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Integrate
‘Reading + ‘Riting + ‘Rithmetic
CalcuScribe = a Portable WordProcessor + an Interactive
Calculator
August 31, 2000, San Francisco, CA. CalcuScribe, Inc.
has been shipping the CalcuScribe (Uno and Duo) laptops
for home and class use since March 1999. Kids can compose,
revise (with cut 'n' paste) and send their work to a
computer or a printer while eliminating the cost and
hassle to educators of providing a computer to every
kid. CalcuScribe magically transfers files to PCs and
Macs through the built-in ports as well as wirelessly
through the IR interface directly into any application.
CalcuScribes also communicate, wirelessly, with each
other for collaborative projects.
 CalcuScribe
has a built-in interactive, intelligent calculator.
Teachers can beam word problems to the kids, directly
into their CalcuScribes. Kids read and solve the problems
by writing a few simple math expressions. Their work
is auto-saved in a file for revisions. CalcuScribe auto-computes
and displays the results next to each expression. Kids
can write text comments, between math expressions, to
explain their methodology.
The user-interface has a menu structure, making it user-friendly.
CalcuScribe’s side bumpers, to protect the unit
if accidentally dropped, and the lid, to protect the
screen from damage, were designed for ruggedness and
quality. The look and function of the product say that
this is a well-designed tool for writing, math and computer
literacy. Elegant design, clamshell casing, a large
screen with an adjustable viewing angle, a 16 point
font, and the front-mounted calculator keypad, which
facilitates data entry, distinguish CalcuScribe from
the competitors. "We are going beyond just word-processing",
said Jaffer Qamar, of CalcuScribe.
CalcuScribe-Uno has a 4 line x 40 character display
and runs on 3 AA batteries for about 300 hours of use.
CalcuScribe-Duo has a larger 8 line x 80 character.
CalcuScribe has a full-sized keyboard with hot-keys.
It weighs under 3 lbs. and the Uno costs $240 whereas
the Duo costs $280 with volume discounts available.
It has a 3-year warranty with free technical support
- which is rarely needed.
CalcuScribe Activities & Projects Curriculum book
for different grade levels lets students and schools
make full use of the technology. With CalcuScribes,
kids show more enthusiasm and develop greater self-esteem
and work-pride.
CalcuScribe was designed and developed to address the
following:
Challenge:
So Many Students! There are millions of students
in our education system. By the time they enter the
job market they need, in addition to language arts,
math, science, and social science, to be fluent in "Information
Arts".
Problem: So Few Computers! 80% of the time all
one needs is 20% of a computer’s power for keyboarding,
creative writing, and data entry. Presently schools
have two options: (1) providing limited access to computers
with more power than is needed, at a high price tag,
or (2) providing greater access to alternatives which
are simple, cost-effective compositional devices.
Solution: So, use the CalcuScribe! Students can
bring their ideas to life. While computers churn processor-intensive
'finishing' tasks, CalcuScribes take care of behind-the-scene
tasks of creative writing, data entry, portability,
and helping students build math, vocabulary and keyboarding
skills.
Accessories: InfraLink pod, to beam to computers
and printers, rechargeable batteries, cables for PC
and Mac, carrying case, and carts for storing and transporting
up to 30 laptops.
Company Information: CalcuScribe, founded January
1994, as SmartPad, Inc., has served the education community
with laptops.
Technical
Information
Product
Information
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