[nfbcs] Computer Purchesses and Family Members

Sun Sep 11 18:58:22 UTC 2011

Yes, there are USB serial adapters.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Donahue" <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com>
To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 11:55 AM
Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Computer Purchesses and Family Members

Hello again everyone,

The old monitor is connected via serial port. I'm not sure the new box would
include a serial port or if there are adapters to convert a serial port to a
USB port so devices with serial connectors could be used with a USB-only
system.

Peter Donahue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mary Donahue" <braille at satx.rr.com>
To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 1:43 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Computer Purchesses and Family Members

Hello Brian and everyone,

    My monitor is still good, but my printer is a Lexmark Z700, and we could
never download the printer driver after I got my last Dell. That printer and
monitor were part of a Gateway I had, which died an early death after a
power outage in 2009 and a strong power surge fried the insides including
the mother bord.

    I forgot to mention in my last message that we offered to go halves on
the cost, but my brother would not hear of it, saying we "don't have that
kind of money."

Mary Donahue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bryan Schulz" <b.schulz at sbcglobal.net>
To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 1:34 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Computer Purchesses and Family Members

> hi,
>
> what is so special that you are demanding exact specs of brand, capacity,
> etc.?
> any win7, 2.8+ghz/now days they are called i3, i5, or i7 processor, most
> have at least a 500g or 1t hard drive, most are shipping with at least 4g
> ram.
> all include sound, video, lan, and multi usb.
> the only thing i try to avoid is ati video cards and you can usually find
> a
> system with gforce video really easy.
>
> i don't remember if the one she has was a laptop.
> assuming your monitor and printer still work:
> here is an example;
> (lenovo bought ibm)
> Lenovo - Ideacentre Desktop / Intel® Pentium® Processor / 4GB Memory / 1TB
> Hard Drive
> Model: K300-53162HU| SKU: 1757565
> Customer Reviews:
>
> Lenovo - Ideacentre Desktop / Intel® Pentium® Processor / 4GB Memory / 1TB
> Hard Drive
> includes keyboard and m ouse.
> Model: K300-53162HU
> Customer Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars
> Sale:$329.99
> Reg. Price:$449.99
>
> extras:
> 2-Year Protection Plan $59.99
> Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 $199.99
>
> Product Features
> .Intel® Pentium® processor E5800
> Features 2 processing cores and 3.2GHz processor speed.
> .4GB DDR3 memory
> For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
> .1TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
> Offers plenty of storage capacity.
> .15-in-1 media reader
> Supports Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick
> PRO
> Duo, Secure Digital, miniSD, Secure Digital High Capacity, miniSDHC,
> MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard and MultiMediaCard Plus
> formats.
> .Also supports MultiMediaCard mobile, CompactFlash I/II and Microdrive
> formats.
> .Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
> Create custom DVDs and CDs.
> .Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 graphics
> For lush images.
> .8 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
> For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
> .Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
> For quick and easy wired Web connection.
> .Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system
> preinstalled
>
> Bryan Schulz
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Peter Donahue" <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com>
> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 12:13 PM
> Subject: [nfbcs] Computer Purchesses and Family Members
>
>
>> Hello Gabe and everyone,
>>
>>    Switching would be the least of our considerations right now. We
>> appreciate the in-laws willingness to assist us with the computer
>> purchess
>> but could do without the horsepuckey that's going along with it. We're
>> adults, We know our particular computer needs, and understand what it
>> needed
>> for access technology to work correctly.
>>
>>    We sent them a quote but they said it was too high. No problem. We
>> offered to go halves on it so as not to put them out too much. They've
>> turned this deal in to a his needs verses her needs circus, and wanted to
>> obtain quotes from individuals who know absolutely nothing about access
>> technology and what's required for it to run correctly.
>>
>>    Again we appreciate their willingness to help Mary replace her
>> computer
>> but could do without all of the stress, tension, and just plain being
>> treated like children; treatment we've also received from VR agencies
>> when
>> it comes to purchasing such technology. This is exactly why we prefer to
>> purchass  such equipment our selves and why we urge others to do so. Had
>> her
>> computer been hit by this virus in March of 2012, around the time we
>> receive
>> our tax refund this would have been a done deal by now. It would have
>> taken
>> the entire refund to replace Mary's computer but we could have done it
>> with
>> pride, dignity, all of the hassles, delaying tactics, and other nonsense
>> from VR agencies and well-meaning family members. If push comes to shove
>> we
>> might very well end up telling them "Thanks but no thanks." It will mean
>> digging in and raising the needed funds ourselves but this is preferable
>> to
>> the alternative. I'll let Mary say more if she chooses to do so.
>>
>> Peter Donahue
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Gabe Vega" <theblindtech at gmail.com>
>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 9:20 AM
>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>
>>
>> no one asked you to switch. I was just making the point that its pretty
>> sad
>> having to sacrifice and make so many computer design compromises based on
>> what your assistive technology will or will not do.
>> Gabe Vega - Sent from my Apple Mac Mini
>> Hit me up Voice/Text: (623) 565-9357
>> Email: theblindtech at gmail.com
>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/blindtech
>> FaceBook: http://facebook.com/blindtech
>> Website: http://thebt.net
>>
>> On Sep 11, 2011, at 5:28 AM, Peter Donahue wrote:
>>
>>> Hello everyone,
>>>
>>>    If you're used to working in Windows you're going to stay with that
>>> platform.
>>>
>>> Peter Donahue
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "Gabe Vega" <theblindtech at gmail.com>
>>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 2:14 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>
>>>
>>> I think the whole conversation is sad because why would it matter if its
