[gps-talkusers] Re: laptop versus notetaker/PDA
- From: "Michael May" <mikemay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:27:17 -0700
John,
Yes, the PK deffinitely still runs Sendero GPS. And yes, it crashes from
time to time. Not a big deal but if I were buying a device today, I'd get
the OnHand because the PK memory is limited and it is no longer sold new.
Dale,
There are indeed very few people who have purchased a Note or Sense product
over the years just for GPS. Nonetheless, if they want all their apps in a
simple product and interface, then the GPS is certainly a consideration when
buying a notetaker/PDA.
As I write, I have my 15 inch Vaio on my lap with our route to San Jose
running in the background. Works beautifully.
I was really referring to use of the PC GPS on one of the new Windows 8
Tablets like the Microsoft Surface, Lenovo Helix, Toshiba, Dell and others.
In terms of size, they are bigger than a PK but pretty small, in the less
than 2 pounds category. The issue is operating the device. You would have to
have just the right kind of case in order to use it as you walk. I intend on
getting a Surface to see just how this will all play out.
Mike
in
-----Original Message-----
From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dale Leavens
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:25 AM
To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: laptop versus notetaker/PDA
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 laptop
> or 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
> one
> size fits all so to speak.
>
> For me, I'd rather have the small 1 pound package of a PK or OnHand which
> includes a Braille display and keyboard over a much more powerful Windows
> 8
> machine 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 the
> go. Certainly if you use your portable device mostly in a vehicle, a
> tablet
> could 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 go
>
> Most, 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
> laptops
> can 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 that
> if I need them I know they are there.
>
>> Aaron Linson
>> IOS and Android Accessibility Advocate Once an Eagle Always an Eagle
>
>> On 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 proprietary
> environment.
>> 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 Place
> mainstream prices.
>
>> Mike
>
>> From: 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 go
>
>> Mike,
>
>> 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 seamless
> use 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 go
>
>
>
>
>> Mary,
>
>> 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.
>
>> Mike
>
>> From: 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 go
>
>> This 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>
>
>
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