[gps-talkusers] Re: product comparisons

HI list

Generally speaking I would try to use a general product rather than a specialist blind product but my confidence in this approach has taken a couple of severe blows lately. Recent releases of Roxio and Skype have become increasingly difficult to use with a screen reader and consequently I have not updated my software in either case.

With software that is crucial for a basic task like finding your way around the risk of being developed out of the software is to great and consequently I believe that a specialist solution is better. At least future compatibility is guaranteed.

Steve
----- Original Message ----- From: "Les Kriegler" <kriegler@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:33 AM
Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: product comparisons


Hi Mike,

I think it's also important to remember that Freedom is providing the
accessible interface to the product. Last year, when the issue of release
was discussed, FS had hoped to release StreetTalk with Destinator 4. That
didn't happen. So already, users of the PacMate solution are working with
outdated software. I also have concerns when a mainstream product is being
used, because in the case of StreetTalk, it would seem that it is dependent
on scripting/customization for it to work. I'm not saying the StreetTalk
product isn't good, I haven't used it. This not withstanding, I think users
of StreetTalk need to understand that there are tradeoffs when using a
mainstream product. People theorize about their preferences to use
mainstream products, and that's why some prefer the PM over the BN. I
believe that there are times when using applications developed for the blind
have its advantages, and GPS is such an example.
Best Regards,

Les

-----Original Message-----
From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Michael May
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 1:15 AM
To: GPS-talkusers-freelists.org
Subject: [gps-talkusers] product comparisons

With regard to the emails about StreetTalk and the BrailleNote GPS, I offer
the following comments.

If, like Gene, you have a Pac Mate, the StreetTalk is the only option. Every
product has is quirks and my suggestion, is go for it, make the most of
every product and that is the one if you have a Pac Mate.

Having said that, don't think that a main stream manufacturer is going to
add features for blind users. You get what you get with the base product and
if a few blind friendly features creep into the product, consider yourself
lucky. One can't ignore the fact that a niche market with a few users is not
going to influence a major manufacturer. Buy the product for what it is but
don't expect many blind friendly changes.

This is the reality of trade offs. You get a descent product for a very good
price versus the Cadillac of products for 3 times the price.

In a world with unlimited resources, we would have the Sendero GPS on the PC
platform, Pocket PC, Pac Mate, cell phone and BrailleNote. In the real
world, we are quite happy to have a product which has set the standard for
excellence and a company dedicated to supporting it.
Thanks to all folks with all products and opinions for helping us make these
inroads. We got the ball rolling, you help it keep rolling and today we have
3 good GPS products where there were none just over
6 years ago when Sendero began.

Mike



Michael G. May

CEO Sendero Group

Developers and distributors of BrailleNote GPS Distributing BrailleNote,
VoiceNote, Miniguide, The Tissot Silen-T tactile watch, and the ID Mate bar
code reader

MikeMay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.SenderoGroup.com

1-888-757-6810, Fax (530) 757-6830, Mobile (530) 304-0007 Sendero Group, LLC
1118 Maple Lane, Davis, CA 95616-1723, USA

Latitude, 38 33 9.239 North
Longitude, 121 45 40.145 West





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