Re: [NTLK] looking for keyboarding program

From: John Steinbeck (waywardbus26_at_yahoo.com)
Date: Sun Oct 23 2005 - 17:13:51 PDT


 Susan Sedro <ssedro_at_gmail.com> wrote:

> I'd like to use the emates for keyboarding/typing
> instruction. I know
>

Hi Susan, and welcome to the eMate.

Here's a link to the typing program you want:
http://www.unna.org/view.php?/applications/TypeToLearn

You should browse around unna.org, the free repository
of all things Newton (and eMate) -- you'll find all
the eMate documentation, including the teachers's
manual, if you don't already have one. There are also
some excellent Newton/eMate packages (programs) you'll
want for your eMates -- eBase (data base), WorksCalc
(graphical calculator), QuickFigureWorks (spreadsheet)
-- that have utility in the classroom. MacInTalk will
allow your eMates to speak Notes and Works texts
aloud, although the nuisance value may be greater than
usefulness with that one. There are many more
possibilities, of course.

Regarding your earlier question about IR networking --
it's not a viable option. The IR protocols used in the
eMate and Newton do not work with most other IR
enabled devices. There are a couple old HP printers
that work nicely, among them the Deskjet 340, but
mostly the only use your emate ports have is for
exchanging files with other emates.

Serial connections between one eMate and a Mac --
particularly older (pre-iMac) models that have a
serial port -- are very easily accomplished under 0S
9, with Newton Connection Utilities (also available
from unna.org). OS X, via its classic emulator, also
works fine. If you don't have the old round serial
port on your Mac, you will need a Keyspan USB to
serial adapter (twenty bucks or so on eBay, twice that
retail). The serial cables are just old Mac DIN 8
printer cables, which you probably have at your
school, or they can be purchased very inexpensively.

Another option if you want a network is a simple
Airport (or comprable) wireless base station (the old
802.11b variety) hooked to your Mac via ethernet
cable. You would also need some old-style wifi cards
for the emates -- Lucent Bronze Turbo or
Lucent/Orinoco Silver are popular choices and (on eBay
at least) fairly cheap. Free software such as NewtonIM
(instant messaging) SimpleMail (email) and Courier
(internet) could then link all your emates in a
variety of ways, and they could dock to your Mac
without any cables. Definitely more costly than the
serial cable option, but giving the emates email,
internet and chat capability would be quite cool
indeed.

Good luck!
 

        
                
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