Intel Fizzbook tablet PC as a low cost VOCA

Posted by Robert Stewart on the 30th September, 2009

Peter Keeves (Cornwall Partnership Trust) recently presented a session at Communication Matters on the new Intel Fizzbook Tablet PC and its potential as a low cost voice output communication aid (VOCA).  I shall give very brief details on this:

• Fizzbook Spin (Standard laptop version is just called a Fizzbook) can be purchased for around £300 which is very cheap for a Tablet PC (Touch screen laptop with rotating screen). It's powered with an Intel Atom processor, 1Gb Ram, 10.1" screen, 160Gb hard drive and Windows XP. It also boasts a carry handle.
• Peter suggested purchasing an iWantit IW150 ipod speaker station for under £15 which can then be attached to the back of the tablet (with good strength Velcro). The speaker is then powered via USB from the tablet (you can also use 4 x AAA batteries) and the sound can be turned on or off and adjusted easily with buttons on the top right of the speaker.
• Copy of Clicker 5 (with Quickfire grids) can then be purchased for home use at £59.

It should be noted that some basic soldering was mentioned but this was not elaborated on. I’m assuming this is for the earphone cable between the tablet and the speaker.

At less than £400 the finished article was very profesional and the audio fairly loud. I worked out that the total weight was about 1.75 Kg which isn't too heavy. 

An added touch is that the user can still attach their iPod to the back of the speaker!

If you wish to know more then you may wish to contact Peter Keeves via the Cornwall Partnership Trust (Peter.Keeves@cpt.cornwall.nhs.uk).