My MAC colleague Geoff Best writes:
The main function of the iPod is transferring music to it from your mac
for a portable MP3 player - obviously not support by the DSA.
The only application it has is being able to use it as a limited size
portable hard drive and using the entourage (outlook) alarms and address
features.
I'd love to be able to say that every mac order requires an iPod but I
can't. There is no justification for it.
MiniDisk can record from a Mic input - the iPod can't.
That's the main requirement and the main pitfall of the iPod.
Geoff Best
Apple Macintosh Technical/Sales
iANSYST Ltd
I'd add that the alarm and address stuff synchronises with the MAC OK,
but a PDA or even many mobile phones will allow you to edit the
information a lot more easily. When the IPOD evolves into a proper PDA,
there may be more justification for some dyslexic people. As a backup
and porting device, a firewire harddrive is a cheaper option.
Meanwhile we're looking forward to supplying our first IPOD coat
(http://www.apple.com/ipod/burton/). I'm sure some creative assessor
could find a DSA justification . . . (Perhaps that could be a Friday
afternoon competition?)
Regards
Ian Litterick
iANSYST Ltd
www.dyslexic.com
-----Original Message-----
From: S.D.Clayton [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 20 February 2003 17:04
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Introduction
Dear All,
I have a challenge for the hard-core tekkies out there. This one might
sort
the men from the boys (or the girls, as I know one of the most able
tekkies
amongst you is indeed female).
Could someone give a summary of the differences in capability and scope
between a minidisk recorder and the Apple-Mac iPOD? Why would an Awards
Officer approve one over a minidisk, and if the student already posessed
a
minidisk, why would a student with severe dyslexia benefit further from
the
iPOD? You would be helping me greatly if you could offer comparisons and
thoughts.
thanks
___________________________________________
Steve Clayton
Manager, Planning and Resources
Disabled Student Services Section
The Open University
Tel: ++44 (01908 858937) Fax (01908 659044)
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