[infoshare] Cell phone Buyer's Guide
- From: "Lynne" <superlynne@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <infoshare@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:21:15 -0500
This is from the Fred's head blog.
Blind and Visually Impaired mobile phone buyer's guide
Posted: 09 Feb 2010 06:19 AM PST
by Emma Tracey
Nowadays, mobile phones are geared up for so much more than calls and texts.
For blind or visually impaired people though, only certain devices will be
usable. Without getting too technical, here are five things to think about when
choosing a handset.
Can I access the phone's basic features?
A mobile phone is totally pointless if you can't make or receive calls or
texts. There is text enlargement software available for those of you with
useful vision, Zooms being the most popular choice. Otherwise, it's about
ensuring that character size is acceptable, that the device is well lit and
that there is good colour contrast. This information is available online, but
hands-on testing in-store is always best. While there, check the phone's
in-built accessibility features, usually found within the settings menue.
Totally blind users will need screenreading software. Talks, Mobile Speak and
the iPhone 3GS's Voiceover are your main choices. Each option will only work on
certain compatible phones, so always check with the software manufacturers and
your mobile service provider.
Are the phone's buttons obvious and easy to activate?
It's all well and good being privy to your gadget's output, but if you can't
communicate with the device, then it'll be a frustrating, one-sided
relationship. Be sure to check the colour contrast of the phone's buttons and
how they are spaced. Totally blind phone purchasers, consider whether the
buttons are well defined, evenly spaced, and arranged in a sensible way so that
you can hit the one you want without thinking about it.
Decide whether you would prefer a slider phone or one where the buttons are
always on display. In a hurry, sliding the buttons out can be an extra bother.
Devices with a qwerty keyboard are not as easy to operate one-handed. So not
ideal if you want to use your phone on the fly. But qwertys are probably better
over all for composing email and surfing the web.
Is the phone I want a touch screen device?
As when choosing any phone, VI folk should take some time to ensure that their
touch screen device is big enough, easy to manipulate and includes the all
important accessibility features like text enlargement, the ability to zoom in
on what you want and your favourite contrast option.
Touchscreen technology is really growing legs and while handsets like the
iPhone 3GS advertise their accessibility, phones with few or no pressable
buttons will always require a fairly steep learning curve for a totally blind
person. So don't enter into it unless you are prepared to put in the hours.
Some phones don't call themselves touchscreen devices, but have a couple of
keys which are touch sensitive. This is even more of a no-go for a blind person
than an accessible touchscreen phone.
Is the battery life acceptable?
If you have some vision, you probably have the phone's brightness turned up to
the max and if you are blind, it's working flat out to run the screenreader.
Plus, let's face it, if your mobile runs out of juice, chances are you won't be
able to access anyone else's. There are battery extenders on the market, but it
is definitely worth while checking the battery life of the phone and how long
it takes to charge before purchasing. Also consider taking energy saving
measures like reducing the brightness, or choosing a less power-hungry
screensaver.
Can I afford it?
Unfortunately, every phone which can accommodate screen-reading and text
enlarging software is going to be at the top end of the market. The iPhone 3GS
is the only device so far which has a full range of accessibility features
built in. All other handsets will require add on software, which has a market
value over £100. Some mobile providers will foot the bill for this, but some
won't. If you are on contract, finding which accessible mobile phone is on the
cheapest plan might be the deciding factor.
Alternatively, a quick internet search will produce details of websites and
email lists such as RecycleIt and TheBargainStore, where blind and visually
impaired people sell their unwanted niche gadgets to each other. Used phones,
usually in good condition, with the screenreading software already preloaded,
are often sold on these for very sensible prices. So definitely the way to go
if you are on a tight budget.
Finally, be prepared for limited accessibility knowledge and awareness from the
staff you will deal with when purchasing the new phone. Take this check list
with you and stick to your guns. You will almost always know what you want
better than they do.
Article Source:
BBC - Ouch!
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- » [infoshare] Cell phone Buyer's Guide - Lynne
