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AlphaSmart Ships Classroom Management Software for Dana and New Built-In Functionality to Make Wireless File Access and Setup Simple AlphaSmart Manager for Dana and Dana System Software Release 1.5 Bring Wireless Functionality and Dana Simplicity to a New Level LOS GATOS, Calif., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AlphaSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALSM), a leading provider of technology solutions for education, today announced two new software enhancements that simplify the use of Dana and Dana Wireless computer companions in the classroom. AlphaSmart Manager for Dana (Windows version) now ships with all new Dana and Dana Wireless SmartOption Mobile Labs. This classroom management software enables educators to easily manage word processing files, settings and applications on up to 30 Dana devices at one time. The company also announced that all new Dana and Dana Wireless computer companions will now include Dana System Software Release 1.5. This built-in software enhancement provides wireless file access and network support for Dana Wireless models, enabling users to access and save AlphaWord word processor files stored on a campus network. In addition, several new features, utilities and applications have been integrated into the software to provide educators with the simplest "out of box" experience possible. AlphaSmart will demonstrate its new software enhancements, along with classroom curriculum and assessment solutions for Neo and Dana, in Booth #2108 at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) in Philadelphia, PA next week. "Our new software releases for Dana are designed to give teachers more of what they need most -- time," said Manish Kothari, president of AlphaSmart. "By providing a complete classroom management solution, we have eliminated the time-consuming process of setting up and managing multiple devices. With wireless access to the school network, and new built-in functionality, new methods of collaboration, document sharing, and student-teacher workflow are possible." AlphaSmart Manager for Dana simplifies the configuration and management of an entire classroom of Dana devices. From a classroom computer, a teacher can see the connection and status of up to 30 Dana devices at a glance. Enhanced administration features make it easier to install new software applications, send, receive and print AlphaWord files, configure network and printer settings, and modify device behavior. Dana System Software Release 1.5 is tightly integrated with AlphaSmart Manager for Dana, making it possible to customize device capabilities and operation more completely and easily than before. It simplifies the process of setting up a wireless network, logging on and moving from one access point to another, and working with files stored on a campus network. In addition, AlphaWord's large dictionary and thesaurus, and PalmReader and WiStat applications, are now permanently installed on Dana, eliminating the need to add applications and HotSync during set-up. Release 1.5 also provides enhanced printing support with more drivers and the latest PrintBoy software, and a feature to protect from accidentally turning on the device while it is being transported. Availability AlphaSmart's new management capabilities are now available for Windows-based computers and included with new Dana or Dana Wireless SmartOption Mobile Labs. Beginning in July, all new Dana or Dana Wireless computer companions ordered or shipped will include Dana System Software Release 1.5 built-in. Customers who have purchased a Dana SmartOption Mobile Lab in the past will be sent information on obtaining the Windows version of AlphaSmart Manager for Dana this summer. Customers who plan to communicate with Dana in the classroom from a Macintosh computer can contact the company regarding availability of AlphaSmart Manager for Dana for Mac OS. A download version of Dana System Software Release 1.5 is available as a free upgrade to all Dana customers who have a device with at least 16 MB of memory. The update is available on CD for a nominal media charge. Contact AlphaSmart at 888-274-2720, or email . About AlphaSmart AlphaSmart, Inc. is a provider of affordable, portable personal learning solutions for the K-12 classroom. Its portable computer companion products are used by students to enhance writing, keyboarding and comprehension, and have been adopted by more than 8,500 school districts in the United States and other countries. Based in Los Gatos, California, the company was founded in 1992 by former Apple Computer engineers. DATASOURCE: AlphaSmart, Inc. CONTACT: media, Carleen LeVasseur of AlphaSmart, +1-408-264-6767, or Web site: http://www.alphasmart.com/

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