Design Center 1000 - Interactive Touchscreen
The Design Center is the central hub for using all other VariQuest products, and is powered by proprietary VariQuest Software featuring more than 1,300 curriculum-based templates and more than 2,800 graphics. Its touch screen technology guides staff and students through the easy creation of customized posters, banners, cutouts, manipulatives, awards and stickers.
The diverse poster, banner, cutout and award templates allow you to transform your school and classroom into a robust visual learning environment for visual, tactile and kinesthetic learners.
Existing customers, upgrade to Design Center Software 2.0.
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Learn how VariQuest tools can help you differentiate instruction and create an engaging learning environment.
- Choose from over 2,000 customizable and curriculum-enriching templates and 5,000 graphics using the pre-installed VariQuest Software v3.0
- Quickly upload and customize templates with your own school mascots and logos
- Includes all utilities necessary to run the VariQuest suite
- Large 23-inch display and powerful processor provide for easy and fast navigation
- Windows® 7 Operating System
- Intel iCore™ 3 Processor
- Memory: 4GB RAM / 500GB Hard-drive
- 23" wide-screen monitor
- 6 USB Ports
- Integrated CD-DVD ROM
- Weight: 22lb
Q: Is the Design Center all inclusive?
A: Yes, it contains a hard drive, monitor, CD-RW/DVD-ROM and five USB ports. Additionally, the Design Center is pre-loaded with the latest version of VariQuest Software.
Q. Is there a significant difference between using the Design Center and running VariQuest Software on a regular PC?
A: Yes, the touch screen is easy to use, doesn’t take up a lot of valuable space and will not tie-up IT resources. Also, the Design Center comes pre-loaded with the necessary product drivers and software application to run the VariQuest tools, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Any user can approach the touch screen without having to log on to a computer and begin using the software.
Q: Can I load Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Office Publisher software or Corel on the Design Center?
A: You can load Microsoft Office software and other programs on the Design Center; however, additional applications may slow down the performance of the VariQuest application. For optimal performance, we recommend you do not load other software programs onto the Design Center unless they are specifically designed to work with the VariQuest Software. At this time, the only program that we recommend is Inspiration® version 9.0a. VariQuest Software and its accompanying templates have been developed to work specifically with VariQuest products.
Q: Do I need to shut down my Design Center every night?
A: No, you may leave the Design Center on continuously during regular usage. It is recommended to power down the system when not using it for an extended period of time.
Q: Do we recommend using a surge protector?
A: Yes, as with any valuable electronic components, this is strongly recommended for all VariQuest products.
Q. What temperature ranges can this product withstand?
A: Operating environment: 41° to 104°F.
Storage environment: - 4° to 140° F.
Q: What if I own an early version of the 3000 Series PosterPrinter that only has a parallel port and not USB, can I still connect this to the Design Center? Are special drivers needed since it’s not USB?
A: A ProImage® Plus3000 or XL3000 PosterPrinter with a parallel port will work with the Design Center. The Design Center has a parallel port and supports a parallel connection. No special drivers are needed for this connection. You will need to configure the port by accessing the Printers and Faxes section of the Control Panel and following the steps to set-up a parallel connection. Installation instructions are included with the VariQuest Design Center Software 2.0 CD. Then, select the PosterPrinter being installed (XL3000 or Plus3000) in the Workroom Assistant tab.
Q: How do I load digital photos and images into the Design Center?
A: Photos and images can be saved to a USB flash drive or burned onto a CD and installed on the Design Center. The files can be accessed by selecting a template and importing the photo or image located on the USB flash drive or CD right into that template. Please see the Design Center Software 2.0 User's Guide for supported file types.
Q: How do I import photos from a CD (such as student photos) to the Design Center?
A: Load the CD into the CD-RW drive in the front of the Design Center. When the files launch, save to a folder created on the desktop (this will be the easiest place to locate later). The files can be accessed by selecting a template and importing the photo into that template.
Q: How do you import my own graphics such as our school mascot? Does it matter if the graphics are full color or black and white?
A: Please follow the same procedure as outlined in the previous questions. For optimum quality output, the mascot file should be black and white or grayscale. Color mascot files may not produce desired results.
