The CRT, or video display, for the computer was still pretty rare at that time as well. The CRT lens was there but it was much later before they modified the Optacon to handle the different refresh rates used for display screens. If a new manual is written there should be a whole section devoted to the display screen and how to deal with the differences you will encounter. J. R. -----Original Message----- From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Catherine Thomas Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 12:02 AM To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [optacon-l] Optacon Lesson Book Sadly, the Optacon lesson book is not as wonderful as it was when it was first designed. The book can still be used but not for everything. In the 70s when the book was created, print was mostly uniform and straightforward. This is because most documents were produced by professionals. Layouts were generally uniform. Even complex layouts tended to be consistent. Since the arrival of personal computers and individual desktop publishing, all that has changed. There are infinitely more colors, type styles, type faces, fonts, etc. being used--unfortunately often without rhyme or reason. The earliest lessons in the book which aid in practicing tracking with the camera and in locating items on a page are still very relevant. Once you get past the first couple of little stories, I'm not sure that the remaining material is all that useful. I received only a few private lessons with the Optacon and once I passed the second story in the book I never used it again although I have looked at it as a matter of interest. If there are users on the list who would have the time and inclination to update training materials, we could establish a committee and work on it. Consider for instance that when the book was printed, the at sign, greater than and less than signs etc. were not a part of everyday life. I don't think they are even in the book. If they are, forgive me but I don't think so. Anyway, those who might find this type of thing fun, can contact me off-list if they like and we can set up a work-group. Catherine ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- -Catherine Thomas braille@xxxxxxxxx / ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- to view the list archives, go to: www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. to view the list archives, go to: www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject.