"Editor's note: The following is part three of a four-part series on technology for San Angelo's public schools.
Tablet PCs (personal computers) are wireless notebooks with endless sheets of paper, where handwriting is the principle means of expression.
San Angelo Independent School District technology director Cameron Evans wants the district to buy into the Tablet PC idea. He says risk management far outweighs the cost.
Evans identified risk factors - such as older siblings taking the PCs with them to college.
The SAISD is set to participate in a case study with the technology provider CDW-G in the fall.
Evans said software exists to track tablets and function essentially like a car alarm.
''If you go anywhere between here and Europe, I'm going to know about it, and I know exactly where you are, and the authorities will come and tell you to bring back SAISD's Tablet PC.''
Tablets are advantageous at the elementary level because learning to write is more important than learning to type, Evans said." (Source:Gretchen M. Wintermantel, The San Angelo Standard-Times)
Posted Friday, June 27, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
"When Leo handed me the NEC Versa Litepad on the show, I didn't know much about tablet PCs. But I'm a Palm user, so I'm used to pen-based programming. And I'd just come off a wonderful two-week excursion into the 12-inch PowerBook, so I was excited by the novelty of using something different. I couldn't wait to explore the Litepad inside and out. Still, I had my doubts. Could this device stand up to the rigorous "practicality" standards of The Corbin Report?
Tricked from the start
When Leo handed me the Litepad's screen, I thought, "How simple, how light, how easy it's going to be to travel and compute on the go with this thing!" What you and I didn't see at the time were the other 12 parts that come with the screen.
When I opened the box I was surprised to find a number of little boxes and wires. I needed to connect each piece to get full use of this PC. This is one aspect I didn't dig. I don't like toting around various parts and (I hate to compare) all I had to carry around with the PowerBook was the mainframe and the battery cord.
Apps and OS
Once I had finally removed every part from the box and turned on the tablet, I was jazzed -- for a moment. The Litepad comes with Windows XP, some pretty fancy software, good tutorials that orient you with pen-based programming, and journal and speech functions. Applications such as the FranklinCovey Planner, a digital magazine, and games are streamlined and easy to use. I had fun experimenting with the apps and none of them were difficult to learn." (Source:Jessica Corbin, The Screen Savers - TechTV)
Posted Thursday, June 26, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
"Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today marked the second anniversary of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act by announcing new accessibility improvements in the upcoming release of Microsoft(R) Office System products as well as in recent releases of Microsoft Visual Studio(R) .NET and Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003. These enhancements reflect Microsoft's ongoing efforts to partner with government and technology industry leaders in increasing adoption of Section 508 standards and ensuring that the full benefits of technology are available to all people, including people with disabilities. -- Using Audio Notes with Microsoft Office OneNote(TM) 2003. OneNote allows laptop, desktop and Tablet PC users to record audio notes, bridging the note-taking gap for people who experience writing fatigue or who have learning or visual disabilities. Audio notes are automatically time-stamped and synced with typed or handwritten notes, so users can go back and listen to specific sections simply by clicking a button." (Source: Microsoft Press Release)
Posted Thursday, June 26, 2003 by ChrisD Rating: n/a
"TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2003--Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) today announces the launch of the Scribbler(TM) SC1000, an advanced Tablet PC, sleek, light and attractively designed with a large 12.1" screen and powered by Electrovaya's Lithium Ion SuperPolymer(R) battery.
"The Scribbler(TM) SC1000 is the perfect product for higher education and healthcare sector. Students would greatly increase their learning efficiency by being continuously linked to the Internet and use the Scribbler as their classroom note taker and digital assistant" said Dr. Sankar Das Gupta, CEO of Electrovaya. "The Scribbler's(TM) long battery life and attractive design make it ideal for higher education users who have quickly become some of the earliest adopters of Tablet PCs. We are pleased to make Electrovaya products available to higher ed students, faculty, staff, and departments via 3,000+ college store resellers," said Jonathan Bibo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for NACSCORP (the leading distributor to the US college store market).
Scribbler(TM) SC1000 series is the next step in the Tablet PC revolution. The wireless enabled Tablet PC comes with a high speed Transmeta Crusoe processor, 640MB of RAM (expandable), 40GB hard drive, firewire, built in Wi-Fi, a 12.1" screen, wireless keyboard and weights less than 3.3 lbs. Operating system is Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition. The product is bundled with additional software.
Scribbler(TM) SC1000 is available for purchase from Electrovaya's website and through Electrovaya's regular distribution network." (Source:Press Release, BUSINESS WIRE)
Posted Thursday, June 26, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
Beginning at noon on June 27, 2003, hundreds of scientists, naturalists and volunteers will scour the world's most famous urban park as part of the first-ever Central Park BioBlitz, an important scientific event that is being organized by the New York-based Explorers Club (www.explorers.org).
