Hello all! I respectfully disagree! The idea of incorporating audio playback of any kind into the M-power was to help one keep down all the devices which one carries with them when on the go. One wouldn't need to pack a separate AM, FM radio, daisy player, Ipod and a host of other devices; all one needs is their M-power. The inclusion of many audio features in the M-power certainly adds to the braille capabilities as well. The M-power is certainly a respectable audio device. I would use the internal speaker for voice only material. But if I wish to listen to music, I'd use headphones. One can find a host of audio streams which can be heard with an M-power through: http://www.billsparks.org The M-power can only hear Windows Media Streams and some Winamp Streams. there are some Windows Media streams which do not work but the M-power does a respectable job on the streams which work. I've used both Bose Triport and Quiet Comfort Headphones in my unit. There is ample volume and great sound through these headphones when connected to my M-power. I'm certain if a person needs more volume, a pre-amp can be found to plug in ahead of a pair of headphones. I find the volume level at maximum volume is uncomfortable for me. I need to turn down the volume in order to listen comfortably. I get great sound from the abovementioned headphones. I'm not certain whether the triport is still available but there are others in that line of headphones which would be suitable. I recommend those since I've been able to replace at no charge if they fall apart. They are pricey but I think I save money in the end. Others have mentioned various headphones which work well so i say the M-power is a very respectable audio device for daisy in the future, and other Mp3 files, as well as audio streaming.
I too think the FM radio is going to be rendered useless especially when HD Iboc technology catches on widely in the US. Another competitive device is incorporating the FM radio but I think I'd rather pack an additional AM, FM radio. The ones I have are quite small and I've left them behind or lost them a number of times (grin smile)! Fortunately, I got them back! I would agree all inclusive devices aren't necessarily as good as their separate counterparts at times but I think the M-power is a very respectable audio device. Jim Aldrich ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karyn Campbell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Braillenote List'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2007 8:32 AM Subject: Features was RE: [Braillenote] Volume on mPower considerably lowerthan on classic? Tom and list, That makes sense to me as these units are not meant for playing music. If you want to do that, get a boom box or something that is meant for music. I have long felt that the FM radio and media center are luxuries rather than necessities. I feel the same way about the memo part as well. The streaming capability is also extremely limited and takes bandwidth anyway. Commercial radio stations do not stream at all; and I have tried this once. ACB radio works but that is all I know about. Maybe one needs a PC or a laptop in order to listen to streaming on the Internet. Keep in mind that I am not a technology expert; so I am commenting based on limited knowledge of how this equipment works. With regard to Estan's suggestion for Itunes, that too is a luxury that I hope does not happen. There are more important things which need to be done with these units, such as full MS Word capability and a TTY package. Right now, if you save something in MS Word and sync it to your PC, you must finish the conversion on your PC as the "Word" document is only converted to Rich Text Format (RTF). A full Word conversion would be much more practical and useful for those who use this equipment professionally. A TTY package is something which has been requested for years by members of the deaf-blind community. This feature could also benefit blind users who must use a TTY as part of their job and would give members of the db community further access to their world. BTW I also consider the games a luxury as well. There was a suggestion sometime back to make different suites or packages of software available for these units beyond the basics like Keyword, keyplan, keymail and keyweb. I would include Keybook in the basics as well. Anything else could be added by the user according to how he or she will use the equipment. Just a few of my thoughts. Take care. **All outgoing messages scanned for viruses using Norton Antivirus 2006. Karyn Campbell, [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 269.3.0/758 - Release Date: 4/12/2007 11:52 AM ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
