What's New(2)
Hardware
MPC has introduced the ClientPro All-in-One, a Pentium 4 desktop that incorporates a 17-inch flat panel display; up to 1GB SDRAM; 10/100 Ethernet; built-in wireless antenna; TV tuner with S-Video and FM/AM radio; and 6-channel audio with stereo speakers. $1,699. 906 East Karcher Rd., Nampa, ID 93687; (888) 224-4247; www.buympc.com
CDI Computer Dealers sells refurbished notebooks, desktops, and monitors from IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, Dell, and Gateway, for a half to a third of the price of new equipment. All purchases include a three-year warranty. 241 Whitehall Dr., Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R565; (888) 226-5727; www.cdihomeroom.com
Infrastructure
Procom Technology has released the Taurus, a wireless multi-function networking appliance designed for small to medium organizations that provides Internet access, data storage, Web site hosting, an e-mail server, and a built-in firewall. Compatible with Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, and Linux, Taurus supports up to 500 users. $2,000. 58 Discovery, Irvine, CA 92618; (800) 800-8600; www.procom.com
Management Tools
NetSupport has rolled out new versions of NetSupport School, software that allows teachers to monitor and control student workstations, and NetSupport Manager, a remote support tool that provides PC access over the network, hardware and software inventory polling, system monitoring, and support for help desk requests. NetSupport School: $999. NetSupport Manager: $99. 6845 Shiloh Rd., Ste. A-7, Alpharetta, GA 30005; (888) 665-0808; www.netsupport-inc.com
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The Sendmail Advanced Anti-Spam Filter, deployed at the Internet gateway, defines and blocks spam and other unwanted messages based on an organization's specific e-mail policy configurations. In addition, the filter provides real-time alerts for individual policy violations, and Web reporting and wizards for simplifying customization. Cost is $2 to $12 per seat. 6425 Christie Ave., Ste. 400, Emeryville, CA 94608; (877) 363-6245; www.sendmail.com
CommuniGate Pro v4.1 with Groupware from Stalker Software provides secure access to e-mail, contacts, shared folders, and calendars that work with Microsoft Outlook, as well as other popular Web and mail clients. The software also includes built-in Web mail, personal Web pages, mailing lists, and spam/virus protection. Prices start at $499. 655 Redwood Hwy., Ste. 275, Mill Valley, CA 94941; (800) 262-4722; www.stalker.com
St. Bernard Software just released version 3.4 of its iPrism Web filtering appliance, with new features that include auto-login support for terminal server environments, enhanced screen customization, and a Hotfix Manager for administering available hotfixes. $2,195, plus subscription cost. 16882 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127; (800) 782-3762; www.stbernard.com/iprism
Mobile Computing
Wacom's latest offering is the Graphire3 pen tablet for enhancing digital photos. The new tablets, which come in three different colors and two sizes, also tie into the handwriting and inking capabilities included with Microsoft Office XP and Apple Inkwell. With the product comes free bundled software that includes photo enhancement tools and a range of realistic natural media tools for drawing and painting. The Graphire3 pen utilizes Wacom's cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive technology, and a new transparent photo frame allows users to personalize the tablet with photos, drawings, artwork, and other graphics. Wacom tablets will be available in stores beginning mid-September. The Graphic3 4" x 5" is $99.95 and the 6" x 8" model is $199.95. (800) 922-6613 x153; www.wacom.com
Presentation Technology
Hitachi Software unveiled its StarBoard F-60 and F-75 interactive whiteboards featuring 60" and 75" display areas, respectively. Both models can work with the StarTablet T-18SX, an 18" TFT device that allows presenters to annotate applications while simultaneously displaying them on rear projection or plasma displays, or traditional screens using LCD projectors. F-60: $1,399 and up. F-75: $1,699 and up. StarTablet T-18SX: $2,995. 601 Gateway Blvd., Ste. 750, South San Francisco, CA 94080; (888) 615-9600; www.hitachi-soft.com
Software
Foreign Language
¿Cómo te va? from Glencoe/McGraw-Hill teaches students Spanish through original music and personal appearances by Argentinean singer Justo Lamas. The three-level middle school Spanish program features lessons that focus on real-life situations and includes music, video, online feature, textbooks, and hands-on activities. 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020; (800) 334-7344; www.glencoe.com
Multimedia Authoring
From Multimedia Design Corporation, mPOWER for the WEB enables users to create multimedia presentations within their browsers. Students can remotely collaborate on projects and create and edit presentations wherever they are online. Teachers can use built-in tools for assessment and testing. Contact company for pricing information. P.O. Box 12143, Charlotte, NC 28220; (800) 921-9493; www.mmdesigncorp.com
Books
Final Cut Express Editing Workshop from CMP Books (a division of CMP Media, Technology & Learning's parent company) teaches novice users of Apple's Final Cut Express software the art and technique of editing through 11 hands-on tutorials. A companion DVD contains a video introduction, project media, demo software, and free plug-ins. $29.95. 6600 Silacci Way, Gilroy, CA 95020; (800) 500-6875; www.cmpbooks.com
Multidisciplinary Units for Grades 6-8 includes complete units of lesson plans in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and cultural arts. The units also include relevant Web, literature, and software resources; assessment strategies; extensions; interdisciplinary lesson ideas; unit objectives; and identification of content standards addressed. $31.45 for ISTE members; $34.95 for nonmembers. 480 Charnelton St. Eugene, OR 97401; (800) 336-5191; www.iste.org/bookstore
Read other articles from the September Issue