I totally agree with Bruce's last message. If the calculator was very basic i.e. the 4 basic functions percent squareroot a memory or 2 that shouldn't take many resources, would require little programming, shouldn't increase the cost, could probably be in a future firmware download. As forfeatures most of us have never needed an airbag does that mean cars shouldn't include them to save space and cost? -----Original Message----- From: bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bruce Toews Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 10:38 AM To: bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [bookport] Re: new unit proposal Here's my question to you. First of all, I don't care about a calculator myself. But: If a calculator were added, if the calculator did not increase the price, if other functionality were not impaired, would you have any objection to its being there? I ask this because, on the Book Courier list, someone was saying that one of the benefits of the BC of the BP was that the BC doesn't have a notetaker function, which that person doesn't need. To which my response would be, As long as it doesn't get in the way, what's the problem with having it there? I say the same thing about a calculator feature which, as I've said, I can take or leave. If a calculator function will increase the price, that's another issue, or if it will decrease room for firmware revisions that would enhancing the book reading experience, that's another story as well. But if any given feature does not get in one's way, why not include it? I'm not referring to anyone here specificaly, but the attitude I see time and time again on the various lists I'm on is that "if I don't use it, it's a bad idea." That's why descriptive video is not as prevalent, especially in the States, as it should be. Bruce -- Bruce Toews E-mail and MSN/Windows Messenger: dogriver@xxxxxxxx Web Site (including info on my weekly commentaries): http://www.ogts.net Info on the Best TV Show of All Time: http://www.cornergas.com On Thu, 15 Sep 2005, Sandy Licht wrote: > This is my opinion, and I'm not putting anyone down for thinking differently. > I don't like the calculator idea at all. Talking calculators are relatively > inexpensive. > > At 08:48 AM 9/15/2005, you wrote: >> I like the calculator idea. I think the synthesizer idea has outlived >> its usefulness with all the speech programs I know of installing their >> own software speech these days. >> >> >> On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 08:22:13 -0500, you wrote: >> >> > Think of how much more useful the unit could be. I know doubletalk would >> > probably charge money for the synth option, but it could all be done in >> > firmware, maybe there could be a special firmware users would have to pay >> > for if they wanted the synth. >> > The calculator I think should be more considered, it would hardly take >> > any >> > extra space nor time to develop at least a simple one; and we all could >> > use >> > a calculator now and then. >> > >> > >> > -----Original Message----- >> > From: bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >> > [mailto:bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] >> > On Behalf Of David Allen >> > Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2005 5:57 AM >> > To: bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >> > Subject: [bookport] Re: new unit proposal >> > >> > Hi Kevin and list: >> > >> > Yes, both have been thought of. Neither is justified in the context of a >> > portable device whose reason for being is to read books. If you still >> > need a >> > >> > USB synthesiser, it is available as the Tripple talk. >> > >> > Cheers, >> > Dave >> > >> > > > Sandy Licht > Phone: 409-898-8218 > Jeremiah 29:11 - 14A > 11For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They > are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. > 12In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13If you look for me in > earnest, > you will find me when you seek me. 14I will be found by you," says the > LORD... > > >