Kids with unique challenges have been on my mind lately. In the course of doing research for an article, I’ve discovered a bunch of products that cater to their special computing needs. (Many of these things are just plain cool too.)

For instance, did you know that you can turn any standard monitor — desktop or notebook — into a touch interactive screen? Keytec, which developed the technology I’m familiar with, MagicTouch, claims the touch screen can be installed and removed easily without opening the computer case to install a board.

It’s activated by touch with almost anything — a finger or stylus, even a gloved hand. It can be used concurrently with your mouse, and it’s available for USB or serial port interface. Drivers are available for versions of Windows from Vista through ME, as well as NT, and Linux and Mac 9 and 10. Plus, the screen helps reduce that static electricity emanating from the monitor. Apparently, it’s easy to move from display to display and can be cleaned easily.

I can think of a user or two — little and big — who could put this thingie to good use.

Posted on December 29th, 2007 by dian