Technology Training and Competency, Web Authoring Tools, Desktop Computers, Portable Computers and Handhelds, Monitors and Displays, Peripherals, Storage Devices, Workstations, Wired Access: Switches, Routers, Hubs, Etc., Wireless Access: Optical Wireless, and Computer Networking Products and Other Tools
Technology Training and Competency
CTAP Online
CTAP Online offers courses in such areas as basic computer skills, technology
integration, and standards-driven lessons. Teachers who take these courses for
staff development or further training can enroll and attend online in their
free time. Courses are also available in a face-to-face setting. Course members
have access to chat rooms and threaded discussion boards that allow teachers
to interact with others teaching the same grade level or subject. Photo and
bio pages allow teachers to learn more about their fellow CTAP Online participants.
CTAP Online also offers a wealth of useful links for teachers. These links include
standards-based lesson plans, rubrics, State education sites, technology sites
and many other useful links. Contact: Butte County Office of Education, Oroville,
CA; (530) 532-5814; www.ctaponline.org.
CodeWarriorU.com
Metrowerks, maker of CodeWarrior software, offers free online software development
training for CodeWarrior users and would-be users. Currently Metrowerks is offering
courses in PalmOS Programming with CodeWarrior, Introduction to Embedded Programming,
and other courses related to their products, as well as basic courses on programming
with C, C++, and Java. Contact: Metrowerks, Austin, TX; (512) 997-4700; www.codewarrioru.com/CodeWarriorU.
Collegis
Collegis offers a comprehensive array of services, including: Campus Planning,
Process Analysis and Design, Administrative Systems (ERP) Implementation, Application
Services (ASP), Management Services, Legacy Systems Management, ERP Web-Enablement,
Portal Services, EIS/Data Warehouse, e-Commerce and e-Learning. Contact: Collegis,
Maitland, FL; (800) 800-1874; www.collegis.com.
Explore
Explore, an interactive guided learning program from Course Technology (part
of Thomson Publishing) teaches students computer skills by putting them into
a simulated environment. Students take on the role of an intern in a fictional
advertising agency, and through that role learn their skills through processes
such as analyzing data, comparing and contrasting, synthesizing information,
and drawing conclusions. Contact: Course Technology, Boston, MA; (617) 757-7900;
www.course.com.
International Academy of Science
The International Academy of Science, run by the WideBand Gigabit Networking
Alliance (WGNA) offers an online course on wideband gigabit networking, an opportunity
to learn how to integrate gigabit speeds into an existing network, how to improve
network performance and expand network flexibility, and how to deliver high-quality
video over the network. Along with the basic concepts of WideBand Gigabit Networking
Technology, the course covers such topics as network configuration and design,
delivery of high quality video on the network, high-performance network servers,
enhanced Ethernet, and more. The WGNA is an organization composed of institutional,
academic, and school members. Contact: WGNA, Independence, MO; (816) 220-3000;
www.science.edu.
LearnLinc 5
LearnLinc 5 from Mentergy provides synchronized Web navigation, enabling instructors
to launch browsers on all student PCs and control access to Web sites. Version
5 features instructor/student floor control, class coordination, synchronized
multimedia or Web-based courseware, application sharing, whiteboard and text
chat, record/playback, and breakout groups. Improvements include smaller downloads
in this version and a simplified interface and installation process. In addition,
LearnLinc maintains a wide array of communications options, such as audio conferencing,
streaming video, and IP multicasting. Contact: Mentergy, Atlanta, GA; (770)
612-9129; www.mentergy.com.
Lotus Learning Space
LearningSpace 5 is a complete learning management and delivery system that lets
users seamlessly integrate course content, whether it be generated by the instructor
or a content provider. Learning Space supports self-paced, collaborative, or
real-time learning. Lotus LearningSpace 5 Core Module uses active server page
technology and relational database structures to support the delivery and tracking
of online self-paced learning content. Self-paced courses can be highly structured
with controlled paths and prerequisite assessments, providing flexible learner
access designed to suit individual learning needs. Lotus LearningSpace 5 Collaboration
Module combines the self-paced learning capabilities of the core module with
the extensive collaborative learning capabilities that enable learners and instructors
to work and learn together using discussion databases or via real-time, virtual
classrooms. This capability makes it possible to bring together groups located
throughout the world. Contact: Lotus Corp., Cambridge, MA; (800) 346-1305; www.lotus.com.
Web Authoring Tools
Crystal Graphics
Crystal Graphics packages its Web site enhancement tools in an affordable bundle.
The package includes WEBackgrounds, Crystal 3D IMPACT Pro and Crystal 3D CD.
WEBackgrounds includes 100 professionally designed Web backgrounds that download
quickly. Impact Pro features Crystal Graphics' animation software, and 3D CD
is a collection of 75 3D effects. With the package, users can create animated
titles, logos, buttons, and objects easily simply by clicking on the desired
look. Contact: Crystal Graphics, Santa Clara, CA; (408) 496-6175; www.crystalgraphics.com.
Eye Candy 4000
This graphics plug-in from Alien Skin Software offers users 23 special effects
filters including wood, fire, and marble for backgrounds, images, or text. The
Drip filter-complete with 3D-like drops turns text and images into dripping
paintings, while the Melt filter allows users to stretch and distort using realistic
melting effects. Hundreds of presets create effects instantly, but tools such
as the Bevel Profile Editor and Color Gradient Editor allow users complete control
over shape and color. Users can switch from one filter to another in the large
preview window and can see effects with all layers visible. Real-world parameters
create resolution-independent images that will look the same when printed at
72 dpi or put onto a Web site at 300 dpi or higher. Contact: Alien Skin Software;
Raleigh, NC; (888) 921-7546; www.alienskin.com.
GoLive
This Adobe software features WYSIWYG page layout with one-pixel accuracy. The
layout grid lets users place elements anywhere on the page, and they will display
that way in a Web browser. Users can manage a Web site with a tool that provides
a graphical map of each page, showing pages that are linked to it and including
a list of graphics and other media, links, and e-mail addresses that appear
in the page. Users can also update an entire site at once if they change a filename,
URL, or e-mail address. While working on a Web page or a site in GoLive, users
can easily preview the page as it would appear in different browsers on different
platforms. In addition to the source and layout views common to many WYSIWYG
Web page editors, GoLive has a useful HTML outline view that allows users to
instantly see connections between related tags. Version 5.0 has more than 100
new features. Contact: Adobe Systems; San Jose, CA; (408) 536-6000; www.adobe.com.
LiveMotion
LiveMotion makes it easy to animate images for the Web and to import Photoshop
and Illlustrator files. The animation timeline in LiveMotion is object-based
so that each part of an image can be animated separately, even if the parts
are on the same layer. Animations can be exported as GIFs or SWFs. LiveMotion
also lets users create and save styles for rollovers, making it easy to create
a set of similar buttons without having to repeat tedious steps. Contact: Adobe
Systems; San Jose, CA; (408) 536-6000; www.adobe.com.
