Introduction
This section of the site contains a description of a number of specialist portable media devices which have been constructed specifically for use by visually impaired people.
This page contains details of the Book Courier, Book Port and Milestone devices. However please note the links below which contain pages concerning other specialist devices.
The Victor reader Stream DAISY and audio player
The Plextalk PTR2 DAISY Recorder
If you are looking for a completely accessible solution for listening to files in a variety of formats, and you have approximately £225 to £245 at your disposal, then any one of these two players are definitely worth considering and are highly recommended!
The BookPort and BookCourier are two very small players ( about 3 inches by 6), offering very similar functionality including long battery life. Both units are capable of delivering the content of text, Word, Braille and HTML files using synthetic speech. However within the context of these web pages, both players are capable of playing MP3, format 4 Audible books and DAISY content. Because the players have been constructed especially for visually impaired people, and due to there being no screen, everything is spoken.
Both products primarily consist of a telephone-style keypad, with many of the keys being used for different purposes. Both units also contain a voice recorder which I would suggest is satisfactory if you want to make notes but probably nothing more than that. The main purpose of these units is for listening.
Both the BookCourier and BookPort can accommodate type 1 Compact Flash cards. While you do receive a relatively low capacity MB card to accommodate files with each unit (which is good), the reality is that for audio file listening you will probably want to purchase an additional card. These can be easily obtained on the high street or on the web. The devices are capable of storing as much as can be accommodated onto the Compact Flash card you possess. In other words, the BookCourier and BookPorts themselves do not restrict you as to how much data can be stored, but clearly the cards themselves are the limiting factor. Having said that, you can certainly purchase 4 GB Compact Flash cards of the correct type.
It is important to mention that both products do speak all file names and so the user is not left in the position of having to determine which file he or she is navigating to. Similarly, there is no difficulty about moving through and choosing desired files to listen to, such as an album, song or book. The transfer of files from the computer is easy with the aid of the Transfer Tool which can be installed from the accompanying CD-ROM.
given that we are discussing listening to audio content, it is quite difficult to determine the differences but here are a few noteworthy points.
The Milestone 311 MP3 Player/Recorder is the newcomer to the accessible portable media player arena. It is a stylish credit card-size device, rectangular in shape and has five white coloured tactile buttons on the front face. Four of the five buttons are arranged in a diamond shape with the fifth being the centre of the diamond.
There is a sixth button located on the top edge near to the USB 1.1 and charger socket. On the bottom edge can be found the headphone/line in socket. A slot for an SD memory card is included.
Undoubtedly, this player would be acceptable to some people who want an MP3 player which I suggest offers basic functionality together with a voice recorder which is capable of producing audio quality of a higher reproduction than the BookCourier or BookPort. In short, if you are in the market for an accessible way in which to listen to your audio content as a visually impaired person, this product may be for you.
However, there are some significant disadvantages, some of which are listed below:
Transfer of files to and from the unit is extremely easy to do and can be achieved using Windows Explorer on a computer. Another advantage is that the Milestone 311 is easy to use and as already explained it has few controls to operate. It has some on board memory, allowing you to make recordings of up to two hours in length prior to recquiring a further storage card.
The Milestone 311 MP3/Recorder is priced at £195, however remember that you almost certainly do not have everything you need so please budget accordingly. You will probably need at least one additional SD card for storing files.
Springer Design for the BookCourier
American Printing House for the BookPort
Hagger Electronics selling the BookPort in the United Kingdom
Computer Room Services selling the BookCourier in the United Kingdom
Techno-Vision Systems selling the BookCourier in the United Kingdom
Article contributed to Blind Cool Tech on the subject of the BookCourier and bookPort
Main Menu audio presentation relating to the BookCourier.
Dean Martineau's Sound Computing magazine. This audio journal produced an interesting comparison of the two products. Subscribing to this publication will allow you to listen to it.
Independent Living Aids who sell the Milestone 311 in the United States.
Read an article from a recent edition of the Braille Monitor concerning the Milestone 311
An audio presentation concerning the Milestone 311 from VIP Conduit
An audio presentation about the Milestone 311 from Main Menu
RNIB On-Line Shop which sells the Milestone 311. The instructions for the product can be obtained from their shop as a Microsoft Word document.
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