Category: Cell Phone Talk
Hi there,
I'm looking for a little help, and I figured a site frequented mostly by the blind and visually impaired would be an excellent place to focus my search.
Quite simply, I am a twenty-eight-year-old who is in the fair minority, having never owned a cell phone. It's time to take the plunge, though, and so I come here seeking practical advice on what's good and what I should pass on.
First and foremost: while I welcome opinions, I am going to hope that some of the feedback I receive will help me make an informed purchase. That said, telling me that one phone is superior to another is all well and good, but I've got to know why unless it's extremely obvious without explanation. I am not swayed either by the naysaying of one brand, or by the fanservice toward others, though I'm more than happy to hear your experiences if they bear on the discussion at hand.
I am unfamiliar with touch-screens in general, but I'm willing to learn and can pick up information rather quickly, so a touch-screen is not an automatic point against any particular model, even for something like an iPhone where gestures must be learned.
I possess a Windows 7 laptop and an iPod Video running Rockbox. I have heard that iTunes can be invasive, difficult to play with and hazardous to non-iTunes-running iPods, but if any of you can dispel these suppositions outright, by all means do so.
I'm looking for something which sounds good, can allow me to send and receive texts and voice calls with relative ease, a cell phone where I don't have to guess and hope. I don't need my hand held every step of the way, but if I need sighted assistance on a given unit more often than I don't because menus aren't spoken, or because the screenreader is sub-par, that's obviously going to be a rather large point against. The quality of the camera (since just about every phone's got one now) is pretty much irrelevant, as long as it's functional. I would rather not own a phone with a whole qwerty keypad if possible, but again, I will make that concession if other aspects of that model are particularly attractive. Also, if an older model will do just as well as a brand-new model at twice the price, do let me know.
Okay, done rambling and laying out specs now. If any of you have advice, I welcome it. Sorry for all the detail, I'm just trying to streamline the discussion a bit, should it start, in a direction that will ultimately lead me toward a well-reasoned choice in the end.
I guess part of it depends on what you want out of your phone. Are you wanting just a plain phone, or one that can do a ton of things? The iPhone, for example, is basically a baby laptop that happens to have a phone included. At least that's how I see it. Phones like the Samsung Haven, for example, is just a phone, and does almost nothing else.
I hope others chime in here, because I am not familiar with the current models of accessible phones out there right now, besides the iPhone. I know there are others that can be made accessible with software like Talks or MobileSpeak, but not sure what they are.
It's going to be ironic that I post this, but I would go with the iPhone. i hated mine at first. I nearly returned the damned thing, or wanted to break it. But, once I got used to it, I like it. Voice-Over is a good screen reader, and it's nice to have full accessibility right out of the box. Everything that comes on the phone by default is Voice-Over accessible. Yes, not every app you download is, but I'm just talking about the phone in this case. You sound like an inteligent person, so I think you'd learn the touch screen quickly. And I'm sure you know they make tactile screen protectors if you decided you wanted that extra bit of tactile feedback on the screen.
iTunes can be a bitch, yes, but it is doable once you learn. That, and if you are a JAWS user, there are always the BlindTunes scripts you can install to help. If you're familiar with an iPod, then I'd say you're already halfway there to running an iPhone, so the learning curve may not be as steep for you.
I feel there's more I should add, but can't think of it now, so there's my two cents.
It depends upon what are all you're gona do with your phone.
if you just want only a phone for calling and sms, I'll recommend you to visit Nuance.com/talks for supported phones and how it works.
If you want phone with various features like storing many many songs, working with it like a computer, you've to go for an IPhone which is attracting the world at present.
Dinesh aka Raaj.
Hi there,
Just to add a note about my iPod: being an iPod Video, it's got nothing at all except a power switch and a sort of scroll wheel that's slightly raised from the steel body of the unit, plus a button inside the wheel. You stroke the wheel clockwise or counterclockwise to go through menus and stuff, and use various presses on parts of the wheel to accomplish what you want. For instance, pressing the center will start a track, pressing the bottom quickly will pause while holding it for a second will stop, while stroking a finger clockwise around the wheel whilst a file is playing turns the volume up. It's not a newer iPod like a Touch or whatnot, and as I said, it doesn't run iTunes...I got it from a fellow who kinda designs these things for a living, or used to, a couple of years ago.
