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Posted by MikeW on March 14, 2007, 6:30 am
Please log in for more thread options On Mar 5, 6:48 pm, r_z_aret@pen_fact.com wrote:
> On Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:18:08 GMT, reply w/o spam
>
> >I've been asked to help an old and not-so-technical relative buy a
> >Blackberry or the equivalent, mainly for text messaging and/or e-mail
> >with deaf family members. (He is hearing, and an integrated cell phone
> >might make sense.) Though computer-literate, I don't own one of these,
> >and would appreciate a few thoughts before talking to salesmen.
>
> >Key attributes are: easy to use, easy to read, and easy to enter data
> >for very old eyes, fingers and habits. (He can just about work AOL.) Is
> >there a system with minimal features, uncomplicated operation and easy
> >recovery in the event of error?
>
> Old eyes will want a larger screen. Old fingers and habits suggest
> something resembling a real keyboard, rather than the "thumb boards"
> on Blackberries and similar. But large screen and "real" keyboard
> increase bulk.
>
> He might want to consider an external, folding keyboard
(e.g.,http://www.mobileplanet.com/p.aspx?i=116176). And if he gets one of
> those, then he could save a bit of bulk by getting a handheld with no
> built-in keyboard (e.g. Pocket PC), or just a keypad for dialing. HTC
> makes many of the devices sold by other companies, so this link
> (http://www.htcphonestore.com/) will provide a good sample.
>
> If the prices on the examples I gave caused sticker shock, look around
> some more. I'm not on top of the market, but am pretty sure less
> expensive devices are available. Especially if you are willing to go
> with used and/or older devices. And devices with Windows Mobile 6 are
> just hitting the market, so prices on devices with older software are
> likely to drop.
>
> Small laptops can be very small. But the price increases as the size
> decreases. UMPCs (http://www.mobileplanet.com/p.aspx?i=126124) are at
> the small end. The HTC Advantage (see link above) looks similar to a
> UMPC, but runs a version of Windows CE, not "big" Windows.
>
>
>
> >Thanks very much-
>
> >Ctenos
>
> -----------------------------------------
> To reply to me, remove the underscores (_) from my email address (and please
indicate which newsgroup and message).
>
> Robert E. Zaret, eMVP
> PenFact, Inc.
> 20 Park Plaza, Suite 478
> Boston, MA 02116www.penfact.com
Suggest you try something like a Nokia 93xx or 95xx mobile phone, it
fits in the pocket, has a full keyboard & can use SMS & e-mail. My
wife who is deaf & in her 60s has been using a 9300 for a couple of
years & she won't go anywhere without it.
Word of warning, your mobile phone bill can increase significantly if
they like it like my wife does.
Mike
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