Rich,

First, iPad is a much more enhanced version of the iPod.  It has a larger 
screen and better processor and graphics.  If I recall, they will run on 
cellular data or wirelessly, whereas the iPod only runs wirelessly.

Accessibility is similar on all the Apple devices, i.e. very good to 
excellent for all the resident applications, provided you get used to the 
touch screen and Voiceover gestures, which are different than how a sighted 
person uses it.  Voiceover speaks everything so it is pretty easy to learn 
as long as you are patient.

The REadToGo app is very nice.  As far as apps go, it is $20, which is at 
the upper end of what you'll pay for most apps, but for specialized apps in 
the accessibility area it is about standard.  The Learning Ally app and the 
Zoom Text app are similarly priced.  The ReadToGo makes it possible to 
seamlessly read Bookshare content.  Another good app that does this is 
InDaisy, which I think will also read NFB Newsline but I haven't used it; 
its reviews are not as good as Bookshare's ReadToGo.

As for a single spot for accessible apps, AppleVis.com is the best.  But, 
there are several other sites that post reviews, podcast demos, etc. 
including BlindCoolTech.

The iPhone/iPad work with forty different Braille displays.  There are also 
tons of different bluetooth external keyboards; some of those are a matter 
of personal preference.  A lot of people use the Apple bluetooth keyboard, 
which is larger.  Some people use the Keyboard Buddy, I think it is called, 
which has a slide-out keyboard incorporated into an iPhone case; I'm sure 
there are similar keyboards for the iPad which is larger.

From an iPhone user,
Steve, K8SP
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 7:58 PM
Subject: very off topic apple


> Hi;
> I know there are a few apple users on this list.  Not really interested
> in the phone but have been thinking about an i-pad or i-pod.  Haven't
> seen much info on line concerning the i-pad.  Have folks used it and how
> big a struggle was it?  Any good single source that lists accessible
> apps?  Finally has anyone used read to go the book share ap?  Its fairly
> new and wonder how well it worked?  Have folks had luck with any
> particular keyboards or braille displays?  Adding a keyboard and display
> starts to get the thing bulky I would think.
> Feel free to reply off list.
> -- 
> richard