Hardware
Infrastructure
Gateway has introduced two new rack-mountable servers. The Gateway 955 has a 1U form factor and comes with 256MB SDRAM, while the Gateway 975 features a 2U form factor and 512MB SDRAM. Both models include a 36GB hot-swappable hard drive, 3.5" diskette drive, a 24X CD-ROM, and Ethernet connectivity. Gateway 955: $1,699. Gateway 975: $2,199. (888) 888-0392; www.gateway.com
SonicWALL has rolled out Content Filtering Service 2.0, a subscription-based filter that works with SonicWALL appliances and uses URL rating information provided by Cerberian. Network administrators can apply policies to up to 12 categories of content and control access via time-of-day blocking and user-level authentication. Prices range from $75 to $695. (888) 557-6642; www.sonicwall.com
Mobile Computing
Toshiba has announced the Pocket PC e350/e355 Series powered by the new Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PCs. The handheld weighs 5.2 ounces, and offers a 3.5" display with 240 x 320 color resolution, 16MB ROM, 64MB RAM, and an SD slot. Users can exchange data wirelessly (via the optional Bluetooth SD card) with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. $299. (800) 316-0920; www.shoptoshiba.com
Peripherals
KidzMouse, maker of child-friendly computer mice that are half the size of conventional mice and feature a squeezable "head," recently released new optical mouse product lines based on popular Sesame Street, Nickelodeon, and Disney characters. Prices start at $24.95. (888) 503-5439; www.kidzmouse.com
Over the summer Apple released iSight, a portable video camera that can be used for videoconferencing over broadband. Features of the 2.3-ounce camera include 640 x 480 VGA resolution, auto focus, integrated microphone with noise suppression, and full-motion video at up to 30 frames per second. Requires iChat AV software (not included). $149. (800) MY-APPLE; www.apple.com/isight
Presentation Tools
BenQ has released the BenQ PB2120 digital projector, providing a 2000:1 contrast ratio at 1200 lumens, SVGA resolution, HDTV compatibility, S-Video and composite video inputs, and digital keystone correction. $2,195. (888) 723-2238; www.benq.com
Califone International has announced three new wireless audio products: the PresentationPro PA-300+ UHF, a 30-watt portable wireless PA system; the PA-100UHF Wireless Handheld Microphone; and the Infrared Cassette Recorder/Player, which provides full-fidelity audio up to fifteen feet without the need for cables. Contact company for price information. (800) 722-0500; www.califone.com
The HP Digital Projector vp6110 and vp6120, newly introduced by Hewlett-Packard, feature white-segment-optimized mode for "life-like" video color saturation, seven video connections, and wireless remote control. The vp6110 offers SVGA resolution and 1500 lumens of brightness, while the vp6120 provides XGA resolution and 2000 lumens. The models are available for $1,499 and $1,999, respectively. (800) 888-3224; www.hp.com
Polyvision's new whiteboard product, the Walk-and-Talk Presentation Series, allows users to connect the board to a USB-enabled computer without the need to preload special software. The series is available in two versions: the standard edition designed for users that primarily give presentations, and the writing edition for users that write extensively on the board. Contact company for price information. (800) 620-7659; www.polyvision.com
SMART Technologies has announced the Rear Projection SMART Board 2000i interactive whiteboard, with features that include a 66" display; an installed SVGA, 1600-lumen projector; integrated projector controls; and precise touch control. $12,999. Schools may qualify for a grant worth 25 percent of the suggested list price through the SMARTer Kids Foundation. (888) 427-6278; www.smarttech.com
Clarification
In response to the In-Service column "How to Create PDF Files" (May 2003), a number of readers pointed out the built-in PDF capabilities of Macintosh OS X, which allows users to create PDF files from any application. In addition, WordPerfect for Education includes a "Publish to PDF" option for creating PDFs from WordPerfect documents. As the PDF format becomes even more widespread, other applications may also offer this feature; check product manuals for details.
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