When making a comparison between the Alphasmart and Voicemate, I think
price really needs to be taken into consideration: the Alphasmart is
around £200, the Voicemate around £2,000. The user will still need a
computer system and a range of software and peripherals, including
Jaws (itself a rather expensive piece of software). Rather than spend
that much on what is basically a word-processor, it might be more
sensible to by a light-weight notebook (e.g., the Writer c1000m from
Microlink or a similar machine; a number are coming onto the market for
around £1,500) which will serve as a platform for several tasks rather
than one. It is a compromise solution, but in general we are dealing
with a finite amount of money. Personally, I wish there was something
like an Alphasmart with speech for around £400-500. It would make a
lot of sales in what is admittedly a small market.
Regards, Bernard
On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 17:54:20 +0100 Pat Ramsey <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> Try the Voicemate by Pulsedata. Contact details: www.pulsedata.com
> <http://www.pulsedata.com/> or 01933 626000.
>
> Pat Ramsey
> Disability Co-ordinator
> University of East Anglia
> Norwich NR4 7TJ
> Tel: 01603 593693
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Clare Davies
> Sent: 28 September 2003 14:34
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Alphasmart with voice synthesis?
>
> Can anyone advise on a lightweight wordprocessor, similar to the
> Alphasmart, with voice synthesis for a blind student?
>
> A student was hoping to use his laptop and Jaws to type notes live in
> lectures - he has good touch typing skills and does not want to have to
> record lectures and type up notes afterwards. However as laptops have
> become heavier and less portable, he is finding his new one too heavy to
> bring to college on public transport and carry it around every day.
> There are desktop PCs with Jaws that he can use on campus, and we would
> be happy to lend him an Alphasmart or equivalent if voice synthesis
> could be added.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated,
>
> Clare Davies
>
>
----------------------
Bernard Doherty
Student Adviser
ACCESS Centre
Anglia Polytechnic University
Tel: 01223 363271 x2534
Fax: 01223 417730
Minicom: 01223 576155
[log in to unmask]
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