[nabs-l] Kurzweil on the Mac

[Dennis Clark]

Hello Mac users,
The various recent post on using the Mac have been really helpful and 
encouraging.  The Windows based program which I most use on Windows is the 
Kurzweil programs for which there is no Mac version.  I understand that the 
Mac can be run in some sort of Windows simulation mode where windows 
programs will run.  If I were to run Kurzweil in this alternative mode and 
then need to jump back to the Mac email program or other supplied Mac 
programs would I have to reboot the computer or can you simply "jump" back 
and forth between the windows and Mac operating systems?  I look forward to 
hearing about your experience.  Thanks for your help.
Best,
Dennis

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jorge Paez" <jorgeapaez at mac.com>
To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2010 2:20 PM
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Basic Questions About Mac versus Pc


> Hi Joe:
> I have run Mac for the last 3 years and I'm extremely happy with the 
> results.
>
> Your questions are addressed below:
>
> 1. In the most recent platform upgrade, how has the accessibility changed 
> in
> terms of the screen reader?
>
> It has had vast improvements since its start, with extremely simplified 
> interphase and nice twists for the users in terms of shurt-cuts and 
> usability.
>
> Is the screen reader only updated with system
> upgrades, or are there ever updates between major upgrades?
>
> Yes.
>
> For example: I'm running 10.6, but then I've upgraded to 10.6.3. Its not 
> always the case, but many of these bring Voice Over updates along. Also, 
> if you use iTunes for your music, iTunes may have an update that says 
> simply "fixes stability issues with Voice Over."
>
>  If you had to
> compare Voiceover to JAWS, how does their functionality break down?  I 
> know
> it's not fair to compare one to the other because the logic is a bit
> different, but I'm hoping you can speak to the level of manipulation you
> have over the applications in your computer.
>
> 3. How easy is it to control documents in the word processor?  Do Macs use
> their own version of MS Office, or is there a native word processor that
> makes Office documents readable?
>
> Their text editor (called Text Edit) is great for almost all types of 
> documents. I would advice you to get iWork, Apple's version of MS if 
> you're dealing with Powerpoints, excell, etc.
> DO NOT BUY THE MAC MS VERSION BECAUSE IT IS UNACCESSIBLE. Apple's version 
> is 100% accessible while the MS made version of their own suite is 100% 
> inaccessible.
>
>
> Complete control.
>
> I can't say it any simpler. Complete, 100% accessible control.
>
>
>
> As far as MS docs, you should be fine with Text Edit (comes with the Mac) 
> unless you're dealing with Powerpoint and Excell. In that case buy iWork. 
> Don't buy the Mac version of MS done by MS because its 11000% 
> inaccessible.
>
>
>
>
> 4. What can you tell us about their e-mail client?  Outlook has its quirks
> but is almost 100 percent accessible.  Sunbird, by contrast, would be 
> great
> but in my opinion still had some accessibility shortcomings.  I'm 
> wondering
> if the same is true of iCal and Mac-based applications?
>
> Mac Mail is 100% accessible. All the features are at your fingertips, 
> literaly, with the exception of stationarry but I honestly think you won't 
> use that.
>
> You also have access to create signatures and a ton of bonus features.
> Ical however, is 100% inaccessible.
>
> 5. How much freedom do you have with Macs to go outside of iTunes?  I 
> don't
> much care for proprietary packages unless it's unavoidable.
>
> iTunes is the best accessible solution I know. If you want to avoid it 
> there are options, but I wouldn't be the person to ask.
>
> 6. Are hardware repairs truly limited to Apple stores?
>
> Yes.
>
> Apple stores and authorized retalors.
>
>
> Trust me, if you do anyoffice work the Mac will be perfect.
> If you're in the field--that's debatable.
>
>
> Hope that helps.
> Jorge
>
>
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