Everyone keeps telling you, "You have to get with the times and buy a computer and a smartphone." They want to stay in touch on Facebook, and send emails and receive them from you in return. You've finally agreed, and now you are getting an earful of advice from those same people telling you which model of what device you should buy.
Funny thing: the products they usually think you should buy just happen to be the same products they themselves already own. Only they have 20-20 vision and not require any accessibility features. You're left wondering, "Which computer or smartphone is right for me?"
To help, we offer this buying guide to help you shop for computers and touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets. We'll help you make sense of the gobbledygook of specifications and features, and focus on the very few things you really need to know in order to make a successful and accessible purchase.
Putting the "Personal" in Personal Computer
Let's begin this section by describing the major differences between models of personal computers.
Desktops vs. Notebooks
A desktop computer usually consists of several modular components—the CPU, which is a fancy way of saying the big box that connects to the monitor—speakers, keyboard, and a pointing device, usually either a touch pad or computer mouse, which sighted individuals rely on to issue commands and navigate their computer screens. If you still retain some useable sight you may be able to use one of these pointing devices after enlarging the screen text and images. However, most blind individuals prefer to use a screen reader, which requires a set of speakers. We will discuss both of these options below.
Some desktop computers come as a single, "all in one" unit, which can be a real space saver. If you want to save even more space, or wish to carry your computer to different locations, consider a notebook PC, a single unit that folds open and these days usually weighs in at less than five pounds. The display will be smaller, if that's a concern, however it is possible to purchase a larger monitor to connect to when you need more screen real estate to enlarge print, pictures, or watch videos.
Speech and Screen Magnification
There are two flavors of both desktops and notebook computers—Windows PCs, which are manufactured by any number of companies but which nearly always operate using the Microsoft Windows operating system, and Macs, which run on the Mac operating system and are manufactured solely by Apple. Note: a computer's operating system is the program that actually causes a computer to wake up when the power button is pressed and which hosts programs, such as a web browser, word processor, or email software.
Here's the good news. Both Windows and Mac computers come with a built-in screen reader and screen magnification software. You can try either of these accessibility features before you buy, assuming, of course, the unit on the store shelf is powered on.
A screen reader is special software that runs on top of your regular word processor or web browser and speaks the text and describes many of the graphics as you go. Screen readers also offer special keyboard commands to help users with visual impairments move about the screen and issue commands just as sighted users do with a mouse or touch pad.
Screen magnification software does just that—it enlarges the print and the images displayed on the screen up to several hundred percent. You can enlarge the entire screen, or just the portion that is currently most essential to the task at hand. You can also adjust the color contrast and even select an entirely new color palate.
You can try out these features right there at the computer store. Or with a friend's computer. For both Narrator and VoiceOver the first time you start the screen reader you will be offered a brief tutorial to demonstrate the fundamentals of using a computer screen reader. It's well worth the few minutes to complete.
Turning on the Windows Narrator Screen Reader
To summon the built-in screen reader, called Narrator, simply press the keyboard combination Control + Windows key + Enter. The Control key is usually at the extreme lower left of a standard keyboard, the Windows key to its immediate right. The Enter key is the large key on the right side of the keyboard, analogous to the Return key on a typewriter. Press the same key combination to toggle Narrator off. Alternatively, Press the Windows key and the letter "U" simultaneously to call up the Windows Ease of Access Menu, where you will find a number of accessibility features including screen magnification, personalized text and background color preferences, cursor size and color, and alternate voices for the Narrator screen reader.
Turning On the Mac VoiceOver Screen Reader
On a Mac computer: Press the Command key, usually located directly to the left of the spacebar, and the F5 key from the uppermost keyboard row together to call up the VoiceOver screen reader.
Press the Control + Option + F8 key combination to summon VoiceOver settings. The Option key is between the Command and Control keys. Press Control + Option + plus-sign (+) to "zoom in" on the screen, which is to say make the text and images larger, and Control + Option _+ minus-sign (−) to zoom back out. The macOS System Preferences offer more fine-grained magnification controls.
How Much Computing Power Do I Need?
These days you will find computers for sale from notebook computers at just over $100 to "gaming PCs" costing upwards of $2,000. What's the difference? Basically, it comes down to processing power, working memory, storage space, storage speed, and network connection.
High-end sound and graphics capabilities can also affect the price of a computer. High-end sound cards can play music and videos in surround sound, while high-end graphics cards can process complex game images faster. For most computer users with visual impairments, however, the basic, built-in sound and graphics capabilities will be sufficient.
Processor
A computer's processor chip does just that: it runs programs and processes data. There are two main chip makers, Intel and AMD, but since most computers these days come with Intel processors, we'll focus on those.
