If you don't require Braille output, a small netbook is the best bet. Just
choose one with a keyboard that is easy to use for the blind. I have a
Toshiba netbook which runs around $300. The keyboard is very well laid out
and the function keys, arrow keys, etc. are very easy to find because of
their spacing and occasional tactile dots.
[PT]
If you do require Braille, the Pacmate is a great device. I used this at
work for many years. The virtue of having a Braille display is that you can
readily take notes, refer to your own notes and documents, etc. while at a
meeting and not disturb others with distracting speech or other noises.
The other advantage of the Pacmate is that it is compatible with all of the
Office applications that you are likely running on your PC - It has mobile
versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. It is also easy to keep
documents, calendars, mail, etc. synced between the Pacmate and a Windows
PC.
I use the PacMate Braille display to follow my show notes when recording our
weekly, half hour radio program / podcast on living with low vision (see
www.viewpoints.torpey.info for more info and links to the podcast).
One other advantage of the Pacmate's Braille display is that it can be
disconnected from the Pacmate and connected to your desktop or other PC to
be used as a Braille display for that computer.
Finally, before making a final decision, you might want to check out the new
PDA / Braille display which the National Braille Press plans to release
later this year. Their main goal was to make Braille displays more
affordable, so I'm sure it will have an attractive price point compared to
some other Braille PDA's.
Hope that helps.
--Pete
Check out ViewPoints
A weekly, half hour radio program for people living with low vision
Find out more about the show and links to the podcasts at:
www.ViewPoints.torpey.info
Send suggestions or comments to:
viewpoi...@torpey.info
For answers to frequently asked questions about this list visit:
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