NetUp
NetUp is an easy-to-use Windows application that makes it simple for inexperienced
PC users to create and maintain Web sites. Using a single set of friendly and
intuitive tools, NetUp lets users do page layout, create images, add text, and
publish a Web site to the Internet, without learning programming or graphic
artistry. Creating a new home page is as easy as defining the page dimensions
and moving text and images. NetUp features a built-in graphics creation tool
that lets users make graphics in minutes. Users can create buttons and banners
by selecting their shape, choosing from a collection of professionally designed
styles, adding words, and playing with shadows, bevels, and glows. Users can
type text, or cut and paste it into new pages. All text and graphics operations
have unlimited undo/redo capabilities, making it easy to try new visual ideas
and keep only those that work. NetUp's built-in previewer lets users assess
the look and feel of the Web site, and test all of the hyperlinks and mouse-over
effects. NetUp keeps track of which objects are new or changed, and with a single
click, users can upload them to the Internet. NetUp runs under Windows 95/98/Me/NT4/2000.
Contact Via-Net Aps, Denmark, +45 8620 5151; http://www.dreamtoolz.com.
Quest 6.0
A reusable and extensible object-oriented architecture lets Quest 6.0 enhance
the development of interactive training and education applications.
Features
include FastTracks, multiple libraries of pre-built screen layouts, buttons,
and interactions. QuestNet+, a 16-bit version for both novice and expert developers,
offers interactive training via CD-ROM, the Internet, an intranet, LAN, or a
hybrid mix of delivery vehicles. Users need a 32-bit operating system-Windows
95 or higher or Windows NT-to take full advantage of the multimedia capabilities.
Contact: Mentergy, Atlanta, GA; (770) 612-9129; www.mentergy.com.
SmartSound
This family of audio software products from Sonic Desktop enables Web site builders
to create soundtracks in minutes. Music and sound effects files are embedded
with information that allows the software to manipulate the audio automatically.
The Maestro feature quickly locates the type of music required and automatically
edits it to the specified length-accurate to 1/10 of a second. SmartSound comes
with CDs of royalty-free music, and users can also import their own audio and
edit it manually in the BlockClipper. The Maestro feature presents up to 10
arrangements for any specific soundtrack, and imported audio can be mixed with
automated soundtracks. Contact: Sonic Desktop; Northridge, CA; (800) 454-1900;
www.smartsound.com.
Tandberg's Educational Partner Tools
Tandberg markets its Educational Partner Tools as authoring software that allows
teachers and materials developers to create their own multimedia learning resources.
Partner Tools is available in two versions: the Designer and the Browser. The
Designer enables teachers to choose the best medium to convey their message-a
still picture, video clip, or audio clip-and store the resulting materials in
digital format. Using the Browser, students can navigate the multimedia experience
via a linear sequence random access, but are not able to change the format.
Contact: Tandberg Educational; Brewster, NY; (800) 367-1137; www.tandberg-us.com.
Toolbook II Assistant 8
Using Assistant's intuitive drag and drop interface, educators can create multimedia
e-learning content by just following three steps: point, click, and author.
Assistant's catalog contains the authoring objects required to build interactive
content-assessment objects, media players, navigation panels, and other interactive
objects, many with predefined behavior that can be customized. Assistant's Book
Specialist automates the task of creating the layout of e-learning content by
prompting users for choices about how they want the content to appear and behave.
Assistant provides support for the SCORM tracking standards, as well as AICC
and LRN. It allows users to deliver e-learning content on the Internet or an
intranet, a local area network (LAN), or on a CD-ROM. Assistant can automatically
convert content to DHTML as well. Contact: Click2learn; Seattle, WA; (800) 448-6543;
www.click2learn.com.
VideoFactory
Users can create high-quality, low-bandwidth videos in a format that d'esn't
take up a lot of hard drive space with Sonic Foundry's VideoFactory 2.
0. The
software allows users to animate text to scroll credits or focus on key points;
fly in text in a number of ways; set the font size, color, angle, and timing,
and apply drop shadows and glows. MP3 audio files can be used to enhance a video
project, either through adding multiple MP3 files to the same project or crossfading
them on the same track. The product includes a Getting Started CD with 29 interactive
tutorials and a content CD containing hundreds of video clips and images, sound
effects, music beds, and stingers. Users can record an audio track or narrate
a video in real time during playback, as well as add images and pictures that
have been scanned in, captured on screen, or received via e-mail. Contact: Sonic
Foundry; Madison, WI; (608) 256-3133; www.sonicfoundry.com.
WebTemplates
WebTemplates is a subscription service offering pre-made Web page templates.
Subscribers can build, manage, and even upload their Web pages from their browser.
Each template includes all art. Users do not have to learn HTML, and some templates
even have pre-coded features like Javascript rollover buttons. Other features
of the site include a collection of Web art (backgrounds, buttons, and lines),
and several useful tools for Web developers, including a Web-safe color picker,
Web tips and design links. Once the site has been built, users can download
it to a single zip file or upload them to the ISP instantly. ISPs can also subscribe
to WebTemplates in order to offer their own customers these page-building tools.
Contact: WebTemplates.
Web Design 101
Macromedia's Web Design 101 is a package of tutorials and evaluation software
for Web design classes, and is based on Director 7, Freehand 8, Flash 4, Fireworks
3, and Dreamweaver 3. It is a 30-hour complete short course on Web design for
beginners. The tutorials themselves are free from Macromedia, but the CD-ROMs
come with a printed instructor's guide and six lessons per product. Contact:
Macromedia, San Francisco, CA; (415) 252-2000; www.macromedia.com.
Web Learning Studio
Macromedia's three-product bundle includes Authorware 5.2, Flash 5, and Dreamweaver
4, as well as "Getting Started with Online Learning" materials. Authorware
enables users to incorporate rich media through direct support for Flash 5,
QuickTime 4, and other common digital video and audio formats. Users can add
content and then choose from eleven response types including buttons, hotspots,
and hot objects. Flash allows users to create animations and include narration
and soundtracks. Dreamweaver 4 provides an environment for authoring HTML and
JavaScript through a visual approach, and enables users to create interactive
Flash buttons. Contact: Macromedia; San Francisco, CA; (415) 252-2000; www.macromedia.com.
WebSavant
Learn how to create Web pages, write and edit HTML code, and tweak HTML code
in WYSIWYG Web page editors with this four CD-ROM package from Savant Interactive.
With more than 11 hours of instruction, including hundreds of sample files and
demos for the software and shareware covered in the training, WebSavant begins
with an introduction to the Internet and moves on to HTML, page design, image
creation, animated GIFs, JavaScript, audio, video, and other topics. Users will
learn to properly convert graphics to a Web format; write JavaScript to create
mouse-over effects, image swapping, and form data validation; and customize
CGI scripts to e-mail form data and perform searches on their sites. Advanced
lessons cover frames, forms, PDFs, and an introduction to Flash. Contact: Savant
Interactive; Lisle, IL; (866) 4SAVANT; www.Websavant.com.
WebStock
Artbeats' multimedia production tool and reference library contains more than
550 MB of data comprising more than 2,000 royalty-free movies, animations, bitmapped
graphics, sounds, and Flash files. Web designers can get vector images and fast-downloading,
fully animated buttons that can be imported into multimedia authoring programs.
