Gizmo

Dana Wireless by Alphasmart

Alphasmart figures that if you think Palm handheld computers are too small and laptops are too big then a device in between is a good idea.

So the company created the Dana, which has all the workings of a Palm device including synchronizing capabilities with a full-sized laptop-like keyboard.

Size-wise it’s not much thicker than a thick-crust pizza. In fact, if you can visualize a medium-sized Hawaiian with one end blunted, then that’s the relative size. It’s highly portable, like lunch.

The keyboard is a smart addition especially since it has a nice word processing program for diligent note takers. However, with the evolution of wireless Internet access – called Wi-Fi – why not provide that too so the device can get email and surf the web when you are in range of a Wi-Fi equipped airport lounge or coffee shop or your wireless basement? And so they did. And it’s pretty good.

You’ll have to have some familiarity with wireless networks and not be afraid of tech support as it can be a challenge to get it to work, however it’s halfway there for those willing to fiddle a bit.

For example, I found a wireless signal on my home wireless network without a problem using Dana, but the built-in web browser told me the Dana couldn’t find Yahoo.com or Google.com or even my site Cyberwalker.com. And then, when I tried later, it worked just fine. It was probably a wireless network issue. Still, there was no indication of why anything was wrong. The screen showed a nice juicy wireless signal available.

The web experience is fast, though note that web graphics are turned off when you open the box. Images on web pages show up as empty blocks. You have to use the preferences to turn them on. Also, the kids won’t be playing Disney’s Blast on this device as it doesn’t appear to support plug-ins that offer interactive animation. The aforementioned Disney site showed up as a black box.

Mostly this gadget is an email access device and word processor, though web access is there if you need it in a pinch. You can also install any of the zillions of Palm compatible programs on it. Yes, there is a calorie counter and yes, there’s a Space Invaders game.

Still, the network connection offers one other fun feature. If you want to sync your data on this device with the data on your home networked computer, you can, over the wireless network. And that is a remarkable feat.

Price: $429 U.S.
More info: www.alphasmart.com
Buy it: Alphasmart web site.

-Andy Walker, Cyberwalker Media Syndicate

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Copyright © Cyberwalker Media Inc. 2002