I don't necessarily need thousands of aps on my Phone. I don't use facebook or twitter at present either. I'm unfamiliar with using google or doing searches with the phone and such, though I'm fairly computer-savvy on a laptop or a desktop. That said, a basic phone will work, but having extra toys won't really hurt. I will never be glued to it the way others seem glued to theirs, but if my phone ends up being able to do a lot of things...well, it'll mean not lugging the laptop everywhere if I want that sort of thing.
Either way, thanks for the feedback thus far.
i personally have an IPhone and am greatful for some of the apps i've gotten. keep in mind with an IPhone you can go really mobile and do some stuff all packed in one device. Take money reader for example, it does an amazing job at identifying bills so that's one device you need not worry about. I don't really know of many otehr phones that will work as well now, some would say android but it has some issues and not all phones run the OS that's best where as all IPhones can to a point starting with the 3gs. That's the lowest i'd go as no other device older than that has voiceover.
I definitely agree with those who recommend the iPhone. I've had mine for over a year now, and have never needed any sighted help with anything beyond setting it up. If you need help setting it up, as I did, you can always make a genius bar appointment at your nearest Apple store. it's free, and they've always been a great help to me. I only made an appointment because I had no idea what to do with the phone at first, and I didn't want to mess it up. Most of them aren't all that familiar with Voiceover gestures, but they can certainly get you started. As of the release of iOS5, Tripple clicking the home button should turn Voiceover on by default so you won't need any help if you know what to do from there.
As for pricing, the latest model will cost you a bit of cash, but it is a bit snappier in terms of speed than earlier models. However, if you're looking for a great deal, and you're OK with only 8 GB of storage, you can get a 3GS for almost no cost at all if you get a 2-year contract with AT&T. You can also get an 8 GB iPhone4 with contract for around $100, also with AT&T. this may be true for Verizon and sprint as well, though I don't know this for sure. The 4S, which is the latest model, will cost you between $200 and $400 with contract, depending on your preferred capacity. Obviously the 16 GB model is going to be the cheapest, but you can get up to 64 GB of storage with the 4S. if you're looking for an unlocked phone, you're looking at around $800 give or take.
the phone comes with all your basic apps, and you can get many others for free, or very low cost, from the app store. iTunes and the app store are both completely accessible on the phone. Most apps from the store are also completely accessible, though I would ask for a second opinion before purchassing a paid app, just to be sure.
As far as accessories are concerned, the phone only comes with the adapter and a pair of earbuds, which, in my humble opinion, leave a lot to be desired in terms of comfort and overall sound quality. But they will work for you if you want to put your phone in your pocket and talk hands free. there is no keyboard, but many bluetooth keyboards are available. the standard Apple bluetooth keyboard, which is what I have, is portable enough to easily fit in a backpack or computer bag, but won't fit comfortably in your pocket, unfortunately. Many of the third party keyboards are a lot smaller and cheaper, but it's really hit or miss in terms of overall functionality. I definitely recommend the Apple bluetooth keyboard if you can afford it, and if you don't require the pocket size. I bought mine gently used for $50, so I'm not a hundred percent sure how much they cost brand new, but there you have it.
the only thing I will say about owning an iPhone is that you will most likely need either a WiFi connection, or a decent data plan. Many of the phone's features require some sort of an internet connection to function properly, including iTunes, the app store and software Update.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I'm sure many of us will be able to answer them. I hope this has been helpful to you, and best of luck with your search.
when my friend got her IPhone 3gs on my plan it cost her 99 cents. Depending on how much data you would need 200 megs is more than enough for some especially if you have wireless at your house or whatever from the start.