WHAT: Central Park BioBlitz is a 24-hour inventory of all living organisms in Central Park. Teams of scientists and naturalists with expertise in various animal and plant groups, aided by a cadre of volunteers, will comb the Park's 843 acres, observing and recording as many species as possible during the 24-hour time period. The BioBlitz is one of the official events in the Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Central Park.
WHY: The goal of the BioBlitz is to add to species lists for as many animal and plant groups present in the Park as possible, and to increase public awareness of what biodiversity is and that it can exist within an urban environment. As recently as July 2002, scientists from the American Museum of Natural History discovered a new genus and species of centipede in Central Park.
WHO: Central Park BioBlitz is being organized by The Explorers Club in collaboration with the following organizations: The New York City Audubon Society, The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History, The Central Park Conservancy, The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, The NYS Biodiversity Research Institute at the New York State Museum, UNESCO World Heritage Center, The Wildlife Conservation Society, and The Wildlife Trust.
Microsoft Corporation, as the official technology provider, has partnered with leading scientists to develop applications for its Tablet PCs. Given the mobile aspect and writing features of the Tablet, scientists will be able to "blitz" the Park faster and more efficiently." (Source: Press Release, The Explorers Club)
Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
"There's still more software that could be developed for the Tablet PC, but when it comes down to it, the device is more suited for jotting down errant thoughts and keeping up-to-date while on the go, all without the burden of a folding laptop.
For me, it's a definite must-have, given the ease of use and quick learning curve using the stylus, too. With Wi-Fi and a PC card slot I used it to cart pictures from my digital camera the M1300 is versatile.
It could use more software. But for now, this invention is way too cool for me to worry about that." (Source: Matt Moore, Associated Press, Boston.com)
Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2003 by ChrisD Rating: n/a
"We love Intel's speedy yet efficient Pentium M processor (First Looks, April 8) and have been waiting to see an ultra-low-voltage (ULV) version of it in a Tablet PC—where good performance and better battery life have yet to converge. Motion Computing is the first to make this happen with the new Motion M1300 Tablet PC ($2,106 direct), and but for one component choice, it's the best slate we've reviewed yet.
Thanks to the 900-MHz ULV Pentium M and 512MB of DDR SDRAM, the M1300 delivers the best Tablet PC performance numbers we've seen to date: 19.0 for Business Winstone 2002 and 22.5 for Multimedia Content Creation Winstone 2003.
Surprisingly, the new chip didn't help battery life on our rigorous Business Winstone 2002 BatteryMark test: The M1300 delivered 3 hours 17 minutes, whereas its predecessor (the M1200) achieved 3:24. In light day-to-day usage during our time with the M1300, its battery lasted about 5 hours.
Weighing 3 pounds (without the Handspring Visor–like screen cover), the magnesium alloy device feels comfortable to hold. Handwriting recognition is enhanced by a thick stylus and accurate digitizer; the combination creates minimal disparity between the stylus tip and the on-screen pointer. Alas, the 12.1-inch screen is a strange paradox. Bright enough to light a room and vibrant in color, it's a laptop—not slate—screen. Consequently, one viewing angle (the one from below if the screen were on a laptop) is abysmal: When you hold the M1300 in portrait mode and tilt the side with the ports just slightly toward you, you see a horrible color wash or photonegative effect on the screen." (Source:Konstantinos Karagiannis, PC Magazine)
Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
"If you're in the market for a new laptop, it might be time to consider a Tablet PC model. If so, look for the new Sharp Actius TN10W. Weighing only 4 pounds, the TN10W is a convertible-style machine that looks like a traditional notebook until you swivel and fold the screen over the keyboard to make a slate. It will feature a 12.1-inch screen and Intel Centrino mobile technology." (Source: Jamie M. Bsales, PC Magazine)
Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
The Pinax Group, Inc. Licenses Clio Convertible Designs to Wistron Corporation
The Pinax Group's SwingTop(R) Technology Available for Future Products
The Pinax Group, Inc., the manufacturer of the award-winning Clio(R) PC companion, announced today the completion of an intellectual property license agreement with Wistron Corporation, formerly Acer Inc.'s Design, Manufacturing, and Services operation, one of the world's largest ODM-OEM suppliers for the PC industry. Under the terms of the license agreement, The Pinax Group has granted Wistron a worldwide, non-exclusive license to utilize The Pinax Group's Clio(R) -related patent portfolio in the development of mobile computing products. The license agreement allows Wistron to develop, market, and sell products that incorporate the SwingTop(R) articulated screen technology, which employs a dual-pivot arm that allows the screen of a notebook-style computer to rotate 180 degrees and fold flat over a fully integrated keyboard; thereby, converting the computer from a laptop-style unit into a touchscreen tablet. "We are very excited that a world-class design and manufacturing company such as Wistron will be developing products based on the Clio(R) industrial design," said Robert J. Sowah, Chief Executive Officer of The Pinax Group. "In a marketplace full of similarity, the SwingTop(R) design presents a refreshing opportunity to introduce a Tablet PC, Smart Display, PDA, thin client device, or other mobile computing product that is clearly differentiated from the current offering of convertible computing devices." "Wistron, as a world leader in ODM/OEM business, is committed to bringing innovative and exciting products to market," said Brian Chong, AVP of Mobile Systems Business Unit at Wistron, "and with the SwingTop(R) design from The Pinax Group, we will enhance our mobile technology base and continue our goal of providing cutting-edge designs to our customers."
