RAPIDREADER SOFTWARE ALLOWS PSION TEKLOGIX NETBOOK USERS
TO INCREASE READING SPEED BY UP TO 300%

…New RapidReader tool enhances netBook user’s business productivity by reducing reading time

29th May 2001

Psion Teklogix today announced that RapidReader ® information accelerator software is now available on the netBook to aid quicker comprehension of large amounts of text and heighten levels of user business and personal productivity. Today’s announcement enhances the netBook’s functionality as users can now read and digest sizeable documents such as contracts and training notes, quickly and effectively.

The patented RapidReader software, developed by SoftOlogy IdeaWorks, enables users to increase their normal reading speed from a netBook display by up to 300 per cent by relaying text as a series of individual words displayed in a large font in the centre of the screen, an experience much like watching a movie. RapidReader software on the netBook can deliver training direct to the employee and dramatically reduce lengthy training times an important benefit in the workplace and is idealespecially in for circumstances that are highly safety-critical or extremely regulatedlegislative. RapidReader’s built in suite of products includes a powerful training and authoring environments called “TrainSet” that delivers can create highly interactive training material, while at the same time providing a unique form of performance tracking capability built using . tThe TrainSet enterprise-orientated tool kit which environment includes a tracking facility to to ensure employee compliance with training requirements., The combination of RapidReader, TrainSet and the Netbook It and offers significant cost savings through easier production, update and distribution of training materials over traditional methods.

In the classroom With the Netbook becomes and even more valuable education tool with the addition of RapidReader , the netBook is an even more valuable education tool, helping students – including particularly those suffering from dyslexia and other learning disabilities– to read and absorb long texts and course notes more easily. The SoftOlogy’s LessonBuilder training environment tailors the RapidReader functionality to suit educational use and enhance the effectiveness of distance learning activities.


The Psion netBook is designed specifically for use in sectors such as education, insurance, banking, healthcare and utilities where mobile users need to access large amounts of information directly from remote servers and corporate networks. RapidReader interface technology installed on the netBook smoothes the transfer process between the user and the device so that users can gather and absorb information more efficiently and comfortably. The software has been shown to increase reading speed in just 90 seconds, with people reaching as high as 800 words per minute.

“As the use of mobile devices becomes increasingly widespread, more and more information will be accessed on devices with smaller screen sizes than traditional desktop PCs,” said Raf Jezierski, Business Alliances Director for Psion Teklogix. “With this in mind, Psion is continually developing its range of handheld devices to integrate new user-friendly technologies. RapidReader helps netBook users to read text both quicker and more easily from the screen, which makes the netBook range even more well suited for mobile users needing to access large amounts of information quickly.”

“While computer technology has made it easier to communicate, people now have less time than ever to read and absorb the information received,” said Peter McIan, CEO SoftOlogy IdeaWorks. “SoftOlogy has sought to understand the reading process through specialist research, and developed a practical application for easing information transfer from computer displays. RapidReader builds on the efficiencies of the Psion netBook in enhancing communication within a mobile workforce, and adds further value by assisting employees with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia.”



About the Psion netBook
Psion’s netBook is the first handheld computing device to fully support Sun Microsystem’s Enterprise Java 1.1.4 and a high quality, high performance implementation of Sun’s Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Over time, the range will include a choice of quarter-, half- and full-VGA tablet devices that are designed to withstand harsh environments. The range includes a number of data capture and communication features, supporting wireless RF, GSM and bar code scanning to enable real-time access to back-office applications and also wireless data capture. The netBook features Psion’s first implementation of colour on a full-VGA high quality screen and support for a PC card drive.

The netBook also has a slot for either a compact flash card or disk drives for large data storage requirements, such as IBM's 340 megabyte (MB) microdrive, the worlds smallest hard disk drive. Running on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, the range will be extremely power-efficient: typically operating for up to 8.5 hours, and needing only 2.5 hours for a full recharge, the devices are designed for a full working day or a long shift. Further information can be found at: http://www.psion.com


About Psion Teklogix
Psion Teklogix is a global provider of mobile computing solutions for the enterprise. Our solutions enable total mobility, freeing mobile workers from wired systems and provide access to mission critical information and enterprise IT systems whenever and wherever it's needed. As the largest operating division of the Psion PLC group of companies, the organisation plays a key role in Psion PLC’s vision to create new ways for people and organisations to access mobile data and mobile Internet. Psion Teklogix has 43 sales and support offices and 95 independent distributors throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South and Latin America. For more information, visit www.psionteklogix.com

About SoftOlogy IdeaWorks
SoftOlogy IdeaWorks applies science and technology to the art of information. The company was founded by a team of technologists, psychologists, educators and designers devoted to creating products and systems that use the power of the computer to multiply our reading speed, improve our comprehension and expand our capacity for information. In the business of computing, SoftOlogy is focussed on the productivity of the people who use them. We make “Software for the Human Operating System. ™”

For more information visit us at www.RapidReader.com.

Note to editors:
Press Enquiries: Customer Enquiries:
Peter McIan SoftOlogy IdeaWorks
Tel: (818) 888-9962
email: pmcian@softology.com or sales@rapidreader.com


Note to editors:
Press Enquiries: Customer Enquiries:
Leonie Toal Psion Teklogix Sales
Psion PLC Press Office Tel: +44 (0) 990 134976
Tel: +44 (0)20 7317 4120 Fax: +44 (0) 1235 443025
email: leonie-toal@psion.com email: ind-sales@psion.com

Dan Baxter
AxiCom
Tel: +44 (0)20 8600 4615
email: dan@axicom.com