There are several generations of Intel processor chips, including i3, i5, i7 and the latest and greatest i9. For most users i9 chips would be overkill. Likewise i3 chips may be a bit underpowered. An i5 chip meets the sweet spot of performance vs. price, and if you have the cash, an i7 chip is perhaps an upgrade you will want to consider, after you determine how much RAM you want.
Random Access Memory
Random access memory, usually called RAM, stores programs and data temporarily while they wait to be processed or moved into long-term storage. Four gigabytes of RAM is more than adequate for browsing the Web, composing documents, and spreadsheets and sending and receiving emails. Eight gigabytes may offer a bit more speed, but over eight won't make much of a difference unless you are doing a lot of video editing or computer-aided design work. Recently, there has been an outpouring of low-end notebook computers featuring only two gigabytes of RAM. Avoid these if at all possible, as you may find yourself experiencing a lot of choppy screen reader speech or sluggish screen magnification and navigation.
Storage Space and Speed
Until recently, most computer data storage was performed using hard drives that use spinning platters to read and write data. The size of the drive was determined by how many platters were being used and how closely the rings of data could be written with the disks read/write head. The speed of data transfer was determined by how many revolutions per minute the disk spun. 5,400 and 7,200 revolutions per minute were typical speeds.
More recently, data storage has been transferred to actual memory chips, which are now configured to maintain data even when the power is turned off. Think photos on a digital camera, or music on an MP3 player. The transfer rate is decidedly faster, and there are no moving parts to break down.
The tradeoff is price. The same amount of storage is considerably more expensive using memory chips on a solid state drive (SSD) than traditional hard drives. So the compromise here is space. Usually, SSDs are much smaller than similarly priced hard drives. But that's OK, since these days much more of our information is being stored in the cloud.
If you go the SSD route, try to avoid any systems with only 8 or 16 gigabyte SSDs. Thirty-two gigabyte is the minimum, and if you can afford it or require more space for your music and video downloads, consider 64, 128, 500 gigabytes or more.
Network Connection
In order to connect to the Internet you will need to arrange for a broadband connection from your local cable or phone company. They will install a modem/router in your home, and will then use either a wired connection or a wireless one, known as Wi-Fi. Your new computer may come with both methods, but these days an increasing number of units ship with Wi-Fi only.
A wired connection links your computer to the router using a network cable with larger-than-usual telephone jack connectors. A Wi-Fi connection links your computer via radio waves. Wi-Fi also enables several devices to be connected at once. Your new computer will likely automatically detect your Wi-Fi signal. You will then need to select your network and enter your password, so make sure the service tech who does the installation tells you how to find these.
Purchasing a Windows vs. Mac Computer: Further Considerations for People with Visual Impairments
Since Windows PCs are manufactured by a number of companies, there is more competition and consequently, prices tend to be lower on Windows PCs than on Macs. If you're on a fixed budget and are struggling to find the funds, an organization called Computers for the Blind offers refurbished Windows computers preloaded with lots of accessible software for considerably less than a new computer, and they often feature grants that make their offerings even more budget friendly.
Another benefit of using a Windows PC is the simple fact that there is a much larger percentage of people with visual impairments using Windows. In fact, once you purchase your Windows PC you can try at least two third-party screen readers:
- NVDA is an open-source screen reader that is absolutely free to install and use. Download a copy at NVAccess.org.
- The JAWS screen reader and ZoomText screen magnifier are rich-feature software offered by Vispero. The cost of purchasing perpetual home licenses can be prohibitive, but each of these products can now be purchased via a yearly license costing $90 for JAWS and $80 for ZoomText.
Whether you wind up with a Windows or Mac computer, free accessibility support is available.
- Windows: The Microsoft Accessibility web portal is your first stop for information about screen readers and screen magnification. You can also receive personalized accessibility support by calling the Microsoft Answer Desk at 800-936-5900.
- Mac owners will want to check out Apple's accessibility portal. If you can't find your answer there, Apple also provides telephone accessibility support at 877-204-3930.
Touchscreen Phones and Tablets
Now that you've all but worn out the keypad on your trusty feature phone pecking out text messages to your kids and grandkids, maybe it's time to move on to a touchscreen device—a smartphone or touchscreen tablet. Here the shopping process is similar to buying a new computer, as there are two major hardware device categories, each running on one of two different software platforms.
First Question: Smartphone or Tablet?
A smartphone is usually palm-sized with at least one surface of touch-activated glass. A tablet usually offers a larger screen, although these days the difference in size between smartphones and tablets is shrinking.
