[wanted] AlphaSmart or possibly even an Apple eMate?

[MrEprise]

Primary School I support asked me if we had any AlphaSmarts for which I replied "no" but they're still keen to get at least 1 (and possibly another as a spare if available) as they want a very simple word processor for a SEN pupil that a) doesn't have internet access (or any other distractions), b) long-ish battery life & c) easy to carry around with them.

 

I have put the Apple eMate in the title as well as I know these can be used in the same way (and has an adjustable screen so they're not looking down on the device) but agree may not be good in regards to being distraction free.

 

I have already suggested a locked-down laptop but they don't want this.

[FishCustard]

Plenty available on eBay from the United States if you've got the budget (~£50 including postage, packaging, and pigeons).

[gshaw]

Amstrad NC100 or NC200 if you want to go really retro, runs off D-cell batteries that last for ages

[LeMarchand]

Locked down tablet set to open a suitable wp on boot? Or do they want a physical keyboard?

 

Mainly because Alphasmarts seem to be one of those devices that seem to get used for a few weeks and then get cast aside. (Depends on the teacher, I guess). At least a tablet would be of more use later.

[MrEprise]

I keep meaning to come back to this but keep getting waylaid as usual.

 

Plenty available on eBay from the United States if you've got the budget (~£50 including postage, packaging, and pigeons).

 

I have mentioned this to them but they didn't seem impressed at having to get one from there, something about possible import charges and not wanting to pay them.

 

Amstrad NC100 or NC200 if you want to go really retro, runs off D-cell batteries that last for ages

 

Funnily enough, I've got one (NC200) at home which I rescued when my own school were throwing a load out. Hard to get power adapters for, though we could potentially just keep replacing the batteries. Plus there are games (Tetris clones if I remember correctly) for which the pupil could potentially get distracted playing. Possibility though.

 

Locked down tablet set to open a suitable wp on boot? Or do they want a physical keyboard?

 

Mainly because Alphasmarts seem to be one of those devices that seem to get used for a few weeks and then get cast aside. (Depends on the teacher, I guess). At least a tablet would be of more use later.

 

They're after a physical keyboard AFAIK. I have suggested an old-ish netbook set to just open wordpad with nothing else but they did seem dead set on an Alphasmart for some reason.

I say "did", they've gone rather quiet on the issue so I'm hoping they're looking at other options or just using one of the chromebooks as I do too imagine it'll end up in a cupboard after a year or so.

[FishCustard]

I keep meaning to come back to this but keep getting waylaid as usual.

I have mentioned this to them but they didn't seem impressed at having to get one from there, something about possible import charges and not wanting to pay them.

 

There's no Customs Duty on things under £135, so all you'll have to pay is VAT, which I believe eBay sorts for you.