A Newport IT firm has launched its own computer device specifically for children.

A2Z Computing, based in Newport, has developed and launched its own hybrid PC called Fizzbook Duo which can be used as a tablet and a laptop for accelerated learning among young people.

Az Ashraf, director of A2Z Computing, said: “Fizzbook Duo offers a new flexibility when it comes to learning. Whether it’s used at a classroom desk in laptop mode, or remotely in tablet mode; students have full access to quality education both in school and at home.”

Mr Ashraf said: “The Fizzbook Duo was designed to fit in with children’s lifestyles. Young people have busy lives just as much as adults these days. The simple transition from laptop to tablet mode ensures that the device is useable in any setting; whether that be in the car, sat in a doctors surgery or on the sofa. The Fizzbook Duo has up to eight hours of battery life once in tablet mode; making nighttime and weekend learning accessible at relative ease.”

Mr Ashraf said: “The feedback we have got tells us that we have something special. We ran a year-long pilot scheme with a local primary school and despite a council body being forced to withdraw its support, the headteacher was full of praise for its usability, its impact on the children in terms of increased ability and confidence, and the benefits it can have on those children with a wide range of special and additional educational needs.

“The headteacher commented on how each pupil benefitted from having the responsibility of looking after their own computer; with pupils engaged throughout the learning process. This is what we aimed to achieve, and we’re confident that it not only increases the ICT ability of young people and SEN/AEN pupils, but allows learning to be a continuous process that doesn’t stop when they leave the classroom.”

Jonathon Dawes, head of research and development at A2Z Computing, said: “With the added extras of thermometers and telescopic lenses, the computer works just as well in science and geography as it does in ICT lessons. It really has become the complete education tool for the modern day child.”

A2Z Computing is in talks with council bodies, SEN/AEN organisations as well as schools throughout Wales to deliver the computer to children.