Hi Rick, JAWS and Voiceover perform well as screen readers. they work on different principles and comparing one to the other is like comparing a car to a motorcycle. They both take you from A to B, but each requires a different method of negotiation and navigation.
Voiceover will do everything you want to do, including word processing, web browsing, media management as well as maintenance of your machine. Many third party applications such as audio software, twitter clients and so on are VO compatible as well. JAWS is equally as functional as Voiceover for those tasks you mentioned. The benefit of a Mac is that you can run Windows on it using BootCamp or Fusion to ease the transition from one OS to the other. As you mentioned, JAWS does cost money whereas Voiceover comes with your Mac. Unfortunately, VO won't work with Microsoft Office. It does however, work with Open Office and iWork from Apple and is very usable. Again, if you're comfortable with Office on the PC side of things, run Boot Camp or Fusion and use JAWS. Using both screen readers every day, I can safely say that you won't be disappointed should you decide to get a Mac. Tons of useful resources are out there to help you get up and running. Kevin -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en.
