AlphaSmart

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AlphaSmart Neo

AlphaSmart was a brand of portable, battery-operated word processing keyboards manufactured by NEO Direct (formerly Renaissance Learning, previously AlphaSmart, originally Intelligent Peripheral Devices). Production of the devices was discontinued at the end of September 2013, but the company continues to offer support and software to existing users.

background

The AlphaSmart was a keyboard device that made it possible to work on the go, similar to a laptop ; but it was intended solely for word processing as it worked essentially like a simple digital typewriter. The "Dana" - one of the last models made by the manufacturer AlphaSmart - was an exception, as Palm OS applications could also be run on this device . The AlphaSmart, Dana, and Neo devices were limited to special purposes only and were therefore generally much cheaper than a traditional laptop computer. All of these devices were designed to be plugged into an ADB, PS / 2 or USB port in order to transfer the written text into the word processing document of a computer for further processing or for printing.

The AlphaSmart saved every key press directly in its main memory , the content of which was retained by a backup battery even after it was switched off. AlphaSmart could transfer data either through a special program that communicated with AlphaSmart, or much more simply by transferring the keyboard input of the written text as if it were the computer keyboard itself . If no text was to be transmitted, the AlphaSmart could also be used as a normal standard keyboard of the computer.

AlphaSmarts were very popular in schools because they were affordable and durable. Elementary schools as well as high schools used them, and they were particularly popular in special educational areas for students with graphomotor challenges. In fact, school teachers were involved in the entire development process.

The devices were also popular with journalists and writers because they were easy to transport. The full size keyboard and long battery life were greatly appreciated.

company

Intelligent Peripheral Devices Inc. (IPD) was founded in 1992 in Los Gatos, California by two former Apple computer engineers, Ketan D. Kothari and Joseph "Joe" Barrus with the idea of ​​producing "intelligent keyboards". The aim was to develop “affordable, portable personal learning solutions for the classroom,” and “lightweight and rugged portable computing devices that are expandable, easy to use and manage, and have exceptional battery life.” Ketan's brother, Manish Kothari, joined shortly after it was founded . In 1999 they changed the company's name to AlphaSmart Inc.

Barrus and Kothari also have a US patent for a "portable computer keyboard," which was filed in 1992 and granted in 1995.

AlphaSmart Inc. completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ electronic stock exchange on February 6, 2004 and traded under the symbol ALSM. On June 22, 2005, it was acquired by Renaissance Learning (NASDAQ symbol RLRN). The name changed again in the spring of 2009, this time to NEO Direct Inc. They brought the hardware products Neo 2 and '2Know Responder' onto the market.

AlphaSmart products

AlphaSmart

The original AlphaSmart "intelligent keyboard" was shipped in August 1993. It only worked with Apple's Macintosh and IIgs computers and was connected to the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port. This model had 16 pages (32 kilobytes) of memory for 8 separate files (2 pages per file) selected by pressing appropriate function keys . The AlphaSmart echoed the aesthetics of the computer it was intended to partner with: it had a boxy, sturdy, beige plastic casing, just like the IIgs and Macintosh from that time.

There was also a four-line LCD display, as is common with many devices. Each character was displayed in its own LCD field, so the point size and font were already set. The AlphaSmart could not display any graphics other than ASCII graphics. It ran on 2 AA batteries and, thanks to its energy-saving technology, could be operated for days because it effectively fell into a "sleep mode" between keystrokes. There was a rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery pack that could be purchased separately.

Some jokes were implemented in the early AlphaSmart models, including a reference to the " Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy ": If using the calculator the result was 42, it would read "The Answer to Life, the Universe and All the Rest" . If you entered 1 + 1, the calculator said: "That's too easy."

