FreeLists / access-uk / [access-uk] Re: using Pda's

["ari" <aridamoulakis@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Lara, 
I've never used these properly, only quickly shown Mobile Speak Pocket, but all 
that I really about them is, I don't know how Hal works, but Mobile Speak 
divides the PDA screen into areas, so you have huge areas to tap for one thing, 
so you don't need to worry about mistapping. You can actually use what they 
call a Virtual Keyboard, where you use your finger of the pda when writing with 
mobile speak, even as a totally blind person! When the dealer told me this, I 
was actually quite surprised, because, I mean, you'd really have to use memory, 
and, for writing, how could you know exactly where on the screen to touch for 
so many letters? But you apparrently slide your finger over the screen, I 
really not sure, but there might also be an overlay available, and you can of 
course get one of those small, stylish bluetooth keyboards. I've also heard 
that braille input and grade 2 braille support is still not that great. Mobile 
Speak Pocket also comes under their new licensing idea, so if you ever want to 
upgrade the pda or something you won't have a problem, but I was also quite 
interested in these things for uni, but decided on none of them because I love 
braille, and there wasn't a braille solution, but now there is in a way. If I 
had to decide now, because technology's moving so fast, I'd really think about 
the pda because it's cheaper and you can just upgrade. Here are some links 
which could help you decide, I'll also ask for experiences on the list of blind 
South Africans. I know that when wanting to buy stuff you really wish there was 
someone who'd just tell you that this one or that one's really rubbish, but 
I've not used one properly. 
http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw080503 
http://www.axistive.com/review-mobile-speak-pocket-9.html
http://www.accessibleworld.org/category/site-categories/tek-talk-archives?page=4
 
(this one has one on Pocket Hal and Mobile Speak Pocket.) 
http://www.vitechpodcast.com/episodes.php
http://www.quantech.com.au/easylink12
There's also the whole Main Menu place on acb radio, as well. 
Ari