It seems like David intended this message for the list and not specifically
for me personally. He offers some great examples of how the Pacmate has
benefited his life.
I will respond here to David's observation that the comparison did not
include the cost of access technology for the laptop computer. The
comparison assumes that the blind end user already has a functional, working
desktop computer with the appropriate access technology. This assumption
was made because the pacmate runs on windows Mobile 2003. As David mentions
in his own message, Windows Mobile 2003 and the personal digital assistants
running it are intended as an adjunct to a desktop PC. The PDA's and the OS
are not intended as a single, stand alone computing platform for one's
needs. Hence, the assumption of a working desktop computer with access
technology. The laptops in my comparison were entry level models, perfect
for the less rigorous demands of mobile computing but not powerful enough to
serve as desktop replacements.
Kelly
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "'Kelly Pierce'" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2005 4:20 PM
Subject: RE: Any Pack Mate fans or critics?
However, to make it a fair comparison, you will need to ad the cost of
adaptive software to the cost of the laptop. At an additional $800, this
brings the laptop price to starting at $1345. Though still about 60% of the
cost of the basic PacMate, it is not as extreme.
Now, since windows mobile 2003 (PDA) was developed as an adjunct to the
computer, I strongly recommend that anyone who is considering the purchase
of a PacMate already have some form of computer running at least windows ME
for installation and backup purposes.
That said, there are benefits to the PacMate over a laptop computer.
First and foremost, the PacMate has an almost instant on. Because it is
running in sleep mode when shut down, it only takes about two seconds to
come up when turned on. My laptop, on the other hand, takes about 10 seconds
when I bring it back from sleep mode.
2. The battery life is much longer in the PacMate. Like with a laptop, the
battery drain varies based on many factors including what and how many
programs are running and what cards are in the compact flash card slots.
That said, when I run my PacMate with a wifi card running for internet and
email, I get about 10% battery drain per hour. With my laptop, I get about
two hours. The most I have ever gotten from my laptop has been 2 hours and
45 minutes when the wifi is turned off and the only program running was
notepad.
3. The PacMate can easily be used while traveling. With its shoulder strap,
I can easily turn it own, write down a person's contact info, and continue
walking. In fact, I just slide the unit on to my chest and write while
standing. With my laptop, I have to pull it out of the bag, open the lid,
wait for it to boot up, then open notepad to write the note. After doing
this for eight months, I decided the PacMate was very valuable.
4. When the GPS solution comes out, I will be able to walk down the street
with the PacMate turned on and a little travel speaker on my shoulder giving
me directions while I am walking. With a laptop, even running GPS software,
you still have the complications of point 3 above. And, the GPS solution
will only be $400 to $600 above the purchase price of the PacMate compared
with the $1500 above the purchase price for the braille not GPS solution.
Now that I own a PacMate, I almost never take my laptop since the PacMate is
so robust and functional. Note: I am a graduate student.
David
-----Original Message-----
From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kelly Pierce
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2005 8:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Any Pack Mate fans or critics?
ron,
Thanks for the clarification. I didn't exactly say that one could not
compose a Microsoft Word document on the Pacmate. However, the versions of
the mainstream applications that one is using on his desktop are not the
same as those used in the Pacmate and other PDA's. For example, one cannot
take a Microsoft Office CD and install it on the Pacmate or a similar PDA.
This is not to say that many of the popular features of the software are not
available but it is a version developed specifically for PDA's and does not
contain all the features of the full version. I pointed this out because
the original inquiry compared a PacMate to a portable laptop/notebook
computer. The message below does not undertake this comparison.
The least expensive Pacmate sells for about $2,400. This is the version
that offers either a qwerty typewriter keyboard or a Braille keyboard and
with speech only output. The least expensive wireless notebook/laptop
computer as identified by techbargains.com reachable at:
http://www.techbargains.com/
sells for $549. If one wants a slightly better one, the price is $649.
This means essentially that one can buy about four laptops/notebooks for the
same cost as a single Pacmate. These computers can run all the mainstream
applications that one has on one's desktop computer, including the full
version of Microsoft Office Outlook Express without a third party plugin,
IE, Winamp, Real Player, and nearly every other desktop program one might
have. Additionally, these four computers come with a modem and a one year
warrantee. if they are defective within a few weeks or a month of purchase,
they can be exchanged for a brand new computer. FS requires a separate
purchase for a modem for the Pacmate and to my knowledge there are no
exchanges. After the warrantee expires, the computer can be repaired
locally with many repairs taking about a week. the Pacmate needs to be
shipped to FS in Florida and the end user is without the unit for at least
several weeks.
ron, if one is not purchasing a Pacmate for the Braille display and simply
wants portable computing, why should someone not purchase a laptop/notebook
for about one quarter of the cost of a Pacmate? What is it about the
Pacmate that justifies paying four times as much as a mainstream
laptop/notebook? The issue isn't that the Pacmate offers useful and
beneficial functions and features. However, one can obtain nearly all the
benefits found with a Pacmate for one quarter of the cost using a laptop.
