OTHER CORESPONDENCE We got two communications yesterday that would interest eveyone. The first was from Fred Stam in Canada re Optacon repair. I will post this as-is in a separate message. The second letter was from American Ribbon and Toner. You remember I posted information about them last week. They have the ribbons available for the Smith-Corona 2200 as well as most other typewriters, printers and copy machines. They also have a recent policy of a minimum order of $100.00. I wrote to them in protest about this. Nobody I know needs $100.00 worth of ribbons and cartridges at once. The reply I received expressed a willingness to look at my suggestion which was to have customers with small orders pay an extra handling charge. They were also very willing to waive the minimum for me and members of my group. I wrote back thanking them and asking to communicate directly with the sales manager. I explained that we are all over the world and that we could not order as a group because the shipping destinations are all different. I am waiting for a response. I'll keep you posted. The reason I am bothering with this is that American Ribbon and Toner does carry a lot of products and they guarantee them for a year. WHY ARE WE DOING THESE SURVEYS? The two excerpts below will answer that question. Interestingly, the first quote came in response to the second survey. The Information from the reparier in Canada will be in another message. The quotes are below. Subject: Optacon Survey I have used an Optacon practically since its inception, and I wouldn't be without it! I only wish that I could be certain of getting a new and/or refurbished one when the two working ones I have, now, go out. I am aware of and have used the services of the optacon repair person in the Los Angeles area, but he, too, is limited in what he can do, depending upon parts needed, etc. I use my optacon at work to check printed documents, to make sure documents are in page-number order and to read office memoranda. I use another optacon at home for mail (yes, I am able to determine what's junk and what isn't) sign things, check my home grocery delivery order, check documents that I have printed out from the computer, read package labels and invoices and instruction manuals. I can even use it, to a limited extent, to figure out diagrams and simple maps. I have read books, as well, and newspaper articles, though, as pointed out in your explanation, the other uses are more practical and ongoing. My only request, should a newer version (please, please, please) come out, would be to find a way to reduce the buzzing noise. That is somewhat of a distraction to my coworkers. Thanks for putting out the survey. Let's hope we can demonstrate a need and a definite wish for resuming production. ---------- Second Quote Because of its noise, I never use it to locate books in my local library. My experience with the Optacon would be pretty much all positive. It's the greatest graphical user interface ever invented, and a whole generation is lost entirely because they don't know how to use it. ---------- End of quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -Catherine Thomas braille@xxxxxxxxx / ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.