A Comparison of Three Low-Cost, Hand-Held, Camera-Model Video Magnifiers: Vision Booster Magnifier, Carson DR-200 ezRead, and Wireless Electronic Reading Aid
By Presley, Ike; Access World, Vol. 12, No. 8Publication Date: August 2011
Product review evaluates three handheld camera-model electronic magnifiers that cost less than 150 dollars. The magnifiers, which are used for reading by people with low vision, connect to a standard television or a computer monitor. The camera, which is similar in design to a computer mouse, is placed on top of the material to be viewed and is then moved over the text or graphic, which is displayed magnified on the connected screen. These units are not totally portable as they require external power and are not efficient for extended reading tasks. The following models are evaluated: (1) Vision Booster Magnifier, essentially a modified webcam that connects to the USB port of PC computers running the Windows XP or higher operating system and deemed a useful tool for viewing graphics, objects, or small quantities of text while working on the computer; it is the least expensive model reviewed, retailing for 39 dollars; (2) the Carson DR-200 ezRead Electronic Reading Aid, which connects directly to a standard television with a composite video jack (NTSC) and does not require software installation, considered a good option priced at 99 dollars, although the inability to adjust its magnification range was seen as limiting its usefulness; and (3) the Electronic Reading Aid, available in wireless and wired models and priced at 140 and 99 dollars, respectively, considered potentially more useful than the other models in accomplishing a wider array of tasks due to its wider range of magnification powers, freeze mode, and different viewing modes.
Assistive Products Discussed: EZ READ ELECTRONIC READING AID
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=aw120802
