[Electronics-Talk] Suggestions and Recommendations Needed

Thu Jan 14 01:58:15 UTC 2016

IMHO, it depends on what you'll be using your smart phone for and what 
you're expectations are. For example, if you'll be doing some editing 
and web surfing then I'd suggest an iPhone. I think it has a few more 
advanced screen reading features, like hierarchical navigation and 
cutting and pasting is a bit easier on the iPhone.

If you'll be using it for basic smart phone activities, reading email, 
listening to streams, making phone calls, GPS, and so on, then I think 
they're fairly comparable.

If you want to tweak and customize your phone, such as using a different 
default launcher, browser, email client, TTS and so on, then definitely 
go with an Android device. Note that the stock apps are accessible, so 
you don't need to do this customization to get an accessible device, but 
if you want to do this kind of customization then it's available on Android.

If you're getting an Android device then I'd say the Samsung and Nexus 
devices seem pretty popular among the blind. The Nexus runs stock 
Android, which some people swear by, but some of the so called bloatware 
on Samsung devices is kind of nice, such as their version of TalkBack 
and the accessibility enhancements they've made to TalkBack and Android. 
Nexus devices also get updates more quickly then other devices, but as 
long as you have Android 5 or later then I think you'll be good. Even 
Android 4 is OK if you're getting an older or a more low end device. If 
you're going to get something other than a Samsung or Nexus device then 
I'd suggest asking about it on one of the Android lists. Some of the low 
end devices might not provide a very good experience, especially for a 
blind user.

On 12/01/16 22:39, Shara Winton via Electronics-Talk wrote:
> I would also like to know peoples experiences on the first set of questions as well, please. Thanks. :D
>
> Shara Winton
> Pampered Chef Consultant
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>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via Electronics-Talk
> Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 8:45 PM
> To: electronics-talk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: S L Johnson <SLJohnson25 at comcast.net>; Blind-Talk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [Electronics-Talk] Suggestions and Recommendations Needed
>
> Good Evening List:
>
> I am sending this message to both the Talk and Electtronics list so, I apologize for those who will get it twice.  That is why computers have delete keys.
>
> I am considering getting a smart phone.  I know the Apple phones are almost twice the price of the android phones.  However, I do have a few questions.
>
> What kind of phone should I consider?
> Which model is the most accessible?
> Do any of them have a tactile keyboard instead of a touch screen?
> Will I have the same kind of helpful apps for the blind as you do with the iPhones?
> I know the NFB Reader and Newsline are on the iPhone but, are they available for the android and do they work as well?
> Does the NLS BARD work well on the android phones?
>
> My second list of questions has to do with braille displays for the phone and computer.
> I have recently had some hearing problems and I will soon have to purchase a Braille display.  It is getting hard to understand the speech even with my speakers turned all the way up.  Any recommendations and suggestions will be appreciated.  I somehow have to do this all on a very limited low income.
> Does anyone know if there are any provisions under vocational rehab, social security or Medicare  that will assist a senior citizen if their situation has changed as mine has with the hearing problems?
>
> I am not as worried about orientation and mobility because my wonderful golden is doing great at being both my eyes and ears.  However, I do need to find louder devices to be my audible cue to locate my home among all the identical homes in this development.  I know Eva will turn into our driveway but, I do feel better having that audible cue just in case she is distracted or I have to go out with a cane.  I found out that I can no longer hear the wind chimes and wireless doorbell I have been using.  Are there any kind of tactile vibrating location devices?
>
> Before someone recommends hearing aids, I cannot use them because I am allergic to all the things they have tried.  I cannot put anything into or behind my ears without a severe allergic reaction.  I apologize for all the questions but, I know we do have some deaf/blind folks out there on this and other NFB lists.  If anyone can think of anything else I can consider, please let me know.  Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.
>
> Sandra
>
>
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-- 
Christopher (CJ)
chaltain at Gmail