AlphaSmart Pro

The AlphaSmart Pro was launched on the market in February 1995. It looked almost exactly like its predecessor, but had a PS / 2 and an ADB port, making it compatible with Windows PCs as well as Apple IIgs and Macintosh. On the other hand, the AlphaSmart Pro had a search function to search for stored text. It was also able to receive text from a computer using the "Get Utility" software installed on a Mac or Windows PC. Finally, it included a password function to protect content. The Pro model could store up to 64 pages (128 kilobytes) of text and held 16 pages in the first file, 8 pages in files two through five, 6 pages in files six and seven, and 4 pages in file eight. The original rechargeable NiCd battery for the AlphaSmart also fit in the Pro model.

AlphaSmart 2000

In October 1997 AlphaSmart Inc. brought out the third generation of the AlphaSmart family with the AlphaSmart 2000. In addition to the more ergonomic design, the AlphaSmart 2000's case was curvy and blue. The new features included a spell checker , direct printing without a computer by connecting a printer, automatic shutdown of the power supply and a keyboard timer. A year later, an infrared function was added so that text can be transmitted wirelessly to a computer or another AlphaSmart. This model required 3 AA batteries, but could also use the original NiCd rechargeable battery. Like the AlphaSmart Pro, it had 128 kilobytes of memory.

AlphaSmart 3000

In January 2000 the AlphaSmart 3000 came on the market. It had the same chassis as the 2000 model, but now in translucent "Bondi-blue" plastic to match Apple's first generation iMac . This should be a visual indication that the AlphaSmart 3000 was a USB device made for the iMac, just as many other USB devices made use of the iMac design in the same way.

The developers replaced the ADB and PS / 2 ports with USB and serial mini-DIN- 8 connectors, via which a printer could be connected directly. The SmartApplet architecture was also new to expand the simple functions: miniature software applications that expanded the functionality of the AlphaSmart with features that went far beyond basic word processing. A simple calculator with five functions was included. In addition, although the device still ran on 3 AA batteries, the battery life and memory size had increased, and text cut, copy and paste functions were introduced. The original rechargeable NiCd battery was not compatible with this model, instead a new optional nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery was used, which lasted longer and did not have the memory effect of the NiCd batteries. The AlphaSmart 3000 offered a capacity for the usual 8 files with 12.5 pages each (about 25 kilobytes), making a total of 100 pages.

The manufacturer announced the discontinuation of AlphaSmart on April 30, 2006.

Dana

Dana, Dana Wireless
Manufacturer AlphaSmart
predecessor AlphaSmart 3000
successor Neo
Technical specifications
processor Motorola DragonBall VZ
random access memory 8 MiB (Dana) or
16 MiB (Dana Wireless) internal RAM
screen 560 × 160 pixels,
4 (Dana) or 16 (Dana Wireless) gray levels
Current operating system Palm OS 4.1.2
Connectivity

connections

Infrared , USB master, USB slave,
Dana Wireless: additional WiFi , SD card

battery pack
Type 3.6 V NiMH or
3 AA batteries or
mains adapter
measures and weight
Dimensions (H × W × D) 48  mm  × 315 mm × 236 mm
Weight about 910 g

In June 2002 AlphaSmart launched the Dana product, which was completely different from the standard product line. Similar to the Apple Newton eMate 300 (a laptop with the Newton PDA operating system ), the Dana was a full-fledged Palm OS device with a touchscreen that - in addition to typing on the integrated keyboard - could be used to write directly on the screen via graffiti . The screen of the Dana had a backlight , and was contrary to the original Alpha Smart line capable of displaying complex graphics, but only in 4-bit grayscale. It had 8 Mbytes of memory ( MiB ) and two expansion slots for cards in Secure Digital (SD) or multimedia card format. It was compatible with almost every Palm OS application, and some Palm apps were able to take advantage of the Dana’s extra wide screen, which was 3.5 times the standard (560 × 160 pixels).

