Features
The Tellus Smart is based on a PDA device running Windows Mobile and Mind Express (WinCE) for communication.
Pre-installed Windows programs include: Office Moile ( Excel Mobile, OneNote Mobile, Powerpoint Mobile, Word Mobile), calculator, games (Solitaire, Bubble Breaker), photosmart mobile, calendar, ClearVuePDF, contacts and notes. These programs can be made inaccessible if preferred, by ordering a 'dedicated' Tellus Smart 2, which opens to Mind Express only. Alternatively the Mind Express toolbar can be hidden so that the program can not be closed inadvertently. Functionality can be customised to be as complete or simplified as required.
The Tellus Smart 2 is very light and can easily be carried in it's own carry bag, and used while in the bag, accessing the display by opening the flap with Velcro closure. The display is large and bright and low glare.
ACCESSING | direct access is available using a finger or stylus (supplied). The accessing area is determined by the size of the cells designed when making a new display. Fewer cells will produce larger areas. The unit is turned ON and OFF using a small ruberized button at the centre top above the display or by setting the 'auto-off' to suitable timing.. Touch screen settings can be varied using "acceptance time" and "post selection time" milliseconds delays.
Scanning with one or two switches is available on the Smart II. A switch connector is available as an extra accessory for 2 switch scanning.
Scanning can be achieved through numerous settings including automatic, manual (tap switch) and inverse (hold switch). Scanning patterns include row-column, column-row, linear column, linear row, snake row, snake column . Each of these can be set to critical overscan (backtrack). The cursor can be set as a border for each row then individual cell, or inverse highlighting (as shown on the QWERTY display below). Switch 2 if used can be set to restart scanning or pause scanning.Cells with no action can be skipped in the scan sequence. A sound can be set to be audible as the scan advances or on selection.
The casing is designed with a minimum of extraneous buttons and ports. The two rubberized buttons below the display can be programmed with a selection of functions, including "page back", "mute", volume up or down and "speak the time".
MIND EXPRESS | Mind Express software is customisable dynamic display software for communication. This is supplied installed on the Tellus Smart 2. A PC version is also supplied to enable programmming on a Windows PC, for export to the Tellus Smart 2. This program provides the facility to make pages to suit the individual user. Pages may be designed with symbols from the PCS library. Key label font size and position can be adjusted independently for each cell. Styles can be set. Key size can be varied. Pages can be linked to other symbol pages, and to alphabet pages and to pages of whole messages. Word prediction is available, some morphology, abbreviation expansions. Some examples of the sample pages are shown below.
The menu page shown below branches to 12 pages. Two are shown here. These pages require only recognition of the symbols to navigate the pages and locate the required message.
The menu page below branches to 6 other pages of phrases and to an alphabet page. One phrase page is shown as an example.
Three alpha-numeric sample pages are provided. The QWERTY layout is shown above in the accessing section. Below is a display in alphabetical order with colour-coding to highlight vowels. Word prediction boxes are displayed at the top of the array.
Below is an alpha-numeric array using larger cells. Each letter selection requires two key presses, but the display can be accessed by a finger rather than stylus and the larger font makes for well spaced keys.
PORTABILITY | the light weight and slim design design of the Tellus Smart makes it suitable for active, ambulant individuals. An elastic strap is located behind the unit's casing so that a hand can be slipped through for support. It is recommended, however that the unit is kept in the sturdy case supplied. It is zipped into the unit which has a Velcro closure flap providing access to the display. The carry case has a metal loop to which a belt or lanyard could be fastened. The display is glass and may br broken if the unit is dropped.