I am the odd one out, I currently own a android and can do everything a Iphone user can do, some times easier. Itunes is not needed to add music on my phone, again, I am one of the odd ones. I can even read money, read text on a small skell and do bar code scanning just like an Iphone can do. If I were to suggest a android, just stay away from HTC phones and your set. Just for the record, code factery's paid screenreader/apps are not needed at this time for using android, because the talkback program has come a long way. I like that with android you can have a touch screen with a slider keyboard no need to by a external keyboard if you do not need too, and yes a phone with a track pad is needed if you by a android running 2.2 or 2.3 OS. If it has ICS then no keyboard is needed nor is a physical navagation needed to be used on the phone to navagate around. Hope that helps, for the sake of arguing with Iphone users, I have used both platforms will suggest giving a android phone a try outside of a HTC phone.
I didn't think I'd like the I Phone at all due to being use to physical keys, but I love the thing. I'd love to try an Android as well, because of all the things the poster before me said, but 2 contracts? Lol
That said, I had no trouble setting up my I Phone except Verizon didn't send it set correctly. If they had connectiing your phone to your computer and using I Tunes is siimply a breeze.
I don't run any scripts on I Tunes, but notice there are some, so will try them.
The phone sounds good, but like any phone call quality depends on many factors.
kIf you don't wish a contract you can get one, the 16 GB model unlocked for about 530. Now as poiinted out the 3 G models, and some 4, not the 4 S are selling with contracts for 49 to 99 dollars, and ATT will give you the 3 G free if you are a new subscriber.
Accessible has a name and it's I Phone. Really easy to use.
I recently updated to the new OS and it was just simple. I'm due to do a friends soon.
Last because the Android's have a physical keyboard, if you take advantage of the trial companies offer try both to see the one you like. Contact one of us I Phone users and the poster that uses the Android for advice and try them both. Maybe you'll like one or the other better.
On I Tunes. Why do people find it a problem? I can purchase songs, listen to the radio, buy apps, and whatever, so I'm interested?
I am running Jaws 13 and Windows 7 both home and pro depending on the computer I'm using and I have no issues with it at all.
I can connect the phone and see my settings, music and such as well. The only thiing that needed sighted help was gettiing the serial number, without slowing Jaws to a crawl, but other than that connecting the phone to it is the best way to keep it updated, or via my router wireless. ? I'm interested also where to get the scripts if I haven't located them before someone post this.
i currently use a Iphone. and i love it:... it's great.
I use the iPhone 4s and I love it too. If you're concerned about the touch screen, you can order a tactile screen protector from atguys.com to better help orient you to the screen. I have found that it helps a lot as far as typing and knowing where the letters are on the keyboard. Also if you want to send a text message or email from your phone, there's a dictate button on the lower left side of the screen, and that also works great if you want to save time and don't feel like typing.
Anyway, feel free to ask if you have anymore questions.
To answer a poster's question about Itunes "on mid to low in computers Itunes tends to lag a lot, takes a second to move around in the tree view where music and other options are located for Itunes." Lastly, why do I need a program to add music to my phone when I can copy and paste my music straight to my phone or SD card. I know, arkaic to Iphone users but it still works lol. Again, not picking a fight with Iphone users, its what ever works for a person and android works for me.
You don't have to use the computer and itunes for a IPhone 4S unless you want to..
So how do you add music to your phone that you already own with out installing Itunes?
do you use share pod or a program like that one "share pod"
You can use I Tunes directly on the phone. I do understand what you mean by simply putting your music on the phone, but the I Phone via I Tunes makes it neat, in that you can actually search your collection, artist, song title, type of music, so forth. Cutting a pasting I loved too when I was using an LG, but I couldn't just say to the phone "play Rascal Flatts" Or Play "God Bless The Broken Road" or just "play reggae."
Now control like that um Rocks! Lol Also this control works for video, E books, and such as well.
If I am playing a song I can see when that album was released, read some information about it, the artist if I happen to have forgotten, and if visual see the album art. Nuf said!