Kelly
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Miller" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2005 1:35 PM
Subject: Re: Any Pack Mate fans or critics?
> Hi Kelly,
> Your comment regarding choosing ones access technology according to the
> needs one has is well said, however, I would like to respond to your
> comments regarding the PAC Mate which were somewhat subjective and in a
> couple of instances, unfortunately, incorrect.
>
> Let me take a moment to address the pertinent points. I will place your
> comments in quotations followed by additional information which may be
> useful as one considers the PAC Mate and other available personal
> digital assistants.
>
> You said: "Pack mates aren't really super rugged like how Braille and
> Speaks were." You will find that the PAC Mate is not fragile or flimsy
> in construction. Your comparison to the Braille 'N Speak is, to some
> extent, akin to comparing apples to tangerines. They are very different
> in size, weight, etc. None of the currently available pda's can be
> compared to the Braille 'N Speak directly, they all differ markedly in
> form from this unit.
>
> You said: "A basic laptop can easily run programs like Microsoft Word,
> Outlook Express, internet Explorer and stand-alone day planning
> programs. A pack mate can't do this, so for me the blind end user's
> needs should be really special and specific to justify the added cost."
> The PAC Mate uses Windows Mobile 2003 (also known as Pocket PC 2003).
> The PAC Mate user has full access to the features of Microsoft Outlook
> with the Inbox, Calendar, Contact and Notes fully synchronized every
> time the PAC Mate is connected to a pc--this includes any folders that
> have been set up within outlook. If a user prefers Outlook Express to
> Outlook, there is an third party application available that allows the
> PAC Mate to synchronize with Outlook Express in the same way. Also,
> Windows Mobile 2003 provides versions of Microsoft Word, Internet
> Explorer and Excel so that you can work on your Word documents, excel
> workbooks or browse the net using the PAC Mate. Applications such as
> SKYPE and MSN Messenger enhance one's connectivity and communications
> abilities with the PAC Mate. Other third party applications such as
> AudiblePlayer, which lets you listen to books from Audible.com on the
> PAC Mate or GSPlayer and Pocket Player which can play streaming audio
> using a number of sources including Winamp .PLS files and the usual .wav
> and MP3 types already included in Microsoft Media player (also included
> on the PAC Mate) let you add new and useful applications to your PAC
> Mate. Finally, the PAC Mate's Inbox, Calendar, Tasks and Contacts
> features can be used to provide "standalone" email planner and
> telephone/address book without connection to a pc.
>
> For more information about the PAC Mate, including downloadable manuals
> and MP3 Basic Training Modules, check out the PAC Mate links at Freedom
> Scientific's website. For more info about how many people are using
> their PAC Mates and what kinds of "off the shelf" applications they are
> finding to use with their PAC Mates check out pacmategear.com. This is
> not a Freedom Scientific website but you will certainly find useful info
> there.
>
> My very best regards
>
>
> Ron Miller=20
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kelly Pierce
> Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 8:56 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Any Pack Mate fans or critics?
>
>
> Peter,
>
> it sounds like you need to assemble a circle of support to form the
> basis of your adaptive technology team. with the team, an overall
> strategy and purpose can be stated and specific questions can be asked
> and discussed. For details on how to do all of this, see my package of
> articles about choosing adaptive technology on eSight.org
>
> often, a given piece of technology is not inherently good or bad. What
> makes sense depends on the individual, his needs and circumstances.
> having said all of that, Pack mates aren't really super rugged like how
> Braille and Speaks were. You haven't stated your purpose or need but
> realize that one can buy three or four laptops for the price of a single
> pack mate. A basic laptop can easily run programs like Microsoft Word,
> Outlook Express, internet Explorer and stand-alone day planning
> programs. A pack mate can't do this, so for me the blind end user's
> needs should be really special and specific to justify the added cost.
>
> I encourage you to ponder the questions raised in my package and
> complete the different exercises. I trust when that process is
> finished, you will have your answer.
>
>
> Kelly
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Peter Seymour" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 8:37 PM
> Subject: Any Pack Mate fans or critics?
>
>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> I'm just starting to look into getting a Pack Mate instead of a new
>> lap top.
>>
>> Can I get some informed pros and cons on this idea?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Peter Seymour
>>
>>
>> VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
>> To join or leave the list, send a message to
>> [log in to unmask] In the body of the message, simply=20
>> type "subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the=20
>> quotations. VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at=20
>> http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html
>>
>
>
> VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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> VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
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>
>
> VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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>
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