[Nfbwv-talk] An update on the Laptop project

[NFB Huntington Chapter]

     Friends:

We began our soft launch of the Accessible Laptop Project just a week 
ago. Mission WV has taken several orders already. I also know there is 
interest from some others on the list. Here is where things stand.

Ordering,
Mission WV is still working out the ordering process. It appears that my 
first understanding, for the office staff to take the orders, may not be 
the final method. Please be patient as we work this out. Also, please 
let me know what your experiences are, good and bad.

Configuration Options,
We have learned that some people are JAWS users with their own user 
credentials. Installing JAWS 16, for you is now an option. It will open 
in demo mode. You can enter your user information to activate it.

We will now include the current version of Skype. It is important to 
note that screen reader support for Skype changes with each release of 
the software. Additionally, screen readers and magnifiers differ in 
their support for it.

Winamp has been a popular and very accessible media player. It was sold 
to Microsoft several years ago, and then allowed to falter. There is a 
stable version, and we will install it on each machine, along with 
Windows Media Player. It is anticipated that MS will allow an open 
source organization to continue development of Winamp in the next 
several months.

Screen Magnification for NVDA,
A new screen magnification add-on for NVDA was released last week. It 
allows control of the Windows 7 screen magnification options directly 
from the NVDA control panel. It also provides for some new magnification 
options. If you would like to configure it, along with speech on a 
machine, we would appreciate your feedback.

External Monitors,
For those who would like to use an external monitor with a screen 
magnification option, external monitors can be connected to your Laptop. 
They may be available from Mission WV, I will check the specifics and 
report back. If they are an option, the ordering and configuration 
information will be updated.

Shipping Time,
I have an appointment to work with Larry, the configuration guy, on 
Monday morning. We will finalize the first orders then, or that is my 
objective. I think it is reasonable to expect all of the first orders to 
be received by the week-end of the Thanks giving holiday.

Peripherals,
While those on this list have internet service, some individuals who 
will order machines will not. I am working on recommendations for 
routers which are affordable. Renting a router from the internet service 
provider is also an option, and includes support for the router. 
Configuring your own router for the first time can be a daunting experience.

USB speakers, keyboards, mice and other pointing devices are popular 
options which a number of you have asked about. I am compiling a list of 
affordable, high quality options. Mission WV also offered to purchase a 
few accessories in bulk, passing the savings on.

Interest in a scanner/OCR package?
OCR technology for the blind is priced at about $900 - $1000 for the 
software only. An accessible Windows option is available for $150. A 
canon USB scanner can be purchased for about $90. We would like to know 
if you would be interested in;
a scanner/software package for $250 Yes - No
a scanner/software package for   $150 Yes - No

That is what I can report just now. Questions, comments are always 
welcome. A number of you have communicated with me individually already. 
This information is critical to making this program a success, and I 
thank you.

every day we're helping blind West Virginians live the lives we want

Brad Hodges