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 transfer their essays 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 also has a built-in interactive, intelligent calculator. Teachers can beam word problems to the kids, directly into their CalcuScribes. Kids read the problems and solve them by writing a few simple math expressions. Their work is auto-saved in a file for revisions. CalcuScribe auto-computes the results displaying them next to each expression. Kids can interlace text comments, between the math expressions, to explain their methodology.

The user-interface has a menu structure, making it very 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.