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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