- Wireless printing NEO 2 only
NEO 2's built-in wireless connectivity can be used to allow it to print wirelessly. To use this function, AlphaSmart Manager 2 must be installed on a computer or laptop, and a Renaissance Receiver must be attached to the computer's USB port. From this point, whenever the Print key on the NEO 2 is pressed, the selected file will be printed on whatever printer has been set to default on the computer. This can include network printers.
- Accelerated Reader quiz-taker NEO 2 only
Using the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet allows a NEO 2 to be used to take Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader quizzes. Once a Renaissance Receiver has been attached to a laptop or computer connected to the internet (either directly or via a LAN), and then configured using the Wireless Server utility, NEO 2's Accelerated Reader SmartApplet will allow a student to enter their log-in, password and book /quiz number, and then take the quiz in the normal way. During this time the laptop or computer can continue to be used for its normal tasks, as the quiz application will run in the background.
- Responder NEO 2 only
NEO 2 has the functionality of the Classroom Response System (CRS) built into it, allowing it to be used to record responses and assessment in exactly the same way as a CRS hand-held. NEO 2 uses 2Know! toolbar software for on the fly voting, as well as AccelTest for more in-depth assessment. In the classroom NEO 2s are fully compatible with CRS and can be used together, if required.
Using NEO 2's Responder function will also enable students using Accelerated Maths to record their practice assignment results directly, removing the need to use scan cards and a scanner. This in turn enables much faster and easier scoring and marking of test results.
- Long battery life
NEO 2 runs on 3 normal alkaline AA batteries, which should provide approximately over 700 hours of usage. This equates to about 1 year's normal use. So you never need to carry extra adapters or have to worry about being near a mains socket.
- Instant on/off
NEO 2 switches on and off with a single key-press. When switched on, it instantly opens the last file that was being worked in, with the cursor ready in the last place it was being used. When switched off, it will shut down instantly, with all work saved. There is no need to allow precious time for the start-up and shutdown procedures required by computers and laptops.
- Automatically saves all work
All work is automatically saved as it is created. This means you never have to 'save' your work, and your text is safe, even if you switch your it off.
NEO 2 also has an internal battery, so even when the AA batteries reach the end of their life, your work is safe whilst the new batteries are installed.
- One key text send
Once you've created text on your NEO 2 it is simple to send it to a PC or Mac. Open an application on the computer that accepts text, such as Word or Textease, connect it to a computer using a USB cable, and press Send. Your text will flow in automatically. If your computer or laptop is infra-red enabled, follow the same procedure, but instead of connecting via USB, point the NEO 2 at the computer's IR port and press Send on the NEO 2 to transfer text.
- One key text print
Once you've created text on your NEO 2 it is easy to print it. Connect it to a PCL3 printer using a USB cable, and press Print. Your text will print out automatically. If your printer is infra-red enabled, follow the same procedure, but instead of connecting via USB, point the NEO 2 at the printer's IR port and press Print on the NEO 2. Please check our "NEO Printer Compatibility List" in the support section of www.renlearn.co.uk to find a compatible printer.
- Beam text transfer/share
Every NEO 2 is equipped with an Infra-red (IR) transceiver, and this can be used not only to send text to computers and printers, but also between NEO 2s. This is particularly useful for when NEO 2s are being used for collaborative writing, or when users want to share ideas.
- Choice of display font
NEO 2's screen can display up to 6 lines of the text. You can change the size of the display to make the text bigger, with choices from 6 lines right down to 2 lines, which is ideal for younger users, users with visual impairment, as well as dyslexic and dyspraxic users.
- One-key file select/change
NEO 2 has eight files that can be selected from the keyboard with a single touch. If required, these files can also be given names, for easy identification, such as topics, subjects or different users where the same NEO 2 is being shared. Changing files is done by simply pressing the file-number on the keyboard relating to the file you want. In addition, you can create extra files over and above the 8 that are accessed directly from the keyboard.
- Name file option
If required, NEO 2's files can be given names, for easy identification, such as topics, subjects or different users where the same NEO 2 is being shared by several users.
- Linked files (sometimes known as 'rubrics')
NEO 2 has the facility within AlphaSmart Manager (accompanying desktop management software) to create Linked Files (or rubrics) and send them to one or more NEO 2s. A linked file is a read-only file that is linked to a normal read/write file. The User can toggle quickly and easily between both, making it an ideal way to provide and use notes, instructions and lists.
- Distraction-free writing
With NEO 2 there is never the distraction of waiting whilst the machine boots up, navigating the desktop to find an application and open a file, or spending time choosing fonts, styles colours, etc. Hence users can get straight on with the task of writing, instantly. In addition, because NEO 2 is not connected to the internet, the option to become side-tracked by the many distractions that this can offer, such as browsing, checking mail, and instant messaging.
- Cross-curriculum writing
NEO 2 is a very portable, general purpose writing tool and it can be used in any subject in any location, providing an excellent ICT resource right across the curriculum for all ages.
- Reduces techno-fear
Simple, reliable, easy and fast to use means that NEO 2 is a pleasure to use, even for the most techno-phobic of users.
- Reduces pressure on existing ICT facilities
Using NEO 2 for writing often means that other over-utilised resources, such as regular laptops or computers are freed for other tasks. In schools this can frequently mean that timetable pressure for valuable ICT resources is reduced when NEO 2s are used for word-processing - still the most commonly used computer application.
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