Most of the bitmapped images consist of more than one frame or state and can
be used to create roll-over effects, while the multi-frame buttons can be used
as animated gifs. The reasonable price includes an online manual and technical
support. Contact: Artbeats; Myrtle Creek, OR; (541) 863-4429; www.artbeats.com.
Desktop Computers
Apollo V94S
The Apollo V94S from Premio provides optimum performance with Intel Pentium
III processors in the socket 370 interface, with 100MHz or 133 MHz front side
bus. The system supports PC133 memory up to 1.5GB SDRAM. The full-sized midtower/
desktop offers highly expandable features for future upgrades. The Apollo V94S
was designed to perform multimedia intense applications, using demanding graphics
in multi-tasking environments.
Contact: PREMIO, City of Industry, CA; (800) 677-6477; www.premiopc.com.
Aquarius
The Aquarius Workstation from TeraRecon applies 3D and post-processing capabilities
to medical imaging, with real-time visualization for CT, MRI and other medical
applications. In perspective volume rendering mode, the workstation can generate
3D reconstructions of the lumen blood vessels, airways, or organs, while a multi-planar
reconstruction view is created alongside the actual 3D curve, applied either
directly to the image or on a combination of orthogonal reformats. Other capabilities
include volume measurement, slice review, body scanning, and cardiac CT. Training
and after-sales support are included with all installations. Contact: TeraRecon,
Inc., San Mateo, CA; (650) 372-1100; www.webtera.com
Boxx Technologies
Designed for Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows NT, or Linux, the 3DBOXX R1 from
Boxx technologies series features 1.2 GHz, and 1.0GHz AMD Athlon MP processors
and is optimized for leading 3D and animation software programs such as Maya,
3D Studio MAX, Softimage 3D, LightWave 3D, and Houdini.
The AMD Athlon MP processors
with Double Data Rate (DDR) memory are designed to provide increased performance
in video encoding, audio, video, and image editing; 3D modeling and animation;
and feature a micro-architecture that is optimized for high clock frequencies
and a system bus that runs at 266 MHz. The workstations feature up to 4GB 266MHz
DDR with 4 DIMM slots, 2 onboard 10/100Mbs Ethernet adapters, and 10 internal
hard drive bays with optional hotswap hard drives. Contact: Boxx Technologies,
Austin, TX; (877) 877-BOXX; www.boxxtech.com.
Dimension 8100
The 8100 features a Pentium 4 processor with up to 1.7 GHz of processing power.
Along with a hard drive of 80GB and 1024 MB of RDRAM memory, this is Dell's
leading edge product. Also available from Dell are the 4100 and Dimension L,
both offering 512 MB of SDRAM and Intel Pentium III processors. Contact: Dell
Computer, Corp., Round Rock, TX; (800) 274-7799; www.dell.com.
e-pc s10
A compact PC with an ultra-small form factor, the HP e-pc s10 is available with
either an Intel Pentium III or Celeron processor, up to both 256 MB SDRAM and
40 GB hard disk storage, and integrated Intel 3D Direct AGP. Additional features
include a 3Com Fast Etherlink 10/100Base-TX integrated LAN solution and an HP
24X Max-speed slim CD-ROM drive. All operating systems include both Microsoft
Windows '98 Second Edition and Windows 2000 Professional. Contact: Hewlett Packard,
Palo Alto, CA; 800-752-0900; www.hp.com.
Evo
Evo, Compaq's new line of notebooks, workstations, desktops and thin clients,
was developed specifically for users needing to consolidate their business computers.
The Evo Notebook N400c is an ultra-thin portable designed to provide wireless
connectivity through a modular concept called MultiPort, while the more affordable
Evo Notebook N150 is a 2-spindle, thin design that allows for easy configuration
and upgrades. Evo's legacy-free Thin Client T20 comes equipped with an embedded
version of Windows NT, and a smaller form factor to enable full client management.
Finally, Evo's new workstations, the W6000 and W8000, deliver industry-standard
solutions and are designed for customer workspace and application requirements.
Contact: Compaq Computer Corp.; Houston, TX; (800) AT-COMPAQ; www.compaq.com
iMac DV
Available in several versions from 500-700 MHz, every Apple iMac features 256K
of Level 2 cache running at processor speed, plenty of RAM (128MB on the 500MHz
model and 256MB on the 600MHz and Special Edition models), ATI RAGE 128 Ultra
graphics accelerators with 16MB SDRAM, built-in microphone, dual mini-headphone
jacks, FireWire and USB. Also included are a 56K V.90 fax modem, 10/100BASE-T
Ethernet, and a slot for an AirPort Card. In the latest models, hard disk capacity
has been greatly expanded (60GB in the Special Edition). Contact: Apple Computer,
Cupertino, CA; (408) 974-0210; www.apple.com.
InfoGOLD 2000
InfoGOLD 2000 features an Intel Pentium 800 MHz processor and 256 MB SDRAM.
The system is DVD ready and includes diskette and CD-ROM drive. An integrated
audio/sound blaster pro/speaker system and 3-D graphics are included. It operates
on the Windows 98 operating system and includes a 17" monitor. Contact:
InfoGOLD, Milpitas, CA; (800) 888-6615.
NetVista A60
The IBM NetVista A60 features processing speeds of up to 1.7 GHz, with an Intel
Pentium 4 that enables users to receive broadband transmissions, create enhanced
presentations, and conduct video conferences. System memory is expandable to
1.5GB for complex software and simultaneous applications, while an optional
15GB hard drive and choice of NVIDIA cards are also available. Contact: IBM
Corporation, Armonk, NY; (888) SHOP-IBM; www.ibm.com.
OptiPlex GX50
The Dell OptiPlex GX50 includes the LegacySelect Technology Control feature,
which will, among other functions, enable users to electronically activate and
deactivate specific ports and media devices. Sealed Bay options are also available,
with or without Floppy Disk or Optical Drive openings and on two SF chassis
selections. The OptiPlex GX50 measures 3.6" x 12.5" x 13.9",
and features 4 USB ports, 2 serial ports, and both a parallel and RJ45 network
port. Contact: Dell, Austin, TX; (800) WWW-DELL; www.dell.com.
PowerMate
NEC's Powermate ES SlimLine is a compact computer designed to fit into space-constrained
environments. Features include an Intel Pentium III processor, 64MB or 108MB
SDRAM, and either a CD-ROM or DVD drive. Each package also includes integrated
3Com 10/100 Ethernet capabilities, 2D/3D graphics, and 16-bit AC'97 audio, with
either Windows 98 or Windows NT/2000 already installed. Contact: NEC Computers
Inc., West Valley City, UT; (800) 632-4525; www.neccomp.com.
Predator II
Premio's Predator II workstation features dual processor capability, and can
support Intel Pentium III processors with speeds from 733MHz up to 1 GHz. It
allows for customization of individual requirements and comes standard with
a 20.4 GB hard drive, 128 MB PC133 memory, 32MB video card, 20/48X CD-ROM, Windows
2000 Professional, and a 17" monitor. Also included is Premio's customized
PC Quick Fix software that can diagnose technical problems, and then enable
desktops, workstations, and servers to undergo a self-healing reconstruction
process. Contact: Premio Computer, Inc., City of Industry, CA; (800) 677-6477;
www.premiopc.com.
