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Graham
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« on: October 11, 2006, 11:14:48 AM » |
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Fujitsu-Siemens Computers (FSC) are set to unveil their long awaited EDA handheld computer at the Handheld Learning 2006 conference. The device is one of the first that has been designed specifically with the education sector in mind with input from leading educational practitioners in the field of mobile learning including those involved in the Wolverhampton Learning2Go project. Key features include: - Robust, ruggedised case and protective screen
- Shower proof
- High resolution VGA screen
- Built-in GPS (for location based learning)
- Built-in camera and microphone
- High speed wireless networking (802.11 b/g)
- Software bundle and management system
- Training voucher
More details will be provided by FSC at the show. Download official datasheet here |
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Mark van 't Hooft
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« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2006, 01:35:34 PM » |
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Looks great, I actually saw a prototype at NECC last year and was impressed even back then. Graham, let me know if these devices will be available in the North American Market  |
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Mark van 't Hooft
Researcher/Tech Specialist
Kent State University
Research Center for Educational Technology
Kent, OH
USA
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swalthes
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« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2006, 04:37:36 PM » |
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Graham,
Does "designed specifically for the education sector" apply to price as well?
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S. A. Walthes Education Technology Consultant / Techology Coordinator Madison County ROE #41-SIS Edwardsville, IL USA http://www.madison.k12.il.us |
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Graham
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« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2006, 04:13:23 AM » |
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Hey Scott FSC are yet to announce pricing, but they assure us that it will be substantially less than the cost of the nearest ruggedised Pocket PC which are typically in the $1200-2000 area. Apparently the protected nature of the device and the visual styling (devised in concert with the UK Police) means that the devices are also less costly to insure against loss, theft and accidental damage. Also the system is provided with the following software embedded: RedHalo - mobile learning platform (include online and remote server storage, content distribution etc) InspirationPhadPadCalligrapherPocket PainterOpera Web BrowserRed Media Composer (a multimedia authoring system) Red Flipper (a simple animation system) There's a £75 professional development voucher for teachers also included with every device. |
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« Last Edit: October 13, 2006, 04:15:02 AM by Graham »
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gerry.gray
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« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2006, 09:21:15 PM » |
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Where can the voucher be used?
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AST in Science
Court Moor School
Spring Woods
Fleet
Hampshire
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Graham
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« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2006, 11:13:26 PM » |
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Hi Gerry
The voucher can be used against a one day primer at Handheld Learning's training facility in London.
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davew
Wolverhampton
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« Reply #6 on: October 15, 2006, 11:45:56 AM » |
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Wow, Fantastic to see this finally in the Plastic, so to speak... Can't wait to use this in the classroom... (And beyond... before anyone picks me up on this!!) Many thanks to all involved and the commitment from Fujitsu in producing this... This is our window of opportunity folks.... When looking at it and the price... think Total Cost of Ownership... NOT..... I can get a PDA or smartphone cheaper elsewhere.... I just thought I would add a couple of the learner designs from Learning2Go that kicked all of this off last year... great that learner voice has had such an impact....  Regards Dave |
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« Last Edit: October 15, 2006, 12:02:07 PM by davew »
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Spike Town
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« Reply #7 on: October 17, 2006, 01:17:03 PM » |
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Aaaaah if only F-S had included a picture of a cuddly teddy bear on the front, they would have sold millions....
But seriously, thanks Dave (and team) for the behind the scenes work that you have done in pushing to get the product made it really does look like it meets so many of the needs that a learner may have.
One note about the training voucher, will there be any regional training? London is a long way from Redcar and a free voucher becomes useless when we add on the costs of travel and possibly accomodation.
Thanks
Andrew
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"Remember, a group of highly qualified engineers built the Titanic, a lone amateur built the Ark"
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Blacklaser
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« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2006, 07:25:48 PM » |
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Anything new yet on price and/or release date? I'd be highly interested in getting this one but I need a new PDA rather soon... also will it be available in the US?
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Simone
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« Reply #9 on: November 02, 2006, 04:51:50 PM » |
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Does anybody know where the EDA can be purchased?
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jonmoss79
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« Reply #10 on: November 08, 2006, 11:12:27 AM » |
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I hope that they improve the overall design to make the PDA appear more than something that came out of the science lab. Design and look are important, I found it to be too focused on ruggidisation rather than a sleek professional device. Is there any feedback from current users of PDAs in schools as to the physical reliability of PDAs ? Are students motivated to use PDAs because they see it as being treated as a professional learner ? Will the change in desing be a step back effectively saying to students - great but we have designed it for your rugged lifestyle rather than saying - this is an expesive elegenat professional piece of kit - look after it. They indeed take good care of their phone and Ipods, why not a sleek professional PDA ?
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gerry.gray
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« Reply #11 on: November 08, 2006, 05:02:15 PM » |
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The kids I teach don't take care of their ipods and phones - the more chipped and cracked they are, the cooler they appear to be - 'look at me, my psp is falling apart, I'm so cool I don't look after my stuff'  |
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AST in Science
Court Moor School
Spring Woods
Fleet
Hampshire
GU52 7RY
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Graham
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« Reply #12 on: November 08, 2006, 07:25:40 PM » |
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I can see where you're coming from Jon but unfortunately the results of the use of handheld devices in various projects around the country have shown that shiny business focussed devices just aren't robust enough to take the tumble from a school desk or rigours of the school bag. Often the screens break which are the most expensive part of the device and as such damage would not be covered by warranty it is left to the insurers to pick up the tab, the result being that insurance premium for such devices ends up being much higher than a device that is ruggedised. Also using the device outdoors in damp or wet conditions has been another consideration. The colour scheme that reminds you of the science lab was decided after consultation with the Police where it was pointed out that there might be less trade for such a device in the local pub |
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Spike Town
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« Reply #13 on: November 08, 2006, 09:32:52 PM » |
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I reckon the new F-S device is pretty cool from a kid's point of view. It reminds me of a Top Trumps pack. I also think that primary school kids (who I predominantly work with) tend to look after kit more than secondary. In secondary I know exactly what Gerry means by a "grunge" look being the one to aspire to. "My PDA scratched? Am I bovvered tho?" as it were. At the end of the day I think the fact that it will perform in the rugged classroom/home environment is the most important feature of the design.
Andrew
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"Remember, a group of highly qualified engineers built the Titanic, a lone amateur built the Ark"
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jonmoss79
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« Reply #14 on: November 10, 2006, 02:13:28 PM » |
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Reagrding the desing,
I am glad to hear that the design has takne into account real-life experiences and indeed the point about theft was very valid. One point about having a line-in. Does the EDA have this option, I could think of many occacions where recording stero would be very valuable.
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