About The Pinax Group, Inc.
The Pinax Group, Inc. manufactures, sells, and supports the award-winning handheld personal computer, Clio(R), a three pound, 9" x 11", convertible PC-like device that is known for its versatility and portability. Its unique SwingTop(R) design enables it to function either as a touch-screen tablet with handwriting recognition or as a more traditional notebook with a nearly full-sized keyboard. Please visit www.pinaxgroup.com for additional details.
About Wistron Corporation
Wistron Corporation provides superior Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products to leading companies worldwide. With over twenty years experience in product development, Wistron supports customers with three complete lines of business for their design, manufacturing and after-sales service needs. This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic and business conditions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.
--30--TLM/na*
CONTACT: The Pinax Group, Inc. Investor Relations: 504/299-3476; 504/737-4749 (fax) media@pinaxgroup.com
KEYWORD: LOUISIANA INTERNATIONAL CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS PRODUCT SOURCE: The Pinax Group, Inc.
Posted Tuesday, June 24, 2003 by ChrisD Rating: n/a
"OTTAWA, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 23, 2003--Corel Corporation (NASDAQ: CORL, TSX: COR) today announced it has been recognized as a Best of Show winner at Planet PDA Spring 2003 for its Tablet PC application, Corel(R) Grafigo(TM). Corel Grafigo won this prestigious award from the editorial staff of Planet PDA magazine based on its intuitive user interface that encourages mobile text and graphics collaboration capabilities. Corel Grafigo was selected as a Best of Show award winner out of nearly 1,000 exhibitors in attendance at the Planet PDA Spring 2003 conference and Tablet PC Summit.
"Corel Grafigo made an outstanding impression on our editors at Planet PDA Spring 2003. Products honored with the Best of Show award stand out from the competition through superior performance and innovation," said Rich Tehrani, President of TMC and Group Editor-in-Chief of Planet PDA(R). "These products give us a true indication of the promise and growth the handheld computing industry has to offer."
Launched in November 2002 in conjunction with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Tablet PC Edition, Corel Grafigo has had an overwhelming response from Tablet PC users. This powerful tool gives Tablet PC users the ability to create accurate graphics from sketches through the use of shape recognition, symbols and tools. In addition, Corel Grafigo features annotation tools, such as digital ink and "onion skins", that enable enhanced collaboration and communication of ideas with colleagues.
Written in the C# programming language that takes advantage of Microsoft's .NET capabilities, Corel Grafigo was one of the first applications developed specifically for the Tablet PC. Shortly after its introduction, Corel's newest graphics application was honored by editors at PC Magazine with a Best of COMDEX award in the personal software category. The program has also received accolades from the editorial staff of PC World within its annual "Stuff We Love" edition. Corel Grafigo is already offered on selected Tablet PC models including HP, NEC, Fujitsu, Electrovaya, Motion Computing and Toshiba." (Source:Press Release, BUSINESS WIRE)
Posted Monday, June 23, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
WHERE: NECC 2003, June 29-July 2 Washington State Convention and Trade Center Booth No. 3228 Seattle
WHAT: Toshiba, a world-leading vendor of mobile and wireless computing, showcases its innovative solutions for the education marketplace at NECC 2003.
Toshiba will be highlighting its innovative technology solutions that benefit the education marketplace at NECC 2003. Displayed at the show will be Toshiba's full-line of mobile and wireless offerings as well as information on the company's work with the Beaumont Foundation of America." (Source:Press Release, BUSINESS WIRE)
Posted Monday, June 23, 2003 by Adam Rating: n/a
I recently replaced my Acer's screen shield with a WriteShield from PPC Techs. Their WriteShield makes a huge difference in the readability and protection of your Tablet PC!
Tablet PC Talk Exclusive
Posted Sunday, June 22, 2003 by ChrisD Rating: n/a
My Wi-Fi presentation from CeBIT America covering recommendations for implementing Wi-Fi in the enterprise. Topics covered include:
Glossary of the terms used in Wi-Fi Wi-FI Characteristics Hardware Requirements Ad Hoc vs. Infrastructure Positioning APs Security Demonstration Competing Wireless LAN Options Questions and Answers
Tablet PC Talk Exclusive
Posted Sunday, June 22, 2003 by ChrisD Rating: n/a
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