A number of predefined grids are available for SAW5, including a range of grids that can be downloaded from the ACE website. As SAW5 gives you alot of control, you can always create your own. The grid cells don't have to be in a regular row-column array which makes it very flexible. There are a good number of predefined scripts that can be easily associated with a given cell. There are wizards which simplify some actions, like creating a new grid and appending scripts to cells. If you need word prediction SAW5 can be used with some 3rd party prediction programs including Penfriend (I haven't used these together yet). SAW5 is free.
The Grid2 has a good range of attractive, predefined grids for controlling standard applications which may meet your user's needs more or less "out of the box" which could save a lot of time. It's also straight forward to create your own or to customise existing grids. The grid explorer, graphical representation of the grid hierarchy is a useful tool for more complex designs. It comes with its own word prediction.
If you need many of the grids that come with The Grid 2 then it is a good option. Also, as you are paying for the product, you can get phone support if you have problems. If you need fewer grids, or need to create grids from scratch then SAW5 may be a better option provided that it supports your switch interface and you are happy to support and maintain the grids and application (rather than getting someone local to take this on).
As Andy posted, it does depend what you want to do.
For example, I recently used SAW5 to create grids for single switch access to some single switch games (in conjuction with AutoItV3), music tracks and photographs. SAW5 was fine for this while The Grid2 would have been overkill.
(Other programs include Clicker 5 and EZKeys.)
Andrew Macdonald CEng MIET
Clinical Engineer
Regional Medical Physics Department
Newcastle General Hospital
Westgate Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE4 6BE
Tel 0191 2336161 Ext 22192
mailto:[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Alastair Veal
Sent: 17 April 2008 14:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Switch Access Software
Dear All,
Does anyone have any thoughts about the different switch access
software, such as SAW and Grid 2. I would be grateful for any input as
to their relative merits, or any alternatives that you could
recommended. Also does anyone know which is the most common switch
access software?
Thanks
Alastair Veal
Assistive Technology Adviser
West London Assessment Centre
Brunel University
|