Professional V1000
The Gateway Professional V1000 enables users to customize their PCs with fully
integrated technology upgrade packages. The system features Windows 98 Second
Edition and Microsoft Office XP Small Business Edition, with an Intel Pentium
III Processor, 128MB SDRAM, and a 20GB Ultra ATA hard drive. Also included is
an EV700 17" monitor with integrated Intel 3D graphics and a CD-ROM. Contact:
Gateway, San Diego, CA; (800) GATEWAY; www.gateway.com.
Profile All-in-One Desktop
The Gateway Profile All-in-One Desktops feature a sleek 15-inch LCD that is
only 3 inches deep, integrated multimedia and communication tools, industry-standard
manageability, and 64MB SDRAM. The Profile is designed to fit into a compact
space while providing the ease of use of a desktop computer. Contact: Gateway
2000, North Sioux City, SD; (800) GATEWAY; www.gateway.com.
Sun Blade 100
Powered by a 500-MHz UltraSPARC-IIe, the Sun Blade 100 Workstation delivers
up to 2GB of main memory and up to two 15GB, 7200-rpm internal disk drives.
The Sun Blade comes with high-speed CD-ROM or DVD-ROM and floppy drives. USB
and IEEE 1394 interfaces provide connectivity to a variety of peripherals. In
addition to the standard 2D 24-bit Sun PGX64 graphics, buyers can purchase configurations
with Sun Expert3D graphics and support for resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. Three
industry-standard PCI Slots provide access to hundreds of expansion and networking
options. Contact: Sun Microsystems, Menlo Park, CA; (800) 786-7638; www.sun.com
Toshiba Equium
The Toshiba Equium 7350 and 8000 series comprise a build-to-order system that
includes a range of options for customizing a lower-priced desktop solution.
Both are available with an Intel PentiumIII 1GHz processor with 20GB hard disk
drive, 128MB SDRAM memory, CD/RW for unlimited storage, V.90/K56 modem, 3Com
10/100 Ethernet card, and speakers. The 7350 comes with Windows 98 Second Edition
and the 8000 with Windows 2000. Contact: Toshiba, Irvine, CA; (800) TOSHIBA;
www.toshiba.com.
Veriton 5100
The Veriton 5100 desktop computer is Acer's entry into the education market.
Shipped with either Intel Pentium III or Intel Celeron processors, the model
also features 10/100 Ethernet, LAN Desk Client Manager, Acer CPR recovery CD,
and diagnostic and anti-virus software. Contact: Acer America Corp., San Jose,
CA; (800) 391-ACER; www.acer.com.
Portable Computers and Handhelds
AlphaSmart 2000
The AlphaSmart 2000 is a portable keyboard or note taker compatible with any
Macintosh or PC. It enables students to practice keyboarding and to write and
store reports, essays, and notes without having to be at a computer. The device
allows users to provide technology access to an entire classroom of thirty students
for the price of two or three computers. The product includes a full-sized keyboard
and four-line text display. It weighs two pounds and runs on three AA batteries
for up to 300 hours of typical use. Contact: AlphaSmart, Cupertino, CA; (888)
274-0680; www.alphasmart.com.
DreamWriter T400-IR
The DreamWriter T400-IR is a full-featured word processor appropriate for use
in the classroom or on field trips. The 2.2-pound compact computer has a memory
for up to 100 text pages, displays 8 lines by 80 characters, holds 128 unique
files, and features a calculator and world clock. The product is capable of
direct printing. An optional infrared port is available for wireless printing
and file transfer. Contact: NTS Computer Systems, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada; (800)
663-7163; http://www.dreamwriter.co.uk/.
MobilePro 750C H/PC
The NEC MobilePro 790 is a hand-held computer small enough to fit into a briefcase
or handbag. The 790 is an instant-on handheld PC with 32MB of memory, 16MB of
flash memory and an 8.1" color touch screen. Weighing less than two pounds,
the unit is only 1.1-inches thin. Ten programmable function keys are built into
the keyboard. The 790 offers 24 to 32 MB of RAM and a 168MHz processor, and
comes loaded with Windows software. Contact: NEC, Irving, TX; (888) 632-8701;
www.necus.com.
Palm VIIx Connected Organizer
The Palm VIIx provides many of the same features of Palm's earlier models, but
with the addition of wireless access to the Internet. The product includes a
date book, address book, mail, to-do list, memo pad, expense recorder, calculator,
security, games, and HotSync technology for local and remote synchronization
with the user's PC. An infrared port facilitates data/software sharing. The
Palm VII offers 8MB RAM. Contact: Palm, Santa Clara, CA; (408) 878-9000; www.palm.com.
PowerBook G4
Apple's PowerBook G4 weighs 5.3 pounds, and features a PowerPC G4 processor
with speeds of up to 500 MHz. Other benefits include up to 30 gigabytes of hard
disk space and 1 GB of RAM, ATI RAGE Mobility 128 graphics, FireWire, USB port,
PC Card slot, and VGA and S-video output. The PowerBook G4 comes equipped with
built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet for quick access to a corporate network, and
either a DSL or cable modem. Users can connect up to 127 devices via the USB
port, including digital cameras, graphics tablets, and Palm OS-based handheld
devices. Contact: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA; (800) MY-APPLE; www.apple.com.
Presario Notebooks
Compaq's Presario series includes the 1800 line of fully loaded customizable
or pre-configured portables. Each features a Pentium III processor, 10/100 Ethernet
port, second generation DVD-ROM drive, and TV out capability, allowing users
to connect the notebook to the TV to view DVD movies. The series is available
with a 15-inch monitor with a total notebook weight of 7.8 pounds. Contact:
Compaq Computer Corp., Houston, TX; (800) 99-TEACH; www.compaq.com.
Satellite 4600
The Toshiba Satellite 4600 offers a 900-1000 MHz Pentium III processor with
wireless connectivity. The unit includes integrated Ethernet and 56K modem,
20 GB hard drive, 3.5-inch disk drive, and CD-ROM and DVD drives. The multimedia
package includes a 15-inch diagonal active matrix color display and Trident
XP graphics controller. The computer, which weighs 7.4 pounds, comes with Windows
98, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and other applications. Contact: Toshiba America
Consumer Products, Inc., Irvine, CA; (800) TOSHIBA; www.toshiba.com.
Shuttle 7000
Tangent's top of the line notebook features an Intel mobile Pentium III or Celeron
processor with speeds up to 850 MHz, 512 MB of RAM, a 14.1 or 15-inch display,
and a docking station/port replicator option that allows users to add a second
monitor if desired. The 15-inch unit weighs 7.2 pounds. Contact: Tangent, Burlingame,
CA; (800) TANGENT; www.tangent.com.
Monitors and Displays
Advantage Electrol
This latest screen from Da-Lite was designed with the installer in mind. The
extruded aluminum case is lightweight and the finished case edge has a clean
look and allows easy installation of ceiling tiles around the case. Specially
designed "C" channels on the top of the case allow mounting attachments
anywhere along the case's length. It is available in a tensioned or non-tensioned
version in a variety of fabrics. Contact: Da-Lite Screen, Warsaw, IN; (800)
622-3737; www.da-lite.com.
