As I understand it the situation for Windows Touch Screen Surface type devices is as follows.
I believe that they are still a comparatively expensive purchase but you are getting a full spec PC in most of these devices. However 1. The cheaper devices sold with Windows 8 RT variant will not work with any third party desktop type applications , including Screenreaders. You will be therefore limited to using the inbuilt Narrator as a Screenreader and working with apps from the Windows App store. I am not sure that this would be a good route to go just yet as I believe that inbuilt accessibility is still a work in progress. 2. However on all other variations of Windows 8 third party desktop applications can install and so NVDA and Jaws can be used. 3. Jaws 15 has touch Screen support and apparently at least some of the Apps are accessible as well as the normal desktop applications. 4. I am not sure of the situation with NVDA with Touch screen support and access to Apps. 5. I have heard that the GWMicro Window Eyes introduction to using Windows 8 is the best training resource out there irrespective of what Screenreader you are using. I understand that the RNIB have some good introductory pages also. 6. I think that the use of a magnetic keyboard is till recommended even for the Touch screen surface pro type devices if you are blind. However as I am still on traditional architecture with Windows 7 I have no direct experience of any of this. Just what I have picked up. David Griffith .. -----Original Message----- From: techno-chat-boun...@techno-chat.net [mailto:techno-chat-boun...@techno-chat.net] On Behalf Of Mrs. Lynnette Annabel Smith Sent: 01 December 2013 11:09 To: Techno-Chat ... Technology Enthusiasm! Subject: Windows Tablets Good Sunday to everybody on list. It has been quite some time since I have had time to post to the group. So welcome to all new members. My family and I are contemplating the possibility of buying Gordon a Windows tablet as a Christmas present. Does anybody happen to know whether the Windows mobile market has yet become accessible and if it has, what devices are supported and what accessibility software is required to make them accessible? I'm aware of the developing Android market but to be honest I don't think we are going to go down that road just yet. Possibly if Gordon needs to upgrade or cross-grade his iPhone 4S next year, that is something we would certainly consider. I'm aware that the Samsung Galaxy phones are now very well supported in respect of accessibility. But at this point in time Gordon is more than happy with what he has and there's little point replacing it just yet. So, I'm looking at the tablet market. I know that there are several to choose from; but I don't want to choose the wrong one. I don't claim to know much about this sort of thing, never having owned one before. But now that Gordon is employed I think that something which may be of benefit to him. Any comment or information which anybody may have would be gratefully received. Lynne ======================================= The Techno-Chat E-Mail forum is guaranteed malware, spyware, Trojan, virus and worm-free To modify your subscription options, please visit for forum's dedicated web pages located at http://mail.tft-bbs.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/techno-chat You can find an archive of all messages posted to the Techno-Chat group at either of the following websites: http://mail.tft-bbs.co.uk/pipermail/techno-chat/index.html Or: <http://www.mail-archive.com/techno-chat@techno-chat.net> you may also subscribe to this list via RSS. The feed is at: <http://www.mail-archive.com/techno-chat@techno-chat.net/maillist.xml> --------------------------------------- ======================================= The Techno-Chat E-Mail forum is guaranteed malware, spyware, Trojan, virus and worm-free To modify your subscription options, please visit for forum's dedicated web pages located at http://mail.tft-bbs.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/techno-chat You can find an archive of all messages posted to the Techno-Chat group at either of the following websites: http://mail.tft-bbs.co.uk/pipermail/techno-chat/index.html Or: <http://www.mail-archive.com/techno-chat@techno-chat.net> you may also subscribe to this list via RSS. The feed is at: <http://www.mail-archive.com/techno-chat@techno-chat.net/maillist.xml> ---------------------------------------
