Polyana 4 -

The NEW polyana is making an impact !

Polyana is an “off-the-shelf” handheld PC that has been modified to perform as a functional voice output communication device. It runs Persona, a program which enables typed text to be spoken out, together with a phrase bank (chat box) for quick retrieval of whole messages. With DECtalk speaking the messages through the modified and improved speakers the volume is loud and clear. Persona is a text-based communication program specifically for literate users who need to talk, yet have other computer requirements — like writing and printing long documents. Access to the program is by the keyboard, the touch screen and by switches through the on-screen keyboard. Input speed is increased and enhanced with word completion, word prediction, abbreviation/expression, phrase retrieval and DECtalk** speech synthesis.

Below is Persona screen is shown, with the intelligent word prediction list displayed on the left. The word prediction LEARNS your words and predicts them according to your word patterns and usage. This is very effective for speed enhancement especially when scanning. The default font is yellow on a blue background, however font and background colour and size can be changed to suit individual preferences. This is how the program appears when text is typed using the keyboard. For scanning arrays see below.

As a pocket PC (or PC companion) the unit is supplied with mainstream software installed for example, MS Wordpad, SpreadCE, Pocket On-Schedule, Media Player, calculator and MS viewers.

The sturdy carry bag provides a strap to provide easy portability for the 1.32 kg unit. Printing to full-size PC printers can be achieved through the USB , infra-red or Bluetooth connection. This set-up is ideal for secondary or tertiary students.

ZYGO Industries Inc in U.S.A. has modified the base unit with an integrated ‘backpack’ which provides the increased amplification and a stand or handle.