This is a discussion I have purposefully tried to avoid but I guess like
everyone I might as well express my opinion since everyone has one..
Here's the deal and it seems like Aaron addressed it yesterday
saying we are listening. Window-eyes is having some problems with speech
stopping. I too have experienced them. To argue that people who are
frustrated and complaining shouldn't it's because window-eyes is so
superior to Jaws is kind of not the issue. But some of the stuff that is
said about jaws on this list just isn't true either. I do a lot of surveys
and go to a lot of websites sometimes window-eyes is the bomb you can't beat
it and other times it's jaws that gets me through. I couldn't say that
before because I didn't have access to jaws I didn't want or need it. My
job reqirements though make it necessary for me to use jaws so I'm learning
it. I don't like that it seems more complicated more keystrokes etc but it
seems with the latest release they are moving to less scripting and more
simplicity. They also have a feature that reads some OCR files.
I don't think in the near future the market will become an either or choice
window-eyes or jaws.
in Fact I've heard freedom has lowered Jaws prices. This is good because
the market will respond in kind. I foresee that all the screen readers will
improve survival demands it. Window-eyes paid there price to compete in the
big leagues and it will be interesting to see what version 8 brings.
Jaws too has speech problems from time to time and they have sent patches at
least twice since 13 came out.
But it was also pointed out yesterday some of the speech problems these
screen readers are having may be related to things like other programs and
computer applications that run interference I know flash causes me much
annoyance and adobe with it's constant updates that won't install well at
least not for me unless I spend hours.
It's sometimes just not about the screen reader.And, sometimes it really is
about the knowledge of the computer user exaggerated but I remember hearing
a story of the computer user who called tech support because the computer
wasn't working only to discover he needed to plug it in.
I hope window-eyes follows it's strong point keep it simple and workable.
Yes scripting has been added but overall window-eyes requires less
keystrokes I believe than jaws. The more I can do and the less I have to
remember outside of the required abilities of a normal computer user the
better.
If jaws catches on and reduces the keystrokes too that's also well and good.
Competition works and we benefit the most.It is sad that jaws takes a
hostile attitude to competition but regardless they also react.
Mike
If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only.
If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to
GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so
the entire list will receive it.
GW-Info messages are archived at http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage
your list subscription at http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv.
