As much as I like laptops, I still find them a pain for travel unless you
really need MS Windows apps.  When I travel, I usually just take by Braille
Lite.  I can do routine word processing, it contains my calendar and phone
book, and best of all, I down load Braille books from NLS and have plenty
of pleasure reading with me all the time.  The thing boots up instantly,
runs for 30 hours with out a charge, is much more stable than Pack Mate,
and only the size of a hard back book.  They are comparatively inexpensive
now too since you can get refurbished models for under $1,000.

Sometimes we get too complicated in my book.
Bill


At 11:28 AM 8/8/2005 -0700, you wrote:
>Hello listers,
>
>I agree with Kelly.  I really like the new Fujitsu laptop that weighs
>only about 3.4 pounds.  You can get up to one gig of memory and a fairly
>high powered processor.  I believe you can get a 1.4 or 1.6 centreeno
>processor.  Then you can and one of the new small Braille displays and
>you are set to go.  I am an avid Braille display user myself so I know
>where you're coming from.  I have a Braille note QT that I use for
>address book appointments phone directory and to makeother quick notes
>to myself.  If I were starting from scratch today, if money wasn't a
>factor, and because I am a solid Braille user, I would have the
>following:
>the 4 pound Fujitsu with two gigs of memory and a 1.6 or greater
>processor,
>a 40 so Braille display that is small and compact,
>and the Braille note PK.
>
>I like the Braille note PK because it is small and compact and has the
>Braille display.  I like using the Braille note line of products without
>speech.  So the Brill note PK would serve as a PDA for phone numbers
>notes calendar etc.
>
>Just some rambling thoughts from my side.
>
>Best
>
>Terri Hedgpeth
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kelly Pierce
>Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 10:39 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Technology for Traveling
>
>the question to consider here is the tension between reliability and
>stability versus customization.  If the Braille display on the laptop
>fails
>to work properly, it can be sent back for repair without needing to send
>back the whole laptop.  You then could use the laptop with speech
>synthesis
>until the fixed Braille display is returned to you.  If there are
>problems
>with the Braille display on the PacMate, the whole unit must be shipped
>back
>to FS in Florida for repair.
>
>Also, if the laptop doesn't work within a month, it can be returned at
>most
>retailers for a full refund.  FS may not be as flexible.  Also, most
>laptops
>can be repaired locally in a few days.  there is only one place in the
>world
>where Pacmates are repaired, from what I understand.  the turn around
>time
>is more like weeks than days, when shipping time is factored into the
>process.
>
>Kelly
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Anthony R Candela" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2005 2:39 PM
>Subject: Technology for Traveling
>
>
> >I need advice.  I will be taking a new job soon that will involve a
>long
> > commute and much travel.  I'd like to avoid a large learning curve (no
> > Braille Note please), take advantage of my extensive experience using
> > Windows-based PCs, and have ready access to e-mail, the internet, MS
> > Word, and a Braille display.  I don't like carrying bulky or heavy
> > equipment.
> >
> > Is the PacMate the way to go?  A laptop and braille display?
>Something
> > else?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Tony
> >
> >
> > 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
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> >
> >
>
>
>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 type
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>
>
>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 type
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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.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
[log in to unmask]  In the body of the message, simply type
"subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
 VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html