ChatPC Silk+

The ChatPC is a longstanding PDA-based communication device that has been updated regularly over the years as PDA technology has advanced. The ChatPC Silk+ is the less 'rugged' sister of the ChatPC 4+, although both meet the needs of individuals who need a very portable communication aid. The Chat PC Silk+ is based on a Hewlett-Packard PDA.

Both versions are intended for individuals with existing or emerging literacy skills and have the facilities necessary to use and create vocabularies using symbols and photographs, as well as spelling enhancement tools (word/letter prediction and abbreviation expansion).

Software and vocabularies

The Silk runs Liberator's ChatPC software, which gives access to the scanning and other settings, and also acts as a vehicle for the seven preloaded vocabularies.

These eight vocabulary page sets include a sampler set: 16 Primary Vocab, 16 Basic Vocab, VocabPC (not to be confused with VocabPlus), QuickChat, MultiChat 15, Spelling Vocab and PalmChat. The VocabPC page sets are designed for individuals with moderate cognitive disabilities and include commonly-used carrier phrases, situational vocabulary and naming words. The 30-location PalmChat page sets are intended for more literate users and can be used to create sentences ‘on the fly’. They feature word prediction and a grammar key that provides suitable endings to verbs, nouns and adjectives. Picture support in PalmChat is only provided for producing words.

The Spelling Vocab consists of a keyboard (with prediction options) with a page for pre-programmed phrases.

Symbols

4000 SymbolStix symbols are supplied with the device for customising and creating your own pages on the ChatPC. Mayer Johnson PCS symbols can be purchased as an additional extra. Alternatively you can use or modify Liberator’s PalmChat vocabulary or any of the other six vocabulary page sets that are preloaded onto the device. You can also use the bundled DesktopChatPC software to create pages and to import photos and other images from a desktop computer. Cables and instructions are included for downloading files from a desktop PC to the device. There are 10,000 SymbolStix symbols available on the DesktopChat software.

Access

The device is touchscreen accessible only.

Speech

The high quality Loquendo artificial speech is provided, but if preferred, DECtalk, Loquendo or Acapela can be requested at the time of purchase.

Other features

The ChatPC includes many customizing features for fine-tuning the unit for the individual tastes and needs of the user. Blank page templates can be specified, along with partially-blank templates that contain commonly-used words. The size, color, background and font of the keys can be customized for visual and cognitive perception. Keys can also be programmed to carry out multiple actions. The touch-screen can be adjusted to meet the fine motor skills of the user, and the messages and symbols on the keys can easily be changed. Spelling keyboard pages can be modified and created to suit the access needs of the user.

Different user profiles for can be specified, allowing the device to be used by individuals with different access and communication needs.

As the ChatPC is based on PocketPC computers, users have access to the other PocketPC applications such as Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, a calendar and a calculator. Other commercial PocketPC programs can also run on the device. You can, however, opt to have the ChatPC as a ‘dedicated’ device, ie only the communication software can be used – the rest is locked out.

Other features include:

• Software and hardware volume controls
• On/off switch and auto power-down
• Digitised (recorded) and synthised (computer-generated) speech
• Screen size: 10cm (diagonal)

An optional carrying case has both a shoulder strap and waist belt, and has a clear plastic access panel so that the unit can be used while inside the case.

It's not possible to wheelchair mount the Silk directly as supplied.

Links

Liberator's ChatPC webpage:

http://www.liberator.co.uk/products/communication-aids/chatpc