Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Digital Magnifiers (self.Blind)
submitted by FredLocal
Hopefully this can get a discussion going that others will find useful. For myself, I'm in desperate need of a quality device. Unfortunately, my case manager has only been able to provide two flops: the first being a Ruby which ate through four triple-A batteries per shift; and the second, a Pebble, having unprofessionally cartoonish sound effects and terrible color inaccuracy. In my work environment, I need something better.
The features I'm looking for are zoom, capture, portability, silence, battery life (4-8 hours) and rechargability. I've seen some pricey options on Amazon, and I'll bite the bullet, if I must, but I suspect you all can recommend some quality products I might have missed.
The features I'm looking for are zoom, capture, portability, silence, battery life (4-8 hours) and rechargability. I've seen some pricey options on Amazon, and I'll bite the bullet, if I must, but I suspect you all can recommend some quality products I might have missed.
jrs12 2 points 4y ago
Why not the magnifier feature on the iPhone? What exactly are you using a hand held electronic magnifier for that needs such clarity for such a long period of time? Surely there is a better tool like a very portable CCTV, maybe a Protege Connect? More details regarding the task you are performing may assist the discussion.
FredLocal [OP] 1 points 4y ago
My employer would prefer I not use a phone. And expiration dates/IDs.
jrs12 1 points 4y ago
This sounds like a miscommunication. Maybe your employer doesn't want you to be making phone calls and getting texts. Those features can easily be turned off during the work day and still leave you with the best tool for the job.
brainotomy 1 points 4y ago
iPads make pretty good magnifiers, as do pretty much any tablet and phone.
I use Big Magnifier for Android on my phone. Works nicely.
Or take a picture with your tablet/phone then zoom into the picture with the reverse pinch gesture.
I use Big Magnifier for Android on my phone. Works nicely.
Or take a picture with your tablet/phone then zoom into the picture with the reverse pinch gesture.
jelly_bean_twist 1 points 4y ago
Humanware explore 5. Best handhelds I’ve ever worked with. Pretty pricey, but if you’re a heavy handheld vm user it will probably be worth it. Ruby’s and pebbles seem to be the most popular given out unfortunately because they are also the cheapest.
Dofolo 1 points 4y ago
There's no portable digital magnifier that runs for 4 to 8 hours on a single charge ...
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So you'll want something that you can either replace the batteries in, if you need to during a shift, or use one while connected to a charger.
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If the Ruby is ok image quality wise, two or three sets of rechargeable should get you well through the day.
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So you'll want something that you can either replace the batteries in, if you need to during a shift, or use one while connected to a charger.
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If the Ruby is ok image quality wise, two or three sets of rechargeable should get you well through the day.
bob_mcbob 1 points 4y ago
The manual for the Ruby says it comes with rechargeable NiMH batteries and has a built-in charger for them. I gather you were using alkaline because you may need to swap batteries during a shift, so why not just buy an external charger and a dozen high quality NiMH batteries and never have to worry about paying for batteries again?
The best simple charger for NiMH is the Panasonic BQ-CC17. It's available in a kit with either AA or AAA, but the AAA price is a bit of a rip-off; you may as well get the AA version and order some AAA separately.
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-4x-Eneloop-AA-with-Charger/dp/B00JHKSMJU/
For batteries, get as many AmazonBasics AAA as you would like. They come in high capacity and regular versions, but the cost difference is a lot higher than the capacity difference, so just decide for yourself what you prefer.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Capacity-Rechargeable-Batteries-Pre-charged/dp/B00HZV9YE0/
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Rechargeable-Batteries-8-Pack-Pre-charged/dp/B00CWNMXQW/
**Important note: you should not mix NiMH and alkaline batteries in a device.**
The best simple charger for NiMH is the Panasonic BQ-CC17. It's available in a kit with either AA or AAA, but the AAA price is a bit of a rip-off; you may as well get the AA version and order some AAA separately.
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-4x-Eneloop-AA-with-Charger/dp/B00JHKSMJU/
For batteries, get as many AmazonBasics AAA as you would like. They come in high capacity and regular versions, but the cost difference is a lot higher than the capacity difference, so just decide for yourself what you prefer.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-High-Capacity-Rechargeable-Batteries-Pre-charged/dp/B00HZV9YE0/
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Rechargeable-Batteries-8-Pack-Pre-charged/dp/B00CWNMXQW/
**Important note: you should not mix NiMH and alkaline batteries in a device.**
FredLocal [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Thanks. The Ruby I used was a loan. It was given to me with four dead alkaline batteries in it. If I get a Ruby like that, again, I'll certainly invest in some rechargables.
wheresmyglasses12 1 points 4y ago
How about an AmigoHD from Enhanced Vision? It's my go-to at college.
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