ChatPC Silk
ChatPC-Silk represents the ultimate in portability without sacrificing capability. Although is boasts the largest screen for any PDA-based communication device, it only weighs 12.5 oz with the protective rubber housing, and 9 oz. without. The ChatPC-Silk can quickly be inserted into the rubber housing to provide extra protection, or removed to reduce size and weight.
ChatPC: Big Performance in a small package
Although ChatPC is available in two hardware platforms, the software and user interface are virtually identical. ChatPC is a full-featured, dynamic screen device that allows hundreds of communication pages to be linked together to meet an individual’s communication needs for home, school, work and other situations in his/her life.
One of the many highlights of the ChatPC software is PalmChat, a word-based vocabulary, created by Nancy Inman, M.A.T., CCC-SLP and Janet S. Lehr, M.S., CCC-SLP, both who are widely known for the their work in developing, implementing and teaching word-based vocabulary programs. PalmChat is the first generative, core word vocabulary available for the ChatPC and is a major advancement for individuals who want a flexible language program without sacrificing device portability.
Another recent enhancement in ChatPC family is the integration of Loquendo and NeoSpeech speech synthesizers. Loquendo has set the standard in the European Telecom community and is now available for the ChatPC. Loquendo provides speech synthesis in a number of different languages. Simply by choosing different voices from a menu, the ChatPC will pronounce words in US English, UK English, French, Spanish, German or Italian. Note: In ChatPC-Silk, Loquendo voices also include Canadian French, American Spanish and Portuguese. NeoSpeech is only available in American English, but has a very natural and easy-to-understand voice. DecTalk is also still available as an option for those who prefer the classic voice of ChatPC. Although all speech options offer both male and female voices, only DecTalk offers a child voice.
Customizing the ChatPC Devices:
While a variety of vocabulary files, or page sets, are provided with the ChatPC, you will want to make modifications and add additional vocabulary for the specific needs of the person using the device. The size, color, background, symbol, font, label, message and action of each button can be customized for one’s individual needs. You can adjust the number of buttons on a page, the size of the speech display bar, and many other features to meet the unique needs of each individual.
You can easily customize and add vocabulary on the ChatPC unit itself. In addition, software is included which allows editing and customizing on a Windows computer. This program also provides an easy means of importing photos and other graphics to be used as symbols on the ChatPC device. Cables and instructions are included for downloading the vocabulary to the ChatPC.
Three ChatPC Models available:
Both the ChatPC-4 and ChatPC-Silk are available in three models. Models differ from each other in features and capabilities as well as in the warranty period. Below is a description of each model.
Standard Model
The standard models are designed for individuals who will primarily be using symbols for communication. Although these models have keyboard pages for spelling, they do not include word prediction. Other text-based features not included in these models are abbreviation-expansion and the capability to edit text files. Standard models come with a one year warranty. Standard models are ‘open’ systems, meaning you can also run other PocketPC applications on these devices.
Plus Model
The Plus models are designed for individuals with existing or emerging literacy skills. In addition to all of the features of the standard models, Plus models come with 10,000 and 30,000 word prediction dictionaries. Numerous pages with and without spelling prediction are included in the pre-stored vocabulary files. Plus models include abbreviation-expansion, a feature that allows you to encode a word phrase or sentence under a short sequence of letters. Plus models also provide the capability to load and save text files. Plus models are ‘open’ systems; meaning you can also run other PocketPC applications on these devices. Plus models come with a one year warranty.
Dedicated Plus Model
The guidelines for Medicare and for Medicaid in many states require that devices purchased with funds from these organizations are ‘dedicated’ devices. Dedicated devices are devices that can only be used as communication devices, i.e. no other applications can be run on the devices. The Dedicated Plus ChatPC Models meet the funding requirements of these organizations and are classified as E2510 devices. Dedicated Plus models include all of the features of the Plus models and come with a three year warranty. Dedicated Plus models also include a carrying case.
Pocket PC Applications:
ChatPC is based on a PocketPC computer. One of the many benefits this provides is the ability to use PocketPC applications on the 'Plus' and 'Standard' models. The standard PocketPC applications that come loaded on your device include Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, a calendar and a calculator. There are also commercial PocketPC programs that can be purchased and run on the device.
Pre-Loaded Vocabulary:
ChatPC now ships with five default vocabulary files, or page sets. Each vocabulary file was designed to address the communication needs of a particular group of individuals. Read the description of each one to see which program is most appropriate for you. Keep in mind that all vocabulary programs are fully customizable and can be personalized for each individual. Below is a short description of each vocabulary file.
PalmChat
PalmChat uses high-frequency core words to facilitate quick and easy sentence generation. It also includes nouns and adjectives that are organized in logical categories. All grammatical word classes have been included. As a sentence is being built, you often find that the next word you want to say can be spoken with one or two button presses. A ‘grammar’ key is used to provide morphological endings to verbs, nouns and adjectives. A spelling/word prediction page is used to spell words that are not included in the vocabulary set. Click here for more information.
VocabPC
VocabPC was designed by Gail Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP, for adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Vocabulary in VocabPC is arranged as carrier phrases, interactive sentences, activity vocabulary and naming words. VocabPC uses a 12 location page layout. The included manual contains customizing hints, teaching strategies, flashcards and vocabulary documentation.
16 Basic and 16 Primary
16 Primary and 16 Basic are both starter vocabularies that consist of a combination of words, phrases and sentences. Both programs use a 16 location page layout and contain vocabulary used at school, at home, in daily activities and in general communication. Both programs provide access to spelling keyboards.
Saltillo Sampler
Saltillo Sampler is not a starter vocabulary file, but rather a set of pages that shows various capabilities and options of the ChatPC. You can see samples from a variety of symbols sets (PCS, Imagine, Unlimiter and Clarity). A variety of button sizes and page layouts can help you decide which setup works best for your client. You can also find various examples of integrating different tools and button actions into vocabulary pages.
General Features
- Color Dynamic Display
- Lightweight and portable
- Software and hardware volume control
- On/off switch and auto power-down
- Several hours of recorded speech
- Holds numerous vocabulary files, each containing hundreds of pages
- 3,000 PCS symbols are included on the ChatPC. The included DesktopChat software includes approximately 10,000 PCS symbols and 3000 Imagine symbols.
- NeoSpeech, DecTalk or Loquendo synthesized speech
- Accessed by finger touch
- Extended-life rechargeable (Lithium-Ion) battery.
- Screen size: 4.0" (diagonal)
- 12 to 36 month warranty
- Size: 3.25" x 5.6" x 1.6" with protective case. 2.95" x 5.25" x 1.4" without case
- Weight: 12.5oz. with protective case. 9 oz. without case
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