ECO2

The ECO2 (formerly known as the Liberator 14), launched in the UK in 2007, and is an integrated communication aid and computer with a large 36cm (14.1 inch) colour touchscreen. The user can switch between standard computer mode and communication aid mode by pressing a single button. In fact, the vocabulary software can serve as an onscreen keyboard for accessing standard Windows software. An eye-pointing version of the ECO is also available, called the ECOpoint.

The ECO has all the usual bells and whistles expected of such a high-spec communication aid. There's USB and Ethernet ports, environmental controls and built-in infrared capabilities in addition to intergrated Bluetooth connectivity for computer and mobile phone access. It has a solid state drive - much more robust than a standard disk drive - and also features an MP3 player, built-in DVD/CD player/CD burner, integrated speakers and an integrated touchscreen keyboard. The hot-swappable rechargeable batteries should give up to eight hours of normal use.

Keyguards for 45, 60, 84, and 144 locations can be purchased seperately. The latter comes in two versions - split or solid.

A two-position table-top stand is included, along with a wheelchair mounting plate. A padded carry case is available as an optional extra. Four case colours are available: blue, black, pink and grey.

Software and vocabularies

The ECO software can host a large selection of vocabularies. The standard price includes your choice of either LLL, Discovery and Stepping Stones, or Unity. All these are MinSpeak vocabularies. For literate users, versions of the word-based WordCore vocabulary system are included by default. An extra £270 will get you the page-based WordPower suite.

It's possible to programme pages on a PC (using Liberator's PASS software) and transfer them to the ECO.

Language representation methods supported include single meaning pictures, spelling, word prediction, orthographic word selection, and semantic compaction.

Minspeak and Clarity symbols are included, and PCS symbols are an optional extra.

Speech

Speech is provided primarily through the included high-quality RealSpeak and Acapela voices. DecTalk speech is an optional extra.

Access options

Devices like the ECO have a comprehensive range of input options. Single or dual switch scanning is available, along with a multitude of scanning options including customisable block scanning. Other access methods include joystick, mouse (included), touchscreen and the option of an integrated Madentech Tracker headpointer and an ECOpoint eyegaze add-on.

In the box:

• ECO communication aid
• USB cable and USB Flash Drive
• USB keyboard and mouse
• User guide

Technical details

• Intel 1.6GHz Atom processor
• 2GB RAM
• 60GB solid state drive
• Integrated (optional) Wi-Fi
• SD and Express card slot

Links

Liberator's ECO webpage:

http://www.liberator.co.uk/products/communication-aids/eco2/eco2.html