New AAC Device from the SmartBox Company in the UK

The SmartBox company in the UK has released a new AAC device, the Powerbox 4. here are the specs from their website:

The new PowerBox 4 is the latest generation of our successful PowerBox.

In sleek black, the all-new device seamlessly integrates a powerful touchscreen tablet computer with a bespoke back box unit, housing accessories for communication and environment control.

The PowerBox 4 combines the power of a Windows XP tablet computer, in a sleek lightweight form, with a 12.1" LCD touchscreen that can respond to finger touch.

Other access options include switch input, with the option for radio switches, as well as head-pointer, keyboard and mouse.

Specification

• Battery: around six hours
• Weight: 5lb
• Dimensions: 11.53" x 8.66" x 2.5"
• Screen: 12.1" touch screen
• Built-in Environment Control
• Switch input
• Sound amplification from twin speakers

Options

• Wheelchair power adaptor
• RAdio link for switches

Mounting

A range of mounting options, from built-in desk stand to optional Daessy wheelchair or VESA arm mounts makes it an ideal solution for many users.

AAC Devices from Overseas

Today on TLWMSN we feature two AAC companies from overseas who carry products we generally don't see in the USA. The first company is Smartbox, of the UK. They carry four unique dynamic display devices (at least I think they are unique) and one Zygo device, the Talara. The Powerbox and Slimbook devices are very high tech AAC and computer system with environmental controls, the Powerbox is designed for wheelchair mounting and the Slimbook for ambulatory individuals. The Future Pad (pictured left) is for wheelchair or ambulatory use and does not have environmental controls, although they can be added. Finally, there is the Casio Handheld which is a palm pilot sized device which runs the Pocket Grid Software. The dynamic display devices utilize either The Grid for symbol communication or the Windbag for text communication, which are both produced by Sensory Software International. The Grid uses the Widgit Company Rebus Communication Symbols.

Next we have the Imagetalk Symbol Writer by Imagetalk, a subsidiary of a Finnish Company called Lingsoft, Inc. Imagetalk is a rather unusual communication software system which avoids grids, focuses on visual appeal and displays functions and content on the same page, but clearly divided. Another creative feature is that it can be installed on anything from PDAs and smartphones to tablets, laptops and desktops. Installing the system on a smartphone or other wireless communication device, like the Nokia pictured above, allows it to be used for in-person communication, but also for e-mail and cellphone calls without special equipment. Well worth the watch is Imagetalk's Animated Online Commercial (notice the stickers on the guitar South Park and Springfield {as in the Simpsons}). Imagetalk uses their own symbol library or a choice between Mayer-Johnson PCS, Pictographs or Bliss Symbolics.