As the tech person in my building, I get all of the "junk" mail that looks like it has anything to do with computers.  The other day I received a postcard that caught my eye because I had been thinking about this assignment.  The postcard was an ad/rebate offer for a Brother GeoBook NB-60.  I became interested in this laptop like computer and did some more research.  I found more information by doing a search in Open Directory.

What is a GeoBook?
The Brother GeoBook NB-60 is an easy to use self contained ROM based notebook, but at a considerably less cost than a laptop.   The GeoBook provides basic computer needs including desktop publishing and text only internet access including email.  It also allows files to be exported and imported for file sharing. The GeoBook runs on a GEOS Operating System.   When the GeoBook was originally introduced the fact that Windows software would not be compatible was a concern.  The GeoBook could not be used for anything but basic word processing.  Now additional software is being developed for the GeoBook.  A portable cart for recharging units is also available.  (GeoBook NB-60 has a grey-scale screen while the GeoBook NB-80c has a color screen.)
 

A powerful educational use:
    I believe that the GeoBook can be a great educational tool.  Because it is less expensive than a computer, more can be purchased, perhaps enough for several classrooms of students.  More students could have access to a computer at once.  Because I only have access to five computers, it is hard for my students to experience word processing to its full potential.  They also do not get enough time at a computer to practice keyboarding skills.  I would like my students to be able to use the computer for daily journaling and for composing written work at the computer.  (Maybe even write about a field trip while on the field trip!)  As of now, my class writes on paper and then types the work on to the computer.  Most people that regularly use the computer, eliminate the paper step.  If I had a classroom set of GeoBooks, my students could get them out almost any time and write just as they would with paper.  Students would not only complete the writing process faster, but they would gain much experience at keyboarding.  My other computers could then be reserved for educational software.

How to get GeoBooks:
    The GeoBook can be purchase through Brother International's Education Division for $499.
Toll free: 1-877-478-6824    E-mail:  education@brother.com
Through December 31, 1999 they are offering a $100 instant rebate.

    The Breadbox Computer Company also offers the GeoBook as well as some companion software that the company has developed.
        GeoBook NB-60              $399.95
        GeoBook NB-80c            $599.95 (Color version)

GeoBooks and Schools:
GeoBooks may be connected directly to a printer so a computer is not required.  Schools should be able to purchase GeoBooks much more easily than computers because of their lower cost.  It would be great to see students be able to type much more often - preparing them for the future.

Check out these URLs for more information:
Brother International's NB-60 site
http://www.brother.com/us-geo/info/geobook/geobook.html

Brother International's GeoBook NB-80c site
http://www.brother.com/us-geo/info/geobook/nb80c/nb80c.htm

The GeoBook: A Non-Win 95 Value Notebook Alternative (article from Computer Shopper)
http://www.zdnet.com/products/content/cshp/1808/331658.html

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