Digitizing audio cassettes and extracting the contents of digital cartridges.
Linux for blind general discussion
blinux-list at redhat.com
Thu Sep 14 00:56:17 UTC 2017
I doubt Humanware or NLS assume all patrons are seniors. I wouldn't be
surprised though if statistics show that a large population of NLS
patrons are seniors though. Many conditions affecgt eye sight as people
age, plus the RLF outbreak after WW II mean there are a large number of
blind adults now in their 60's and 70's.
Whether they're a statistical majority or not, NLS needs to take into
account their requirements, and in my opinion, the NLS is right in going
after a player that can be used by everyone and not just people
accustomed to specific technologies.
For my part, I've been a NLS user since my early teens. I also see a lot
of books available for young adults and children every month.
On 09/13/2017 12:49 PM, Linux for blind general discussion wrote:
> The one thing I heard over and over again from humanware when they
> created the new digital players for NLS is seniors.
> They assumed that all patrons were older, something I thought was
> goofy since I have been a member going back to age 7.
> In fact that is part of why I am so surprised by all the bard focus.
> I am not a smart phone user, the digital voices make me dizzy. I do
> not belong to bard either, but for different reasons.
> Speaking only for myself, I prefer my cassette player, knowing from
> nls that not all titles in the collection will be converted, and I
> find time and time again something I need for research only exists on
> tape, sometimes even on disc. To me tapes sound better as well.
> But that is me. I am no senior, but can honestly say almost all tech
> stuff mobile wise is not accessible for me. I am sure I am not alone
> in the nls population either.
> Karen
>
>
>
> On Wed, 13 Sep 2017, Linux for blind general discussion wrote:
>
>> I'm not sure this is a safe assumption. Sure, when you're on a list
>> like this, it seems that everyone has a mobile device, but how many
>> Talking Book subscribers fall into this category? Talking Books are
>> for everyone and not just tech savvy people. I think the NLS places a
>> premium on ease of use and durability, and I'm not sure the current
>> product doesn't deliver on this admirably. As others have mentioned,
>> just as with the cassette players, you can get more mobile options
>> from other vendors.
>>
>>
>> On 09/13/2017 07:45 AM, Linux for blind general discussion wrote:
>>> Assuming those for whom big buttons etc. is an advantage are a
>>> minority
>>> perhaps there is a good compromise.
>>>
>>> If there were to be a pad containing al the large controls and a
>>> speaker
>>> which can attach to a pocket size device using headphones which is the
>>> actual book reader; all needs could be met?
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, 12 Sep 2017, Linux for blind general discussion wrote:
>>>
>>> > I'm one of those who like the big buttons and the decent speaker
>>> of the
>>> > NLS digital player, but you make a good point about the value of a
>>> > device you can put in your pocket.
>>> > > Al
>>> > > On 09/11/2017 08:22 PM, Linux for blind general discussion wrote:
>>> > > My apologies if it sounded like I was complaining. I'm actually
>>> > > pleasantly surprised the players are Linux based as opposed to
>>> > > something custom or even Windows based, and honestly, sticking
>>> to a
>>> > > working model for a decade is actually kind of refreshing
>>> compared to
>>> > > the mainstream electronics manufacturers who release some trivial
>>> > > redesign every few months and try to push some resource hogging
>>> bit of
>>> > > eyecandy or some alpha quality new feature that breaks or replaces
>>> > > existing functionality that actually works on older models as a
>>> reason
>>> > > to spend hundreds of dollars on a device with only marginally
>>> better
>>> > > specs.
>>> > > > > If I have a complaint unique to the NLS player(limited file
>>> format
>>> > > support and DRM are endemic problems with digital media players
>>> and
>>> > > digital media distribution respectively and a wide range of
>>> devices
>>> > > don't let the user swap in a spare battery), it's the fact the
>>> players
>>> > > are bulky compared to just about anything battery powered made
>>> this
>>> > > century. Granted, I imagine their are plenty of NLS patrons that
>>> > > appreciate the overly large buttons and the large, room filling
>>> > > speaker, but a cartridge player that could fit in my pocket or
>>> in my
>>> > > fanny pack with all my other gadgets would still be nice.
>>> > > > > _______________________________________________
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>>> >
>>> XB
>>>
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>>
>> --
>> Christopher (CJ)
>> Chaltain at Gmail
>>
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>
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--
Christopher (CJ)
Chaltain at Gmail
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