Here’s another “i” product that may be a turn on for powered wheelchair owners.
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iPortal is a power chair accessory that connects to an iPhone or iPod touch to display wheelchair information in real time, make phone calls, surf the web, control your online world along with your real world television, DVD player, and more.

The iPortal is from Dynamic Controls, a New Zealand based developer of power wheelchair control technology.

“It is Dynamic Control’s latest solution to help enhance the quality of life of people living with a disability. It is a unique approach to wheelchair displays that not only shows information in an exciting, easy to read way but brings the latest mainstream technology to the chair.”

It is compatible with Dynamic Controls Shark, DX, and DX2 control systems. What does that mean? It means your powered wheelchair system must have one of those controller models onboard. There are a number of different controllers used by the wheelchair industry. Every power wheelchair has one but there is no standard model used for all.

iPortal was launched in July this year and displays wheelchair information in real time, alerting the user to things such as the speed range indicator, compass heading, a seat adjustment indicator and the battery state. There’s also a diagnostics feature that interprets any problems with the wheelchair and enables clear communication with support services.

That’s pretty cool but Dynamic has some enhancements coming up in October 2010 for their iPortal:

iPortal allows wheelchair users to make a receive phone calls, surf the net and control their online world through their joystick. Using existing applications, it also works in conjunction with the users’ environmental surroundings such as DVD’s/TV’s, curtains openers etc.

Looks like you may be able to turn your crusty cruiser into joy machine yet.

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