A smartphone connects to a cellular network for making phone calls and connecting to the internet when you're not in range of your Wi-Fi. It also includes a GPS (global positioning system) chip for turn-by-turn directions and other location-based services.
Both smartphones and touchscreen tablets use Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and to run apps, which are small programs designed to run on a phone or tablet and which usually perform a specific task, such as web browsing, email, or uploading a photo to Facebook.
Second Question: Apple or Google?
Smartphones and tablets run one of two operating systems: Apple iOS or Google Android.
In the previous section we tended to recommend a Windows PC over a Mac, because more people with visual impairments use this platform and because it's possible to use more than one kind of screen access software on a Windows PC. In the smartphone and tablet arena it's Apple's iPhone and iPad that get the nod. An even larger percentage of people with visual impairments uses iPhones and iPads than Android devices. The iPhone was the first touchscreen device to offer an onboard screen reader, VoiceOver, and built-in low vision features, such as magnification and contrast controls. Other reasons the visually impaired community tends to prefer Apple devices include:
- Ease of updating. Apple's iOS mobile operating system is easier to update than Android. The software updates are sent directly from Apple to your device. Android updates are first shunted off to the various carriers, who may or may not choose to pass along the latest software version to your device in a timely fashion.
- First mover advantages. Since Apple offered the first accessible touchscreen devices, developers working on apps specifically tailored to the needs of those with visual impairments tend to release their offers first on iOS, then, if there is sufficient interest, on Android. Nearly every variety of access software, from the BARD Mobile app that allows you to play Talking Books on your device to blind-friendly navigation apps were released first on iOS.
- Security. Apple's App Store is curated considerably more strictly than Google's store, which is called Google Play. Malware and other security threats are far less common on Apple devices.
- A more consistent experience: Because of early agreements, carriers are not allowed to modify Apple devices before they are sold to their customers. Most carriers add their own, branded software programs and utilities to Android phones, and these modifications can be a nuisance to access users, at best, and can even reach deal-breaker status. If you are considering an Android smartphone, you will be best served with a phone running an unmodified version of Android, such as the Android One family of devices.
- Support. Apple offers the same telephone support for their mobile devices as they do for their computers. Google only offers email support here, though you may also be able to obtain limited accessibility support from your carrier.
Of course Android phones and tablets do have their advantages.
- Customization. Apple devices are spoken about as being inside a walled garden. This offers the user more security, since apps and other software must be tested and approved by Apple before they are made available to consumers. This can also lead to a limited ability to customize and personalize your device. For new accessible smartphone and tablet users, however, we consider this limitation a plus and not a minus.
- Cost. You can purchase an Android tablet for well under $100, and an Android smartphone for under $200. Even so, for the new touchscreen access user we recommend that your first device come from Apple. Then, if you wish to expand your access horizons, consider one of the budget-priced Android tablets, and go from there.
Getting Started with a Smartphone or Tablet
As with Windows PCs and Macs, both mobile device operating systems come with a built-in screen reader and low vision features. You can also purchase both phones and tablets with larger screens, which is handy for those with low vision.
Like computers, touchscreen devices come with varying processor types, quantities of random access memory, and storage capacities. Most new phones will perform fine, even with the extra load of a screen reader or low vision features. Hand-me-down or older devices may not be able to run the latest versions of the operating system and may be missing some of the latest and greatest bells and whistles.
Here's how to turn on the onboard screen reader for a mobile device:
- Apple iPhone or iPad: On a new device press the Home button, on older models, or the Power button, on newer models, three times in quick succession. Perform the same gesture to turn VoiceOver off. If the phone is already running, press and hold the Home or Power button until you hear a beep, then say, "Turn VoiceOver on." Say "Turn VoiceOver off" to toggle the screen reader off.
- Android: On a new Android phone or tablet place two fingers on the screen, then power on the device. TalkBack, the Android screen reader will automatically start. On an already running device, press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for three seconds.
Resources For Learning How to Use a Mobile Device
It is beyond the scope of this Buyers' Guide to teach you how to use your new iOS or Android device, but you or a family member will discover a wealth of information and tutorials on the internet to help you develop your mobile device skills. Consider starting with Apple's Accessibility portal or Google's Get Started on Android with TalkBack Android Accessibility Help Page.
We can also recommend a pair of e-Pub books to help you get started, both of which are either authored or coauthored by regular AccessWorld contributors: iOS Access for All: Your comprehensive guide to accessibility for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch by Shelly Brisbin and Getting Started with TalkBack and Android by Ana Garza and JJ Meddaugh.
This article is made possible in part by generous funding from the James H. and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust, Huntington, West Virginia.
Comment on this article.
Related articles:
More by this author: