Product Review: PC Shade
By Mitchell Levine

With major initiatives in the works like the Laptop Foundation of America proposal currently before the Board of Education, it won’t be long before the New York schools finally reach the coveted “one to one computing standard.” Mobile computing being the technology of choice in education procurement today, it’s clear that students throughout our school systems will soon be experiencing the benefits that laptops can provide—portability, power, and extensive multimedia capabilities. A quick survey of the trade literature reveals that teachers, administrators, and professional technical consultants virtually gush about the seemingly limitless possibilities that these products have to offer.

One thing almost no one discusses, however, is their liabilities. A teacher beaming a quiz to his class can deliver grades instantly on completion, leaving much more time in their schedule for developing lesson plans, giving individualized instruction, and researching curricular enrichment. Programmed learning software can create a cognitive model for each student, automatically reinforcing their weak areas with further exercises and examples. However, with the 14.1” to 15” screens typical (and necessary) for the models employed for these tasks, privacy becomes increasingly difficult to enforce.

Many of the schools most in need of this techno-boost will also have visual environments with harsh lighting and overcrowding. Active-matrix screens in this type of locale, most users will agree, tend to produce often-unacceptable levels of screen glare, a potentially hazardous condition for young eyes. Because glare varies with the angle that the user views the screen from, students are often forced into unnatural postures which, if prolonged, can cause injury.

Luckily, an inexpensive, practical solution to these and other related problems is at hand—the PC Shade screen accessory. Constructed from durable fabric, the PC Shade expands to fit around the screens of most of the most popular brands of portable computers. Unlike many of the visibility solutions currently in use in institutional settings, the PC Shade doesn’t block the user’s view of the screen- it simply envelopes it, only allowing access to the immediate viewer in front of it. Since it doesn’t use Velcro to fasten, it requires no permanent connection to the unit, making it easy and non-disruptive to engage. It folds neatly for compact storage once removed.

For just a few dollars, the PC Shade can resolve privacy issues, make mobile computing safer, and help insure appropriate usage. If you already have the hardware, you might as well be able to use it, and use it correctly. Technology buyers are encouraged to explore the multifaceted uses of this inexpensive aid by logging onto the company’s site at www.pcshade.com or dialing 1-877-PCSHADE.#

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