September 05, 2003
Dana Wireless Shipping
Looks like the Dana Wireless is officially shipping. A recent brochure I received from Alphasmart shows a detailed description of the Dana Wireless as well as the new Internet software package including a wide-screen web browser and an e-mail client as well as a chat program.
The new Dana will also include the wide-screen versions of Documents to Go from Dataviz as well. Looks like I'll be leaving my laptop at home more often in the future.
I will be getting a review unit soon; so, look for the review in the near future.
Posted by Ken | PermalinkWe got one a few weeks ago. We have several issues sent to support. They are:
1) Extremely slow between light web pages
2) Touch screen sporadic - buttons don't appear to press 6 of 10 times
3) Erratic navigation - jumped from page 5 back to page 2 so its not a 'back' issue but something more frustrating.
We want kids to take tests on this but I'd to be that kid with this current version. Needs fleshing out and an upgrade to the firmware at least... I give it a 6 of 10...great idea that needs more work
Posted by ZMan at October 7, 2003 12:27 PMThey are aware of the web browser being slow (it's also compounded by 33MHZ Motorola chip). I think they might incorporate the ARM processor in the future. I didn't have any problem with #2 and #3. If you do a lot of e-mail, check out the latest SnapperMail, it now supports the Dana.
Posted by Ken at October 7, 2003 03:17 PMUpon further analysis, I am now convinced that the issue lies in 'PostBack'. Its going from a state that occurs after the intial page load (a question on the test is loaded) back to the original state of the web page ("you are about to take a test"). Its as if it doesn't always detect a post back and my display centers around that. I can try a work around but I think this should be looked at. As you know, many developers rely on the 'IsPostBack' to control screen display. Thanks
Posted by ZMan at October 9, 2003 11:47 AMGreat feedback, ZMan...we'll forward on to AlphaSmart so they hear this from multiple sources. Thanks!
Posted by Craig at October 9, 2003 09:22 PMTo leave a comment or read updated entries, please visit GearBits' current site. Thanks.