Computer Control in KS2
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NEW TECHNOLOGIES [Last updated 11/11/2003] This section offers advice and highlights some new or recent products which I have reviewed over the short or long term. Prices stated were correct at the time of writing the articles.
Advice... Purchasing computers for a Primary school - the main options
On-site consultations are available to Primary schools purchasing ICT hardware. Contact James Mc Alea on 01257 516380
Product Reviews...
Battery life on a Tablet PC in a classroom environment
Interactive whiteboards and other devices
Laptop recharging/storage trolleys
Wireless cards and stations (under construction)
HP/Compaq Tablet PC computer - Long term review [Last updated 10-09-2003]
I have now used this device for several months and whenever possible, given teachers hands-on when attending training courses. The feedback is very positive, especially when demonstrated as a wireless device communicating with laptop computers. Call up a pupils work, display through a projector and mark and return to the pupils laptop. Interested in reviewing a product before purchase? If you are seriously interested in purchasing a number of Tablet PC computers, some companies who specialise in the education market, may loan you a Tablet for an agreed period, or offer an on-site demonstration. Handwriting recognition Need to take hand written notes in a classroom, at a staff meeting or conference and reuse later in Word for Windows? Then this maybe the device for you. It even manages to read my writing and convert to text and paste into any application! Some early evidence from Microsoft trial schools, that it encourages children to improve handwriting skills. For serious text input, a keyboard can be attached and switch to portrait for easy viewing! I would strongly recommend purchasing the Tablet version of MS Office, as this allows the direct use of Sticky Notes and other tools. Mobile Lightweight and wireless. I tested on a wireless peer-to-peer network with three standard HP laptops and was able to call up pupils sample work, make corrections and post back! Because the device has an video out port, it can be connected directly to a projector and effectively becomes an interactive tablet! Conclusions Tablet + detachable keyboard Video out, USB and other ports Hand writing recognition
Further information and education supplier: www.insight.com/uk/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=CPQYA039KO
Price breakthrough (updated 24/11/2003) £899 Dabs.com: 0870 429 3010
[Last updated 16-05-2003] First Impressions... Well this looks VERY similar to the unimpressive Viglen Tablet PC, I tested a few months ago. A web search, reveals that it is produced by a company called First International Computer (FIC) and widely rebadged by other companies. The build quality is not up to HP/Compaq quality and hence, I have my doubts about its suitability for the rough and tumble of school use. This is sadly matched by the very poor and tiny pen which acts as the pointing device. The latter impacts on the hand writing recognition, which is not as accurate as the HP/Compaq.
On the plus side, it features the low power and hence battery saving Crusoe processor and 256Mb RAM. Retailing at around £899, schools would be better off with a good quality fully functional laptop, unless the hand writing functionality is vital and buy the HP Compaq.
If you are a teacher using a Tablet PC, please let me know your views.
Ergo are a small player
in the world of laptops and Tablet PC systems, but with an reputation for solid
build quality and excellent customer service. With an already crowded Tablet PC
market, Ergo are now retailing a stylish system produced by Motion
Computing in Texas, based on the mobile Intel
Centrino chipset. Main specification 2 * USB ports/Firewire port Microphone and headphone sockets Docking port/PCMCIA slot Modem +NIC 10/100 Wireless (802.11b)connectivity-Centrino VGA port - connect to video projector 20Gb Hard disc/900 Mhz processor 256 Mb RAM Weight (without keyboard) 1743 grams HP/Compaq is 1415 grams Price around £1100
For further information visit: http://www.motioncomputing.co.uk/products
First impressions
Conclusions Despite some minor reservations, the product is of a similar standard to it nearest rival - the HP Compaq and should be well received in the education sector. Unfortunately, with one supplier retailing Toshiba A10 laptops with a higher specification for £498, and ICT departments obliged to get value for money, it will be a difficult challenge for manufactures to gain significant market share.
Reviewed this week (26/11/2003)
Battery life and classroom use of a Tablet PC [Created 09-09-2003] Classroom management of Notebook or Tablet PC computers, is heavily dependant on whether the battery life is sufficient to last the teaching session(s). Figures quoted by manufactures are usually over optimistic. On a full battery charge, I have run a number of typical activities including accessing files from a USB Flash disc (see review below). The system batteries on a HP Compaq tablet PC (not Centrino chipset) lasted for a total of three hours and forty minutes, with an early morning session starting at 8.10am, to an onscreen low battery warning message at 11.50. Placed on a short recharge at 12.00 for one hour ,the battery level recovered to 73%, with an estimated 1 hour and 44 minutes.
In conclusion, if the Tablet needs to be run for a morning or afternoon session, it should achieve the task. If you need to go beyond this, then a short recharge at midday or after school maybe required. Please note All rechargeable battery performance decreases with age.
Must have devices for Laptops! See Thumb Drives (Storage devices) and the new HP 1205 printer/Scanner/copier.
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