CNM Lifestyle Electronics produce the ‘Minibook’ portable mini laptop. The ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC) has become increasingly popular with the Asus Eeepc and the Stone UMPC. Just two alternatives reviewed earlier this year but the ‘Minibook’ takes the UMPC principle just that little bit further.

It’s rivals weigh in at under 1 kg but only just, the ‘Minibook’ dramatically undercuts them at a minimal 650g !

The ‘Minibook’ also measures almost 10mm smaller in length and width than its nearest rivals.

When it comes to sophistication, the ‘Minibook’ has little. In my opinion it represents the bargain basement model, but I am not being critical, far from it, this is a small, robust, no frills machine that would cope well in the hands of small children.

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It is sometimes profitable to get out of your own school and visit others, particularly if they are considered innovative in their approach and even more so if the school is of architectural significance.

The Thomas Deacon Academy in Peterborough is just such an example. Opened in September 2007 as a flagship academy in Peterborough it attracted media interest right from the start. Its modern design, organic shape and striking material choices are fairly typical of the Norman Foster Partnership style whose previous projects include the Gherkin and the Millau Viaduct.

As you approach the Academy the building is truly impressive, it sits well in spacious landscaped grounds, its dramatic architectural style dominates the landscape and immediately draws your focus away from any other aspect. The full three storey wall of glass nestling between two huge bulbous wings signifies the main entrance and reception and as you push through the glass doors the interior that greets you does not disappoint.

During half term I took the opportunity to read the latest Becta proposal “Exploiting ICT to improve parental engagement, moving towards on-line reporting”. I will state right from the start that this is a proposal that I fully support in principle although with reservation in some practical aspects.

They state early on in the report that consultation took place in the latter part of 2007 and that “all (parents) said they wanted to be more involved in their children’s education” whilst “schools see the benefits of greater engagement with parents”. I do wonder if there is any significance in the wording of the two quotes? Could we conclude that schools “see the benefits” but don’t necessarily want to persue them and conversely, do parents want “to be more involved in their children’s education” but not necessarily with the school?