Category: Cell Phone Talk
Hey all,
I have the opportunity to get a cell phone, and I sure need some help.
I have never owned a cell phone before, except one that was not accessible.
So, which one to buy?
My ex- has an apple 5 that she swears by, and my son has an android lg6 that he swears by.
To further complicate things, I have arthritis that limits my hand
motions to two finger typing, one on each hand. I think that might
hinder my ability to do two or three finger gestures. But, I don't know.
So,whatcha think. What would be the best phone for me? Don't say land line, as I already have one of them dinosaurs.
Thanks,
Bob
I was going to say IPhone but since you can't use your fingers much... that is out. don't know, man. One of those slider phones. don't know if it's accessible.
I don't know about an iphone either. I don't want to make too big a deal out of the finger thing, 'cause I've managed to get around with just the index finger on each hand pretty well--except piano playing, which I miss very much.
Why would you recommend an IPhone?
What's a slider phone?
Thanks.
Bob
Actually, you could use an iPhone just fine with even one finger on each hand.
When they say three finger it is more less a sliding motion, not tapping with 3 fingers.
Even if your fingers were stiff, you could slide them, because that is exactly what you need them to be.
Must can be done by using Siri, so talking to your phone.
Try not to tell it your secrets and have arguments with it public, but you get the idea.
If possible, go to your phone store, or Apple store and have them let you see it.
The Apple store will be the better one to go, because they'll understand how to set the phone up so you get the best idea of how it can benefit you as far as your accessibility needs.
It has several options for people with mortor skill limitations even.
People will argue with me but using both Android and iOS I've found iOS easier to use when taking into account Accessibility. ANdroid is usable but if you can afford an iPhone I would go with that. If you buy from the Apple store see if they will let you return the iPhone with in 14 days. When the iPod touch came out with initial accessibility support I was not sure I could learn to use a touch screen so the person at the store said they would wave the restocking fee if I returned it with in 14 days.
I strongly recommend the iPhone. Dictation isn't perfect, but it works. The ability to text on the fly is amazing. You can figure out how to do the jestures, I'm almost positive. Even if it's putting two fingers on the screen and then turning the phone instead of twisting your fingers. You can get a Bluetooth keyboard as well, should you find that you need it.
Go with the Iphone. You will mainly be swiping with an index finger, and double tapping with that index finger. For brief bits of typing, you'll still probably only use one finger. Because the keyboard is so small, you slide your finger around to find each letter, and lift to select the letter, rather than typing the traditional way. And for extended typing, there's a handy "dictate" feature, so no typing necessary.
As a totally blind person who's used both, I have to say I think Iphone is much easier. Certainly, tips and resources on how to operate it are easier to find, online.
As purely a phone device, the Iphone is simpler for answering and making calls.
I'd be glad to help, if you have questions, now, or if you get the thing, and would like tips on setting it up.
The iPhone is simpler and easier for answering calls? Really? Cause last I checked, Bob's landline would likely actually be easier; all you have to do is pick the phone up when you have a call, maybe press a button, then answer. Whereas, using the iPhone requires you to sometimes press the screen pretty hard...and that's anticipating that it even allows you to answer. (Not trying to scare you Bob, but just being honest). That being said I hope you find something that is workable for you. Good luck in your search!
The title specifically says "cell phone" which rules out land lines.
I honestly don't have any difficult answering calls at all.
I can gently touch my phone and it picks up.
Am I the only person that doesn't have a problem with that?
You gently tap about the middle of the screen.
You can also learn were the answer button is on the screen and toch that, but it isn't necessary.
I'd like to know if other posters have my experience?
I don't know how people are having problems answering their phones Overall I would
recommend the iPhone such an easier experience
No, chels, you don't press the screen, you tap. what's the point of the landline comment? He needs a *portable* phone!
Forereel, I don't know the answer to that. That hasn't been my experience. I've never managed to figure out the phone part of my Android, tweaking settings, and answering calls, both. A friend of mine who's very computer-adventurous also admits she has trouble answering hers. Maybe it depends on which model of phone you have. I use my Android with Eloquence as a book reader, only, and for that purpose, I'm very happy with it.
With Iphone, you pretty much know what you're getting. You don't have to research multiple phones to figure out which one might be most accessible! And the Applevis site is easier to navigate than the Android Google list.
VioletBlue
, I mean difficulty answering an iPhone.
Chelsea stated she didn't know how it could be said that an iPhone was easy to answer calls with.
I simply tap mine gently, or sort of touch it twice gently, and it answers.
If I have on a headset, I press the answer button.
Oh, okay. I thought Chelsea was saying the Iphone's difficult to answer! nevermind.
It depends on the Android phone and software version you have. I had a Nexus 4 running Android 4.4 and in order to easily answer it I downloaded an app that allowed me to shake the phone to answer it. The MOTO E running Android 5.1 allows you to swipe to the answer button. From what I've read Samson phones are a lot more accessible then stock Android but you still have to worry about how long you will get updates.
Right, Chelsea is saying that the iPhone is difficult to answer.
I don't think it is.
before I give my suggestion, what do you plan to use your phone for?
in other words. are you using it to make phone calls and text only? do you plan to use it for GPS and other things while out? Or maybe I should back up a step. are you aware what a smartphone can do? I'm not trying to belittle you, but am not sure of your knolige so figured I'd start there.
I do love my iPhone, but is that the best for him?
Hey folks, many thanks for your suggestions and ideas.
JHRadio, I plan to use it for everything I can. GPS would be nice, music would be nice, a live-in maid would be nice too, but I'm not sure how flexible seri is. <joke, joke>.
Anyway, thanks for everyone's ideas.
The way things are looking I'll probably go with an IPhone.
Bob
Can do. Even with your voice and Siri for many things.
Well awesome bob!
I like the iPhone greatly and I am sure you will have lots of help here.
Feel free to ask if you need any help.
There are settings on the iPhone for people with physical disabilities, but not sure exactly what they are and how they would work in conjunction with VoiceOver.
You could definitely try one out at an apple store though :)
Here's where we currently stand.
I am a confused apple 6 owner.
I couldn't live without seri, but she's quite a sarcastic bitch.
Chelsea is right, I can't answer my phone very easily.
I have discovered, and abused, the applevis site.
Anyway, this thing is definitely a work in progress.
Thanks to all for your advice and offers of help.
Bob
Go to the cellular store, and have them help you practice answering.
It is a two finger touch, twice about the middle of the screen.
Tap it twice and wait a second, because sometimes it is delayed. If you over tap, you end up hanging up. Lol
It really isn't hard.
Or get an Apple approved Bluetooth headset, or earpiece.
Do, not, buy, one, that, it, cheap, and expect it to weather updates.
Get quality, or one directly made by Apple.
Sure, you'll pay, but it will work.