AXD CP-4
Available in either a wall or desktop model, the AMD AXD CP-4 color touch panel
features colorful menus and crisp icons. Laser-engraved, brightly back-lit buttons
control the sources, lights, and volume. Each button can brighten individually,
as well. The panel detects different degrees of light and regulates the brightness
of the LCD accordingly. Contact: AMX Corp., Dallas, TX; (800) 222-0193; www.amx.com.
Diamond Plus 200 Flat Screen
Mitsubishi's 22" flat screen monitor with a 20" viewable surface offers
a maximum resolution of 1800 x 1440 at72 Hz. Mitsubishi technology significantly
reduces external reflections and glare for easier viewing and decreased eye
strain. Diamond Plus screens use a dispersed scandium oxide, sputtered tungsten
coated cathode for long-life and increased brightness. Contact: Mitsubishi,
Cypress, CA; (714) 220-2500; www.mitsubishi-display.com.
DLP WN 5230-S
The Clarity Digital Light Processing 52-inch diagonal rear-projection display
WN 5230-S, also called the "Tigress," features a one-chip engine that
eliminates the need for convergence adjustment in production or during installation,
while maintaining the same 8,000 hour lamp life and low power consumption as
their two-chip model. Combined with Clarity's ColorEdge module, which provides
enhanced color matching between displays, set up time will be significantly
reduced. Contact: Clarity Visual Systems, Wilsonville, OR; (503) 570-0700; www.clarityvisual.com.
LC-150M2U LCD Video Monitor
The Sharp LC-150M2U LCD Video Monitor is ergonomically designed to fit on the
wall, table top or kiosk. This flat monitor is less than 3" thick and weighs
only 7.9lbs. Energy efficient, it requires 44 percent less power than a standard
CRT monitor, providing cost savings through reduced power usage. With multiple
inputs, these screens are compatible not only with composite and S-Video, but
with higher quality component outputs such as DVD players, video cameras, and
future DTV decoders. The LC-150M2U features high brightness with long-life fluorescent
backlight, 640x480 resolution and a flicker-free, full color (16.7 million)
TFT active matrix LCD, a non-glare screen and wide viewing angle.
Contact: Sharp Electronics Corp., Mahwah, NJ; (201) 529-8731; www.sharp-usa.com.
NEC VR17
The NEC VR17 monitor offers on-screen controls, resolution up to 1280x768, a
0.27mm dot pitch, and anti-static, anti-glare coatings. Contact: NEC Technologies,
Inc., Itasca, IL; (630) 467-5000; www.nectech.com.
Plasmavision 4203/4204 Series
The Fujitsu Plasmavision display accepts the latest video and computer graphics
input, freeing the unit from a computer. The display gives a big 16-million-color
screen image on a flat, focused panel less than six inches thick. Wide viewing
format allows users to see equally well from any part of the room. Digital processing
electronics automatically resize any input to give a clear image. Contact: Fujitsu,
Fairfield, NJ; (888) 888-3424; www.plasmavision.com.
Princeton AF3.OHD Monitor
The Princeton AF3.OHD is the first direct view 16:9 aspect ratio monitor to
display all HDTV formats while maintaining compatibility with today's current
NTSC signal. Features include four preset aspect ratios and six preset memories
for the most common DTV resolution formats. It has a horizontal scanning range
up to 50 kHz and custom memory settings for black level, contrast, geometry,
and masking. The high light output CRT allows it to be used in high ambient
light conditions. Contact: Princeton Graphic Systems, Santa Ana, CA; (714) 751-8405;
www.princetongraphics.com/product_senergyseries.htm.
SVG 6000 N/P
Samsung's SVP-6000 N/P high-end video presenter offers 1,500,000 pixels and
d'es not need a computer to convert text or images to video. It features a built-in
light box for 35mm slides and transparencies. The tilting head camera allows
the user to rotate the head up to 90 degrees and the 12X power zoom function
allows presentation of documents with type as small as 8 points. Built-in RS-232C
and USB interfaces enable the unit to communicate to a remote control system
or any Windows PC. Contact: Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Secaucus, NJ;
(201) 902-0347; www.samsungcamerausa.com.
Stratavision Video Display
Stratavision is based on a proprietary fiber-optic technology that delivers
seamless, quality images at high resolution, even at screen sizes of up to 20
feet wide. The vertically flat viewing screen can be made convex for greater
viewing angles or concave for a closer viewing experience. Stratavision can
conform to architectural shapes such as columns and corners. It delivers true
plug-and-play convenience without computer processing by accepting all standard
video formats. Contact: American Shizuki Corp., Louisville, CO; (800) 742-1292.
Peripherals
Archos Portable Hard Drive
The 6 GB portable hard drive from Archos is available with a choice of interfaces,
USB, PCMCIA, CardBus or FireWire. The product weighs only 6.5 ounces and is
approximately the size of a deck of cards. Mirroring software allows users to
copy files to and from a computer. Contact: Archos, Irvine, CA; (949) 453-1121;
www.archos.com.
Hot Keyboard
Hot Keyboard for Windows assigns to hot keys such repetitive tasks as frequently
used text phrases or names, date/time stamps, and e-mail addressing, as well
as application launches. Hot Keyboard can quickly change sound volumes and can
open dial-up connections. User defined functions can be recorded and played
back. The product also allows users to create macros one time, share, and synchronize
them over LAN or WAN. Contact: TB Labs, Moscow, Russia; www.tblabs.com.
Keyspan USB 2.0 Card
The Keyspan 2.0 Card enables users to add five high-speed USB ports to a PC
or Mac, four external and one internal. The card supports USB 1.1 and the new
2.0 ports. The Keyspan card will support data rates up to 480 mbps. Contact:
Keyspan, Richmond, CA; (510) 222-0131; www.keyspan.com.
Smartboard
The Smartboard, from Datadesk Technologies, is an ergonomic keyboard specifically
designed to reflect the natural fanning of the fingers while typing. The keyboard
will fit any standard keyboard drawer and save desktop space, because it is
20% smaller than other ergonomic keyboards. Larger keys for hard-to-reach letters
and tactile-response key switches make typing easier and more accurate. Contact:
Datadesk, Bainbridge Island, WA; (206) 842-5480; www.data-desk.com.
TurboMouse
The wireless TurboMouse Profrom Kensington is the first wireless mouse compatible
with OS X. The product includes six direct access buttons for fingertip access
to favorite Web sites or applications. Stainless steel bearings and a large
track ball give control and durability while the integrated scroll wheel allows
users to move quickly through long documents. Contact: Kensington Technology
Group, San Mateo, CA; (650) 572-2700; www.kensington.com.
Storage Devices
Quantum
Quantum data protection solutions offer secure tape backup and storage. Quantum
DLTtape Systems offer future expandability of performance, plus backward read
compatibility with any investment in existing DLTtape IV media. There are DLTtape
Systems appropriate for mid-range UNIX and Windows NT systems, for automated
tape library systems, and for enterprise class storage and near-online accessibility.
