I know this is bigger than you're describing, but Circuit Cuty, et. al. sell
MP3 players that are the size of a walkman and play MP3 files burned onto a
CD-R, so you get a compilation of your choice and several hours (depending
on the bitrate). I suspect that it depends on the model regarding switches
versus LCDs.  The ones I saw had LCD displays, but the information they
supply might be superfluous as the compilation would be yours to begin with.
There should be a simple set of switches to advance tracks, pause, etc. and
they cost antwhere from $100 up about 6 months ago.  I think I heard of one
for something like $70 lately, but I'm uncertain of that fact.

Glenn

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Rebman" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 12:26 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible MP3 player for blind


Ok, I am not being specific enough, so here comes a more detailed
description of what I am looking for and why...

I want one of those small pocket-sized electronic devices that fits in a
shirt pocket, clips on your belt, etc.  They typically have a slot for a PC
memory card of some sort, a couple of batteries, and are used exclusively
with headphones.  I want this primarily for listening to music -- not so
much for recorded books (exercise bicycles can get pretty boring without
something to listen to).

I am not interested in any kind of software solution or anything that
requires a laptop or other bulky machine.  The machines I am looking for
are typically smaller than a pack of cigarettes -- the Sony Vaio Music Clip
for example, is only about a half inch in diameter and 4 inches long --
about the size of a fat, short pen, and holds about an hour's worth of
music.

Most of these devices I have encountered use a jog wheel in combination
with an LCD screen to operate the unit and make track selections, etc.  I
want to know if there are any blind people out there who have found one of
these devices that use buttons and switches in place of the jog wheel and
LCD screen menus.  Also, the software that allows you to build play lists
and download them to the device has to be accessible (this is the problem
with the Sony) with a screen reader.

Thanks again for being patient with me,

Jim

------------

James A. Rebman

Cognitive Levers Project
Center for Life-Long Learning and Design
Department of Computer Science
University of Colorado, Boulder

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more
violent.  It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the
opposite direction."

 - E. F. Schumacher