Where to start looking for a laptop for a visually impaired person?

Merroney

We would like to buy our Mum (who uses a desktop computer) a laptop for her birthday but we have absolutely no idea where to start looking. We need it to have a fairly big screen and light keys because she is severely visually impaired. She uses her desktop to play games like scrabble (CD), surf the internet, email, word process, and listens to the radio and music. Has anyone got any tips on where to start looking and what we should be looking for? We have no idea!

jaydeeuk1

Has she ever tried voice recognition software? The latest software is damn good, not like the hit and miss stuff from 5 years or so ago. Dragon naturally speaking 10 preferred is really good (if a little expensive)

chelms38

Are there not any groups/schools local to you who help visually impaired people use computers? If not maybe you could google for charities/groups helping VIP's and see what information comes up.Good luck and I hope you find something that will suit her needs.

macman

Why do you want her to use a laptop? If she is used to a desktop with a larger screen (say 21 in?) then even a bigger laptop with a 17 in screen and more cramped keyboard is going to make things more difficult for someone with poor sight.
Little point in a laptop unless you need the mobility, and a 17 in laptop is too heavy to be easily moved around.
Maybe you could just get her a really good monitor and decent keyboard for her existing PC? All the tasks you mention can easily be done on a bog-standard PC that is a few years old.

Merroney

She really wants a laptop so she can use it all around the house.

John_Gray

Probably well worth while spending some time on the AbilityNet website...