LD Resources

© 1997 Miriam Struck, MA, OTR/L
mstruck2@aol.com

Is a laptop necessary and is it the only device available for word processing needs of students with mild disabilities? Happily, there is an alternative that costs less, weighs less, and has a battery power source that lasts longer. Portable keyboards, also known as portable word processors, are a feasible and appropriate alternative for those students and adults with disabilities that can type well enough to use a standard keyboard but for whom handwriting is not fast, neat, or functional. There are several of these devices on the market, all of which are being marketed to the general population as an alternative to expensive laptops or computer platforms. They work well for teaching keyboarding as well as for simple word processing.

Some portable keyboards/word processors have additional features and expansion capabilities that expand their use beyond writing and keyboard practice. The advantage of these devices is that one gets only those features and uses that one needs. Because of space limitations and because there is much information to synthesize about the different devices available, this and next month’s Technology Talk will discuss portable keyboards/word processors.

In choosing one, you will need to decide tasks you want the user to do and whether adults will be in charge of certain functions such as printing hard copies or transferring files. In addition, determinations about matching student skills and device complexity and design need to be considered. For example, does the user have adequate motor and cognitive ability to use a standard keyboard, can the user scroll down and not lose their place as they scan the text or do they need a full screen to keep track of their work, can the user name and organize files, what visual access (eg. size and font of the characters) is needed by the user, can the user distinguish keys double labeled, are all features needed, how much money is available, and what compatible platforms and printers are available. Generally, these devices range in price between $249.00 to $399.00.

The devices are sold with cables appropriate to the available platform as specified by the user. Portable keyboards/word processors can vary in complexity, need for key commands and sequencing of commands, alphanumeric or icon menu, physical dimensions and screen size, editing functions, calculator functions, expansion capabilities, connections for printing, and compatibility with Apple or PC platforms. They all run on batteries that last considerably longer than laptop batteries and are easily recharged overnight by being plugged into the wall or special lab cart sold by the manufacturer. The weight range is approximately 2 pounds, as opposed to 6 to 7 pounds for laptops. Portability is important for users who are changing classes through out the day. Some have automatic saving and shut off. Some have typing tutorial programs loaded on to them. Some have the capability of connecting and printing directly from a printer.

AlphaSmart

AlphaSmart web site

The AlphaSmart is the least complex of the four and costs $249. It is a note-taking device with eight numbered file keys. Each file key can be designated for a class period or subject. It does not have a spell checker or editing functions. Instead the user, or an adult, needs to plug the device into the keyboard port of the CPU, bring up their word processing program, and press the “send” key. The text is downloaded into the word processing program and edited and spell checked. From there it is printed to a hard copy. These note-taking functions may be all that is needed by some users who need support for writing. Elementary students can use it virtually independently with some support for down loading and printing. The AlphaSmart can be used with either Macintosh or IBM PC platforms by attaching the compatible cable.

Editor’s Note: since this article was written a new model of the AlphaSmart has been released that has a spelling checker built in and prints directly on a variety of printers. The AlphaSmart has always allowed basic editing functions: inserting and deleting text and has always been sold in bulk with a roll cart for classrooms. It runs on 3 AA batteries for 300 hours. Also, it has always included sticky key (key latching) and key repeat (on/off) controls.

Laser PC 5 and DreamWriter

Laser PC 5 web site
DreamWriter is no longer made

The Laser PC 5 and DreamWriter are computer systems that function as portable word processors within the $240.00 to $290.00 price range. Both have basic word processing functions including editing and spell check and typing tutorial programs loaded in to them to teach keyboarding.

In fact, the word processing and keyboarding features are very attractive to schools who are hard pressed for money to pay for computers for word processing and keyboarding instruction. Both companies have offers to sell the word processors in bulk with a roll cart especially designed to recharge them overnight. Both run on batteries and are light weight and have double labeled keys to serve more than one function. The Laser PC 5 uses an alphanumeric menu system to move between program functions.

A Quick Reference Card and full manual, is provided to assist the user to use the key commands to move from one feature to another, one program to another. Some of these require three steps. The Laser PC 5 also has an extensive manual that explains programming for each program function. Among the choices are a program to write programs in BASIC, telephone directory, scientific calculator, database, and spreadsheets. The size of the keyboard is a more compact 10”x 7.6 x 1.6″ and the weight is approximately 2.2 pounds. The LCD screen can accommodate 8 lines with 80 characters or 4 lines with 40 characters. This can be programed by the user. A Sticky Key function is also available as well as foreign language accents. The Laser PC 5 has expansion capabilities for adding RAM, a thesaurus, E-mail/modem use, and text to speech by adding cartridges. Files can be directly printed to the Apple StyleWriter, ImageWriter II, and HP DeskWriter with the proper cables and adapters available from the company. Files can also be transferred from the Laser PC 5 to a CPU using software supplied by the company. It requires several steps to transfer files to the computer. This may be a function the adult may need to be in charge of.

