Peripheral Devices, Inc., is an affordable basic unit at $189.00 [USA].
Stores up to 64 pages [128 kb] of text in up to 8 separate files.
The LED display is 4 lines of 40 charactors. While memory and peripherals are fixed, there are some builtin adaptive features.
Ergonomic keyboard overlay configuration can be switched to either normal QWERTY, Left Hand, Right Hand, Dvorak options.
The Pro version includes support for multiple sticky - keys, the ability to send, cut, and copy directly to other applications and save key strokes.
Word processor to create, edit, save, restore and delete files.
Filenames search for quick retrieval.
Note Pad recorded by date, opens as a current date reminder.
Phone Directory with up to 500 entries.
Calculator [4 function] memory.
Clock set date and time.
Auto - shutdown and auto save, press any key restores to same location.
Printer compatible.
Cable and infrared keyboard transfer.
AlphaSmart 2000 from Intelligent Peripheral Devices, Inc., has an additional spell check feature and is an affordable unit at $ 249.00 [USA].
Plug it in by cable and use it directly as your computer keyboard.
You can also use it as a remote keyboard and up - load to your computer by infared transmission from across the room.
Take it with you, and you can use it anywhere.
Laser PC5 from Perfect Solutions, has an affordable basic unit at $299.00 [USA] plus additional adaptive features to be added [see: next paragraph].
The keyboard is a normal 80 charactor, QWERTY, with manual key sets.
Support for multiple Sticky - Keys, the ability to send, cut, and copy directly to other applications and save key strokes.
Word Processor to create, edit, save, restore and delete files.
Filenames Search for quick retrieval. Note Pad, Phone Book, Calculator, and Lotus compatible Spreadsheets.
LCD screen displays 8 lines of 80 charactors or 4 lines of 40 charactors in word processing.
The 40 character screen shows a "huge" font in the Word Processor.
The 40 charactor displays in the Typing Tutor, Spell Checker, Database, Telephone Directory and Calculator.
The 80 charactor displays in Spreadsheet, Utilities and Basic operations.
Auto - shutdown and auto save, press any key restores
to same location. Printer compatible.
Cable and infrared keyboard transfer.
Additional and adaptive applications include:
Text -To- Speech $125.00 [word processor and spell check].
Roget’s Thesaurus Cartridge $35.00 [500,000 word dictionary].
512 kb RAM Memory Cartridge $45.00 [stores an additional 121 files, 200 pages].
14.4 Modem Email Cartridge $99.00 [with TTY & VT100 emulation].
Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Pack $20.00 [additional 20 hr/charge 4-5yr life].
Total estimated cost is still an affordable $535.00 [USA] shipping included.
Personal Information Management [PIM] computing aides are an affordable answer for extending mobility to the basic applications of your desktop computer.
While they work well in conjunction with your desktop, they are not a replacement for a full featured computer.
Even with an Email Modem [TTY & VT100 emulation], Extended Flash Memory [512 kb], Text -To- Speech, and Printer compatibility.
You won't be accessing the greater part of the internet's information resources due to the online graphical environment.
Nor will you benefit from the plethora of text and graphic based software applications available to desktop computing.
With PIMs even an old desktop, is better than no desktop backup.
Demonstration Sources and Resources.
PIMs: how to find one and how to try one?
Since these products are made for schools, with luck your local schools have some.
Contact your local School District, Community Colleges and Universities.
Their ADA Compliance office should be able to assist you.
Inquire about computer equipment and ask about special education equipment for the handicapped.
Chances are they have some.
Make an appointment and see one.
PIM Affordability, Durability, Compatibility, Adaptability, Versatility, and Simplicity:
Affordable and durable against lap tops.
Compatible with most Apple, Mac, IBM, and PC Clones.
Adaptable and versatile Keyboard Configurations, Text -To- Speech, Deaf Communications TTY & VT100 Emulation [Email Modem].
Simplicity of program functions and operation.
PIMs have preset no frills programs, operated by limited and not complicated command options.
PIM are applicable for anyone in need of affordable personal computing mobility.
Adaptable for Low -To- No Vision, Deaf Communications, Physical Limitation, and most Age and Grade Level Ability.
Product News and Reviews:
LD Resources
AlphaSmart Pro review:
http://www.ldresources.com/alphasmart.html
More Ways to Use an AlphaSmart Keyboard:
http://www.ldresources.com/alphasmart2.html
A Road Warrior's Guide to Hand-Held Computers:
http://www.larrysworld.com/articles/handroad.htm
Wired Magazine:
http://www.wired.com/news/news/technology/story/5630.html
Buyer's Guide To Portable Keyboards:
http://www.newmedianews.com/101097/bg_keyboard.html
Buyer's Guide for Kids & Computers:
http://www.kron.com/nmn/101097/bg_kids.html
Lightweight Jobs, Computers for Under $300:
http://www.computernewsdaily.com/live/CNDNews/120_043097_100013_17039.html