VIPACE Meeting - Friday May 14, 1999
The Visually Impaired Pittsburgh Area Computer Enthusiasts meeting is
planned for Friday May 14, 1999 from 6 to 8 PM. Please take note that
this month's meeting is on the second Friday of the month instead of
the usual third Friday meeting date.
Place:
University of Pittsburgh
William Pitt Union, room 609
3959 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15260 (in Oakland)
Info Desk in lobby, 412-648-7815
Presentation:
A representative from Athena Computer Technology will demonstrate two
software products by Arkenstone: Atlas Speaks and Strider, which are
personal orientation tools. Below are descriptions of both items.
About The Products:
Atlas Speaks and Strider
Personal Orientation Tools
Information Access for Everyone
Have you ever gotten off the bus at the wrong stop, and found yourself
lost? Or wondered if your taxi driver is really taking you the
shortest way? Do you want the convenience and security of finding the
quickest, easiest, safest route from point "A" to point "B?" Now you
have it, with Arkenstone's new personal orientation products, Atlas
Speaks and Strider!
1. ATLAS SPEAKS PUTS THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Atlas Speaks is a talking map for your PC that lets you explore the
world from your armchair. Learn more about the physical layout of a
neighborhood, city or state. Figure out the best path from "here" to
"there." Plot your course using cross streets, landmarks and local
points of interest. All without leaving your house!
When you are ready to go, carry your directions with you. Transfer
your route information from Atlas Speaks into your Braille 'n Speak,
print it out on your Braille printer, or enter it into your personal
tape recorder. With Atlas Speaks, you can save favorite routes, add
personal landmarks (such as bus stops, businesses, and friends' homes)
and make informative notes quickly and easily.
Easy to Learn, Easy to Use
You control Atlas Speaks using a simple 17-key keypad, mouse, or
joystick, and Atlas Speaks communicates to you through a pleasant,
synthesized voice. The menus and instructions are clear and easy to
understand. You can use one or several maps - it's all up to you. You
can even select what type of directions Atlas Speaks gives you. Choose
from a variety of possibilities including miles, streets, blocks, and
compass points.
Like all Arkenstone products, Atlas Speaks is easy to learn. Once
you're familiar with a few keys, you are ready to explore. It's that
easy! Atlas Speaks continues Arkenstone's reputation for clear, easy
to use instruction manuals. For your convenience, manuals are
published in several formats, including large print, audio tape and
Braille. There's even a handy quick reference guide!
2. LET STRIDER TAKE YOU IN A NEW DIRECTION
Never again be uncomfortable going to a new place, or finding yourself
someplace you hadn't expected to be. Use Strider along with your
personal mobility skills to explore your own neighborhood - or a new
city. Like Atlas Speaks, Strider lets you plan your path, and when
you're ready to go, actually guides you along it!
Strider is the Atlas Speaks map access system, with a difference:
loaded onto a notebook computer, Strider is an orientation tool you
can take along with you! Slip Strider into its handy carrying case
along with your Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, pop in a
small earphone and let Strider be your guide. Using GPS satellites,
Strider can direct you on a path you plotted ahead of time, help you
determine your course while walking, or simply keep you apprised of
your current location.
At around 11 pounds, Strider is lightweight and easy to handle. The
carrying case can be worn over your shoulder or as a backpack, and has
a pocket which allows you discreet access to your keypad. Strider is
designed to be unobtrusive. Only you will know you are using it.
The complete Strider is software plus a notebook computer, keypad, GPS
receiver and an earphone, all in a convenient carrying case.
Or you can purchase Atlas Speaks "talking map" software separately, to
use with your own computer.
Strider will give you greater freedom and independence at work, at
school and in your personal life.
Atlas Speaks will introduce you to a world of geographic information
at the touch of a key.
_________________________________________________________________
Join the VIPACE meeting on May fourteenth for the demonstrations of
these two products. Everyone is welcomed to attend...if you don't get
lost that is!
* Back to the VIPACE home page
* Back to the Next Meeting page
* OR, Send VIPACE a message [log in to unmask]
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
|
