Hi,
I should declare COMMERCIAL INTEREST here, although I'm trying to be
informative rather than pushing our products!
There are a number of rugged tablets on the market and they can be an
economical and flexible way of getting a communication aid. Personally, I
think that 'off-the-shelf' computers are going to be the future for
communication aids, and I'd encourage anyone who has done this to share
their experiences, and anyone thinking of doing it to have a go!
Here are a couple of things to think about if you're planning to use a
non-specialist PC as a communication aid:
1) Battery life
Typical battery life will be 3-5 hours. Most communication aids include
extra batteries, although you may be able to hook up to a wheelchair
battery.
2) Sound output
The internal speakers are unlikely to be loud enough, so an external unit
could be needed.
3) Switch input
If you need switches in addition to the touch screen, you need to be able to
plug them in to the computer.
4) Environment control
Many communication aids come with this integrated - you'll need an external
unit.
5) Wheelchair/desk mounting
The stands provided are often not robust enough for many users.
6) Software
You'll need some great communication software to run on that computer.
Here's the commercial bit: Smartbox can provide many of the above
accessories for you, including the 'Backbox', which can house amplifier &
speaker, switch inputs (optionally wireless) and GEWA environment control in
one small unit that plugs into the USB port. Also, I couldn't write an
email without mentioning The Grid, which is available for any PC running
Windows.
More info at:
http://www.smartboxAT.com/backbox
http://www.smartboxAT.com/the_grid
I hope this has been useful,
Barney
Barney Hawes
Sensory Software International Ltd
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Harbach Geoff
Sent: 30 May 2006 11:02
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: interesting laptop/tablet review
And there's more !
http://www.marinevision.co.uk/product-overview-hhxrt.html
If you go back to their home page they have other products, comparison
tables, PowerPoint demonstrations and videos of things being driven over by
trucks etc.
These devices are half the cost of some modern communication aids, have
vastly more functionality and are considerably more rugged than some modern
communication aids.
For the discerning client these must surely be the way to go.
If anyone is using these already, perhaps they could do a presentation at
the forthcoming RAATE conference this year.
Best regards,
Geoff
G.J.Harbach I.Eng MIED IIPEM
Clinical Technologist
"Access to Communication & Technology"
West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre
91 Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak
Birmingham, B29 6JA
Tel 0121 627 1627 Ext 53268
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-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Judge Simon
Sent: 30 May 2006 11:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: interesting laptop/tablet review
And...
Why don't we use these: http://www.rugged-systems.co.uk/p/Tablets/0014.htm
instead of the pseudo-rugged things flogged to us for lots of money by
AAC/AT companies?
Surely the revolution RE mobile/rugged/wearable (affordable) PCs is coming
and we are behind the times?
Since i'm sad, I added it here:
http://assistech.org.uk/doku.php?id=experiencebase:computeraccess:novellapto
ps If anyone else has any interesting links/resources/experiences.
Cheers
Simon
P.S. Original credit for the X104 link is Andy Judson.
Clinical Scientist
ACT
0121 627 1627 ex 53245
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jeremy Linskell
Sent: 30 May 2006 11:31
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: interesting laptop/tablet review
Hi All
Our IT manager, Paul Cochrane, passed on this link to a laptop/tablet
review, which has a number of points of interest.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/laptops/a-unique-tablet-pc-review-
176592.php
cheers
Jeremy
Jeremy Linskell CEng,MIPEM
Clinical Engineer
Co-ordinator, Electronic Assistive Technology Service
Tayside Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology Centre Ninewells Hospital,
Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland
tel +1382-496286, fax +1382-496322
