I love the XOOM!

Ok, if it was for me, to be honest - I'd hate it.  Sorry, but Tablets do not replace a good laptop/desktop.  But within their limitations, they make a wonderful communication & education device.

So far I've downloaded and deleted dozens of programs.  But here are the keepers so far.  I'm only going to list three today.  I'll get to more tomorrow.

First - JABtalk.    http://www.jabstone.com/

To put it simply - WOW!  It is a completely flexible program that you custom design with your materials.  It does not do it's own audio, you either have to record it or provide your own recordings.  And for us that is just fine.  You can make your own categories, subcategories, and words.  You can use an image you want.  And most amazingly - It's Free!!!  I would have paid for this happily given just how useful it is.  I'm not locked into using any one companies symbols.  I can use my own pictures, stock symbols, or the internet.  Now that the case protectors are here, I'm sure Mark will love using this to tell me what he wants.

Second - First, Then Visual Schedule  http://www.goodkarmaapplications.com/first-then-visual-schedule.html

If you've seen this for IPad, you can now be happy.  It's available for android now.  And it's worth the $9.99 to buy it.  It's completely flexible for making your own visual schedules for your child to follow.  I'm looking forward to taking some time to create schedules for errands and trips.  I've already created a basic First, Then board that has really helped Mark.  Same as JABtalk, you can use stock pictures/recordings, your own, or the internet.  They provide a really large selection of images that you can download if you want to.  So far, I haven't and I'm still thrilled.

Third - Visual Timer   http://www.moonmirage.com/mobileapps/visualtimer/visualtimer.html

Honestly, this is great.  I went through dozens of programs trying to find a visual timer like this.  More than worth the $.99 for the full version.  Best part, if you back out but don't turn it off, it will keep going in the background and sound when the time is up.  This is helpful when you are timing another activity that you are doing on the phone.  Only downside, which I will live with, is that the clock face does not have any numbers.  That would make it absolutely perfect.

Ok, that covers the three programs.  And today the things to protect the XOOM while Mark is using it arrived.  The XOOM is now in an Otterbox Defender case.  And the Otterbox Utility Series straps are on it.  I have to admit that even I feel more comfortable handling it with these items on it.  The Defender case is infinitely easier to grip and hold on to with its silicone cover.  And the straps give me complete confidence in carrying it.  It would take me having a really bad day to drop it now.  But no bets on Mark.  We'll see how it handles him.