Contact: Quantum Corporation, Milpitas, CA; (408) 944-4000; www.quantum.com.
Workstations
Visualize Series
The HP Visualize workgroup solution is built around a single dual-processor
HP j5600 workstation that supports up to three HP visualize-fx10 3D graphics
subsystems or three visualize fxe graphics cards. The workgroup drives seamless
4.8-million-pixel resolution displays that can be deployed right into the engineering
workspace or on the engineer's desk. The Visualize workgroup makes it possible
for engineers, designers and others to display more information at any one time,
and see their work in a new way. Contact: Hewlett Packard; Palo Alto, CA; (650)
857-1501; www.hp.com.
IntelliStation M Pro
The IBM IntelliStation M Pro is a flexible workstation that is optimized to
the demands of engineers, media creators, software developers, and financial
analysts. Features include a user-centric design, task-tuned 2D/3D graphics,
and a flexible six slot mini-tower design. Additionally, this package comes
equipped with either Pentium III processors at up to 1GHz or Pentium 4 processors
at up to 1.7 GHz, and a choice of either an Intel 840 or 850 chipset. System
performance is enhanced by an SCSI controller and disk and RAMBUS memory. Contact:
IBM; Armonk, NY; (888) SHOP-IBM; www.ibm.com.
Octane2
The Silicon Graphics Octane2 is a multimedia workstation is capable of interactive
rendering of three-dimensional or volumetric data sets, featuring high-performance
VPro Graphics and 128MB of configurable graphics memory. The combination supports
faster drawing, display, and manipulation of large data sets-up to 1920x1200
pixels at 60Hz. Designed for high performance with big data, the Octane2 delivers
a measured 448 million pixels per second with trilinear mipmapping and depth-buffering,
and 18 million lit depth-buffered, smooth-shaded immediate mode triangles per
second. The 12-bit per color component path achieves more levels of color to
allow users to see subtle variations-extremely important in medical imaging
and other fields of science and research. Contact: Silicon Graphics; Mountain
View, CA; (800) 361-2621; www.sgi.com.
Quadro2 Pro
This full-featured board provides advanced 3D and 2D performance for the engineering
professional. Features include a hardware antialiased line engine, a 6.4GB/sec
bandwidth that enables work in fully textured mode while achieving real-time
frame rates, and a 64MB unified frame buffer that supports high-resolution,
32bpp textures. With 1.0G pixels/sec and 31M triangles/sec geometry processing
capabilities, the Quadro2 Pro can support just about any engineering design
environment. The NVIDIA Shading Rasterizer (NSR) makes realistic material properties
possible through per-pixel shading effects. Now with all NVIDIA second-generation
GPUs high-quality, dynamic per-pixel shading is possible, and features such
as per-pixel bump mapping can be utilized to a more dramatic visual effect.
Contact: NVIDIA; Santa Clara, CA; (408) 615-2500; www.nvidia.com.
Wired Access: Switches, Routers, Hubs, Etc.
AirConnect Wireless LAN
With AirConnect Wireless LAN, users can extend their wired Ethernet service
to wireless users. AirConnect Wireless LAN plugs into the wired LAN and can
send and receive information at speeds up to 11Mbps. Each access point supports
up to 63 wireless notebook or desktop clients and provides 300 feet of wireless
coverage in a standard office or classroom environment. AirConnect connects
to an office network via a 10Base-T connection and installs on Windows 95/98/NT
4.x, and Windows CE. This access point features built-in diagnostics and power-up
self-check, upgradable firmware, antenna diversity, and support for SNMP. Contact:
3Com, Santa Clara, CA; (800) 638-3266; www.3com.com.
Allied Telesyn Rapier Switches
Allied Telesyn's Rapier family of Layer 3 IP switches leverages the company's
AR-series router technology, combining silicon-based wire-speed switching with
advanced LAN, MAN, and WAN routing features. The product line is designed to
help smaller businesses and enterprises address networking needs in ways that
were previously beyond their budget. Capabilities like the integrated Stateful
Inspection firewall and SecureVPN provide network address translation and LAN/WAN
isolation and deliver inter-VLAN protection for mission critical security applications
at speeds of up to 75 Mbps per second. Contact: Allied Telesyn, Bothell, WA;
(800) 424-4284; www.alliedtelesyn.com.
AMCC Switches
Applied Microcircuits Corporation offers a variety of switches, including the
S2090 3.2 gigabit cross point switch, appropriate for Dense Wavelength Division
Multiplexing (DWDM) systems, digital video, digital demultiplexing, and microwave
or fiber-optic data distribution. Also available from AMCC are products for
gigabit Ethernet networking and broadcast video. Contact: AMCC, San Diego, CA;
(858) 450-9333; www.amcc.com.
Cisco Lightstream ATM Switches
The Cisco LS 1010 is a Layer-3 enhanced ATM switch that integrates wire-speed
Layer 3 switching and ATM switching in to a single chassis, eliminating the
need for network managers to make a technology choice. The 5-Mbps modular switch
provides fault-tolerant operation and extremely fast throughput. Contact: Cisco
Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA; (800) 553-6387; www.cisco.com.
Cygnet Technologies
Cygnet Technologies products serve the broadband needs of multi-dwelling and
multi-tenant unit situations, including campuses and the small office/home office
market. Cygnet products present an end-to-end solution for delivering high-demand,
high-speed Internet access to people in high-density environments. Utilizing
either VDSL or HomePNA 2.0 technology, the Sojourner Access Concentrators maximize
the use of the legacy copper wire infrastructure to deliver the converging voice,
video and data content. With the combination of the concentrators, remote units,
and enterprise gigabit Ethernet switch, the company provides an end-to-end solution.
A Web-based tool, the software allows easy porting of statistics through XML
to common databases and spreadsheets. Contact: Cygnet Technologies, Lewisville,
TX; (972) 242-0372; www.cygnetinc.com.
Emulex LH5000
The LH5000 Fibre Channel hub features patented digital technology that enables
unmatched loop resiliency and system availability. With intelligence on every
port, the LH5000 provides port isolation, validates loop protocol, and fully
re-times the signal. The LH5000 also provides a number of management capabilities,
including Web-based management. The digital architecture of the LH5000 eliminates
all signal jitter and provides automatic clock speed matching on every port.
As a result, LH5000 hubs can be configured as a single 10 port loop or dual
independent 5 port loops, allowing for flexibility in network design and cabling
distances. Contact: Emulex, Costa Mesa, CA; (800) 854-7112; www.emulex.com.
IMC Networks
IMC Networks manufactures networking hardware, fiber optic connectivity, and
bandwidth management solutions for LANs, WANs, and MANs. Among its many products,
IMC offers gigabit Ethernet copper-to-fiber media converters. IMC's SNMP-manageable
iMcV-Gigabit media converter converts 1000Base-T twisted pair signals to 1000Base-SX
or 1000Base-LX fiber optics. It enables cost-effective utilization of the increased
speed provided by Gigabit Ethernet and connects the LAN to the MAN/WAN when
distances up to 40 kilometers are required. iMcV-Gigabit can also be used in
conjunction with fiber-based Gigabit switches to connect the network to existing
Category 5e copper-based switches, or to connect selected power users without
having to pull fiber to the desktop. Contact: IMC Networks, Foothill Ranch,
CA; (949) 465-3000; www.imcnetworks.com.