The main software on Dana was the integrated AlphaWord word processor. This is a licensed version of WordSmith for Palm OS from Blue Nomad that was customized to fit Dana’s larger screen. Up to 8 AlphaWord documents could be stored in the memory at the same time, each of which was immediately available via the 8 function keys of the Dana system. It was also easy to switch between the AlphaWord documents and one of the four built-in Palm OS applications (notepad, diary, tasks, address book). Larger fonts could be selected from AlphaWord to compensate for the on-screen display, which is difficult to read due to the low contrast.

The screen could be used in either landscape or portrait orientation, although the Dana position was not automatically detected; the user had to tap a menu choice to select the mode. The screen was taller than the original AlphaSmart products, and the Dana was made of opaque, dark blue, tough polycarbonate - a change from the iMac-like, clear blue of the AlphaSmart 3000. It used either a NiMH battery or 3 AA batteries. Batteries for up to 25 hours of operation.

Danas made towards the end of the production run had modified operating system software as many users complained that their devices often turned on themselves when carried in a container such as a backpack, which quickly depleted the battery: The On / Off button was not positioned properly. With version 1.5 of the Dana operating system, you had to press the Enter key and the On / Off button at the same time to switch on , which made accidental switch-on less likely. This was achieved through the system's keyboard app.

The Dana had an IRDA-compatible infrared interface for transferring documents and files. This was a convenient way to back up files for those who had access to multiple danas.

Dana Wireless

In 2003 AlphaSmart released another model, Dana Wireless, which enabled Wi-Fi connections for Internet use and interaction with other Danas. For Internet use, AlphaSmart integrated AOL @ SCHOOL's educational search engine into its DanaWeb browser, which is included in the Dana Wireless . This partnership enabled students and teachers to quickly and easily find safe, age-appropriate online content.

The RAM capacity has been doubled from 8 MiB to 16 MiB, as has the size of the Flash ROM from 4 MiB to 8 MiB, and SDIO support has been added for both SD card slots. 3 standard AA batteries as well as NiMH or NiCd batteries could be used for up to 20 hours of operation.

Neo

The Neo model was introduced in August 2004 and could store more than 200 pages of text. The LCD display was 50 percent larger than the display of the AlphaSmart 3000, it could show 6 lines of 51 characters. In contrast to the AlphaSmart 3000, a fixed block was not used for each character, so other font and point sizes could be displayed in addition to simple graphics.

The Neo also had a newer operating system that allowed modular control of SmartApplets and a new version of the AlphaWord word processing SmartApplet that allowed files to be dynamically resized. The case of the Neo was a dark, opaque shade of green, the form factor of which was based on the Dana. The Neo also used the same class of CPU as the Dana. The same optional NiMH battery was used as in the AlphaSmart Dana. Initially, the Neo had several software bugs such as a difficult-to-see cursor and a problem with the text batch file.

Neo 2

The Neo 2 added some minor enhancements to the Neo and was the first unit to hit the market after AlphaSmart was acquired by Renaissance Learning. Quiz functionality was added using the "2Know!" Toolbar developed for the "2Know!" Classroom response system. With the Neo 2 teachers could create, distribute and evaluate quiz questions. Neo 2 could also access accelerated reader quizzes and allow students to use network printers , provided the Renaissance Receiver accessory was installed.

Renaissance Learning ceased production of Neo and Neo 2 in late September 2013. Nevertheless, the company has offered support and software for existing users since March 2014 until today .

