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Every student's tool. (Apple's eMate 300 mobile computer) (Hardware Review)(Evaluation)
It looks like a Kermit-green clamshell-shaped toy, but the eMate 300 from Apple Computer is actually the most serious attempt yet to provide portable computing power to K-12 students. It was designed specifically for kids by a team of engineers and educators, and their careful attention shows.
What it is--and isn't. The eMate isn't a laptop or a personal digital assistant (PDA). Apple calls it a "mobile computer." It weighs about four pounds and uses Apple's Newton operating system. It comes with programs stored in 8MB ROM, 2MB of flash memory for more programs, and 1MB RAM to store data. It has two proprietary slots to change programs and add memory, and a standard PC card slot for either more memory or a modem card. The eMate has an Apple serial port, a built-in speaker, a line-out port (for speakers or headphones), a power port (for the external power supply/battery charger), and a Newton InterConnect port. It also has an infrared port for beaming and receiving data.
Sensible software. The eMate comes with a solid group of programs: word processor, drawing program, graphing calculator, address book, calendar, and Microsoft Excel-compatible spreadsheet. It includes Internet connection software and decent administration functions for configuring multiple student accounts.
Software companies are already jumping on the eMate bandwagon. Sunburst, for example, has created an eMate version of Type to Learn, while Tom Snyder Productions will offer Timeliner and Graph Club for the eMate. Knowledge Revolution has crafted scientific probes and software for mobile data collection.
Made for kids. The eMate can withstand a fall of up to ten feet. It has a comfortable carrying handle that even a five-year-old can manage, and tucks neatly into a backpack. The keyboard has a good "feel," and there are holders for the stylus (used instead of a mouse) on either side of the case. The screen has back-lighting for easy viewing and can tilt 180 degrees. A built-in speaker and text-to-speech software combine to read documents clearly. Handwriting recognition is not bad, and drawing correction is excellent. The battery runs from 5 to 24 hours, depending on use.
A few bumbles. The eMate is not problem-free. The documentation assumes a high level of computer sophistication, unusual for Apple. The "connection kit" for ...
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- PelicanWare Announces Integrated Spreadsheet for the New Apple eMate 300
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...QuickFigure Pro spreadsheet application for the Apple eMate 300. QuickFigure EM is an integrated part of the built...create full featured spreadsheets and graphs on the Apple eMate. "The eMate is a fantastic platform for providing learning tools...