TITLE
    eMate 300: Product Description
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
20992
2/18/97
1/7/98

TOPIC

    This article contains the product description for the Apple eMate 300.


DISCUSSION

    General Information
    ===================

    Designed for Education By Educators
    -----------------------------------
    The Apple eMate 300 is the first of a new class of affordable mobile computer that works as a companion to Mac OS- and Windows software-based computers in a Distributed Learning Environment (see back page). Developed in collaboration with educators to meet the specific needs of education, the eMate 300's unique industrial design is rugged enough to withstand the rigors of being carried, shared, and used in a variety of environments. The eMate 300 is easily portable for even the youngest students-it weighs only 4 pounds and is small enough to fit in a backpack. And it lets users enter data by keyboard, or with a stylus, so students can work the way that's best for them.

    The eMate 300 features the powerful and easy-to-use Newton operating system. It comes with built-in software applications that are important for learning-including word processing, drawing, spreadsheet, a graphing calculator, address book, calendar functions, and more. In addition, the eMate 300 can take advantage of hundreds of applications that have been developed for Newton 2.0, as well as applications designed specifically for education.

    Gives More Students Access to the Technology They Need
    ------------------------------------------------------
    While there are more computers in the classroom today than ever before, there are still not enough to go around. At an affordable price and with personalized workspace for multiple students, the eMate 300 makes technology accessible to a greater number of students than is possible with desktop computers.

    Allows Students to Learn Wherever Learning Takes Them
    -----------------------------------------------------
    The versatile functionality of the eMate 300 lets students do the majority of their critical learning wherever it's most appropriate-in the classroom, in libraries, in a lab, outdoors, or at home. With its incredibly long battery life and backlit screen that displays the width of a full written page, the eMate 300 makes it possible for students to work wherever they want, for as long as they want.

    Easy Communication and Networking
    ---------------------------------
    Robust communications capabilities make the eMate 300 an especially useful tool in a Distributed Learning Environment. Students can share data and files they create on the eMate 300, with both Mac OS-and Windows software-based computers. * By doing preliminary work on the eMate 300 and then enhancing it on a desktop computer, students can use the eMate 300 as a perfect companion to the computers that already exist in the classroom or at home. The serial port, Newton InterConnect Port, and PC Card slot makes it easy to print, share, and backup any work done on the eMate 300. TCP/IP capabilities-the protocol of the Internet-give students access to materials on the World Wide Web, and lets them send and receive e-mail so they can conduct research and keep on top of lessons. And with built-in infrared technology, the eMate 300 lets educators and students "beam" their work to one another for quick, easy file sharing.

    * Note: cables not included.

    What is a Distributed Learning Environment?
    -------------------------------------------
    A Distributed Learning Environment provides learning for anyone, anytime, anywhere. It extends the reach of learning from the classroom to the library, lab, home, local communi-ties, and the world. In the best Distributed Learning Environments, educators and students are able to take full advantage of a range of technology to make the extended learning environment more meaningful, effective, and engaging.

    Four Elements for Successful Learning
    -------------------------------------
    Apple's support of the Distributed Learning Environment concept is based on its commitment to four critical elements of successful learning experiences:

    * Information access:
    Students and teachers need convenient access to information no matter where it resides.

    * Communication and collaboration:
    Students and teachers need to be able to com-municate and collaborate with other students, colleagues, and experts, anytime, anywhere.

    * Multisensory experiences:
    Students and teachers need multimedia tools for understanding and expression, in addition to traditional educational methods, to help them communicate ideas in the way that is most appropriate to the task and compatible with diverse learning styles.

    * Convenient, mobile tools:
    Students and teachers need personal learning materials (pencils, books, calculators, etc.) that are convenient, creative, and mobile support tools.

    Building on schools' investments
    --------------------------------
    As learning extends from the classroom to the home, local community, and the world, students and educators require a range of technology tools. Many schools already have some of the core technology components of a Distributed Learning Environment.

    * Desktop computers-either Mac OS- or Windows software-based. This includes multimedia computers that are dedicated to letting students experience powerful, creative, multi-sensory learning by integrating text, video, sound, and graphics in their work.

    * Peripheral products-such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras.

    * Networks-which could range from a simple connection to a printer, to a local network of personal computers, to a connection to a server.

    * Affordable, mobile computer technologies-that function as a personal companion to existing desktop technologies in the classroom, school, and home.

    Until now, few schools have had all of the core components of a Distributed Learning Environ-ment because low-cost, mobile technologies were not available. Now, the missing technology link in supporting the learning process is found in the Apple eMate 300-the first in a new class of truly affordable, mobile computers that act as companions and extensions to schools' existing desktop computers.

    Giving more students access to the technology they need
    -------------------------------------------------------
    The Apple eMate 300 fulfills the vision of a Distributed Learning Environment. It is an affordable mobile computer that lets teachers create a learning environment in which students have the appropriate tools to gather data, access the information they need, express their thoughts, communicate with one another, and collaborate on solving problems. Designed in collaboration with leading educators all across the country, the eMate 300 is the perfect companion to existing technology in the classroom, school, or home, with capabilities that make it an excellent tool of discovery and productivity. It is lightweight and rugged, and comes with built-in applica-tions and communications capabilities that let students work anyplace, anytime. What's more, it's available at a price that makes it possible to provide more students than ever access to the technology they need to get their work done and acquire skills that prepare them for lifelong success.


    Key Features:
    The Apple eMate 300
    ===================

    Built-in applications:
    ----------------------
    * Word processor, drawing program, spreadsheet, graphing calculator, address book, calendar functions and more

    Power and speed:
    ----------------
    * 25-MHz ARM 710a RISC processor
    * High-speed infrared (IrDA) port for transferring data wirelessly at up to 115 kilobits per second within 3.3 feet (1 meter)

    Memory and storage:
    -------------------
    * 3MB of RAM (1MB of DRAM and 2MB of flash memory); 8MB of ROM

    Display:
    --------
    * 480- by 320-pixel gray-scale LCD with back-lighting; displays up to 16 shades of gray

    Sound:
    ------
    * Built-in speaker and sound input/output ports

    Expansion:
    ----------
    * PC Card slot for Type I, Type II, or Type III PC Cards (PCMCIA)
    * Slots for upgrading software, operating system, and memory
    * Serial port for connecting to printers and AppleTalk networks
    * Newton InterConnect serial port for LocalTalk and RS-232-compatible serial connections, modem, power input/output, sound input/output, and automatic docking to personal computers*

    * Note: cables not included.

    Size, weight and battery:
    -------------------------
    * Dimensions: 12.0 by 11.4 by 2.1 inches (305 by 290 by 53 millimeters)
    * Weight: 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms)
    * Battery: Up to 28 hours of continuous use without recharging, depending on usage

    Printer support:
    ----------------
    * Works with the following Apple printers: Personal LaserWriter LS, Personal LaserWriter 300, and StyleWriter printers; PostScript-equipped LaserWriter printers
    * Works with most popular PC printers using the optional Newton Print Pack.

    Information about Apple Education products and services can also be found on the Internet at < http://education.apple.com/ >

Document Information
Product Area: Newton
Category: Apple MessagePad
Sub Category: Apple eMate 300

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