AIPTEK StartWriter -- Computers Become Tutors as Pen-Based System Teaches Kids How to Write.

LAKE FOREST, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 1999--

Aiptek Inc. Friday launched the StartWriter Educational System, the first and only interactive pen-based educational system specifically designed to teach children to learn to write.

With its child-friendly interface, kids will be anxious to begin learning how to write their letters and numbers.

The StartWriter is a pen-based educational writing system with an active working surface of 4 1/2 inches by 6 inches. It simulates the feel of using a pen and paper, making for a true writing experience on your computer for your kids.

Completing the StartWriter Educational System is the StarWriter program, a software interface that teaches children how to write, and interacts with them like a tutor. The StarWriter shows kids how to write upper and lowercase letters, along with their numbers. If they do well, they are rewarded and encouraged. If they have trouble with a character, the StarWriter will aid them in rewriting it, and will encourage them along the way. With the StartWriter pen, children will have a simulated feel of a real pen and pad of paper. You simply grab the pen and write. This makes for the most effective style of practice available.

Children will also want to begin to learn how to write. The monotonous task of simply practicing how to write letters and numbers is turned into a fun activity with the StartWriter Educational System. Kids can play games that turn the task of practicing good penmanship into great fun. They can choose from word games, number games, and painting, as some of the many fun and educational things they can do. The letter writing section is filled with pictures and children's music, making the activity more exciting and enjoyable.

The StartWriter Educational System is the first and only fully interactive pen-based educational system on the market today. The pen and tablet system along with the StarWriter educational interface create the best simulation of writing for your home PC. Children can learn to write in an easy and fun environment, that also acts like a tutor helping them in the learning process. The StartWriter Educational System has created a new standard in interactive educational products.

The StartWriter will be available at Office Depot and the Home Shopping Network at the end of May 1999. Other major retailers will carry the StartWriter beginning in June of 1999.

A live demonstration of the StartWriter Educational System will be shown at Comdex Spring '99 in Chicago. We will be at booth W1680, near the Microsoft booth. For more information, send an E-mail to [e-mail], and visit the company's Web site at http://www.aiptek.com.