| When
selecting keyboards, portability is often an essential feature for students with
disabilities. When notes need to be typed in the classroom, a portable notetaker
has several advantages. It can work as a note-taker when battery-powered and then
connect to a computer to download the information. It can also serve as a keyboard
to input information directly to a computer. Because these devices are compact
and lightweight, students can use them anywhere and anytime. ExamplesAlphaSmart
3000 Keyboard (AlphaSmart,
Inc)
 This
portable word processor has a 4 line LCD screen and full-size keyboard. One student
or an entire classroom of students can write, take notes, practice keyboarding,
and then easily transfer the materials to a computer for formatting and editing.
It includes a spellchecker and can interface directly with a printer. The 3000
model provides for the use of applets to further extend its capabilities. (Mac,
PC) Subscribe
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DreamWriter 500
(Brainium Technologies)
 This
dedicated word processor includes full formatting capability and direct printing.
Designed as a beginner keyboard, it features a simplified keyboard and large font
display with an icon based menu. The DreamWriter® I.T. allows students of
all ages to send and receive e-mail, navigate the Web and run specially developed
curriculum software. Laser PC6 (Perfect
Solutions)
This notetaker uses an infrared receiver to send files to
a computer with one keystroke and without connecting any cables. 4lines of text
can be seen at one time. The PC6 also includes Word Predict, a Spell Checker,
Typing Tutor, Homework Calendar, Spreadsheet, 2 Databases and Calculator. A text-to
-speech add-on is also available.  Digital
Notebook (Perfect
Solutions)
This full color affordable laptop provides
complete word processing features including a full range of fonts, Spell Checker,
Thesaurus, graphics capabilities, among others.
 CalcuScribe
(QWERTY)
This notetaker/keyboard offers both 8 and 16 pt. fonts. Information can be sent
to a computer or "beamed" (with infra-red connection) to other CalcuScribes,
computers or printers. Includes ability to copy/paste text and spellcheck. Also
includes a MathWiz for typing math expressions (algebra and trig.) or for simple
arithmetic.
HINT: Keyboard Connectors
To use any of the above (Macintosh-version) notetakers that do not have an USB
(Universal Serial Bus) connector, you will need an adapter when connecting them
to an iMac computer. Griffin Technology has developed an adapter and driver software
to address this problem. We have found the least expensive ADB to USB adapter
at AlphaSmart ($20.00) under product accessories. The drivers can be downloaded
through the Griffin website. Resources dyslexic.com's
Portable Word Processors
This UK article compares 3 popular notetakers. 
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