Specifications

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Introduction
As computers become smaller, more powerful, more compact and portable, with longer
battery life, the desire to explore their use as a communication device with appropriate
software has become an area of interest. Computers are becoming integrated into
everyday life at school, work and in the home. They can be used for multiple tasks, such
as communication via email and Internet, word processing, an in depth source of
information and other forms of problem solving. It is perceived that the use of a laptop as a
communication device will provide greater independence to the user and provide the user
with other options in different environments without changing devices. It is also perceived
that the cost of setting up a custom system using a laptop and A.A.C. software is cheaper
then buying a communication device. This report will compare ‘off-the-shelf’ and
customised systems in order to see if this perception is true.
Another aim of this report will be to investigate the benefits associated with using portable
computers (laptops) as communication devices. Some of the current ‘off-the shelf’ laptop
based communication systems available on the market will be presented and some
associated advantages and disadvantages for each of these systems will be discussed.
There are three clients within C.C.A. (both child and adult services) who utilise a laptop
based communication system and have been using these relatively successfully. However,
these systems have experienced some problems and the related complications will be
briefly discussed.
To clarify the terminology used in the report, the following definitions are necessary:
• ‘Off-the-shelf’ systems refer to integrated, speech-generating devices that can be
purchased fully packaged with communication software, switch and joystick
interfaces, amplified audio, etc built into the one complete unit. They are devices
based on laptop technology and built on Windows or Mac operating systems, thus
providing access to standard P.C. (personal computer) software such as word
processing, Internet and email. An example ‘off-the-shelf’ system is the Mercury.
• Custom systems refer to the use of a standard laptop (or tablet style) computer and
Windows or MAC operating system to set up a customised integrated system.
Features such as communication, environmental control and switch/joystick access
are enabled by connecting additional hardware and installing relevant software.
Thus this is a solution with the potential to achieve the same ultimate functionality
as an ‘off-the-shelf’ system, but can be customised to address specific needs.
• Laptop – this term is used to describe a non-desktop or ‘portable’ computer.