Click for gorgeous color photo!
Gallery Commentary
Click for gorgeous color photo!
Gallery Commentary
The eMate 300 is Apple's first entry into
the education market with a Newton-based product [click here to play a eMate300 animation (33k)]. It is designed to take
the rugged lifestyle of a student's computer in K-12 secondary education.
For example the keyboard has no circuitry hidden under it and thus avoids
and potential 'Pepsi syndromes' that might result from drinks spilling
on it. In addition, the shell incasing it is designed to survive spills
of the drop and bounce type. If the screen or keyboard is damaged, both
are designed for easy removal and replacement. The software inside it is
also designed to adapt to the classroom environment and use wireless IR and
client-server approaches to fit in and adapt to the high school environment.
The eMate 300 is also the first Newton device
to look like a notebook computer -- its clamshell design with a built-in
keyboard makes it unlike any previous newton. It's creative multicolor
translucent design also causes folks to do a double take before they realize
its a serious computer. The industrial design of the unit is stunning --
its translucent green case and glowing curvilinear form have earned it
the nickname "BatNewt." And with good reason since it's BatGirl's
(Alicia Silverstone) computer in the George Clooney Batman film.
The screen on the eMate 300 has the same number of pixels
but is slightly larger than the MessagePad 2000. And its built-in
keyboard adds a row of function keys along the top which replace the button
bar and provide one-touch access to built-in applications and common commands
such as Close and Backlight On/Off. eMate 300 is the most expandable Newton
device yet, with room to expand its system RAM and user RAM internally.
eMate 300 also includes a Type III PC Card slot, capable of holding Flash
RAM cards, a modem, or other larger PC Card devices. eMate 300 will initially
be available only through K-12 educational channels, but Apple has said
that if it's successful in schools we can expect to see another model targeted
to consumers. And recently press releases from Apple indicate a business
version like the emate subnotebook will be made available soon.
Original Product Specifications Announcement
(1996)
(underlined words link to other gallery photos)
The Apple® eMate(tm) 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. 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® 2.1 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.
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.
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.
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 let 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.
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 communities, 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.
Apple's support of the Distributed Learning Environment concept is based
on its commitment to four critical elements of successful learning experiences:
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.
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 applications 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.
Availability: The Apple eMate 300 will be available for ordering in early 1997.
Information about Apple Education products and services can also be found on the Internet at http://education.apple.com/
