Magic Touchscreen 

Assistive Technology 'news briefs': RJ Cooper here with a short note.

OK, for about 5 years now, when I realized that the Edmark Touch*Window* could no longer satisfy my needs (sturdy, self-supporting, 17", no buttons along edges), I searched and found a great touchscreen line, that can operate all software, because it behaves just like a mouseclick at the location you touch.

We've been successfully selling the Magic TouchScreens (*not* Touch*Windows*) in the following configurations:

15" Mac - ADB
17" Mac - ADB
15" PC - Serial
17" PC - Serial

and recently:
15" Mac - USB
17" Mac - USB
15" PC - USB
17" PC - USB

All well and good, right?  But, about a month ago, the manufacturer contacted us and informed us they would no longer be producing the ADB versions.  Ouch!  We still sell a significant number of the ADB versions for non-USB Macs (the 2nd generation G3's were the last Macs to have a built-in ADB port).

So, we need to stock up so we have a sufficient supply for, say, the next 2 years.  I am not trying to obligate anyone to any purchases, but it sure would help me if you have any idea at all that you might be purchasing a Magic Touchscreen from us, for non-USB Macs, and what size.  Please help me to help you.  If I don't hear from you, I won't have any idea how many to stock to cover *you* when you need one of these.

If you are not familiar with my reasons for going to the Magic Touchscreen from the TouchWindow:

1) The Magic Touch has plastic 'hangars' that rest along the top/front edge of the monitor, and the Velcro simply pulls the screen close the the monitor.  All the weight is absorbed by the hangars.  The TouchWindow only uses Velcro and is always falling off.

2) The Magic Touch is just plain sturdier, built of stronger plastic and touch surface.  You'd feel it right away.  There is no bending at all, like the TouchWindow.

3) There are no 'buttons' or button-like objects along the front plastic frame with the Magic Touch.  The TouchWindow has 2 button-like protrusions that constantly confuse the kids with whom I work.

4) The TouchWindow is simply not available in 17" version.  I feel it is essential for special needs to have a 17" monitor.

5) The Magic TouchScreens are up to $85 less than the TouchWindow (priced from Edmark).

Once again, I need to know if any of you can foresee even the slightest possibility that you will be needing the ADB version of the Magic Touchscreen so I can purchase a sufficient quantity for the next 2 years so you won't be 'out in the cold'.

Oh, one more thing...if you are the parent of, or work with, any person, working in the 6 month-3 year old developmental level, that (can *easily* reach up to the screen, then I firmly feel they should.  I think single switches are dead-ends for them, as they don't 'lead' anywhere, and a touchscreen leads directly to pointing to pictures, and 'hot spots' on the screen.  Why even *start* on switches/scanning, if they can directly touch the screen?  Might as well use cognitively-appropriate software (like mine <grin>), and go directly where you want?  (just my own beliefs, after 17 years of working with severe/profound)

Thanks, and I hope to hear from you.

RJ :)

P.S.  We have just a few 17" demo units, PC-Serial, and Mac-ADB, that are in great shape and we can discount 30% :)

RJ Cooper & Assoc.
<http://www.rjcooper.com>

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