The DreamWriter uses an icon and alphanumeric menu. It is made in Canada and uses key labels that initially may be unfamiliar. For example, “CAN” (cancel) instead of the “ESC” (escape) key. The size of the keyboard is close to that of a standard keyboard, 11.5” x 8,25 x 1″.

The LCD tilted screen accommodates 8 lines with 80 characters. It has an auto shut off. The user can move between word processing functions and organization functions by pressing the labeled keys. In addition to the regular word processing functions (eg. edit features and spell check), the DreamWriter also has a grammar check as well as text layout and formatting, and file management to store, recall, rename, copy, and delete files. It can print directly to parallel printers for PCs, and the ImageWriter II for Apple. It can also print through to other printers using file transfer software supplied by the company. Several steps are required to transfer files to a computer. By pressing the organizer key on the keyboard, other features can be accessed including a scientific calculator, calendar, world clock (you find out what time it is in London or Hong Kong!), electronic diary, and address card system. The DreamWriter has expansion capabilities, eg. telecommunications, by using PCMCIA memory cards. A quick reference guide is also provided for key commands and functions. Choosing which one fits your clients needs will depend on what functions are needed and how well the client can independently operate the device. Decide what functions you will do for the user. Assess what computer resources are available at school or home. Portable word processors are an inexpensive means to teach keyboarding and word processing on a shoestring budget.

Lexbook MB 10
The Lexbook MB 10 has a flip up screen like a standard laptop, although it is smaller at 10” x 6.5” x 1.15”. It weighs about 2.2 pounds. The screen accommodates 25 lines and 80 characters. The keyboard is a standard QWERTY layout with some keys doubling as letter and number keys. There is also a rocker key that serves as a mouse key on the right with two keys to the left that serve as the mouse buttons. The Lexbook has pre-loaded software, one one which is SmartWrite, a word processing software, that allows the user to perform several word processing functions including creating and editing documents. Key commands are required to manipulate the document for editing. These commands can be found in the users manual. The Lexbook can print directly to an IBM compatible printer. Additional software programs enable the user to make spreadsheets, construct simple data bases, draw, and paint. It also has a learning tool package that includes a scientific calculator, graph commands to make graphs, spell check, word challenge games (eg. “Hangman”), and a typing tutorial. The software and management of tasks appears DOS based. For a Macintosh person like myself, I found it a little disconcerting because the commands were not as intuitive as I am use to.

The Lexbook has 2 MB RAM, 2 MB ROM, and a PCMCIA expansion slot. An external floppy drive is available. It runs on either 6 AA batteries or a pack of NiCAD rechargeable batteries, or an AC adapter. The manual suggests using the AC adapter as much as possible. This could mean decreasing portability for some users, particularly for students who change classes throughout the day. I had a little trouble keeping the unit I tested adequately powered with the batteries alone and needed to plug it in frequently. The manuals that come with the Lexbook are generally easy to read and follow. Throughout the manuals there are “warnings” outlined in a boxed border. These are very helpful and made learning the Lexbook easier. The Lexbook sells for $399. This price is very close to what a used laptop may cost. The advantage of the Lexbook is its weight, size and portability. Laptops, on the other hand, may offer more flexibility to allow choices for software according to the user’s needs.

As with any device, choosing a portable word processor or laptop requires matching the features to the user’s needs and abilities as well as to the tasks that it needs to be used for, and the environment it will be used in. For example, in middle schools, the tasks the word processors are needed for can include, but are not limited to, note taking, writing papers of various lengths, and practicing keyboarding. The student changes classes 5 to 7 times a day. It is not always possible for the student to sit next to an electrical outlet. If the student is ambulatory, they may not have the physical ability to carry a 5-7 pound laptop from place to place. Theft, unfortunately, is possibility. One reader recently wrote to me that a laptop was stolen off of a lap tray of a high school student who had muscular dystrophy as he proceeded down a hall! Her school decided to get the student an AlphaSmart instead of a new laptop. It had the features he needed and could use and is considerably cheaper than a laptop. AlphaSmarts have been used for a number of years in her district.

Here is one more tip when making a decision about which device to purchase. Ask what kind of technical support is available to customers. Some companies do better in this area than others. It does the user no good when the manual is difficult to understand, or the batteries cannot be recharged or the power is down, or the key commands too complicated and you need a technician to help and one is not available. An 800 number is nice particularly when you are calling from one coast to another.

Author’s Note
This article first appeared as three columns in the ocupational therapy newsletter “Technology Talk” in the May, June, and July 1997 issues. I have the author’s permission to re-publish them here.