PowerBox 7
The new PowerBox 7 from Smartbox sets a new standard for high-tech, low cost communication aids. Based around the Sahara Tablet PC, it provides all the functionality you expect in a high end communication system as well as many other innovative features.
Like its predecessors, the PowerBox 7 is fitted to the back of a tablet computer, providing extra battery life, amplification, environment control, switch input and a wheelchair mounting.
From January 2012 we have an upgraded tablet that features an Intel i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a huge 500GB hard drive. There is also the option for a capacitive touch screen (like an iPad) or resistive touch for those unable to access such a sensitive screen.
Like its predecessors, the PowerBox 7 is fitted to the back of a tablet computer, providing extra battery life, amplification, environment control, switch input and a wheelchair mounting.
From January 2012 we have an upgraded tablet that features an Intel i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a huge 500GB hard drive. There is also the option for a capacitive touch screen (like an iPad) or resistive touch for those unable to access such a sensitive screen.

The PowerBox 7 runs the award-winning communication program, The Grid 2, from Sensory Software.
The high quality speech engine Acapela is included with the software, which provides a wide range of voices in many languages. Many voices are also available through other test-to-speech engines, including regional accents.
The Widget Literacy Symbol library is included with The Grid 2, while PCS, Makaton, SymbolStix and Bliss are also available.
The Grid 2 features a number of built in workspaces:
- Email
- SMS
- Fully accessible web browser
- Skype chat and phone calls
- Much more!
All the workspaces are included in the software and you can make your own in the editor. Each workspace is fully accessible with any input method and features much bigger targets than standard mainstream software. The workspaces are also available to symbol users.
For those who need the full power of mainstream software, The Grid 2 can be used to control standard Windows programs with the powerful on-screen keyboard and computer control features.
The Grid 2
The Grid 2 enables you to communicate through symbols or text. A variety of ready made ‘Grid Sets’ are available (such as IDV, Star Talker and WordPower) that cater for all ages and abilities as well as different methods of access.The high quality speech engine Acapela is included with the software, which provides a wide range of voices in many languages. Many voices are also available through other test-to-speech engines, including regional accents.
The Widget Literacy Symbol library is included with The Grid 2, while PCS, Makaton, SymbolStix and Bliss are also available.
The Grid 2 features a number of built in workspaces:
- SMS
- Fully accessible web browser
- Skype chat and phone calls
- Much more!
All the workspaces are included in the software and you can make your own in the editor. Each workspace is fully accessible with any input method and features much bigger targets than standard mainstream software. The workspaces are also available to symbol users.
For those who need the full power of mainstream software, The Grid 2 can be used to control standard Windows programs with the powerful on-screen keyboard and computer control features.
Inside the Box
Access options
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
|---|---|
| Screen | 12.1” 1280 x 800 sunlight readable touch screen - capacitive or resistive touch |
| Battery life | 5 to 6 hours |
| Access | Pointer Touchscreen Keyguard Switches (2 inbuilt ports) Eyegaze |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi Ethernet port 2 ( + 2 internal) USB ports |
| Features | Clear, crisp speech |
| Software | The Grid 2 included |
| Hardware | Intel® Core™ i7-640LM (2.13GHz/2.933GHz) 4GB RAM 500GB hard drive |
| Operating System | Windows 7 |
| Environment Control | Yes |
| Wheelchair mounting | Yes |
| Wheelchair Power Adaptor | Yes |