Low spec/big screen laptop for partially sighted

cannyscot_2

Hi

I know someone here will have the answer. I need to buy/source a big as possible screen but a fairly low spec laptop for partially sighted children. It is only used for word (doesn't have to be 2007, 2003 would do but windowd Xp-I think), nothing else so could be refurb and fairly slow but screen as big as possible is the key.
Any suggestions of what and where to but would be very very welcome.
Many thanks

Red_Rose_Exile

you might want to have a look at this site

Because you are looking at "low" spec you might want to consider refurbished

BigBouncyBall

have you tinkered with the "accessibility options" in the control panel of your computer - you can set big fonts, mouse cursors etc for partially sighted people

350nutter

I know this isn't strictly what you're after. My OH is partially sighted, she uses a conventional desktop with a 19" monitor and some software which was specially installed be the 'action for the blind' group. The software is called 'Supernova' by Dolphin oceanic ltd. It gives far greater magnification control than the windows accessibility options and also has a text to speech option for people who are so impaired that they can't read the screen.

cannyscot_2

350nutter wrote: »

I know this isn't strictly what you're after. My OH is partially sighted, she uses a conventional desktop with a 19" monitor and some software which was specially installed be the 'action for the blind' group. The software is called 'Supernova' by Dolphin oceanic ltd. It gives far greater magnification control than the windows accessibility options and also has a text to speech option for people who are so impaired that they can't read the screen.

Oh thats good info-we are currently getting supernova but would like some support from someone as to installation etc so i will find this group.

We need the laptop for school-one has been provided but it is apple mac and just not right. It is only used for writing etc so really isn't heavy use but is used in the classroom so can't use speech option as too disruptive to others.

Any more tips info you feel would be good? We are just at the start of gathering info and equipment.

BigBouncyBall

i think it's absolutely right that the school should provide with you a laptop - only can't they provide a windows OS laptop?? I'm all for Apples I use them myself, but i think the LEA should really provide a more 'standard' laptop.

There are a lot of software applications designed for partially sighted people, it's big business, and the LEA should be able to put you in touch with a company or person who can help you more than we can. Good luck!

isofa

There are quite a lot of built in tools in Mac OS X (Tiger 10.4) and above, found in the System Preferences, under Universal Access.

It's split into 4 main sections: Seeing, Hearing, Keyboard and Mouse. You don't just have to use the speech functions, there are many zoom functions (up to 20x) and black on white, white on black, greyscale and various contrast settings. Then lots of options for keyboard and mouse control too.

Apple provide lots of information here: http://www.apple.com/accessibility/

A good link from the RNIB: http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_appleos.hcsp

and from an ICT perspective: http://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/macaccessibility

If there really is some software you require and only available on Windows, if it's a modern Mac with an Intel processor you can install Windows using BootCamp or software from Parallels and run Windows and Windows software too.

amonra

Have you considered buying a low spec laptop and an external monitor ?
The monitor can be as big as you like. There are plenty of large CRT type monitors on the Yahoo recycle pages for free. Good luck.

350nutter

We found that Supernova slowed the PC down considerable, so much that we had to double the RAM. It's a 2.4GHz P4 machine with 1Gb RAM at the minute. I don't know what specs you are looking at for your laptops, or the use you are putting it to. My OH was writing her uni dissertation so it was having to deal with some arge documents.

Another issue is that supernova 'takes control' of the numeric keypad for some of it's functions, I don't know the implications of this on a lappy as there isn't one, so probably worth finding out before you configure the machine.

coolagarry

There are 19" laptops out there but they are very expensive. You are probably considering a 17" and they can be pretty expensive, There are some refurbished ones here http://svp.co.uk/products-list.php?bid=0&cid=241 and I have little doubt that if you emailed SVP and explained the circumstances they would try to find you a good deal.

I have a 22" screen on a desktop and, to be honest, that's exactly what you want - but it's not a laptop!

cannyscot_2

Thanks -that's a bit disappointing about super nova slowing it down. I will need to go and get more technical advice. Im hoping 350nutters-action for the blind might help me with techy support. i ve been on to them today so fingers crosse. thanks for all the advice.