Q: What happens when I purchase additional VariQuest products after I have initially set-up my Design Center?
A: It is recommended that you perform a software upgrade each time you add additional components. This will ensure the latest database of content and software updates.
Q: How can I tell what drive I am using on the Design Center?
A: C = Hard Drive; D =CD Drive; E =Flash Drive. If you are connected to the network, the drives that are available to you also appear. (Note: Drives may be different when using your own PC.)
Q: Can I print 8 ½” x 11” originals to a desktop printer from the Design Center? Is it plug and play or do I need to load special drivers?
A: You will need to follow the Windows “Add New Printer” wizard when installing a desktop or laser printer. Once installed, it will appear in the “Output Devices” section located in the Workroom Assistant tab.
VariQuest Software v2.0
Q: Is VariQuest Software v2.0 compatible with Windows operating systems?
A: Yes, VariQuest Software v2.0 is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows Vista operating systems.
Q: Can we load VariQuest Software v2.0 on each teacher’s computer?
A: Yes, the software license allows you to install VariQuest Software on computers located at your school site. Advantages include being able to print 8 ½” x 11” documents to use with the scan-to-print feature of the Poster Maker, save edited Poster Maker templates on a USB flash drive to print at the Poster Maker, and the ability to view all of the available content. At this time, VariQuest devices are not able to print or cut over the network.
Q: Can I convert all of my saved GalaRio files (Pre-2007 software) into my new VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: It is not possible to convert your GalaRio files; however, similar templates are available in the VariQuest Software v2.0.
VariQuest Software v2.0 – Upgrade Process
Q: How can I upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: You can upgrade your Design Center or PC by visiting our website (www.variquest.com/upgrade) and either downloading VariQuest Software v2.0 directly to your PC or Design Center (if connected to the internet) or you may also request an upgrade kit be sent to your school by completing the upgrade request form found on our website.
Q: How much does it cost to upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: The upgrade is free of charge.
Q: How long does the upgrade take?
A: The upgrade takes approximately 10 minutes on a PC and approximately 30 minutes on a Design Center.
Q: Why should I upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: VariQuest Software v2.0 has the following new features:
- Re-organized Poster Maker and Awards Maker templates and Cutout Maker shapes and collections based on grade level, curriculum area, and intended use
- VariQuest Learning Modules – Cutout Maker content with related learning activities
that incorporate visual and hands-on cooperative learning instructional strategies - Advanced Editing functions allowing you to add, delete, move, and change size of text boxes and graphics boxes
- Ability to export modified Poster Maker templates to a USB flash drive and then import onto another Design Center or PC
- Ability to import Microsoft Office Excel files
- Ability to select Spanish letters and characters
- Ability to save Cutout Maker cut jobs
- Ability to cut VariQuest Vinyl and VariQuest Magnetic sheets using the Cutout Maker
Q: What happens to all of my saved Poster Maker and Awards Maker templates after I upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: All previously saved templates will still be saved (and appear the same) after you upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0.
Q: Why do some of the templates and graphics look different in VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: Some of the graphics and fonts used with the Poster Maker and Awards Maker templates have been updated or modified slightly. This may affect the appearance of templates that you are familiar with from previous versions of VariQuest Software.
Q: What happens to all Cutout Maker content (shapes, fonts, and collections) I already purchased when I upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: You will retain all previously owned content once you upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0.
Q: What happens if I have remaining shape credits and am ready to upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: You will be instructed (upon initializing the upgrade) to use all remaining credits prior to upgrading to VariQuest Software v2.0 as this version of software does not support credits. Also, you should install and activate any collections and/or fonts you have prior to upgrading to VariQuest Software v2.0.
Q: What happens if I have a Total Access CD (with time remaining) and am ready to upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: You will retain the same amount of access after the upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0. In addition, you will also gain access to 174 collections and 14 fonts for the remainder of your Total Access time – a huge bonus to upgrading now.
Q: How can I invest in fonts, collections and individual shapes via Credit CDs after I upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0?
A: Once you upgrade to VariQuest Software v2.0, you will no longer be able to purchase/activate fonts and collections individually or invest in individual shapes via Credit CDs. All Cutout Maker content will be included in the Premium Content Access CD or in VariQuest Learning Modules.
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