I have been no mail for about 6 weeks.  So if this has already been posted I
am sorry,  But I thought people might like to see this.
Harvey
Forwarded Message:


Please accept our apologies for any delays in receiving a response to
questions that you have submitted. We have had an overwhelming response from
word of mouth alone as we have not yet officially released the Portico. We
are answering questions in the order in which they are received. Some asked
many detailed questions to our understanding, and others offered wonderful
insights for our product as we are taking time to answer all questions as
completely as possible at this time. We thank everyone for their interest,
comments, and suggestions because we are truly listening to you. We expect
to officially release on June 1 which will include the launch of our web
site and official documentation. We expect to immediately ship at that time
and are taking orders now.

The expected retail price for the full power package is $3,895 which
includes the Portico, leather case, Window Eyes or Jaws, software suite from
Premier Assistive Technology, Bluetooth wireless set (includes earphone,
printer, full size keyboard, and mouse), Wi-Fi connectivity, external
DVD/CDRW drive, external floppy drive, scanner, Microsoft XP Pro, Microsoft
Office (small business edition), a screen which can be attached directly to
the Portico at a later date (no charge for the first attachment), and a full
one year warranty which will protect against product failure, loss, theft,
fire, and damage from accidental drops (extended warranties will be
available for additional years). Also, keep in mind that we will continue to
work with other companies on additional software to add to the software
suite which we offer. Updates to software packages will be extended to
customers at no charge, at the least, during the first 90 days of ownership.

* If a screen reader is owned already, CompSolution, at the customer's
option, will install the screen reader on receipt of appropriate
authorization keys (if necessary) before shipping the unit to its
destination. Portico operates with Windows XP Pro, please check
compatibility and verify if upgrades are necessary for the screen reader. An
amount of $400 may be deducted from the package price.

We will offer a base unit package for those who may have accessories of
their own or for those who choose to select their own to add on at later
date. The anticipated retail price will be $2,895 for this package.
Additional packages are expected to be offered but are still being
determined at this time. We also anticipate offering other package offers
for educational and non-profit organizations. Details will be forthcoming
upon release.

Some product specifications :
. Processor - Intel Centrino which is upgradeable
. Chipset - Intel 855GME and IC 4-M chipset
. Hard Drive - IDD HDD, 60 GB which is upgradeable
. Optical Drive - external 24X, DVD/CDRW/CD-ROM slim combo; supports USB 2.0
(upgradeable to being embedded into the Portico) . Card Reader - SD / MMC /
MS / MS PRO . Fax/Modem/LAN - 2.1 compliant; V.92 and K56 flex support;
     onboard 10/100 Mbps fast ethernet controller
. PC Card Slot - PCMCIA 2.1 compliant; type II / I
. Interfaces - audio out, DC in, DC out, microphone in, VGA port, RJ11 phone
line jack, RJ45 LAN jack, three USB 2.0 ports, IEEE 1394 port . Battery
information - 3 cell is standard which is upgradeable to a 9 cell; up to 8
hours of use on a 3 cell; charging time is 2 hours/4 hours
(off/on)
. Dimensions and Weight - 275 mm x 223 mm x 15 mm; approximately 0.8 pounds
with standard features

Other information :
A qwerty keyboard input is the first type that will be introduced but we are
testing a USB-connected Braille input keypad to offer with the unit. We plan
to offer a unit with an integrated Braille display at some point in 2005.
The Portico will support USB connected Braille displays from other
manufacturers.

Andrew Woytowich
CompSolution - an Asus partner
Assistive Technology Division
1249 Mall Dr.
Richmond, VA 23235

phone : 804-897-8347
fax : 804-897-8349
e-mail :
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