Saltillo Corporation is delighted to announce ALT-Chat™, the newest member of the ChatPC family. ALT-Chat™ brings all the exciting features of the ChatPC to a brilliant 7" dynamic display. This compact communication device measures just 7.3" x 7.3" x 1.8", weighs only 2 lbs. 8 oz., and is available in three colors.

ALT-Chat™ offers all of the communication features of the PDA based ChatPC products. For individuals using symbols to communicate, this includes the ability to use photos or choose from the 10,000+ symbols that are included with the ALT-Chat™. It allows maximum flexibility for customizing the appearance and size of the buttons and the number of buttons on a page. A number of pre-stored vocabulary page sets are included to meet the communication needs of a wide variety of individuals. Communicators who spell will appreciate features such as word and letter prediction, abbreviation/expansion and grammar buttons.

ALT-Chat™ provides both digitized (recorded) and synthesized (computer generated) speech. A choice between two voice synthesizers allows the speech output to meet the needs and lifestyle of the individual. NeoSpeech offers high quality voice synthesis in American English. Acapela offers bilingual speech capabilities and a child's voice. Check out our ChatPC Speech Synthesizer Comparison Chart to compare the various speech options for your ALT-Chat.

The hardware platform for the ALT-Chat™ is Prentke Romich Company's Springboard Lite. This robust device has a brilliant 7" color display, switch access ports, excellent audio quality and other features you expect on a full featured, dedicated communication device.

PalmChat Improvement
Nancy Inman M.A.T., CCC-SLP and Janet Lehr M.S., CCC-SLP, the developers of PalmChat, have taken advantage of ALT-Chat's larger screen to make their popular vocabulary program even more powerful. The 7" display has allowed them to increase the number of buttons on each page by 20% and still allow easy access. Improved page layouts have made more vocabulary available with less navigation. A new QWERTY keyboard has been added to improve spelling and word prediction capabilities.

Language Capabilities
ALT-Chat™ meets the language and vocabulary needs of a wide variety of individuals.

For the beginning communicator, you can customize pages with photos of the child's friends and environment. Messages can be recorded or spoken through the voice synthesizer. Buttons can be made as large or as small as you like.

ALT-Chat™Plus also provides for the needs of those who have more sophisticated communication needs. A number of page sets are included for various language levels and applications. PalmChat provides the power to create sentences 'on-the-fly'. Spelling keyboards and word prediction give ultimate flexibility for individuals who are literate. The small size and unique features of the ALT-Chat™ allow this device to serve the needs of ambulatory individuals as their communication needs evolve.

Customizing the ALT-Chat™:
While a variety of vocabulary files, or page sets, are provided with the ALT-Chat™, you will want to make modifications and add additional vocabulary for the specific needs of the person using the device. The size, color, background, symbol, font, label, message and action of each button can be customized for one's individual needs. You can adjust the number of buttons on a page, the size of the speech display bar, and many other features to meet the unique needs of each individual.

You can easily customize and add vocabulary on the ALT-Chat™ unit itself. In addition, software is included which allows editing and customizing on a Windows computer. This program also provides an easy means of importing photos and other graphics to be used as symbols on the ALT-Chat™ device. Cables and instructions are included for downloading the vocabulary to the ALT-Chat™.

Look at our ChatPC Software Page to see more of ChatPC's great features.

Three ALT-Chat™ Models available:
ALT-Chat™is available in three models. Models differ from each other in features and capabilities as well as in the warranty period. To see a description of each model, go to our ChatPC Models Page

Pre-Loaded Vocabulary:
ALT-Chat™ships with five default vocabulary files, or page sets. Each vocabulary file was designed to address the communication needs of a particular group of individuals. Read the description of each one to see which program is most appropriate for you. Keep in mind that all vocabulary programs are fully customizable and can be personalized for each individual. To see a short description of each vocabulary file, visit our ChatPC Vocabulary Page.

General Features

>Color Dynamic Display

>Lightweight and portable

>Software volume control

>On/off switch and auto power-down

>Several hours of recorded speech

>Holds numerous vocabulary files, each containing hundreds of pages

>3,000 PCS symbols are included on the ALT-Chat™. The included DesktopChat software includes approximately 10,000 PCS symbols and 3000 Imagine symbols.

>NeoSpeech or Acapela synthesized speech

>Accessed by finger touch, single switch or two switch scanning

>Extended-life rechargeable (Lithium-Ion) battery.

>Screen size: 7.0" (diagonal)

>12 to 36 month warranty

>Size: 7.3" x 7.3" x 1.8"

>Weight: 2lb. 8oz.

More Information

To find the ChatPC device best suited for a specific individual, check out the pages for the ChatPC-4, ChatPC-Silk, or ALT-Chat. Or, look at a chart comparing the features of each hardware platform here.

For more information about ChatPC products and features, also see the following pages:

ChatPC Software Features

ChatPC Models

ChatPC Symbol Choices

ChatPC Vocabulary Files

ChatPC Speech Synthesizers

ChatPC Mounting Systems