About AlphaSmart

AlphaSmart, Inc. was acquired by Renaissance Learning, Inc. in June 2005.

AlphaSmart delivers affordable technology solutions designed to reduce the cost and complexity of computing for customers worldwide. Within the education market, our solutions help students improve fundamental academic skills, teachers increase classroom productivity, and administrators provide greater access to technology at a low total cost of ownership. In markets where mobility and information gathering are key, such as writers, journalists and research professionals, rugged, easy to use computing devices enable greater efficiency and mobility.

Although a lot has changed since two Apple engineers founded the company as Intelligent Peripheral Devices, Inc. (IPD) in 1992, AlphaSmart's design principles have remained steadfast: To deliver affordable, lightweight, rugged portable computing devices that are expandable, easy to use and manage, and provide exceptional battery life.

Over the last decade, AlphaSmart has sold more than 1.2 million computer companions to customers around the world. These portable devices can be found in approximately one-half of the fifteen thousand U.S. school districts, and in the hands of a growing number of professional users who understand -- and value -- the benefits of anytime, anywhere computing.

AlphaSmart opened European offices in 1998 and localised their keyboards for the UK, Holland, Sweden, France and Germany. AlphaSmart keyboards are now recognised in the UK as an essential tool in aiding pupils with special writing needs and as a means of capturing class notes and ideas quickly and simply without the distractions of a conventional laptop.