Hi Paul., Sounds as if this could be a cheaper solution for beginners. Best of all, it might upset the monopoly that Freedom Scientific etc. currently have. Noreen M. -----Original Message----- From: vip_students-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:vip_students-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Paul Traynor Sent: 24 April 2008 11:07 To: vip_students@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [vip_students] A computer with a built in screen reader up dated. Hi All, Just sending in the article below for purely thought provoking reasons. Neither myself or NCBI provide any support for the Apple Mackintosh, at least not at this time but it is certainly an alternative to whats out there right now and the words in the below piece make you wonder if something like this is the future. Remember just for discussion purposes only right now so please give a comment on it if you can as it would be interesting to hear what you think. The guy who wrote it makes it known how he iberated himself from the PC and the need for additional software just to make it talk and moved to the Apple Mac. Paul. -----Original Message----- Subject: [macvoiceover] A computer with a built in screenreader up dated. A Computer with a built-in Screen-reader What a disappointment it is to a blind man or woman to pay several hundred dollars for a computer and bring it home from the store, or have it delivered to your home, or office, only to find out that if you are blind, you can't use your computer. In fact, if you are blind, you must pay up to $1100.00 to order another piece of software, a screen reader to make your brand new computer tell you what is on the screen and speak the keys on the keyboard as you press them. I know what that is like, I have been there and done that, but not any more. As of April the 29th, 2005, there is now a computer that a sighted person or a blind person can use right out of the box, because, a screen-reader is built in to the operating system. It is the most installed screen-reader in the world. Why? Because, it is installed on every computer sold. This screen reader is installed on millions of computers, not just a few thousand. This means that if you are a blind computer user, you can enter a growing number of mall and airport kiosks, classrooms, libraries, internet cafes and the list goes on and use a computer to access the news, weather, check your e- mail just like your sighted counterpart. This computer has a built in word processor which will open, create, or edit Microsoft Word files, XML files or text files and will help you to check the spelling and grammar on your work. Also included in the software is an e-mail program, An internet browser, Address book, Dictionary, calendar, calculator and more, and if you need A Bible program you can have one as a free download. I use one of these computers every day in my office and home. This computer is an Apple Macintosh, or, MAC for short. The screen- reader is called, Voiceover and it comes installed on every new MAC, beginning with Operating system, 10.4, or Tiger. You can choose a laptop if you are an "on the go" person or a desktop. Here are some links that will help you choose the model of MAC that is right for you, You will also find links to a Bible program and links to help you to learn how to get around most effectively on your MAC with Voiceover. Good luck and smile, your life is about to change; mine has. Keith Reedy Director and Technology Interface Coordinator BIBLES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY HANDICAPPED INTERNATIONAL Start your search for a new MAC, buy on line, or search for an Apple store near you at: http://www.apple.com No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.4/1394 - Release Date: 23/04/2008 19:16 ******************************************************************** NOTICE: The information contained in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient you should not use, disclose, distribute or copy any of the content of it or of any attachment; you are requested to notify the sender immediately of your receipt of the email and then to delete it and any attachments from your system. NCBI endeavors to ensure that emails and any attachments generated by its staff are free from viruses or other contaminants. 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