Coming Soon: $399 tablet for education

Brian · 10-13-2005, 05:42 PM

When it comes to putting computers in the classroom as a tool for learning, literacy, and replacing textbooks, schools have a number of options including desktops, laptops, PDAs, AlphaSmart devices, and $1,600 tablet computers, which are often cost prohibitive in times of tight budgets. Fourier Systems will be releasing a more affordable option soon - a tablet running Windows CE.NET 5.0 targeted at the classroom. It isn't the $100 laptop that Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts wants to buy for the state's 500,000 students, but it's more affordable than many of the other options currently available.

The ruggedized $399 Nova5000 tablet is being touted as a "Next Generation Student Learning Appliance" that offers a 7.5 inch 640X480 color touch screen in a 9.7”x 5”x 1.2” package weighing 1.8 pounds.

Nova5000 is designed to meet the primary computing needs of students. This includes standard needs such as: Internet access, word processing, spreadsheets, and email. In addition, the Nova5000 offers a complete measuring platform to enhance learning of science and mathematics in the classroom, outdoors and at home. Nova5000 combines the MultiLab multimedia data analysis software that includes graphical manipulations, multiple analysis functions and Lab report direct printing capabilities. By integrating the Fourier data logger into the Nova5000, Fourier offers both an ultra-low TCO computer and a powerful data logger.

Bundled software includes CE.NET versions of Internet Explorer, WordPad, Windows Media Player, ActiveSync, MultiLab. Microsoft Word and Excel compatible software is available as an option. Several sensors are available that work with the MultiLab data logging software, making the Nova5000 a powerful tool for science and math projects in the classroom and in the field. Add a good e-book reading application and the Nova5000 would make a great e-book reading device.

Related: Experiment how Tablet PC could replace school textbooks

[via TeleRead]

rmeister0 · 10-13-2005, 07:21 PM

There's a lot to like about the specs for this box, especially the price tag. The only complaint I would have is the screen display. 800x600 would be the minimum I'd want to see. The article also doesn't mention color depth. Come to think of it, it also doesn't mention how much internal memory this thing has. Finally, I see no indication that you can switch it's orientation to portrait view - which works better for reading ebooks to me.

Still, I've paid more than they're asking for Fujitsu PenCentras.

Alexander Turcic · 11-10-2005, 11:02 AM

Too bad it runs Windows CE and not some light-weight Linux variant instead. I had the chance to play with various Windows CE devices in the past, but I've never been a great fan of them.

TadW · 11-10-2005, 06:05 PM

I am more optimistic about this one. After all, it got a decent display big enough to type texts with, and it also supports access to the Net. $399 doesn't sound too bad either.

10-13-2005, 05:42 PM	#1
Brian MobileRead Editor Posts: 447 Karma: 84 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Massachusetts Device: Treo 700p, Zodiac2	Coming Soon: $399 tablet for education When it comes to putting computers in the classroom as a tool for learning, literacy, and replacing textbooks, schools have a number of options including desktops, laptops, PDAs, AlphaSmart devices, and $1,600 tablet computers, which are often cost prohibitive in times of tight budgets. Fourier Systems will be releasing a more affordable option soon - a tablet running Windows CE.NET 5.0 targeted at the classroom. It isn't the $100 laptop that Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts wants to buy for the state's 500,000 students, but it's more affordable than many of the other options currently available. The ruggedized $399 Nova5000 tablet is being touted as a "Next Generation Student Learning Appliance" that offers a 7.5 inch 640X480 color touch screen in a 9.7”x 5”x 1.2” package weighing 1.8 pounds. Nova5000 is designed to meet the primary computing needs of students. This includes standard needs such as: Internet access, word processing, spreadsheets, and email. In addition, the Nova5000 offers a complete measuring platform to enhance learning of science and mathematics in the classroom, outdoors and at home. Nova5000 combines the MultiLab multimedia data analysis software that includes graphical manipulations, multiple analysis functions and Lab report direct printing capabilities. By integrating the Fourier data logger into the Nova5000, Fourier offers both an ultra-low TCO computer and a powerful data logger. Bundled software includes CE.NET versions of Internet Explorer, WordPad, Windows Media Player, ActiveSync, MultiLab. Microsoft Word and Excel compatible software is available as an option. Several sensors are available that work with the MultiLab data logging software, making the Nova5000 a powerful tool for science and math projects in the classroom and in the field. Add a good e-book reading application and the Nova5000 would make a great e-book reading device. Related: Experiment how Tablet PC could replace school textbooks [via TeleRead] __________________ Reading: Everyware: The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing

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10-13-2005, 07:21 PM	#2
rmeister0 Addict Posts: 268 Karma: 298 Join Date: Mar 2005	There's a lot to like about the specs for this box, especially the price tag. The only complaint I would have is the screen display. 800x600 would be the minimum I'd want to see. The article also doesn't mention color depth. Come to think of it, it also doesn't mention how much internal memory this thing has. Finally, I see no indication that you can switch it's orientation to portrait view - which works better for reading ebooks to me. Still, I've paid more than they're asking for Fujitsu PenCentras.

11-10-2005, 11:02 AM	#3
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 12,730 Karma: 71589 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Sony Portable Reader	Too bad it runs Windows CE and not some light-weight Linux variant instead. I had the chance to play with various Windows CE devices in the past, but I've never been a great fan of them.

11-10-2005, 06:05 PM	#4
TadW Uebermensch Posts: 2,476 Karma: 8172 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Italy Device: Kindle	I am more optimistic about this one. After all, it got a decent display big enough to type texts with, and it also supports access to the Net. $399 doesn't sound too bad either.