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b NEO Direct - Perfect for All Writing Needs. We have reached the end of our NEO 2 inventory, and we will no longer be producing any additional units - but this isn't goodbye. NEO Direct Inc., from the original on November 14, 2013. From web.archive.org, accessed on December 27, 2018 (English).
  2. ^ Tony Seba: Winners Take All. The 9 Fundamental Rules of High Tech Strategy. 2006, ISBN 978-1-84728-953-7 , p. 7. From Google Books, accessed December 27, 2018.
  3. ↑ a b Chin Chet Mooi: The writing Assistant. Page of Interest to Writers, 1996-2002. From ChetsCorner.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  4. ^ AlphaSmart, Inc .: Corporate Fact Sheet. In: AlphaSmart Backgrounder. December 6, 2004, p. 5. From WebArchive.org, accessed December 27, 2018 ( PDF ; 85 KB, English).
  5. ^ A b James Sloan: AlphaSmart - Providing a smart solution for one classroom computing “job”. An Education Case Study. Innosight Institute, April 2012. From ChristensenInstitute.org, accessed December 27, 2018.
  6. ^ Tony Seba: Winners Take All. The 9 Fundamental Rules of High Tech Strategy. 2006, ISBN 978-1-84728-953-7 . From Google Books, accessed December 27, 2018.
  7. ^ AlphaSmart - Our Company. Company background. In: AlphaSmart.com, 2005. From WebArchive.org, accessed December 27, 2018.
  8. ↑ Jeremy Weisz: AlphaSmart & Root-1: How to Build a Company to $ 40 Million & Take it Public. Interview with Manish Kothari, December 4, 2014, with video and podcast. From InspiredInsider.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  9. ↑ AlphaSmart Sample Contracts. (Sample contracts) 2003–2005. From LawInsider.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  10. ↑ Audrey Watters: AlphaSmart: A History of One of Ed-Tech's Favorite (Drop-Kickable) Writing Tools. July 25, 2015. From HackEducation.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  11. ↑ AlphaSmart. February 4, 2004. From RichardsNotes.org. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  12. ↑ Josef P. Barrus, Ketan Kothari: Patent EP0603389A1. Portable computer keyboard. Filed June 29, 1994. From Google Patents, accessed December 27, 2018.
  13. ↑ Joseph P. Barrus, Ketan D. Kothari: Patent US5410305A. Portable computer keyboard. Filed April 25, 1995. From Google Patents, accessed December 27, 2018.
  14. ^ Tony Seba: Winners Take All. The 9 Fundamental Rules of High Tech Strategy. 2006, ISBN 978-1-84728-953-7 , p. 4. From Google Books, accessed December 27, 2018.
  15. ↑ Company Overview of AlphaSmart Inc. from Bloomberg.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  16. ↑ NEO 2's surprising capabilities help students discover their own capabilities. In: Renaissance Learning, Advanced Technology for Data-Driven Schools. From WebArchive.org, accessed December 27, 2018.
  17. ^ Warranty Information for NEO, Dana, 2Know! Classroom Response System, and Rechargeable Devices. In: Tax and Warranty. From Renaissance.com. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  18. ↑ AlphaSmart 2000 Keyboard goes Wireless with IRDA Interface. In: PC Business Products, October 1, 1998. From TheFreeLibrary.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  19. ↑ Still the Simplest. Always the Smartest. In: AlphaSmart.com. From WebArchive.org, accessed December 27, 2018.
  20. ↑ Gunnar Troitsch: AlphaSmart Dana - the perfect typewriter for on the go. March 4, 2003. From Chip.de, accessed December 27, 2018.
  21. ^ A b AlphaSmart, Inc. (Palms and Berries). In: Strategic Finance. March 1, 2003. From TheFreeLibrary.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  22. ^ Daniel Bricklin: The WordSmith Word Processor for the Palm OS. From DanBricklin.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
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  26. ↑ Sascha Segan: AlphaSmart Neo. In: PC-Magazine, December 15, 2004. From UK.PCMag.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  27. ^ Andy Kaiser: AlphaSmart Neo review. In: Digital Bits Technology Column, January 1, 2007. From AndyBrain.com, accessed December 27, 2018.
  28. ↑ United States Securities and Exchange Commission: Form 8-K. January 25, 2005. At sec.gov, accessed on December 27, 2018 (English).
  29. ↑ United States Securities and Exchange Commission: Schedule 13D. February 3, 2005. At sec.gov, accessed on December 27, 2018 (English).
  30. ↑ NEO and NEO 2 by AlphaSmart. In: alphasmart.com, 2007. From WebArchive.org, accessed December 27, 2018.

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