Hi folks,
For those who have seen me inn other lists would remember this
style of message.
I've enjoyed the debate here - just like I've enjoyed similar
ones coming up on other lists. In light of our discussion, I'd
like to present few opinions:
I would say that what ultimately makes us buy this type of
equipment is what we can do with it in the first place. We all
have different needs and live in different circumstances. But
there's a universal (almost universal, I should say) reason why
people bought Braille Sense family: in the hopes that it'll help
us complete our tasks efficiently and accurately. Also, we can
use braille (an effective communication medium for the blind, I
should say) to perform our tasks - reading, writing, scheduling
appointments, surfing the web and even chatting innline.
However, due to the nature of the devices, not all tasks that we
want to do cannot be done on the Braille Sense.
Braille Sense and its derivatives are so-called "embedded system"
or mobile devices, which means that they have limited resources
when it comes to doing their computing work. Unlike a PC, mobile
devices are noted as "PC companion" devices - being a "mobile
friend" and an information manager when a computer is not
availible. As Terri said, Braille Sense fkmily cannot perform
processor-intensive tasks that is arormally performed by a
computer, such as intensive graphics, support for advanced web
elements and so forth.
Also, just because we bought an equipment with much money does
not guarantee that it will meet all of our expectations. Look at
a competetor's product's price range and user stories and you'll
notice that there are bugs and features which the users want but
are not installed in ROM image. Most of the expenses comes from
braille displays (as Mike pointed out); for instance, a longer
display would cost more than a shorter display, and the unit
without a braille display would cost even cheaper. So, in my
opinion, it is not a good idea to judge the performance and
expectations of a product just because it is expensive - the
product might have bugs and may suffer limitations imposed by the
underlying operating system.
Also, when choosing a product, it is better to look at a unit's
potential rather than outside appearance and specs alone.
Braille Sense, although lacking quite a few applications, still
hosts a number of potentials, including powerful media
applications, useful web browser and support for MSN. Still,
there are bugs to be fixed and features which the users hope to
see in the future. But there's one drawback (a huge one I should
say that HIMS should address in the end) is the limitations
imposed by the Windows CE version in use (version 5.0). I hope
that HIMS would use plenty of opportunities to upgrade the OS and
be done with memory problems (still compatibility should take its
place, as we've seen before on another list).
Well, just a few opinions, that's all.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
JL
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