Category: Cell Phone Talk
I don't know anything about this stuff and I suppose smart phones, droids, iPhones, etc., are inaccessible to totally blind people. Using a Nokia 6220 now and am getting tired of buying knockoff batteries that I have to replace every few months. Also have a hearing problem, so would like a new phone that has really nice sound quality. Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions on what I should check out? I'm with AT&T, if that matters. Thanks is advance.
Actually, IPhone is accessible out of the box, but not everyone likes them. Android is reasonably accessible if you get an ap called Mobile Accessibility or EyesFree or TalkBack (I use M.A. myself)
My phone is through Rogers/AT&T in Canada, and it's a Motorola Flipout It's an Android that has a full qwerty keyboard.
Also, I think there's a board on the Graffiti boards that Android vs. IPhone that may have more helpful information.
Kate
What company are you with? Both AT&T and Verizon have iPhones. I'm not sure what companies cary Androids. I know nothing about those. But, as the previous poster said, iPhones are accessible straight off the shelf, you just have to get someone to turn Voice-Over on, and you're ready to roll. Almost anything you get these days is going to be a smart phone: basically a baby laptop that happens to have a phone in it. The only very basic phone that I know of which is fully accessible is the Samsung Haven, and basic is putting it mildly. It's actually a good little phone, but it doesn't have many features. It's all in what you want.
CrazyMusician, just wondering now... How does a totally blind person use a qwerty keyboard on a smart phone? Is it hit and miss or do you just have to practice accuracy?
Yes, you would have to practise accuracy. Why not visit an Apple store if you can to test out how you'd like an iPhone, or I'm sure there would be other phone shops near you that would let you trial their phones in the shop.
If you would like to know more about iPhones and Androids and the comparisons and differences between them, check out:
http://www.blindtechsupport.net
also assuming they still work the blindCoolTech podcasts have IPhone and android podcasts which can be helpful