New Tools Help In Taking Notes
I learned how to type at an early age -- not because I was a child prodigy, but because I had terrible handwriting. Without a typewriter, my teachers would have had a tough time deciphering my homework.
I still had to use pen and paper to take notes in class and take exams. Essay exams were especially challenging. I often think about how much easier life must be for today's students who can carry a laptop PC with them.
But I know of few school kids -- even at middle school and high school -- who carry a notebook PC to school. For many, cost is an issue. Even though they're cheaper than ever, laptops still cost north of $1,000. Backpacks are heavy enough these days without having to add between four and nine pounds for a notebook PC. Anything lighter than that would be awfully fragile in the hands (and backpacks) of teenagers. And there is the risk of loss and theft.
I've seen a few students at my son's school with Palm-type devices. Now that they're available for under $100, they're no longer budget busters for many families. But unless you're a genius with a stylus, Palm and PocketPCs are not really suitable for note taking. You can purchase an optional external keyboard for these handhelds, but that's one more thing to carry around and hook up.
But there is an alternative. Since 1993, Los Gatos-based AlphaSmart (www.alphasmart.com) has been offering low-cost "computer companion" devices that are basically stripped down notebook PCs for students. The company has two products, both of which weigh two pounds and are rugged enough for just about any student.
The older product is its AlphaSmart 3000, a $199 device with a proprietary operating system that is basically designed as a portable keyboard. You can type on it and transfer the text to a PC or Mac word processing program.
I tested the AlphaSmart when it was first shipped a couple of years ago and, while it gets the job done, it's not good for much besides practicing keyboard skills and basic editing. What's more, special software is required to copy files from the PC back to the AlphaSmart.
The new device, called Dana, is a major step forward. This $399 portable keyboard, which also weighs two pounds, runs on the Palm operating system, which means it can handle any of thousands of Palm applications. But the device also comes with its own Word processing and spreadsheet programs that are compatible with Word and Excel. You transfer data between the Dana and a PC or Mac the same way you do with any Palm device, via Palm's Hot Sync program, but unlike handheld Palms, there is no need for a cradle. You just connect the Dana to the computer via a (supplied) USB cable.
You also can use the device's infrared port exchange data between the device and an infrared PC or another Palm device. As with all Palm OS products, you can "beam" business cards, software and other files between Palm devices.
The device has two Secure Digital (SD) slots that can be used for memory and other devices, including connectivity products such as a Bluetooth device for syncing the Dana with a PC or -- once it becomes available -- an 802.11 wireless network card that could provide a high speed wireless connection to a local area network or to the Internet.
Unlike the older version, the new AlphaSmart keyboard can print directly to almost any USB printer thanks to an included software program called PrintBoy that automatically provides drivers for most printers. The rechargeable battery is good for about 25 hours of use, but if you get stuck without your charger, you can remove the battery and replace it with three AA's.
That's a nice touch that you don't get on other Palm or PocketPC devices that use either rechargeable or replaceable batteries, but not both.
I unpacked the Dana and was using it productively within minutes. In fact, I used it to write this column and later transferred it to my PC for a final edit. I also copied several Microsoft Word files from the PC to the Dana that I was able to open, edit and send back to the PC. My familiarity with the Palm operating system helped a bit, but even Palm novices should have little trouble figuring out how to use the product. It comes with all the usual Palm applications (address book, calculator, date book and memo pad), but there are some additional programs, including the AlphaWord word-processing program. The software has a built-in spell checker and a format menu that allows you to select from seven optional fonts and a variety of font sizes. If that's not enough, it also comes with an application that allows you to download additional fonts.
The device also comes with software and a year of access to Corsoft's Aileron e-mail service that lets you get mail with an optional modem. There are a number of Palm compatible Web browsers, but the ones currently on the market are designed for the smaller (160 by 160 pixel) Palm screens. A wide screen browser will be available soon, according to an AlphaSmart representative.
One thing I like about the unit is its full-size keyboard, which feels as good as most PC keyboards. I also found the 7 3/4-inch-by-2 1/2-inch monochrome screen to be adequate for viewing what you are typing; however, editing is easier with the larger screens you get on laptop and desktop computers.
Gunn High School in Palo Alto has several of the older style AlphaSmart units, but resource specialist Holly Hume says most kids are reluctant to use them. Printing is a bit cumbersome, she said, but that should not be a problem with the new version. Hume also points out that, for some kids, "it just isn't cool to carry a portable computing device."
Cool or not, the device is useful. And, considering the cost, battery life and available modems, it's not just for K-12 students. My neck and shoulders could use some relief from my heavy laptop and it would be nice (I guess) to at least have to option to work through an entire overseas flight without having to carry extra batteries.
A syndicated technology columnist for nearly two decades, Larry Magid serves as on air Technology Analyst for CBS Radio News. His technology reports can be heard several times a week on the CBS Radio Network. Magid is the author of several books including "The Little PC Book."
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By Larry Magid
By Larry Magid