Hi listers,
In connection with the MP3 players accessibility, I wanted to tell you about the Milestone 311 from Bones. It is a voice-recorder/digitalizer/Mp3 player specifically designed for visually impaired people. I don't know if they have a distributor in the US yet, but my company distributes it in Belgium so you can contact me for more info.
I bought a unit myself and I really love it. It is a bit expensive, probably about $300, but it is so simple to use, so small and light, and so versatile, I don't regret my purchase. They are currently beta-testing a software improvement that will allow people to play Daisy books as well.
Below is some info from the device' flyer:
Voice Recorder "Milestone 311" for Visually Impaired People with 
Advanced Needs 
people 
The voice recorder "Milestone 311" 
is the professional version of the 
successfully proven and easy-to-
use "Milestone 310". It was also 
developed specifically to meet the 
requirements of visually impaired 
people. 
The expanded functionality goes 
hand in hand with the increased 
ergonomics of the casing. The 
"Milestone 311" is targeted at users 
with advanced needs. 
The "Milestone 311's" best-in-class 
sound quality in volume and crispness 
make recordings especially 
easy to understand. The improved 
microphone and recording technology 
also allows for recording of 
whispered speech as well as 
recordings in noisy environments. 
The simple operation logic and the 
large "tactile" pushbuttons with 
clear pressure points enables 
single-handed operation within 
minutes. The convenient credit card 
size, with a thickness of only 14 mm 
(0.55"), also supports this easy use. 
The administration of recorded 
messages is simplified through the 
available folder structure with voice 
labelling. An integrated USB 
interface allows direct data 
Professional version of the already successful and 
proven voice recorder "Milestone 310" 
Folders with voice labelling 
PC access (USB interface) 
Integrated MP3 player 
Memory extension possible through 
exchangeable media (SD-memory card) 
Direct recording from external audio sources in 
hi-fi stereo quality 
Ergonomic casing 
Excellent sound quality 
Credit card size 
Developed specifically for visually impaired 
transfer to a PC. As a result, music 
files or book recordings from the PC 
can be transferred to the "Milestone 
311" and may be played directly 
through the integrated MP3 player. 
The internal recording time of 2.5 
hours may be extended up to 40 
hours through the use of insertable 
memory chip cards (SD). Unlike the 
standard procedure of recording 
through the microphone, direct 
recording from external audio 
sources in hi-fi stereo quality is also 
possible by using the connection of 
the headphone jack. Before storage 
on the device, the incoming signal is 
converted into MP3 format by an 
integrated MP3 encoder. The builtin 
rechargeable high capacity 
battery allows recording/play of 
messages and music for approximately 
10 hours. This means that 
one charge cycle per week is sufficient 
for most usages. A charger is 
included; additionally, the "Milestone 
311" can be charged with a 
® 
standard Nokia mobile phone 
charger. 
The "Milestone 311" is available in 
the standard colour combinations of 
black/ivory and ivory/black. Other 
colour combinations can be 
supplied on request. 
Technical data: 
Recording capacity 150 minutes 
Frequency range voice: 150Hz to 
8kHz, music: 40 Hz to 20 kHz 
USB 1.1 interface 
Memory card slot SD 
Headphone jack standard 3.5mm 
Body made of impact-resistant 
plastic 
Measurements: 85 x 54 x 14 mm 
(3.35" x 2.13" x 0.55") 
Weight 45 grams (1.5 ounces) 
Built-in rechargeable lithium 
battery 
Charge time approximately 
3 hours 
For further information please 
contact: 
Bones Ltd. 
Alpenstrasse 2 
CH-6304 Zug 
Switzerland 
Telefon +41-41-726 42 70 
Telefax +41-41-726 42 43 
[log in to unmask] 
www.bones.ch 
Copyright © 2005 Bones Ltd., Switzerland. All rights 
reserved. Bones and PAVIP are registered trademarks of 
Bones GmbH. Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia 
Corporation. Technical changes possible without prior 
notice. Printed in Switzerland. 


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