Re: PorticoComputer-Followup2David's post'sPost

  • From: <ptusing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2005 00:46:36 -0500

HI,
I am also interested if any one  has used the Portico computer and  what are
the  plus and minuses of such usage.

----- Original Message ----- 
>
> "jfw users email list" <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004
> 8:08 AMSubject: Fw: new computer for the blind  > I hear that this will
> have jaws on it if you want jaws on it.  I'm about> cautious about
> recommending it just yet though.>>> *********** BEGIN FORWARDED MESSAGE
> ***********> On 8/05/2004 at 10:20 PM Andy Baracco <wq6r@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:> I would like to take a moment to introduce you to the Portico
> which> will> be the most advanced and portable PC dedicated to the
> blind. In> addition to> Portico's portability (less then one pound with
> the standard battery)> and> functionality, it will offer a computer to
> the blind which will be> equal to> the desktop system one uses each day
> and more powerful than a notetaker> or> PDA. Because it utilizes a
> standard Windows operating system (XP), the> training of a new user
> should be dramatically reduced which leads to> savings on funds for
> everyone involved because we are using> applications> that they are
> already familiar with. With the Portico, there is no need> to> learn or
> be trained how to use an entirely new device as one would need> to> do
> with a notetaker or PDA.>> The computer is driven by an Intel Pentium
> Centrino processor which is> completed with hardware manufactured by
> Asus. Built into the unit is> Bluetooth and WiFi wireless technology, as
> you will see in the> information> provided, and all the ports (three USB
> and Firewire) that are needed to> use> it with any accessory available
> to any computer user. Right now, with> great> success, we are testing
> devices such as Bluetooth bar code scanners,> wireless keyboards and
> earphones so that the user can leave the Portico> in> its case while
> traveling, in order to utilize such devices for ease of> use> and
> increased usefulness. Due to full functionality of this unit,>
> organizations thus far have been very impressed and see this as a>
> single> solution for some clientele who require funding for a
> notetaking> device,> desktop PC and/or a laptop computer. Also installed
> on the unit will be> a> suite of powerful software, consisting of OEM
> versions from leaders in> the> assistive software technology industry,
> which consist of applications> such> as scanread, text to audio, screen
> readers, talking word processor,> talking dictionary, web browser with
> speech, talking calculator, screen> magnification, and talking
> checkbook. We are looking to add more and> more> in the future.> We soon
> also expect to offer an USBconnected, braille input keypad.> Further
> down the road, we anticipate offering a braille display> integrated>
> into the unit. Our main vision is to use the existing technologies of>
> our> mainstream products to create more affordable assistive technology>
> products.>> The Portico units, as they would be shipped to the
> customers, will ship> with a screen that can be attached later
> converting it to a standard> laptop> computer. For those who are a
> source of funding for such technologies,> this> will be appealing
> because it may be issued without the screen to a> blind> client but,
> should the department decide to reissue this unit to a> lowvision
> client, or another client who would need a screen, it can be> done for
> little or no cost and without affecting the manufacturer> warranty> (the
> Portico does have a video port which would allow a monitor to be>
> connected). These are just a few things that would immediately be>
> available> for the Portico. We would appreciate any information possible
> in order> to> have your organization review the product in hopes that it
> may be> included> with the products which you promote, endorse, or offer
> to your clients,> helping us introduce this new solution to the blind
> and lowvision> markets.> It is a device to further enhance lives and
> independence by offering a> means of equal access to technologies that
> others already have> available to> them. Please let me know if you have
> any questions as more will be> heard> about this product in the coming
> weeks. Thank you for your time.>> Andrew Woytowich> CompSolution
> Accessibility Division> (an Asus partner)>> 1249 Mall Drive> Richmond,
> VA 23235> Phone: 8048978347> Fax:     8048978349> email:
> andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> *********** END FORWARDED MESSAGE
> ***********
>
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