Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Which tablet for the visually impaired? (self.Blind)
submitted by PEBKAC-Live
My Uncle has 10% vision in 1 eye and none in the other.
I set up a PC for him years ago and set up all the visual enhancements I could so that he could use it hooked up to large TV.
The PC is now beyond saving and needs to be replaced.
However he would like to have something more mobile he can use.
My thoughts were to get a tablet and chrome cast so he can use it out and about, but also can cast the screen to his TV when in his home.
He only uses the computer for browsing the web and emails.
I have no experience in setting up a tablet for someone with low vision and wondered if you had any suggestions?
Personally I would prefer it to be android as he doesnt live near me and I can remotely support it with TeamViewer.
I set up a PC for him years ago and set up all the visual enhancements I could so that he could use it hooked up to large TV.
The PC is now beyond saving and needs to be replaced.
However he would like to have something more mobile he can use.
My thoughts were to get a tablet and chrome cast so he can use it out and about, but also can cast the screen to his TV when in his home.
He only uses the computer for browsing the web and emails.
I have no experience in setting up a tablet for someone with low vision and wondered if you had any suggestions?
Personally I would prefer it to be android as he doesnt live near me and I can remotely support it with TeamViewer.
Laser_Lens_4 5 points 3y ago
Unfortunately, pretty much your only option is to get an iPad. Even in the world of the sighted, competition is heavily skewed in favor of the iPad because Android simply doesn't have a well-developed tablet ecosystem. The galaxy Tab series is about as close as It gets to something competent. When it comes to using a tablet without sight, I wouldn't get anything other than an iPad. It's got proper support from Apple, third-party developers, and users. That includes blind and low-vision users.
What's wrong with the computer you got him? Is it too old, or is it a matter of him not being able to use it due to poor vision? If it's the latter, then it may be time to move him to a screen reader. The best free, and arguably best overall, solution is the nvda screen reader for Windows 10. If it proves to be too complicated, then an iPad with voiceover enabled would do him a world of good. It's all based on touch gestures, and if all he's interested in is web browsing, email, and content consumption, it should be perfect.
I know you said you prefer Android to be able to support him remotely, but an Android tablet simply isn't a good solution for someone who can't see. Apple's accessibility framework is much more robust than Google's, and you've got communities like Applevis which actively support the iPhone, iPad, Apple watch, and other Apple products. Take it from someone who's been using Android and wrestling with the Google TalkBack screen reader for the past 3 years. It works, and it has some good features, but overall it's just not as good as Apple's accessibility offerings. Thankfully, you can get an iPad for relatively cheap. I think the iPad mini starts at like three hundred bucks, and then you have the regular iPad and the iPad air. There's options here, so you don't have to spring for their $1,000 iPad Pro unless you want to, or feel that he would, benefit from the extra power, screen real estate, or the SMART connector for attaching a keyboard. Keep in mind, you could just buy a Bluetooth keyboard and use it for one of the cheaper iPads without a SMART connector. Also, he should still be able to cast content from cast enabled apps. It's not supported system-wide, like on Android, but it should still be there in Google apps.
Regardless of what you end up choosing, I hope I was able to help. Adapting tech to vision loss is far from impossible, but it's tricky because most people don't even think about it and the same solution won't work for everyone. There's general guidelines to follow however. One pertinent to the situation is the magnification threshold where a screen reader becomes a better option over a simple magnifier. That threshold happens to be at around 5X. Beyond that level, it's faster to learn keyboard shortcuts or touch gestures and forgo wrestling with the mouse and the magnification window. There is most certainly a solution that will satisfy his needs. You can find it, and we're happy to help out.
What's wrong with the computer you got him? Is it too old, or is it a matter of him not being able to use it due to poor vision? If it's the latter, then it may be time to move him to a screen reader. The best free, and arguably best overall, solution is the nvda screen reader for Windows 10. If it proves to be too complicated, then an iPad with voiceover enabled would do him a world of good. It's all based on touch gestures, and if all he's interested in is web browsing, email, and content consumption, it should be perfect.
