If you already have a robust screenreader, since your primary focus is in the ability to turn in documents and research papers for school and such, I suggest you stick to a Windows computer since it will make your life easier when it comes to help. In other words, you will be speaking the same language as your fellow university students and your school's technical support.
If you're very experienced with Windows, you will definitely want a Windows computer since you will not have to learn a new OS while simultaneously studying for classes. For example, if you are an experienced Internet Explorer user or Firefox user, you will not have to learn Safari and such to conduct research for classes in university databases, which you may already know takes time and skill. When writing papers you will need access to lots of formatting tools in applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Before making the final decision you should call your university's tech support and ask them about the level of support they can provide you and your Mac. You should also look into the software needs, and in most universities one can get really deep discounts on Windows software such as the Pro version of Office 2010 or 2013 for Windows. The one thing I really dislike about VoiceOver on computers is that it feels like one is interacting with a virtual wall which accepts one's keyboard commands then passes on these commands to the OS. I realize screenreader for Windows work the same way, but I also feel like I'm working with what is on the screen and not with a middleman. I also don't like the amount of keys one must press and hold to navigate the OS. If you're a longtime keyboard user, the apple keyboard commands are going to demand lots of your hands--it just doesn't feel logical or efficient for me. There will undoubtedly be many opinions of which mine is just one, so please consider them carefully as the new computer is likely to be in your life for the next few years. Joseph ----- Original Message ----- From: "Haya Simkin & guide dog Pammy" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2014 12:10 PM Subject: Mac and pc Hi folks, I'm trying to decide whether I should get a Mac laptop or a pc. I am fairly sure I want a Mac, but I want to know how well the Mac can cope with a document that was written and formatted on a pc and more importantly, vice versa. Macs are very uncommon here and I have to be able to turn in homework for my university classes. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Haya Simkin & guide dog Pammy Sent from my iPhone -- The following information is important for all members of the viphone list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives for this list can be searched at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "VIPhone" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- The following information is important for all members of the viphone list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives for this list can be searched at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "VIPhone" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
