Hi Darren, Oh, absolutely. That's why I use Linux as my primary operating system these days. The cost of computer hardware has come down, most Windows software is reasonably priced, but the cost of adaptive tech such as screen readers and OCR programs like Openbook remain extremely high in contrast. For a Linux user the Orca screen reader comes with the OS, the way Voiceover comes with Mac, and there are free OCR solutions such as Easy OCR which is free as well. I don't see continuing to pay for Jaws, Openbook, Window-Eyes, etc for the prices they are charging when there are cheaper alternatives available.
In addition to Linux I've been looking at investing in an Apple computer. Mac OS really has come up in the world of accessibility and the way accessibility is integrated into the OS plus the stability of the software is certainly something to consider. I think if Freedom Scientific, GW Micro, Dolphin, etc aren't careful they may have their socks blown off by Apple because having to purchase a screen reader for $1,000 quid just isn't financially feasible or necessary these days. /Especially, not with access technology coming down in price for non-Windows platforms. So the sooner more people realize that, get free of their high priced access software in favor of less expensive alternatives, the more those companies will have to come down in price or risk of going out of business. Just look at the popularity of NVDA which is definitely the cost effective solution for Windows. I think the only reason NVDA isn't more popular is many people are dissatisfied with the screen review which is a bit clunky compared to Jaws or Window-Eyes, but is functional once a person figures out how to use it correctly. Cheers! On 8/7/12, Darren Harris <darren_g_har...@btinternet.com> wrote: > Hi tom, > > But you see this is the problem, computer tech prices have come down > dramatically over the years as you've pointed out, but the likes of screen > readers, braillers, displays etc haven't. they've stayed the same almost or > gone up in price and the companies wonder why people aren't buying? > > Also the likes of fs and gw micro are going to get into even more trouble > now that apple is really coming up in the world of accessibility. To ditch > windows is 1 of my next major financial projects to be honest with you. The > sooner I can be rid of windows and go over to apple exclusively the better. --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to gamers-unsubscr...@audyssey.org. You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://mail.audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/gamers@audyssey.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to gamers-ow...@audyssey.org.
