Getting From Point A to Point B: A Review of Two GPS Systems
By Denham, Jim; Leventhal, Jay; McComas, Heather; Access World, Vol. 5, No. 6Publication Date: November 2004
Article provides a review of two orientation tools that utilize global positioning satellite (GPS) technology: Trekker Version 2 from VisuAide and Sendero Group’s GPS application, which runs on Pulse Data HumanWare’s BrailleNote and VoiceNote PDAs. Trekker is evaluated in terms of its physical description and menus, while the BrailleNote GPS is discussed in terms of buyer options, its receiver, efficiency in exploring the environment, and overall performance. Trekker Version 2 was found to be a much improved product than the first version, which was evaluated in the July 2003 issue of Access World. The device’s speech rate can be adjusted, and the maps can be used to plan and follow regularly traveled routes. The authors did find that searching for specific addresses or points of interest was inefficient. Also, a person who is blind or has low vision can never be sure that the device is turned off and is not diminishing the battery’s power. The BrailleNote GPS system was found to be an excellent tool for orienting oneself to a new environment, or learning about the immediate environment. The only problem the authors found was that the accuracy in finding specific points of interest was slightly off, yet overall the device is highly recommended.
Assistive Products Discussed: TREKKER
SENDERO GPS STANDARD & DELUXE
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
Link to text: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw050605
