Renaissance Adds Wireless to Latest NEO 'Sub-laptop'

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Renaissance Learning (Wisconsin Rapids, WI) has released the AlphaSmart NEO 2 sub-laptop for the education environment.

The NEO and NEO 2 are small, portable computing tools priced well below traditional laptops. They combine a keyboard and small LCD screen, and are geared to help students practice their writing, reading and keyboard/typing skills.

The new version includes features from the original NEO, such as distraction-free writing, keyboarding and quizzing, as well as enhancements such as two-way RF communication capabilities to facilitate classroom functions such as instant assessment and wireless printing. It will also run various Renaissance software applications, including its Accelerated Reader reading comprehension software.

Using Renaissances 2Know! Toolbar, AccelTest and other software with the laptop's wireless capabilities, students and teachers can use the NEO 2 to facilitate instant classroom interactions. Teachers can use the laptop to administer more formal assessments, and immediately adjust instruction based on student feedback.

The wireless feature will eventually enable to classrooms to perform wireless Accelerated Reader quizzes. Slated for March 2008, the Accelerated Reader SmartAppleet will let schools using Accelerated Reader Renaissance Place will be able to take quizzes on their NEO 2s.

The NEO 2 is available from Renaissance company AlphaSmart Direct, and is available at discount when ordered in classroom quantity SmartOption Mobile Lab cart packages.

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About the author: David Kopf is a freelance technology writer and editor, and can be reached at [email protected].

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About the Author

David Kopf is a freelance technology writer and marketing consultant, and can be reached at [email protected].

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