Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Looking for a computer (self.Blind)
submitted by Crafty_Dragon_roll
Hey all. So I'm looking to get a computer, but not sure what I should get. I was just approved for disability but am hoping that maybe I can go back to school and learn something to be able to work again. I'm not sure what to study yet though. So I was thinking a laptop, but wasn't sure if a desktop would be better.
I'm not very good with technology so would need something easy to use and to be able to get acessability software. I also like writing too, so would be using it for that. I also don't know a lot about software either. I'm pretty much a blank slate.
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!
I'm not very good with technology so would need something easy to use and to be able to get acessability software. I also like writing too, so would be using it for that. I also don't know a lot about software either. I'm pretty much a blank slate.
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!
Marconius 2 points 2y ago
I'll always advocate for getting a Mac. I personally find VoiceOver to be much less buggy than Jaws and NVDA, plus I'm not a fan of Windows in general. You can dual-boot Macs so they can run both MacOS and Windows if you want, which is what I do since I do accessibility testing for work, but it's good to learn both systems. If you get into app development, most startups and tech companies use Macs, while more office jobs trend towards Windows machines.
HealthyChoice1363 1 points 2y ago
Hi there, most people will purchase the Apple silicon -based Macs, which no longer allows the user to run Bootcamp, having said that, I also use macOS primarily I'm holding onto my 2015 core I seven MacBook Pro Specht all the way out, because I do have windows at times we need it in certain scenarios.
Let m give you an example few days before I wanted to do something which was inaccessible with VoiceOver on the Mac, so I booted into Windows and achieve it that way if I had the Apple silicon -based Mac I wouldn't be able to do that unless I had a separate machine, although believe there is a way to run virtual machines which I'm not a huge fan off on the Apple silicon -based Mac.
Let m give you an example few days before I wanted to do something which was inaccessible with VoiceOver on the Mac, so I booted into Windows and achieve it that way if I had the Apple silicon -based Mac I wouldn't be able to do that unless I had a separate machine, although believe there is a way to run virtual machines which I'm not a huge fan off on the Apple silicon -based Mac.
Crafty_Dragon_roll [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Ok. I don't know how to dual boot but I can maybe I can ask my brother in law to help me. I haven't figured what I should try to do. I worked mainly with restaurants my whole career I'm kind of at the part where I'm wondering can I do. I'm hoping to find some computer classes through a college to help me get more up to date and hope I'll be able to develop another skill.
AllHarlowsEve 2 points 2y ago
I'm very much not a fan of Windows because I don't like how it works, my brain just doesn't vibe with JAWS or NVDA, but if you have any intentions of working, you're going to want to get a Windows computer because that's what almost any workplace that hires blind people will use, and a vast majority of accessible applications for the blind are on Windows.
If you're open to maybe upgrading later if you have to, I'd pick up a mid tier laptop from a brand like Acer, Asus or HP, and not Toshiba or Dell, based on my own experiences.
I'd also also avoid things like chromebooks, netbooks or anything particularly made to be cheap and immediately replaceable just because it's likely to run a screen reader like trash or lock you into a different OS.
I'd learn NVDA as my screen reader, but if you're in the states, you may be able to get your state to pay for a JAWS license.
If you're open to maybe upgrading later if you have to, I'd pick up a mid tier laptop from a brand like Acer, Asus or HP, and not Toshiba or Dell, based on my own experiences.
I'd also also avoid things like chromebooks, netbooks or anything particularly made to be cheap and immediately replaceable just because it's likely to run a screen reader like trash or lock you into a different OS.
I'd learn NVDA as my screen reader, but if you're in the states, you may be able to get your state to pay for a JAWS license.
vwlsmssng 2 points 2y ago
> avoid things like chromebooks
I would agree, and I'm typing on a Chromebook.
They are good machines and cost effective if they do exactly what you want but lack flexibility. They do have a screen reader (ChromeVox) and magnification built in, but if they don't work fr you there are no alternatives.
They are growing in use in education but in business it will be Windows and the popular apps that run on it like Microsoft Office, except in rare circumstances.
I would agree, and I'm typing on a Chromebook.
They are good machines and cost effective if they do exactly what you want but lack flexibility. They do have a screen reader (ChromeVox) and magnification built in, but if they don't work fr you there are no alternatives.
They are growing in use in education but in business it will be Windows and the popular apps that run on it like Microsoft Office, except in rare circumstances.
Crafty_Dragon_roll [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you!
Ok so sounds like windows would be my best bet then. My dad had an Acer and seemed to like it, so I'll look at those first. And being able to upgrade it means it would last longer to.
I do live in the states, I'm working on getting assistance from our ARDC too. So I'll ask them about it. Thank you again
Ok so sounds like windows would be my best bet then. My dad had an Acer and seemed to like it, so I'll look at those first. And being able to upgrade it means it would last longer to.
I do live in the states, I'm working on getting assistance from our ARDC too. So I'll ask them about it. Thank you again
bradley22 1 points 2y ago
edit: Are you completely blind? If not; you might want to look into magification software.
Look into places you can go to learn how to use a computer with a screen reader if you can. That way; you get a hands on experience.
Look into places you can go to learn how to use a computer with a screen reader if you can. That way; you get a hands on experience.
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
[deleted]
Crafty_Dragon_roll [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I'm trying to get in with our ARDC, so I'll them about it. Thank you
BenandGracie 1 points 2y ago
You might want to check out Computers For The Blind. I think they can provide something already set up with JAWS or NVDA. I don't know about the quality of the computers they give out, but it might be worth a look.
Crafty_Dragon_roll [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you I will
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