Technology & Learning - May 2008 - (Page 48)

One Mighty Mini HP Introduces the new Mini-Note, the latest in ultra-mobile computing. By Kevin Hogan Company: Hewlett-Packard; www.hp.com Pros: Computing punch in small package Cons: Tiny keyboard Priced at just under $500, HewlettPackard’s new 2.5-pound 2133 MiniNote PC is certainly lightweight and compact—adults can hold it in one hand much like they would a book or small purse. But our 1st-grade student reviewer still gave it the two-hand clutch. The QWERTY-style keys, at first glance, look oversized, as the keyboard itself is slightly smaller than standard. The touchpad is also smaller, which meant some readjustment for adult finger movement but that wasn’t a problem for the student reviewer. Unlike many of the other education ultra-mobile devices, the MiniNote comes equipped with features you would expect from a full-fledged notebook: built-in Wi-Fi (Bluetooth optional), a range of internal storage options, and Windows Vista preinstalled. Our student reviewer liked how quickly Flash-laden sites like Noggin .com loaded, something that wouldn’t happen if the Mini-Note didn’t pack computing punch. Of course, many of the features in the Mini-Note are more appropriate for the higher end of the K–12 market, which is why its clamshell is brushed aluminum and not Day-Glo green or purple. HP also intends to market the Mini-Note to business and mobile professionals. The device seems ready for the rough-and-tumble handling it will get once in the hands of students. The keyboard sports a clear coating that protects the finish and the printed characters. The display is scratch resistant. Magnesium hinge brackets secure the clamshell design. HP’s 3-D DriveGuard protects the inside— it sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden shock or movement. • • VIRTUAL High School Courses for Schools and Institutions FOR OVER 75 YEARS, PENN FOSTER HAS BEEN THE SCHOOL OF CHOICE FOR THOSE WHO NEED ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES. WE HAVE MORE THAN 46,000 ACTIVE STUDENTS AND MORE THAN 7,000 SUCCESSFUL GRADUATES EACH YEAR. CURRENTLY, PENN FOSTER PARTNERS WITH APPROXIMATELY 300 HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS THE U.S. Penn Foster Virtual High School is: EFFECTIVE. Whether a school or district is seeking credit recovery, summer school courses, or career courses, Penn Foster Virtual High School decreases dropout rates and increases student graduations. CONVENIENT. With Penn Foster Virtual High School, you select the courses your student needs and we handle the administration… including distribution of BI004 learning materials, testing, grading, and record keeping. And teachers and parents will have supervisory access to track each student’s progress. Upon completion, Penn Foster will report grades back to the school/district. ACCREDITED. Penn Foster High School is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Penn Foster High School is also nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). To learn more about Penn Foster Virtual High School courses, call us toll free: 1-800-233-0259 ext. 4106, email: tracey.jerauld@pennfoster.edu, or mail: 925 Oak Street, Scranton, PA 18515, Attn: Tracey Jerauld http://www.hp.com

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Technology & Learning - May 2008 Contents New@techlearning.com Editor’s Desk News and Trends E-Learning Gets Real Cover Story: Make Students Info Literate School CIO Product Guide Reviews Best of the Blogs What’s New LOY Profile Series

Technology & Learning - May 2008

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