Acorn Launches Pocket Book Acorn Computers is launching its first Pocket Book computer. The idea behind the Pocket Book is to provide a small portable computer that offers functionality aimed at serving the basic computing needs of every child and that is cheap enough for parents to purchase for their school children. The applications suite provided with the Pocket Book comprises a word processor, a database, a spreadsheet, a calculator and an alarm. There is also the option of adding further applications - such as a diary program via a solid state disc. Choices are made from menus of options and each of the applications provided is self contained in its own window on the screen. The Pocket Book has an optional Archimedes link especially designed for easy transfer of information between it and Acorn's 32-bit RISC computers. The link software has been written in such a way as to make the Pocket Book appear on the desktop as just another directory viewer. In addition to the Archimedes link, there is also a fast serial port which allows access at 1.54Mbits/sec to other computers, modems and printers, and there is also a parallel printer link. On average, the two AA batteries - which are readily available - give the Pocket Book some 80 hours of continuous use. Acorn's Pocket Book costs #249.95 inc VAT (#212.72 ex VAT) Ends _______________________________________________________________________________ aglover@acorn.co.uk, moderator of comp.sys.acorn.announce. Submissions to announce-request@acorn.co.uk, other related mail to announcer@acorn.co.uk.