Communicators with Dynamic Display

→Optimist /
→Polyana /
→Prentke Romich Company Communicators /
→PATHFINDER PLUS /
→SPRINGBOARD PLUS /
→VANTAGE PLUS /
→VANGUARD PLUS /

→Computers with Speech Software

The New Optimist 3
(and Dialect 3)

The Optimist 3 is a new generation, dynamic display, speech generating device. It features an all-light readable display, loud audio output and sleek, stylish hardware. It is supplied with software installed for Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).

The Optimist 3 is a hand-held touch screen computer, which can be operated by directly touching the screen or by using switches and scanning. Switches are connected using USB interfaces, and any mouse emulation accessing method could be used.

For communication there is a choice of software; The Grid with DECtalk and Speaking Dynamically Pro. The unit has 3 USB ports to enable easy download to memory stick or other USB device. Running Windows XP Embedded and with 500 MHz processor operation is familiar and seamless.

"Compact and Neat Communicator"

Software Options for Communication:

As the Optimist 3 is supplied as a Speech Generating Device the software of your choice is supplied installed.

The Grid by Sensory Software International is a versatile piece of software offering communication using symbols, whole words and or spelling. A number of sample pages are provided and the nterface for customising pages is user-friendly. Through The Grid environmental control can be accessed with one of the GEWA Controls attached. The GEWA Control Star also offers switch jacks making an additional switch interface unnecessary.

The Grid is supplied with Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) Metafiles and DECtalk making a comprehensive package to set up customised communication displays, without needing anything further. Of course scanned images and other graphics can be imported and this would be best done using a USB memory stick.

Speaking Dynamically Pro (SDP) by Mayer-Johnson is a familiar program to those who know Boardmaker, as this is an addition to the Boardmaker program and uses a similar 'design' mode to create displays. Additional functions to link the pages and assign speech output are the 'extras' required to make the dynamic display function for communication. SDP is supplied with Picture Communication Symbols. It also offers communication via symbol, whole words and spelling.

The Dialect 3 is also available.

This is identical to the Optimist 3, except that the software is 'locked' to the communication program, to meet the requirements of some funding programs. This means that it can only be used as a communicator.

DETAILS:

DImensions: Size 24 x 20 x 4.6 cm Weight: 1.40 kg

Display: 8.4 inch (diagonal) colour TFT Active Matrix LCD all-light readable touch screen, 800 x 600 SVGA resolution

Power: Lithium-ion battery packs. Battery life - approx. 7 hours. Recharges in 2.5 hours. Adaptor/charge 100-240V, 50/60 Hz AC.

Interfaces: external speaker jack 3.5 mm phono
external headphone jack (for auditory scanning with The Grid)
3 USB ports

Specifications:

MS-WIndows XP Embedded
256 MB S-DRAM
256 MB FLash Memory
Slot for Type II PC Card
Slot for Type II Compact Flash (CF) Card

Note on Windows XP Embedded: This operating system from Microsoft allows users of mobile devices to access the newest Microsoft technology. Most peripheral devices and programs compatible with Windows XP can be used without recompiling drivers or software. Most USB and CF hardware designed for use with Windows XP will be compatible with the Optimist 3.

Supplied with:

— USB cherry keyboard (or similar)
— USB mouse
— power adaptor and cable
— instruction manual
— communication program installed (choice of The Grid and Speaking Dynamically Pro)

Environmental Control:

The Optimist does not an Environmental Control Unit (ECU) built-in, however this can readily be achieved by attaching the GEWA Control Micro or Control Star. These modules plug into one of the USB port of the Optimist and can be controlled through The Grid. Alternatively the Progress Star or Progress Micro can be used with the ECU software supplied by GEWA. This would mean it would be necessary to exit the communication program to use the ECU, for example if using Speaking Dynamically Pro.

Portability / mounting:

The Optimist 3 is supplied with a built-in stand that can also be used as a handle. A sturdy carry case is available as an optional extra. The bag is supplied with a carry pouch for accessories and a sturdy shoulder strap.

The case has a flap to enable use of the unit while it is in situ. A carry strap and handle can be used with the case. The carry case also has a back flap that can be used as a stand.