Thanks all for your responses.
Alex: The Roadrunner requires software. This is the only old software I
foresee using with Windows on my Mac. I will check out some of the products
suggested by Richie, in Alaska.
I really like the Roadrunner because I can dump my plain text notes into it
and easily give a talk. It is the size of a small television remote control
and has a number pad like a telephone. I can change files, move forward or
backwards, search, browse, spell, adjust volume, adjust speed and pitch, and
use other cool features. When I use it in front of an audience the small
earphone is not a distraction to anyone. I have become quite proficient with
it.
It holds only 3 Mb of text but that is more than enough for my needs. The
speech provides 5 different voices. I don't know why they included a voice
that sounds like Darth Vader but I get a kick out of it when I show it off
to people.
I know I will find a replacement I can use with the Mac but I am nearing 60
years of age and I appreciate the old adage -- you can't teach an old dog
new tricks!
Until I find something else I think I will try this adaptor.
Forgive my wordiness.
Thank you.
Randy Fred
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alex Jurgensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X by
the blind" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 2:55 PM
Subject: Re: 9-pin connection
Hi,
There is an adapter. It is called the Keyspan USB to Serial adapter. It
acts as a bridge between the Mac's usb port and any device, be it
embosser, the Roadrunner, or the old printers. Mac drivers are abalable
from Keyspan's website. I hope this helps. Also, does the Roadrunner
require any special software, or is it a "drag and drop" essentially
copying and pasting?
Thanks for listening,
Alex,
On 15-Aug-08, at 1:22 PM, kaare dehard wrote:
Hi there, I can't answer your roadrunner question, but textedit is the
word processor that comes with the mac, and it will to the best of my
knowledge read word files. I have found that vo has gotten less clunky
for me as I have gotten used to it.
Good luck,
Kaare.
On 15-Aug-08, at 4:11 PM, Randy A. Fred wrote:
Hello all you good looking Mac Users! I just purchased an IMAC and am
slowly transferring all my PC material over to it while learning the
software.
I am a long-time Jaws and Kurzweil user. Although Jaws is the Cadillac
of screen readers I decided to switch simply on principle. I came to
despise Freedom Scientific for wanting more and more money from me
every year. I am enjoying the Mac but find I still need to use this PC
until I get used to the Mail program. I am finding Voice Over a bit
clunky but I am sure I will get used to it. I really need Apple to make
Voice Over work with the Microsoft Office suite as everyone I work with
uses Word.
Many years ago I purchased a handy device, called a Roadrunner. It
holds 3 Mb of plain text and I purchased it to study for university
exams. It has since become obsolete but I am so familiar with it I
still use it to read text files when on the road and giving talks or
presentations.
The Roadrunner uses a 9-pin female connector to plug into the computer.
How can I use the Roadrunner with my Mac? Is there such a thing as an
adaptor I can use to plug the connector into a USB port? Or, should I
be looking for a cable I can plug into the Roadrunner and into the
computer's USB port? Or, does anyone know of a similar type of device I
can use instead of the Roadrunner? A basic digital recorder is not the
answer for me. The device needs more flexibility than a recorder.
I look forward to the day when I am a dedicated Mac user.
Thank you for any help. I have already benefitted greatly from reading
over messages in this list.
Randy Fred
Nanaimo BC
Canada
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.0/1602 - Release
Date: 8/9/2008 1:22 PM
