Nice. I would guess it would be an Ipod touch using a bluetooth keyboard,
but not sure if accessibility could be added, or do they indeed make
hardware that most of us don't know about?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alex Jurgensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "General discussions on all topics relating to the use of Mac OS X by
theblind" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2008 10:11 PM
Subject: Re: Sleek and shiny Mac OS X powered Notetakers
Hi,
It carries the Apple Logo proudly upon it's backside, right from the
factory at Apple. I will contact the legal department to double check
though.
Thanks for listening,
Alex,
On 17-Nov-08, at 8:04 PM, Jacob Schmude wrote:
Hi
Sorry, I really don't mean to discourage you or anything by these
questions. But the question is not whether you will be using some of
Apple's internal hardware whcih, on Intel Macs, is mostly identical to
standard PC hardware. When the OS X license mentions apple- branded
hardware that means the system must have the Apple logo on it. Given
that Apple has not authorized any clones since the mid 1990's, how
likely is this? Have you discussed this possibility with Apple as of yet
and been in contact with their legal department? I would do this first,
as if Apple says no then, unless they lose their court battle, it simply
won't be happening.
I wouldn't want to see a project like this be planned well and close to
becoming a reality only to have Apple say no and basically close the lid
on it which, given their current licensing, they have every right to do
until proven otherwise. So you need to know straight up if they will
allow this or not, and get it in writing.
On Nov 17, 2008, at 22:52, Alex Jurgensen wrote:
Hi,
The driving force is the hardware/software powering the unit.
Admitably I am still looking into the Braille display bit.
It is possible I will have to build a Braille display myself using
manufacturer components.
We will be using some hardware from Aple, it is true.
Thanks for listening,
Alex,
On 17-Nov-08, at 7:44 PM, Jacob Schmude wrote:
More questions. First, I take it this will be Apple-branded hardware
then, as that is the only way to currently satisfy their licensing
conditions? Second, how are you planning to keep it under $500 with a
built-in braille display? Currently there's not a way to buy even a
regular braille display for $500. If you know where to get one at such
a price do tell, please. Who, or what, are you referring to when you
say the driving force behind this?
Yep, I've got loads of questions :).
On Nov 17, 2008, at 22:35, Alex Jurgensen wrote:
Hi,
Jacob,
Just to let you know, the driveing force is completely compliant with
Apple's Licence, so I would be allowed to sell the product legally.
The main feature is the size, which make it fit inside a pocket quite
easily. Another advantage is the built-in Braille display. Yes, we
plan for a mini Querty Keyborad once the Braille input is out on the
main stream.
Thanks for listening,
aelx,
Thanks for listening,
Alex,
On 17-Nov-08, at 7:29 PM, Jacob Schmude wrote:
Depends. You going to offer a qwerty version? I absolutely hate
braille input.
Getting more serious though, this would be considered a Mac clone,
and would need to be authorized by Apple. Yes, you can get OS X
running on your own PCs. But you are not allowed to sell such a
thing, at least not according to Apple's licensing. This is being
questioned as I write this in the United States Courts, but don't
expect an answer any time soon--this will be one long court battle
between Apple and another company called Psystar at least assuming
they don't settle out of court. I wouldn't get my hopes up, the
company with the most and best lawyers usually wins these battles
here.
Would I buy it? Unless there were significant advantages in doing so
I would not, but would buy a Mac laptop instead. Such advantages
might be a much longer battery life, for example which would
certainly be possible due to the lack of a screen. To be honest
though I'm a bit biased, in all cases I refuse to buy blindness
products when a mainstream product is available that will accomplish
the same functions. Since I don't care for braille input I would
probably go straight for a laptop unless, as I said, there were
compelling advantages to such a device.
I don't think you would be able to keep that name for it, however.
On Nov 17, 2008, at 22:15, Alex Jurgensen wrote:
Hi,
Would you buy this?
EyeMac -- The next generation of sleek notetakers
The EyeMac features aluminum housing, weighing in at under a pound.
This sleek and shiny notetaker is based on the state of the art
technology, featuring wireless and bluetooth. The six- key input
provides Braille users the ability to legally access the world's
most user friendly and advanced operating system. Built on the
foundation of Mac OS X, the EyeMac is the bleeding edge in
affordable portable computing technology. Costing around $500 us,
the EyeMac is an easy pick for the user with a tight budget. Its
portability make it ideal for not only end users but the
professional who needs a lightweight, portable solution. The EyeMac
measures less than 20 CM long by seven CM wide, and about 3 cm
high. Durable, powerful! Take full advantage of the world wide web.
The EyeMac Pro has wireless anywhere capability. Need a Braille
display? EyeMac Plus models feature built-in Braille displays that
make reading Braille text messages and documents a breeze. The
EyeMac is built on a actively developed Operating System, that
features a well documented programming guide that will ensure your
EyeMac can be customized with the applications that best suit your
needs. Designed for ease of use, this revolutionary device will
change your portability experience.
Project status: Planning
Thanks for listening,
Alex,