MikroTik v2.3
MikroTik v2.0 Software Router System turns a standard PC computer into a network
router. To expand the router's capabilities, add standard network PC interfaces.
The software includes remote java box administration, bandwidth control, firewall,
wireless 11Mb/s synchronous 5Mb/s, asynchronous PPP/RADIUS (up to 32 ports),
LMC DS3 and E1/T1 support, and Ethernet at 10/100Mb/s. Contact: MikroTik, Riga,
Latvia; +371-7-801-079; www.mikrotik.com.
Netgear DS500 Series Hubs
The DS500 series of dual-speed stackable hubs enable users to mix and match
10 and 100 Mbps PCs, servers, and peripherals on the same network. Every port
automatically operates at the proper speed. Up to 8 of these hubs can be stacked
to support 192 users at 10 or 100 Mbps. The 10-to-100 Mbps bridge automatically
locates each user and filters or forwards traffic accordingly. The built-in
LEDs provide clear and intuitive status. Two LED bar graphs give online status
of network utilization and alert users to potential network overload. Contact:
Netgear, Inc., Santa Clara, CA; (408) 907-8000; www.netgear.com.
Netopia R9100 Ethernet Router
The Netopia R9100 Ethernet Router allows small- and medium-sized organizations
to connect a LAN to the Internet via the Ethernet port on a DSL or Cable modem.
The Netopia R9100 includes an integrated 8-port Ethernet hub with an uplink
port for connection to an external hub. No additional equipment is required
to create a new network or expand an existing local network. Dial-in users can
access the LAN from anywhere on the Internet using a secure, encrypted tunnel.
The R9100 router is designed with a modular architecture to allow for future
upgrades. Contact: Netopia, Inc., Alameda, CA; (510) 814-5100; www.netopia.com.
NTT Electronics
NTT Electronics, also called NEL, builds advanced electronic and photonic devices
for information networks. NEL's optical switches employ Mach-Zehnder interferometers
with thermo-optic phase shifters as switching units and include an 8 _ 8 optical
matrix switch and an 8-arrayed 2 _ 2 optical switch. What this means is that
these switches are smaller and use less power than mechanical switches or O/E-SW-EO
switches, and they can be driven by +5V TTL-level voltage. All of this adds
up to a switch with low loss and low crosstalk. Contact: NTT Electronics Corporation,
Tokyo, Japan; (81) 3 5456 4161; www.nel-world.com.
PMC-Sierra
The CHESS-Narrowband (Channelizer Engine for SONET/SDH Narrowband) chip set
provides high density grooming and aggregation to better utilize bandwidth in
next generation SONET/SDH edge networks. The CHESS Narrowband chip set is designed
for converged packet and voice infrastructure equipment such as Multi Service
Provisioning Platforms and Voice Gateways. The CHESS-Narrowband complements
PMC-Sierra's CHESS and CHESS-II chip sets by grooming sub-STS-1 (narrowband)
voice and data channels prior to transport to the core of the Metro network.
The various CHESS models offer 622 mbit/s to 20 gigabit capacity. Contact: PMC-Sierra,
Durham, NC; (919) 474-5125; www.pmc-sierra.com.
Ugate-3300
The MaxGate UGate-3300 is an integrated Broadband Internet connection and printer
sharing router for both 11Mbps Wireless and 10/100Mbps Ethernet LANs, allowing
up to 253 users to setup up a network and share an Internet connection wirelessly.
The single-port parallel print server also lets an entire office share one printer.
Built in NAT firewall security keeps intruders out of the network. Contact:
MaxGate, Fremont, CA; (800) 284-8985; http://www.maxgate.com.tw/tania/.
WebRamp 310i
WebRamp 310i is an integrated analog router, with a 4-port 10BaseT Ethernet
hub and two internal 56K V.90 modems. It operates on Windows 3.1/95/98/NT/Workgroup
3.x, Mac OS 7.5.3 and above, UNIX, and NetWare. It has a single external IP
address and has the capability of adding a third external modem if more bandwidth
is needed. Contact: Nokia, (877) 997-9199; www.nokia.com.
Yipes Communications IP Over Fiber Networking
Yipes Communications uses the Ethernet and IP networking to link businesses
and campuses to the Internet via high-speed optical fiber. Yipes sells bandwidth
on demand. Users pay as they go only for what they use. Yipes connects directly
to the end user, covering the "last mile" that carriers typically
do not cover. Because Yipes operates via Ethernet, no translating hardware and
software, and thus no hardware purchases, are required between its Gigabit routers
and the customer. With Yipes' managed optical IP networks, customers can scale
their bandwidth use up or down in one megabit increments up to one Gigabyte,
with three hour's notice. Yipes products all feature unique IP over fiber networking.
Yipes MAN (Metro Area) provides LAN-to-LAN connectivity to increase local area
network connection speeds on demand. Yipes NET gives schools high speed Internet
service within Yipes' metro network. Yipes WAN is suitable for connecting LANs
situated in distant locations, and Yipes WALL is managed firewall service. Yipes
also offers Yipes WEB, a collection of managed hosting options, and network
design and implementation services. Contact: Yipes Communications, San Francisco,
CA; (977) 740-6600; www.yipes.com.
Wireless Access: Optical Wireless
Blue Wolf
Blue Wolf's Wireless Campus enables higher education institutions to enhance
campus communication with intelligent wireless interactions using personal digital
assistants (PDAs), cell phones, handheld computers and two-way pagers. Blue
Wolf's solution, relying on hand-held devices rather than laptop computers,
leverages a campus's existing data from its back-end, course management, and
portal systems. Customers can customize the look and feel of the wireless channel
as well as its content. Contact: Blue Wolf, Tempe, AZ; (480) 940-7626; http://wireless.bluewolf.com.
Colubris
Colubris Networks CN 1050 combines wireless security with its hardware-assisted
VPN technology. The built-in VPN server creates a completely secure connection
for each wireless station, and the onboard Hifn chipset maximizes throughput
by handling all encryption tasks. For added flexibility, the CN1050 also includes
support for 40/128-bit WEP encryption. CN 1050 also includes a firewall customizable
for appropriate rules. CN 1050is appropriate for distance learning situations,
in which satellite offices shares a single Internet connection via cable, DSL,
or broadband wireless modem, using VPN technology to create a secure "tunnel"
to a remote server. Colubris also provides seamless integration with legacy
Ethernet LANs. Contact: Colubris, Lval, Quebec, Canada; (405) 680-5074; www.colubris.com.
fSONA
The SONAbeam product line from fSONA offers point-to-point line-of-sight, full
duplex synchronous transmission at fast speeds. The SONAbeam products can carry
information at data rates up to 1.25 Gpbs over a propagation distance of 2.5
miles. Cheaper than laying optical fiber, this system, consisting of two transceivers
and a backup microwave link, is deployable within 24 hours once line-of-sight
access is available. For longer distance connections there is a dynamic beam-tracking
and alignment system that can be installed in 30 minutes. For links across a
mile or more or in areas where buildings may sway, fSONA's dynamic beam tracking
system relies on a custom-designed frictionless gimbal that takes into account
building movement and inclement weather. Contact: fSONA, Richmond, British Columbia,
Canada; (877) Go-FSONA; www.fsona.com.
