Re: new computer for the blind
- From: "Greg Epley" <gregepley@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 14:00:28 -0500
I read the article below and don't see any specific mention that JAWS is
bundled on it, just a generic mention of screen reader in the assistive
technology products. Based on the beyond sight product I'll bet it's going
to be pricey; it always makes me nervous when these companies can't come
right out and tell one the prices. Some will say it's because they haven't
been set yet, well, if that's so then why bother even leaking info until the
prices are ready to be given? This post belongs on another list - nothing
JAWS specific about it.
-Greg
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Hutchins" <dhutchins@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 1:50 PM
Subject: Re: new computer for the blind
> Hi there that sounds like a wonderful idea, it would sure save a lot of
> headaches trying to figure out what to do with the traditional computers.
> Dave Hutchins
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "david poehlman" <poehlman1@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "jfw users email list" <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 10:08 AM
> Subject: 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 Wi-Fi 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 note-taking
> > 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 scan-read, 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 USB-connected, 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
> > low-vision 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 low-vision
> > 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: 804-897-8347
> > Fax: 804-897-8349
> > e-mail: andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > *********** END FORWARDED MESSAGE ***********
> >
> >
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