more on the power of choice

When I first began using computers seriously, I was a college student in the early 1990s. At that time, there were four competing products providing access to the IBM-compatible PC. This was before Windows; and it took some time for anything to be developed for the Mac at all. When Windows was introduced, some of those screen readers went out of production; and in time two products emerged as the leading competitors.

Much later, with the introduction of Linux, people began to think seriously about open source projects and to insist that access technology should not cost so much--in some cases even more than one might pay for the computer itself. People also began to insist that options be available to enable access to non-Windows systems such as Linux and Mac. The result of all of this is that today at least five screen readers exist for the Windows PC, some free or low cost with minimal or mid-range features and some more expensive with very advanced features. Screen readers also exist for Unix; and Apple has built a screen access package called Voiceover into its current systems.

Many people are propponents of the Mac because of its built-in access. I cannot comment on Voiceover in comparison with Windows access since I haven't used it personally. I may be able to find some reviews. My personal opinion is that cost is only one factor among many that should be considered when evaluating te chnology. I admit that I speak from the perspective of a highly advanced user; and a low-end program could save me money but disable me from accomplishing some of my tasks. In that case the money saved would not be an advantage at all.

The power of choice is one of our strengths in America. We must preserve it and advise each other well.

How much technology do we need?

As I listen to the buzz in the blind community about new technology, I find myself in an interesting position. I am old enough to remember when I did without most of this stuff; and I am young enough to think that this stuff is fascinating. ... And I wonder just what we really need and why.

There was a time when technology for blind people was developed out of necessity. It was developed in order to give us access to print and to allow us to communicate with others. In time, companies began to develop competing products--because it is important for us to have choices. Now we have all kinds of products and all kinds of choices... Products that were once heralded as "the PDA for the blind" are now preserved as "notetakers," and additional products are available to make mainstream PDAs accessible. It is conceivable that a person might have a notetaker (a device that allows for word processing, web surfing, email, calendar maintenance, etc.) as well as a laptop, a cell phone with PDA capabilities, and another specialized device designed to store books in audio format. Oh, yes, and an IPOD. Exactly how many devices does one need to carry?

When notetakers became fashionable in the early 1990s, I balked at using one. I had become accustomed to taking notes on paper; and though I was young and quite capable of adapting to new technology, I didn't see the need to carry a device when I was comfortable with what I was using. My rehabilitation counselor bought me a notetaker anyway. I later used a laptop for notes--and books--on the go. I was a much better typist than I was a braillist; and the laptop proved handy when I began spending long days on campus. After many years, I was pleasantly surprised to find other sighted students using laptops as well.

I still carry my laptop when I spend long hours away from home--and so do many other people. However, I continue to resist the urge to purchase most other gadgets that are popular in the blindness community. For one thing, nothing made me happier than lightening my laptop to two and a half pounds. Why would I want to start adding to my load again? I carry only two other devices: a tiny Olympus digital recorder and a little cell phone with word processing and Internet capability. My phone, like my computer, has software on it that reads text out loud to me. I suppose if I want to read books or listen to music, I can load them on my laptop or on a Flash card and access them via my phone.

My friends and acquaintances make the choices that are best for them. I do my best to advocate for the availability of options when it comes to technology. After all, not all of us like for things to work the same way. That is the amazing thing about living in this time: that we have so many options we never had before! Those who wish are able to use the IPhone, and it is relatively low-cost. Some are apparently able to use Google Android, though it requires a little help in the set-up process. Those who prefer, at this point, are still able to stick with Windows Mobile on their phones, though we have to pay for software to access it. A similar, though slightly more complicated, situation exists with regard to computers. More on that in the next post.

External Hard Drive News

Since I do a lot of work with audio, I use external hard drives as storage solutions. I have a 500GB My Passport drive from Western Digital that has served me well for about 18 months. I don't use the back-up and sync software on it--I'm not certain that it is accessible, and if I'm going to use such software, I would like to choose my own solution.

I am not alone in my preference. When Western Digital released its new 500GB and larger drives, they began including automatic back-up software which could not be removed. Users complained; so they next release a removal tool. This still did not satisfy users (and the tool was not accessible to users with disabilities).

WD has finally released drives without any software included. If you use large external hard drives, the release of the Western Digital Elements SE 1TB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive will be a piece of great news to you. It contains no bloatware, which means you pick your own back-up solution or use it as a storage solution without back-up software. There is a 500GB option drive, also without bloatware.

Elements drives appear to be similar in size to the Passport drives; and they are getting great reviews. Passport reviews, sadly, have dropped tremendously since the addition of the automatic back-up software which requires removal using WD's proprietary tool. I shall post soon, when I have the new drive in my hands--I have been in desperate need, and this news has been what I have been waiting for.