|
When youngsters use a word processor for writing exercises, their writing improves. The software strengthens literacy skills, because spelling checker, thesaurus and find/ replace functions facilitate revisions. Unfortunately, most schools can't meet demand for computer workstations, and many students have no access to laptop computers or a personal computer at home.
Enter the AlphaSmart Neo, a rugged stand-alone, full-size keyboard measuring 1.8"x12.4"x9.8". You can get three of these input devices for less than the cost of a low-end eMac, and the Neo comes with a three-year warranty--two years more than the standard warranty on a Mac.
The portable, two-pound Neo (like other keyboards in the AlphaSmart line) does not need to be connected to a computer for writing. Powered by two AA alkaline batteries that last up to 700 hours and outfitted with a built-in word processor, the Neo enables students to utilize word processing wherever they choose--in the classroom, lunch room, library, on field trips, the school bus or at home after school hours. Of course, the Neo is not just for kids. Any laptopdeprived Mac user can carry the keyboard to meetings or conferences and take it home to work off-site.
Up to eight active files (numbered 1 through 8 on the keyboard) store text on the Neo. You simply press the appropriate file number key to work with a document. An Automatic Save ensures your work remains safe if you inadvertently power off the keyboard or switch to another document.
The Neo distinguishes itself from other AlphaSmart keyboards with more SmartApplet software storage space (2MB), more text storage (hundreds of pages), a larger LCD, a more versatile word processor and support for "linked" files. A linked file is a computer-generated, read-only file with text enclosed in special markup tags. You send these linked files to the Neo using the bundled AlphaSmart Manager Software. On the Neo, linked files may be viewed but not edited. They're a great way for teachers or parents to provide assignment instructions.
Five text display sizes on the 5.8"x1.5" LCD can display from two to six lines of text at a time, with the smallest six-line setting providing 54 characters per line. (The size of the display text has no effect on the size of text in the file sent to a computer for printing or editing.) Regrettably, the LCD has no backlight, so the screen is somewhat of a strain to read in low-light conditions.
Neo's user-friendly AlphaWord Plus word processor (v3.0A at the time of review) is more versatile than the word processor installed on other AlphaSmart keyboards. Built-in features include spelling check, thesaurus, word count and find/replace. You can swap Neo's built-in thesaurus for a Spanish-English word lookup utility, typing in Spanish words to locate English translations. Unfortunately you cannot have both the English thesaurus and English-Spanish lookup installed simultaneously.
To print a file or send it to a Mac for further editing, you simply attach the Neo to the computer with the supplied USB cable. Then you launch your Mac's word processor, position the cursor inside a document (or open a blank document) and press Neo's Send button. Sent text can then be edited and printed. Alternatively, you could print directly to a USB-cabled printer or use the keyboard's infrared (IrDA) beaming option to send files to other AlphaSmart keyboards or Palm OS devices.
Neo adds new capabilities to AlphaSmart's dynamic portable keyboard line. Like its predecessors, it helps minimize the computing bottleneck that occurs when there aren't enough classroom or home computers to go around.
–CAROL S. HOLZBERG, PHD
Neo 
AlphaSmart | www.alphasmart.com | 888-274-0680 | $225
Pros: Versatile keyboard with built-in word processor and calculator, connects to computer for printing, can export its files to Mac word processors including Microsoft Word for further editing, 3-year warranty.
Cons: LCD hard to read in dim light, no modem or network-connect option, screwdriver required to access the battery compartment.
Requires: Mac with USB, OS 9.x or OS X
macHOME recommends: Not trying to find out what is the Matrix
|
