Surely no one would choose a laptop as a GPS solution. Surely too, neither would few choose a notetaker for the sole purpose of GPS. Those for whom notetakers satisfy multiple needs could be well served by GPS on that device, in deed it makes really good sense.
I think the issue around notebook computers and notetakers is the more general utility of notebook computers over notetakers in the wider world. To own a notetaker only for the GPS functionality is just added clutter and cost.
Tablets and smart phones have that multiplicity of function as well as seamless integration with the rest of the mainstream world.
As a hobby woodworker I have very few specialized tools and some of them I don't hardly use if I can avoid them. the Cobalt talking tape measure comes to mind. It is about 10 times the cost of one sighted people would use, only accurate to a 16th of an inch when it is working correctly at all, is unreliable and chews through batteries. The company is excellent with their support insofar as I have sent mine back twice when nothing would get it working rationally and they returned it restored without cost but although this is a parallel blindness specific device to that used by the sighted it isn't really. This doesn't mean that many blind people don't get use out of it nor that many don't use it as their primary measuring device just as many blind people find notetakers sufficient to their needs. Having the choice is a good thing. I wouldn't have the talking tape measure except that it was gifted to me and I suppose if a notetaker were gifted to me I'd find some uses for one too, quite possibly dedicated to GPS but I sure wouldn't buy one for that purpose only and I suspect many others would be the same.
There is probably a good case to be made for a quality stand-alone GPS for the blind, much as mainstream seeing users have but a dedicated device would presumably be 10 times the cost as is the talking tape measure. Hopefully more reliable though.
Dale leavens.----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael May" <mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 10:49 AM Subject: [gps-talkusers] laptop versus notetaker/PDA
There is now a Sendero PC GPS so one has the additional choice of a laptopor tablet running Windows 8, like the Microsoft Surface Pro. Everyone has a different set of needs so the right fit depends upon the individual. Not onesize fits all so to speak. For me, I'd rather have the small 1 pound package of a PK or OnHand whichincludes a Braille display and keyboard over a much more powerful Windows 8machine especially when walking and traveling. Again, if you don't want a Braille display or cannot afford one, there are PDA versions without Braille for much less money and now tablets for even less. Just make sure you figure out the mechanics of using a tablet on thego. Certainly if you use your portable device mostly in a vehicle, a tabletcould work nicely. You could then have your phone for GPS while walking. Options, that is what we are all about. Mike -----Original Message----- From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Mike Arrigo Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 7:49 AM To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: using dual GPS is the ideal way to goMost, if not all of the tasks you mention here could easily be done using a laptop. Certainly, if your note taker works for you, go for it, but laptopscan do much more and are cheaper. Original message:As a college student with an iPhone and a braillenote apex I believe there is still room for these devices. I am a music major concentrating in sound engineering. I do not know what I would do without my apex. I use it to not only take notes in class but write blog posts, keep record of track notes and comments, take down what mics are in what inputs and so on. I also use it a lot as a GPS and love how sendero has made their system so great. I feel the that the iPhone seeing eye gps will be a good substitute for when I can't use my note taker either because of bad weather or battery drainage. One added value at least for me is being able to read without having to connect another device via bluetooth and keep up with both devices batteries. Plus the instant on capability is awesome as well. I know that with apps like accessnote you can do this but I feel that if your a hardcore braille user the apple devices only give you so much. At least with a dedicated machine you have it at your finger tips. I'm also learning how to read braille music and find the apex invaluable for learning this method of braille as well. The argument of note takers running outdated operating systems I think is a good point but also think about that you get what you take away from the device as well. For instance, my iPhone has apps that I barely use but I know thatif I need them I know they are there.Aaron Linson IOS and Android Accessibility Advocate Once an Eagle Always an EagleOn Mar 11, 2013, at 7:48 PM, Mike Arrigo <n0oxy@xxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:n0oxy@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:With the availability of main stream mobile devices that are accessible, it simply makes no sense to pay much more money for these notetakers that use outdated operating systems in a proprietaryenvironment.On Mar 11, 2013, at 4:33 PM, "Michael May" <mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:Dale,Its not really about processor power or memory any more. The differentiating factor between a PDA and the phone is the keyboard versus the touch screen or spotty voice recognition, especially in mobile environments. Yes, you can add an external keyboard or Braille display but that takes away from the main benefit of the iPhone as a handheld unit. External devices don't always connect and they are a second item to charge. Add an external GPS receiver because the built-in one is mediocre, and the mobile situation turns complicated.Something like a Braille Sense OnHand has a built in keyboard and GPS, no external pieces needed.What I am finding is that people are willing to sacrifice the productivity of the PDA for the basic functionality of the mobile device. I understand how it is hard to justify access tech prices even if the products are superior versus dirt cheap App Store and Market Placemainstream prices.MikeFrom: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> [mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>] On Behalf Of Dale Leavens Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 11:28 AM To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: using dual GPS is the ideal way to goMike,Are there any technical reasons why a suitable smart phone cannot offer the same or even superior capabilities to those of a note taker with respect to GPS? They do have far superior microprocessors now and more memory if I am not mistaken and of course built-in receivers, intuitively I would have thought them a more suitable platform. I don't remember detailed specifications of note takers as I have always had far more need for direct mainstream connectivity so got more seamlessuse from notebook computers.Thanks.Dale leavens.----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael May" <mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>> To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 2:14 PM Subject: [gps-talkusers] using dual GPS is the ideal way to goMary,Probably a poor choice of words on my part. Let's call dual GPS the ideal way to go but not the only way. There are plenty of situations where people have more than one product, say an iPhone using Audible and a Stream also using Audible.I do agree that it is very unfortunate that high priced specialty technology costs so much and yet the government funding for it is limited. I'll address that in a separate email. The point of my story was to say that the iPhone is not a replacement for a full fledged accessible GPS product with a real keyboard and comprehensive real-time and explore features. For those fortunate enough to have a BrailleNote or Braille Sense with GPS, make the most of it, especially in challenging situations.MikeFrom: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> [mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>] On Behalf Of Mary Otten Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 10:17 PM To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: using dual GPS is the only way to goThis really is kind of a sad commentary. How many people who don't get bucks from some agency can realistically think about having 2 gps solutions when one of them costs a whole pile of money, and the remainder of the applications on that expensive platform can be duplicated elsewhere cheaper? Obviously, you can't go from 0 app to full blown solution in 6 months or a year. But I hope the goal for the ios gps solution is to have a full product which will essentially make unnecessary those other entirely too expensive solutions. Mary Otten motten53@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:motten53@xxxxxxxxx>To change your email settings (unsubscribe, digest only, or vacation mode): http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htmAdditionally, to unsubscribe send an email to gps-talkusers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject.To change your email settings (unsubscribe, digest only, or vacation mode): http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htmAdditionally, to unsubscribe send an email to gps-talkusers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject.To change your email settings (unsubscribe, digest only, or vacationmode):http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htm <http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htm>Additionally, to unsubscribe send an email to gps-talkusers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject.To change your email settings (unsubscribe, digest only, or vacationmode):http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htmAdditionally, to unsubscribe send an email to gps-talkusers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject.To change your email settings (unsubscribe, digest only, or vacationmode):http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htm <http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htm>To change your email settings (unsubscribe, digest only, or vacation mode):Additionally, to unsubscribe send an email to gps-talkusers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject.http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htm Additionally, to unsubscribe send an email to gps-talkusers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject.To change your email settings (unsubscribe, digest only, or vacation mode):http://senderogroup.com/social_media/email.htmAdditionally, to unsubscribe send an email to gps-talkusers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject.
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