I know you said you prefer Android to be able to support him remotely, but an Android tablet simply isn't a good solution for someone who can't see. Apple's accessibility framework is much more robust than Google's, and you've got communities like Applevis which actively support the iPhone, iPad, Apple watch, and other Apple products. Take it from someone who's been using Android and wrestling with the Google TalkBack screen reader for the past 3 years. It works, and it has some good features, but overall it's just not as good as Apple's accessibility offerings. Thankfully, you can get an iPad for relatively cheap. I think the iPad mini starts at like three hundred bucks, and then you have the regular iPad and the iPad air. There's options here, so you don't have to spring for their $1,000 iPad Pro unless you want to, or feel that he would, benefit from the extra power, screen real estate, or the SMART connector for attaching a keyboard. Keep in mind, you could just buy a Bluetooth keyboard and use it for one of the cheaper iPads without a SMART connector. Also, he should still be able to cast content from cast enabled apps. It's not supported system-wide, like on Android, but it should still be there in Google apps.
Regardless of what you end up choosing, I hope I was able to help. Adapting tech to vision loss is far from impossible, but it's tricky because most people don't even think about it and the same solution won't work for everyone. There's general guidelines to follow however. One pertinent to the situation is the magnification threshold where a screen reader becomes a better option over a simple magnifier. That threshold happens to be at around 5X. Beyond that level, it's faster to learn keyboard shortcuts or touch gestures and forgo wrestling with the mouse and the magnification window. There is most certainly a solution that will satisfy his needs. You can find it, and we're happy to help out.
macadamia_owl 3 points 3y ago
I can't agree with you. Android nowadays since years ago is as much accessible as iOS or even more flexible. TalkBack gets faster fixes and updates because it's independent from system if hardware is to old for system updates TalkBack will still get updates unlike on iPad/iOS in general. Android costs way less in hardware and you can spend rest of money to other essential tech aids.
We have Android and iPad at home and it frustrating for me to use iPad this system is so limited - no ability to show screen on TV without limits, zooming in Safari is limited, no automatic language switching in TTS, since the Apple made the clearance in Applestore I lost so many apps and games without refund or money return so many favourites gone no way of external backup of them as files as my private copy. Not every app or game is accessible it's a myth there are lots of them without labels for VoiceOver. I can count lot of issues.
We have Android and iPad at home and it frustrating for me to use iPad this system is so limited - no ability to show screen on TV without limits, zooming in Safari is limited, no automatic language switching in TTS, since the Apple made the clearance in Applestore I lost so many apps and games without refund or money return so many favourites gone no way of external backup of them as files as my private copy. Not every app or game is accessible it's a myth there are lots of them without labels for VoiceOver. I can count lot of issues.
AndAdapt 2 points 3y ago
It sounds like the original poster is more concerned with zoom and other visual features over talk back.
So the poor tablet support stands. To this day lots of apps do not scale correctly. You may not notice if you are exclusively using talk back.
Up for tablet go iPad.
So the poor tablet support stands. To this day lots of apps do not scale correctly. You may not notice if you are exclusively using talk back.
Up for tablet go iPad.
macadamia_owl 1 points 3y ago
I use mixed techniques. I use screen reader and zoom or both.
In Android I can change font type for whole interface, font size. If that isn't enough there's option to change button sizes, even whole interface scaling. Whole resolution change like on PC monitor but don't overdo it, if you overdo then it can get bit messy but it's easy to fix. There's DPI - dots per inch ratio too hidden option to tweak it even more!
On iPad zooming is limited and factor of zoom is small compared to Android. Gesture is with 3 fingers which is tiring after a longer while and all gestures for zooming functions are requiring 3 fingers.
On Android it's only 1 finger 3 fast tap and no need to learn new gestures, pinch-to-zoom in and out.
Didn't saw problems with apps scalping on Android downloaded over 1.700 of them or more over the years every of them worked no buttons missing or in awkard unaccessible places hadn't any problems. Automatic scaling is a long time added feature.
Especially if you want to combine it with Chromecast. Or still use Miracast if TV still has it it's actually better. Lots of them are having HDMI so he could use cheap cable to plug it to a monitor, pair with any Bluetooth keyboard, plug adapter to tablet to accept trough USB - pendrives maybe even harddrives/mouse/memory cards and use it as PC. Or even plug it to projector and have 60 inch screen on any wall!
My recommendation is still good Android tablet. Much better value for money.
In Android I can change font type for whole interface, font size. If that isn't enough there's option to change button sizes, even whole interface scaling. Whole resolution change like on PC monitor but don't overdo it, if you overdo then it can get bit messy but it's easy to fix. There's DPI - dots per inch ratio too hidden option to tweak it even more!