There are lots of options out there for service planns, I wouldn't just stick to one that runs a contract either.
Ting.com which works off the sprint network isn't contract i dont think and they have a nice way of sullecting how many minutes and how much data you will use, etc. Only catch is they mostly work with Android phones. Other companies that do not use contracts are Metro PCS, Crickit, Boost Mobile (not sure on that one?), and Trackphone Wireless. With this type of plann you will need to by the phone outright.
Are you gonna be the only person on your plann? There are other options to.
If you opt to go with a company such as Verizon, AT&T or TMobile and get an older phone off of say eBay, then you wont be locked into a contract.
A lot of info to shift thru but if you have more questions, post here or get ahold of me somehow.
I through the android option out there because of a few of us who use the platform on a day to day bases. As for the track info, link of track etc a few players do this, and you can look the artist up on google play. Sorta like what you would do with Itunes, just putting that tid bit out there if so who have an android phone who might not know.
True enough, but I'm a lazy man. I can simply add a track to I Tunes from any source I have it on my computer, and it gets labeled, put in the correct place, and all I need do is slide my finger and get told.
Again I'd love to try the Android, and also hoping that Windows phones, or Microsoft decide to create something so we can have that option as well. But for now total control seems to be from Apple.
I have spoken to other users of Android phones before I purchased the I Phone, and the accessibility report just wasn't as strong.
Now if you are visual, than Android has Apple beat, but I am not, so.
I am not totally happy with the I either, because if you are traveling and walking you just can pull it out and tap some keys to call like on phones with physical keys. You have to have a headset of some kind, or stop and hold the phone still to operate it.
If in a noisy place a headset is the only method to using it I find, because even with the 4S the Siri must hear you to obey. If a bus rolls by and you are tryiing to call your mother, well. Lol
But for all around accessibility, its my pick.
Last if I just needed to make calls I'd not bother with either phone. I'd get a regular phone with a keypad I could feel. It be way cheaper, and in many cases free, plus it work period in any situation.
In my opinion, since you're just starting out with a cell phone, you should try a cell phone that doesn't have quite as many bells and whistles as the iPhone. A phone that will do what you need in the way of calling people, texting them, and offerring you a QWERTY keyboard only if you want it. The phone I'm thinking about is also fairly accessible, and because of its outdatedness, is not horribly expensive. I am of course talking about the LG 9600. You'll need help getting its accessibility features activated, but after that for the most part you can pretty much use it on your own.
That of course doesn't mean that I'm condemning the iPhone. I myself have an iPhone 4 and wouldn't dream of trading it for anything in the world. However, that is because it works for -me-. Based on what you yourself stated though, you don't have facebook, you probably don't use your email much so you don't need it to travel with you on your phone. You don't have twitter. Therefore, I believe that an iPhone for you is overkill.
that's what I thought at first, too, but I'm glad the features were available to me for when I wanted to use them. I only made calls and sent texts at first, but once I got around the frustrations of being a new iPhone user, my home screen started filling up with apps rather quickly. Why limit yourself when you can deal with the learning curve right off the bat, and then be set for, well, a very long time?
the way I see it is: If you use twitter, facebook, Email, Skype, Youtube, any social networks at all, online banking, or just any sort of general web browsing beyond a work setting, then I would say go for it and get the learning curve out of the way right off. If you don't do any of this stuff already with your computer, then I'd go with a simpler option. I used a very cheap, very basic phone for a few years, but when I got my iPhone, it was like learning how to use a phone all over again. There's no avoiding that learning curve. So unless you never plan on having a phone that can do more than make calls and send texts, or unless you just don't have the money to either be on contract, or buy the phone outright, I'd just get it out of the way. Keep in mind this goes for android as well. I just use the iPhone as an example because I'm more familiar with what comes with learning that phone.
I use an older phone f from Verizon, the LG 5300. It doesn't read text messages, but it works v very well for making calls. The audio is very good on it to, unlike what you'd get out of an LG NV3 for instance.