Independent Living Centres Australia Inc
infoline: 1300 885 886
web: www.ilcaustralia.org

DISCLAIMER:
The Independent Living Centres Australia Inc does not sell this equipment, but provides this information as a community service. Details and prices are provided by the equipment supplier and are subject to change without notice. The provision of this information does not constitute a recommendation. Responsibility for final selection of any item rests with the individual.

Co:Writer SOLO

ILC Reference NO 62:59:009
Item sourced from ILC VIC database

Writer SOLO

Short Description
Co:Writer SOLO is a word prediction program with flexible phonetic word completion for PC and Macintosh computers. Co:Writer SOLO tries to guess the word currently being typed. It can also be used to provide suggestions or predictions for the next word. Co:Writer works in conjunction with any word processing software. It learns new words and frequency of word use. Sentences and word lists can be spoken out as required. The program can be accessed by mouse, keyboard or switch and scanning.

More Details
Co:Writer SOLO has three screen layouts. 'Sentence' and 'paragraph window' settings place a window on the screen that is usually positioned in front of the word processing document being used. 'Word window' presents the list in a floating box that follows the cursor as you type.
Numbered word lists appear on the screen and are continually updated as the letters are entered. The lists can be positioned vertically or horizontally, words can be read aloud by the computer as the user hovers the mouse over the word.
If the desired word appears in the list, the user types the number corresponding to the target word or clicks on the word with the mouse. This word will be typed automatically into the Co:Writer window.
In sentence and paragraph window settings the sentence is transferred to the word processor or application program by typing a full stop or a return respectively.
Individual users can store specific or unique words such as technical terms, names or slang in the dictionary.
New words can be learned and stored as they are typed and later transferred to the personal dictionary.

Predicted word options
0 to 9 words predicted.
Predict words in alphabetical or order of frequency.
Adjustable font, size and spacing of words.
Speak and/or scan predicted word list.

Selection Methods
Typing number of word.
Using up and down arrows and space bar.
Point and click with mouse.
Scan and switch.

Dictionaries
Main dictionary available with 40,000, 10,000, 2,000 or zero words.

Other Dictionary Options
Prediction window size, shape and position can be changed to suit the user and the application program.
Possible word endings, suffixes, hyphenated words and prefixes can be predicted when required.
Whole phrases can be stored as an abbreviation allowing commonly used phrases to be predicted.
Co:Writer provides text to speech within its own window. Once text is placed into the word processor Co:Writer can not be used to read eg a paragraph after a number of sentences were written one by one.
Speech output options include speak each letter, word and/or the completed sentence.
A UK version is available which uses standard British English dictionary instead of American spelling.

System Requirements
Windows
Operating System: Win XP, 2000
Minimum RAM: 256 MB RAM
HD space required: 90 MB hard drive space
Minimum processor: Pentium III
Sound Card: Sound Blaster or compatible
CD ROM: 4x minimum

Macintosh
Operating System: OS X 10.2 or higher
Minimum RAM: 256 MB RAM
HD Space Required: 100 MB hard drive space
Minimum Processor: G3
CD-ROM: 4x minimum

Factors to Consider
The word prediction box may distract some users from their writing tasks.
Co:Writer SOLO reduces the number of keystrokes needed to produce a word or sentence. This makes it suitable for people who type slowly, experience fatigue, or access the computer by scanning.
Speech output by the computer assists people with limited literacy/spelling skills to correct word selection.

Place of Manufacture
Don Johnston, USA.

Maintenance
Refer to the supplier and manufacturer manual for maintenance instructions and safety warnings.

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For a fact sheet about standards contact us or visit www.ilcaustralia.org/home/standards.asp.

Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing



Supplier Information
Name:  Novitatech
Price:  POA
Address:
  Novitatech
  Days Road
  Regency Park
  SA  5942
Postal Address:
  PO Box 2438
  Regency Park
  SA  5942
Phone:   (08) 8243 8348
FAX:  (08) 8243 8337
Toll Free:  1300 855 585
Email:   assistivetech@novita.org.au
Website:  www.novitatech.org.au/at

Name:  Spectronics
Price:  POA
Address:
  Unit E1 Commercial Court
  130 Kingston Road
  Underwood
  QLD  4119
Postal Address:
  PO Box 88
  Rochedale
  QLD  4123
Phone:   (07) 3808 6833
FAX:  (07) 3808 6108
Email:   mail@spectronicsinoz.com
Website:  www.spectronicsinoz.com

Name:  Technability
Price:  POA
Address:
  The Spastic Centre of NSW
  189 Allambie Road
  Allambie Heights
  NSW  2100
Postal Address:
  PO Box 184
  Brookvale
  NSW  2100
Phone:   (02) 9975 8419/8
FAX:  (02) 9975 5932
Email:   technability@tscnsw.org.au
Website:  www.technability.com.au


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