On iPad zooming is limited and factor of zoom is small compared to Android. Gesture is with 3 fingers which is tiring after a longer while and all gestures for zooming functions are requiring 3 fingers.
On Android it's only 1 finger 3 fast tap and no need to learn new gestures, pinch-to-zoom in and out.
Didn't saw problems with apps scalping on Android downloaded over 1.700 of them or more over the years every of them worked no buttons missing or in awkard unaccessible places hadn't any problems. Automatic scaling is a long time added feature.
Especially if you want to combine it with Chromecast. Or still use Miracast if TV still has it it's actually better. Lots of them are having HDMI so he could use cheap cable to plug it to a monitor, pair with any Bluetooth keyboard, plug adapter to tablet to accept trough USB - pendrives maybe even harddrives/mouse/memory cards and use it as PC. Or even plug it to projector and have 60 inch screen on any wall!
My recommendation is still good Android tablet. Much better value for money.
AndAdapt 1 points 3y ago
Changing the font size is built in in ios as well. It's called dynamic text.
Apps not scaling correctly on android tablets is well documented.
They could also mirror a screen to a tv on apple devices too.
Apps not scaling correctly on android tablets is well documented.
They could also mirror a screen to a tv on apple devices too.
Flyintheskye381 1 points 1y ago
My mom with AMD uses a Samsung view 2, she loves it
CAHWY17 1 points 3y ago
I just purchased the Microsoft Business 2 Go as my portable vs the iPad since I am a windows 1o users. The size is great, the keyboard is removable, you can add a pen as well. The size is very managable as well
PEBKAC-Live [OP] 1 points 3y ago
How is it in terms of being able to cast to google chrome cast do you know?
PEBKAC-Live [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Thank you all for the excellent advice.
However it hasnt really left me any clearer in terms of which is the best option. 50% think Apple, 50% think Android.. suppose it isnt that surprising.
Just to clear up /u/Laser_Lens_4 's question. The PC is over 10 years old and has had a good life but just needs putting out to pasture now. I am in IT expert (25 years in the business), but with no experience in low vision.
I think my best option is test them with my uncle however at this moment in time I dont know how we will do that without purchasing.
To clarify, with his PC we had it on a very large TV, all high contrast turned on and very large resolution to assist with using it.
However that said he can and does reed normal newspaper style texts, but struggles with it.
However it hasnt really left me any clearer in terms of which is the best option. 50% think Apple, 50% think Android.. suppose it isnt that surprising.
Just to clear up /u/Laser_Lens_4 's question. The PC is over 10 years old and has had a good life but just needs putting out to pasture now. I am in IT expert (25 years in the business), but with no experience in low vision.
I think my best option is test them with my uncle however at this moment in time I dont know how we will do that without purchasing.
To clarify, with his PC we had it on a very large TV, all high contrast turned on and very large resolution to assist with using it.
However that said he can and does reed normal newspaper style texts, but struggles with it.
blind_cowboy 1 points 3y ago
You’re going to run into the what I use is the best in the blind community even more than in the sighted community. Some of that loyalty was almost forced upon us when there wasn’t such a thing as a free screen reader and they all cost $1000 or there about. Once you ended up with something it was you had you learned to use it and become a master of it and since it was your only option to experience a wider world you defended it like a dog with a bone. Then apple came out and actually included a screen reader out of the box on a smart phone for no extra cost and that earned some people’s loyalty for life because of how unusual it was. On the flip side there are those who hate apple for what ever reason just like in any other community and it can show.
On one hand the support you have as a blind apple user is pretty good especially with the majority of other blind users using them. On the other hand I hate the bugs that VoiceOver continues to accumulate and apple’s closed system and have considered switching to an Android. Though I keep threatening to I haven’t done it yet and don’t know if I will though so I can’t help with your decision. I can however agree that there is more of a user base to fall back on and ask questions of if he does have issues with an iPad than with an android device.
On one hand the support you have as a blind apple user is pretty good especially with the majority of other blind users using them. On the other hand I hate the bugs that VoiceOver continues to accumulate and apple’s closed system and have considered switching to an Android. Though I keep threatening to I haven’t done it yet and don’t know if I will though so I can’t help with your decision. I can however agree that there is more of a user base to fall back on and ask questions of if he does have issues with an iPad than with an android device.
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