NextNet Wireless
NextNet Expedience is a non-line-of-sight broadband wireless access system designed
for rapid deployment of high-speed, two-way voice and data services over the
"last mile" of the communications network. The end-to-end system enables
MMDS service providers to deliver low-cost, converged services to their residential
and small business subscribers over a single multi-service network. The Expedience
system features a fully-integrated indoor self-installable CPE unit (customer
premises equipment) and a fully-integrated Base Station Transceiver. Contact:
NextNet Wireless, Minneapolis, MN; (952) 967-1116; www.nextnetwireless.com.
RoamAbout Wireless Access
RoamAbout R2, from Enterasys Networks, is a customizable and expandable wireless
platform. The RoamAbout R2 is designed to provide institutions with advanced
networking features, an upgradable architecture, and support for multiple radio
technologies. These features create a smooth technology migration, eliminating
the need to upgrade an entire infrastructure or discard previously purchased
PC radio cards. The RoamAbout PC card uses radio frequencies instead of a LAN
connection, seamlessly switching access points as the user moves about the network.
Contact: Enterasys Networks, Rochester, NH; (877) 641-7400; www.enterasys.com.
Spike RF Technology
XI Spike wireless technology enables game players to enjoy RF wireless gaming
without a loss in the game's performance. Features include a console that has
been upgraded to XI SPIKE with QuadX transceivers that will support up to 8
players concurrently. Each XI SPIKE powered QuadX enables the console to communicate
with 4 genuine XI SPIKE wireless controllers simultaneously. Up to 16 XI SPIKE
control devices can be used in the same area for increased multiplayer action.
In addition, XI Spike permits players to choose any weapon, whether that be
a fishing rod or a sword. Cross-platform capability and dynamic bonding give
the gamer more choices: no longer is the game player tied to particular transceivers
and controllers, as all XI Spike products will bond with each other automatically.
Contact: Spike RF Technology, (780) 425-6511; http://elevenengineering.com/products/
Symbol 24
Symbol local area networking 24 is a wireless classroom solution that relies
on handheld devices. The goal is to overcome insufficient or inconvenient data
drops, provide students with ready access to technology tools, and simplify
technology use for teachers. Administrators, teachers, and security personnel
have instant access to student records. Symbol uses bar code laser scanning
to facilitate the creation of a completely mobile and interactive classroom.
Contact: Symbol Technologies, Holtsville, NY; (631) 738-5451; www.symbol.com.
ZoomAir
ZoomAir wireless networking products feature standards-based IEEE 802.11b that
insures compatibility with DSSS and country-specific channel support at 2.4
Ghz; a range of up to 300 ft indoors and 1000 ft outdoors; an11 Mbps data rate;
Windows 95/98/NT/2000 drivers; WEP security (64-bit and 128-bit data encryption);
and 32-character network ID security. AP11 Access Point Hardware connects a
ZoomAir or other IEEE 802.11b DSSS compliant wireless network to an existing
wired Ethernet LAN and extends the range of the wireless network. The solution
extends the range of ad-hoc set-ups (using the full radius around a centered
access point). The LAN to LAN Bridging Kit is a complete solution for establishing
a permanent wireless link between LAN's in separate buildings or facilities
within line of sight of each other; it is a money-saving alternative to leased
lines or cabling between buildings. Contact: Zoom Telephonics, Boston, MA; (617)
423-1072; www.zoom.com.
Computer Networking Products and Other Tools
DeVA Systems Group
DeVA Systems Group offers a variety of services to small and large institutions.
These include design and installation of wide area networks, firewall and other
security installations, thin client/server audits, configurations, and support,
and LAN/WAN analysis. Contact: DeVA Systems Group, Maynard, MA; (978) 461-2302;
www.deva.com.
Education Systems
Education Systems sells enrollment management and financial aid software for
higher education clients. One of the latest products, EMAS Anywhere, is designed
to provide access to important data using a personal digital assistant. Recruiters
traveling to campus can use EMAS Anywhere to assign, send and track student
communications; view and edit student data; track outreach to targeted populations;
and maintain meeting and visit schedules. Contact: Education Systems, San Diego,
CA; (888) 373-4357; www.edsysinc.com.
Electronic Classroom West
With EC West wire management, wiring can be routed through the table or table
ranges via race- ways, tubular legs and wire chase grommets. the power system
can readily connect to power and data sources in the floor, wall or power pole.
EC West can install multi-circuit modular wiring directly into the furniture
for ease and cost savings. Data power links and headphone/microphone links can
also be installed into the front upper leg spreader, concealing the wiring and
simplifying the process of connecting laptops and peripherals to the network
and power source. Contact: Electronic Classroom West, Pismo Beach, CA; (805)
474-0823; www.eclassroomwest.com.
Internet Gateway Education
Internet Gateway Education is designed for schools, colleges, and university
networks connecting to the Internet. The Education version contains the full
Internet Gateway feature set, and also includes a one-year subscription to the
CyberNOT content filtering list. Internet Gateway Education supports unlimited
users connecting securely to the Internet using one account. Administration
is simple with specific maintenance and control applications. Internet access
and time controls can be set for individual students and teachers, or groups
of users, making the Internet Gateway a comprehensive network management tool.
Content filtering and a robust firewall permit an institution to provide easy
Internet access while controlling the way that access is used. Management features
include remote control access and comprehensive logging information. Contact:
Vicomsoft, Bournemouth, United Kingdom, (44) 1202 2933233; www.vicomsoft.com.
Minicom Advanced Systems
CLASSNET from Minicom puts every monitor, mouse, keyboard, and multimedia resource
in the classroom at the instructor's control. With a few keystrokes instructors
can project his or her screen to any or every student monitor, view any single
student screens, scan all students' screen, send one student's screen to the
entire class, take control of student keyboards and mice, share multimedia programs
(including sound), or transmit files and messages to/from students. CLASSNET
lets instructors demonstrate solutions directly onto students' screens. Contact:
Minicom, New Jersey; (888) 486-2154; [email protected].
PC MACLAN
Campuses that need to network PCs and Macs together may want to turn to PC MACLAN,
a connectivity solution that allows institutions to make the most of both platforms.
With PC MACLAN, network users can utilize all existing AppleShare resources;
create a seamless, peer-to-peer network of Windows PCs and Macs over a LAN,
WAN, the Internet or remote dial-up; transfer files between PCs and Macs over
IP or over AppleTalk; share printers by printing directly from a PC to AppleTalk
or PostScript printers attached to the Mac network, or printing from a Mac to
PostScript or to non-PostScript printers attached to a PC; and use a PCs as
AppleShare (Mac) File Servers. Contact: Miramar Systems, Inc., Santa Barbara,
CA; (805) 966-2432; www.miramar.com.
