HARDWARE
NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS
A sample configuration of MPC Computers' TransPort T3000 notebook computer includes a Pentium-M 1.5GHz processor, Intel Centrino mobile technology, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, internal 10/100/100 gigabit Ethernet, four USB ports, a Touchchip biometric fingerprint scanner, 6-in-1 media player, 14.1" XGA display, and more. The price for the configuration listed above, including three-year parts, technical, and depot repair support, is $1,800. Other configuration options are also available.
MPC Computers, 906 East Karcher Rd., Nampa, ID 83687; (800) 952-6198; http://www.mpccorp.com
PERIPHERALS
The Epson PowerLite projector S1+ offers 1400 lumens, 800 x 600 SVGA native resolution, and a contrast ratio of 500-to-1. The projector includes a high-end component video input and preprogrammed color modes, and is also equipped for a monitor-out feature that allows presenters to simultaneously view content from a separate device. $999.
Epson America Inc., 3840 Kilroy Airport Way, Long Beach, CA 90806; (800) 442-1997; http://www.epson.com
Planon System Solutions Inc., has introduced the DocuPen, a handheld scanner that operates on batteries. The device is 8" x 0.5", weighs 2 oz., and connects to a computer via USB or serial port. The scanning resolution is 200 x 100 dpi, and it also can store up to 100 pages into memory. Scanning speed is approximately 4 to 8 seconds per page. Win only. $199.99.
Planon System Solutions Inc.; (950) 507-3926; http://www.planon.com
SOFTWARE
CROSS-CURRICULAR
Digital Tech Frontier has introduced Virtual Reality Development Lab, a hardware and software package that allows students to create and experience virtual reality environments. The package includes VR Studio software, an Apple laptop computer, a 360 degrees 8mm fisheye lens, a digital camera, and more. The Presentation Option 1 includes VR head-mounted display glasses, display blinders, and HMD spatial tracking device; Presentation Option 2 adds a PC laptop to Option 1. VR Studio: $9,995; VR Presentation Option 1: $1,995; VR Presentation Option 2: $3,495.
Digital Tech Frontier, 4844 South 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85040; http://www.WeCanTakeYouThere.com
Vivendi Universal Games' JumpStart Study Helpers Spelling Bee and JumpStart Study Helpers Math Booster are study aids for first- through fifth-grade students. Users can enter their weekly spelling words and math problems into arcade-style learning games and practice to improve their test scores. The games include 2,000 preprogrammed words and over 800 math problems. Also included are a collection of printable activities for classroom use and a progress report feature. Teacher edition: $59.99; lab pack for five users: $149.95. Site licenses are also available.
Vivendi Universal Games, 6080 Center Dr., 10th Flr., Los Angeles, CA 90045; (310) 431-4000; http://www.vugames.com
DATA COLLECTION
Vernier Software & Technology has announced the release of Go!Temp and Go!Link, two new options for probeware. The Go!Temp sensor connects to a Windows or Macintosh computer via a USB port and allows teachers to collect temperature data for analysis using the accompanying Logger Lite software. Using the Go!Link interface, students can use any of Vernier's 36 sensors to collect data such as light, pH, force, conductivity, and more. Go!Temp: $39; Go!Link: $59.
Vernier Software & Technology, 13979 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97005; (888) 837-6437; http://www.vernier.com
E-MAIL APPLICATION
iHateSpam for Microsoft Exchange from Sunbelt Software provides protection against spam for Exchange 5.5, 2000, and 2003 environments. The product features fast setup, high spam detection, a constantly updated spam engine, tunable parameters, and more. There is also the option to quarantine spam. Single license, $19.95; volume pricing is also available.
Sunbelt Software USA, 101 North Garden Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755; (888) 688-8457; http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com
HEALTH EDUCATION
Academic Edge has developed WSTDtv, a CD-ROM to increase middle school student awareness and understanding of STDs, choice, and pressures. Users can take a quiz about STD symptoms and risk, create a news segment on HIV/STDs, and more. Contact company for pricing information.
Academic Edge Inc., P.O. Box 5307, Bloomington, IN 47407; (877) 506-0811; http://www.academicedge.com
IT AND NETWORKING
PowerSchool, a division of Apple, has announced the availability of PowerSchool SIS 2004. The new version 2004 features walk-in scheduling automation, increased flexibility and usability for meeting NCLB requirements, report streamlining, an SIF agent, state-specific special compliance enhancements, and more. Contact company for pricing information.
PowerSchool, a division of Apple Computer Inc., 80 Iron Point Circle, Ste. 200, Folsom, CA 95630; (888) 470-0808; http://www.powerschool.com
UniPress Software has introduced FootPrints for eService, a new solution to deliver centralized, multichannel customer service support automation. Easily deployed, it provides an affordable Web-based service desk that includes customer issue tracking and self-service online tools. Users can search the solutions database and FAQ system, submit their own issues, and track the progress of pending issues through Web screens or e-mail. Contact company for pricing information.
UniPress Software, 2025 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ 08817; (800) 222-0550; http://www.UniPress.com
PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
NetControl from QuickLogix has been updated to support many useful control features for the SHARP LC-M3700 LCD monitor. In addition to power control, volume level adjustment, and input switching, NetControl 1.1 gives the user the ability to change brightness, contrast, color, tint and RGB gain values, and more over a TCP/IP network. The software also supports Sharp's enlarge features and color-management system, which provides advanced CMYK controls. NetControl 1.1 is designed for use with Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Contact company for pricing information.
QuickLogix International, 2050 Oak Point Dr., Cross Roads, TX 76227; (940) 440-0654; http://www.quicklogix.com
READING AND WRITING
Inspiration Software is now offering a version of Inspiration for Palm OS. Students and teachers can use handhelds to create graphic outlines by sketching symbols and arranging thoughts directly on the screen. The integrated outline view allows students to create a solid foundation for their writing. To complete a project, students can transfer to a handheld word processor, sync their handheld device to a desktop computer, or beam to a printer. A free 30-day trial is available; single copies can be downloaded for $29.95. Volume pricing is also available.
Inspiration Software Inc., 7412 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Ste. 102, Portland, OR 97225; (800) 877-4292; http://www.inspiration.com
The READING SUCCESS package, published by Smithson-Berry Publications, teaches children to read by covering the categories of learning-language development, auditory perception, visual discrimination, and visual motor skills. The package features an interactive CD-ROM, including reading activities, lesson sets, first readers, and letter songs, as well as printable books, poems, and award certificates; a user guide; and more. All excess revenue from sales of READING SUCCESS go to fund educational programs from disadvantaged kids at risk of failing school. Contact publisher for contact information.
Smithson-Berry Publications, P.O. Box 90232, Nashville, TN 37209; (877) 732-9355; http://www.smithson-berry.org
BOOKS
Adobe Illustrator CS Hands-On Training from lynda.com and Peachpit Press offers hands-on project building exercises for learning Illustrator CS. Topics include creating and editing vector-based artwork, working with 3-D features and typographic elements, and integration with the other tools in the Adobe Creative Suite. The accompanying CD-ROM contains guided exercises and QuickTime movies. $44.99.
lynda.com, P.O. Box 789, Ojai, CA 93024; (888) 335-9632; http://www.lynda.com
