Hi all,
Whether the best way to go is with (Eye-Pal Solo or c Computer & Scanner) is
dependant on the intended use for not only today but in the future.  The
Eye-Pal Solo will only read the document, there is no saving it.  This is
something to consider.  With using a computer & scanner, the scanned page
can easily be saved or deleted.  

I use my scanner a lot.  The flexibility that the scanner allows me makes so
many things simpler.  With the concept that by your doing emails, you have a
computer.  A flatbed scanner can be obtained for about $100-200.  The key
item is to be sure that the scanner is TWAIN COMPLIANT.  My flatbed scanner
has passed on after about 6 years.   So now I am after another flatbed
scanner.  I know that I can get a scanner for a lot less money that a device
as the Eye-Pal Solo.  I figure I can do a lot of scanning for the cost
savings of about $1,200.  

Even if you need to by an OCR program, the bottom line is still less.

Again, I suggest analyzing your needs (both short and long term) and go that
route.  

Michael




-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Terri Hedgpeth
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 6:17 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Are There Any Stand Alone Scanner / Readers?

An excellent stand alone system is the Eye-Pal Solo. It uses a camera and
has jesture recognition built-in. This means that you can wave your hand
under the camera while it is speaking the captured text and pause the
reading. A simple wave in the same manner, and the system will resume
reading. We just purchased two of these units in our university DRC and our
students love using them. The Eye-Pal Solo has a much smaller foot-print
then a scanner-PC, and is a completely stand alone system. They cost just
under $2,000. 

Terri Hedgpeth Ed.D.
Director, Disability Resource Center
PO Box 873202
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-3202
Assistant: (480) 965-3366
Direct: (480) 727-8133
Fax: (480) 965-0441
E-mail: [log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Pietruk
Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 6:58 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Are There Any Stand Alone Scanner / Readers?

I agree that the computer system setup is more cost efficient than the 
stand alone machines.
However, for some, there may be another consideration.  PCs can and do 
occasionally run into boot up problems, programs get misconfigured, 
desktops and start-up presets accidentally are modified or deleted, et al.
I am guessing that the typical person preferring the stand alone unit 
seeks simplicity and convenience over and above cost effectiveness.
Sometimes, those of us who have no difficulties with pc applications 
forget that others do; and they may be more than willing to pay for that 
convenience.
I might not myself opt for the stand alone unit these days, but I can see 
why some do.




In his heart a man plans his course,
       but the LORD determines his steps.
--proverbs 16:9


    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
Archived on the World Wide Web at
    http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
    Signoff: [log in to unmask]
    Subscribe: [log in to unmask]


    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
Archived on the World Wide Web at
    http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
    Signoff: [log in to unmask]
    Subscribe: [log in to unmask]


    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
Archived on the World Wide Web at
    http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
    Signoff: [log in to unmask]
    Subscribe: [log in to unmask]