There is also windows software for the Keyspan. Indeed, I used to use
it with my Braille note. For mobile devices running Windows Mobile
Version 5 or later there is Syncmate, a sort of active sync for the
Mac. It is free. But I have an older device, what should I do. I have
Windows Pocket PC 2003 on a device used by my organization. What
should I do? What happened to Microsoft's Hand held sync utility for
the Mac that came bundled with office 2004? Was it accessible once
configured, or could a sighted friend configure it and set it up?
Thanks for listening,
Alex,
On 15-Aug-08, at 3:42 PM, Randy A. Fred wrote:
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]
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