ConnSENSEReview Chatbox 40

ConnSENSE Review: Chatbox 40

Product reviewed: ChatBox 40
Saltillo Corporation
2143 TR 112
Millersburg, OH 44654
1-800-382-8622

www.saltillo.com
Price: $ 895.00

The ChatBox 40 is a voice output communication device from Saltillo that uses digitized (recorded) speech to enable a person with limited communication capabilities to share prerecorded messages with a partner. The device requires the use of paper overlays to define the message areas with two configurations possible, a 40 message display or a 10 message display. Here is a look at some of the features:

Built in rechargeable battery. This is always a plus in any communication device; the charge is reported to last for the better part of the day. The device has a built in power down mode that will put itself to sleep when it is not used for 5 minutes; it wakes right back up by pressing any key. Since a general rule of thumb for any device is to recharge the batteries at night, the device should be good to go throughout the course of the day.

Keyboard set-ups. The Chatbox 40 allows your choice of 40 buttons (.9” x .9”) or 10 buttons (1.9” x 1.9”). The overlays can be created with Boardmaker or with other clipart programs. If you are going to use the device with the scanning options you will need to purchase the blank overlays from the company that come with the holes punched out where the scanning lights will appear.

Storage/message capacity. The Chatbox 40 can accommodate either 10 or 40 messages on an overlay. A total of 10 overlays can be stored for each configuration. This is helpful if you are recording a number of different overlays for different activities. The total recording time is 30 minutes for the device for all of the messages recorded on all of the overlays. Since most messages are quite short (average 5 seconds or less), you should have plenty of room for most activities.

Text message. It is possible to record a text message that will appear in the LCD window on the front of the device above the keys when the cell is pressed. This is done by turning on the text message recording feature and using an alphabetic overlay to type in the message while you are recording the spoken message. This feature is separate from the digital voice recording; the message that you record with your voice will not be the message that is displayed, unless of course you type it in as a text message.

Menu choices. The menu feature is easy to access; choices are displayed in the LCD window on the front of the device. After pressing the menu button you scroll through the choices with arrow keys and use a select button to make your choice. To exit, simply press menu again.

Size and weight: The device is lightweight at just a 2.25 pounds; the case is crafted of high impact plastic in bright primary colors, giving it a “young” appearance. The size of 8” x 12” puts it at about the size of a standard piece of paper.

Recording and use: The device comes with two separate “keyboards”. These are the circuit boards that go under the overlay; there is one for the 40 key configuration and one for the 10 key configuration. It is necessary to change the keyboards in addition to the overlay if you are going from the 40 button array to a 10 button array for both recording and use. There is a key guard for each array that snaps over the overlays; it is easy to remove, something to keep in mind if you are planning to use it with a child who likes to take things apart. The speakers for playing back the messages are located on the underside of the device; when the device is on a flat surface the message is projected toward the surface rather than toward the listener; I found that turning it up when it was on a flat surface was a good tip to remember.

User feedback options: There are a number of versatile options available to users including a backlight for the LCD display for using the device at night; the option to name the overlay as opposed to just numbering it; choosing to have an audible “beep” when pressing the buttons; locking access to the menu and overlays.

Access method: The Chatbox 40 can be used with single and two switch scanning. There are lights in the upper left corner of each button that indicate scanning position. There are options for linear and row/column scanning; restarting a scan after selection as well as selections to reduce unwanted selections through accidental switch hits.

The Chatbox 40 is an option for an entry level voice output communication device; it's bright colors and hard shell make it appropriate for young users. It's ability to go from 10 cells to 40 gives it "growth" and "versatility". For more information visit www.saltillo.com