>>> all
>>> in one or not? I've been using an all in one in one fashion or another
>>> with
>>> voice over since 2005 and using touch based technology again with
>>> voiceover
>>> on the mac since 2010. been also using a touch based phone with voice
>>> over
>>> since 2009. sad people got to make so many sacrifices when using
>>> windows.
>>> Gabe Vega - Sent from my Apple Mac Mini
>>> Hit me up Voice/Text: (623) 565-9357
>>> Email: theblindtech at gmail.com
>>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/blindtech
>>> FaceBook: http://facebook.com/blindtech
>>> Website: http://thebt.net
>>>
>>> On Sep 11, 2011, at 12:10 AM, Bryan Schulz wrote:
>>>
>>>> yes it is but i'm not the one that wants to pay hundreds  extra to make
>>>> sure it's a factory dell.
>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nicole B. Torcolini at Home"
>>>> <ntorcolini at wavecable.com>
>>>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 6:06 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> No, I am not the moderator, but isn't the price of cabs getting a
>>>>> little
>>>>> off topic for a Computer Science list?
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bryan Schulz"
>>>>> <b.schulz at sbcglobal.net>
>>>>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:23 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> how much are cab prices there?
>>>>>> it's about $14 for 5 miles here.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mary Donahue"
>>>>>> <braille at satx.rr.com>
>>>>>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 4:52 PM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hello Brian and everyone,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Lots. The closest Best-Buy Stores are located about five miles away
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>> the cab fare is quite hefty.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Mary Donahue
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bryan Schulz"
>>>>>>> <b.schulz at sbcglobal.net>
>>>>>>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 4:41 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> don't know your price range or desired features but ups delivered
>>>>>>>> hp
>>>>>>>> to my door.
>>>>>>>> the brand doesn't matter as long as you have the same versions and
>>>>>>>> apps as your work location.
>>>>>>>> how much could a cab cost compared to saving several hundred
>>>>>>>> dollars?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mary Donahue"
>>>>>>>> <braille at satx.rr.com>
>>>>>>>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 4:05 PM
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hello Brian and everyone,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>  I appreciate your opinion, but I want the best for my needs
>>>>>>>>> without
>>>>>>>>> having to spend on transportation to go to some place like Best
>>>>>>>>> Buy.
>>>>>>>>> I chose Dell because that's what my other computer was, and that's
>>>>>>>>> what I'm using at work. Remember, my mother and brother are
>>>>>>>>> helping
>>>>>>>>> me get this system as an early birthday/Christmas gift. I have to
>>>>>>>>> think about them, especially my mother, since she'll be paying.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Mary Donahue
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bryan Schulz"
>>>>>>>>> <b.schulz at sbcglobal.net>
>>>>>>>>> To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:37 PM
>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> imo i would stay away from the all in one.
>>>>>>>>>> you can get a really good tower, monitor, printer deal for $550
>>>>>>>>>> or
>>>>>>>>>> less at a place like best buy and have choices other than dell.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Donahue"
>>>>>>>>>> <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com>
>>>>>>>>>> To: "NFBnet NFBCS Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>> Cc: "NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List" <gui-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:09 PM
>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [nfbcs] All-In-Ones and Touch Screen Monitors
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Hello again everyone,
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>  The search for a new computer for Mary goes on. We came across
>>>>>>>>>>> what are
>>>>>>>>>>> referred to as all-in-one computers. Rather than their being a
>>>>>>>>>>> tower for the
>>>>>>>>>>> brains of the operation and, a separate monitor and speakers
>>>>>>>>>>> these
>>>>>>>>>>> components are housed in a single box hence the term all-in-one.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>  Several of the units also come with touch-screen monitors.
>>>>>>>>>>> These
>>>>>>>>>>> are
>>>>>>>>>>> Windows machines and from what I can tell should handle access
>>>>>>>>>>> technology
>>>>>>>>>>> just fine. None the less before the in-laws put down the bucks
>>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>>> Mary's
>>>>>>>>>>> new machine we decided to check to see if anyone on these lists
>>>>>>>>>>> has
>>>>>>>>>>> an
>>>>>>>>>>> all-in-one PC, if anyone has a touch-screen monitor on their PC
>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>>>>>> course how well screen access technology plays on these systems
>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>> in the
>>>>>>>>>>> presence of a touch-screen monitor. Once again your feedback
>>>>>>>>>>> will
>>>>>>>>>>> be very
>>>>>>>>>>> much appreciated.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Peter Donahue
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber
>>>>>>>>>>>    And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered.
>>>>>>>>>>>    And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you
>>>>>>>>>>>    On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you."
>>>>>>>>>>> Will You Come to the Bower
>>>>>>>>>>> Traditional Irish Folk Song
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>> nfbcs mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
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>>>>>>>>>>> info
>>>>>>>>>>> for nfbcs:
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>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>> nfbcs mailing list
>>>>>>>>>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
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>>>>>>>>>> for nfbcs:
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>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> nfbcs mailing list
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>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nfbcs mailing list
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>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>
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>>
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>

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