Terri and list,
I tried a Mac Mini last year and didn't like it at all. That's probably
because I worked for IBM for almost thirty years and when I started
using a PC I immediately liked it, although I came to Windows in 2001
instead of 1995 when Windows 95 came out. I was a DOS user from 1991
till 2001, because I didn't have time to learn Windows until it was
required for my job. But since I started using windows, I haven't looked
back.
I eventually gave the Mac to a friend, and am glad it's gone. Although I
didn't get past the initial registration process, I knew immediately
that it wasn't for me. For one thing, it talked too much. I am a Jaws
user and due to hearing loss, I use braille a lot. With my background, I
am used to computer braille and I appreciate how Jaws uses Braille's
uniqueness to describe things like check boxes and radio buttons. When I
wrote computer books, I had to take advantage of computer braille
because I had to be precise about what I wrote and how I wrote it; when
I was in system support, I needed that same precision to look at columns
of data, and to do a bit of programming.
I didn't see an easy way to use the Mac to read contracted braille. Jaws
lets me read contracted braille when I want, and I like that too. I've
had braille note takers since 1993, and am getting used to the Apex BT,
which is taking a while, because it's so unique. I really like it
though, because it's lightweight and small. It's challenging to get used
to 32 cells instead of the 40 that I'm used to, but I'm getting there.
It lets me input in computer braille and read output in contracted, or
flip between contracted and uncontracted braille output.
The third reason I decided not to keep the Mac was pointed out in
Terri's post; you have to get used to new software. I like what I'm
using, and although Windows has its down side, there are a lot of good
things to say about it too.
It boils down to what you're used to and how much you're willing to
learn and explore, among other things.
Mary
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