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I need to know about PC systems for high quads, specifically for mouthstick operation. What is the best interface or the most popular? What operating system is best and why? Which is most stable?
Lewis
05-02-2003, 07:05 PM
What will the user be using the computer for?
-Lewis
She currently uses it for as much as possible I imagine. She has a computer now running Windows 95 and "Logician"? interface, I don't remember.
She gave up on voice recogition in 98 because it "picked" up her breathing too much. Think she should be able to do better in 2003 whats the most functional thing out there? Will Dragon Speak 7 tune out the resprirator?
Lewis
05-02-2003, 07:56 PM
I'm not sure what a "Logician" is and a quick Yahoo search did not reveal anything related to your question.
Voice-recognition has changed drastically since 1998. I "spit a lot of breath" when I speak and Dragon works great for me. I also use a very good microphone, the ANC 600. It helps deal with background noise and does a good job with my breathing . I highly recommend Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 7. It is likely that with a good microphone her respirator will be ignored. But I cannot guarantee this. I did not know how loud a respirator is.
Which operating system is best can be a great debate. I have found a Windows XP to be fairly reliable. Of the operating systems I've used 98 Second Edition, Windows Millennium, and Windows XP, I have found Windows XP to be the best. I leave my computer running all the time and it rarely crashes. I do have complaints as to how Windows XP is set up. They have tried to make it easy for individuals, yet all the wizards just make things more complicated. That's my personal opinion.
Sounds like you are talking about upgrading a computer that runs Windows 95... if you are talking about Windows XP or Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 7, you will probably need a new computer. I did not know what you're computer configuration is, but the fact that you are running Windows 95 makes me think that Windows XP or Dragon NaturallySpeaking will be to resource intensive. Windows XP alone is very resource intensive compared to its ancestors.
Final thoughts: get her using voice-recognition again!
-Lewis
What is the best interface?
Lewis
05-03-2003, 07:56 PM
What do you mean by interface?
-Lewis
mouhipiece interface for input funtion
Lewis
05-03-2003, 08:09 PM
I personally believe voice recognition is far superior. Dragon NaturallySpeaking would be my recommendation.
Does anyone use a mouse stick or respirator that can give a little input?
-Lewis
Cris:
We've recently started a Computer Forum and it would be more appropriate if your topic was moved over to it. I apologize for doing this and I want to thank Lewis for all of his help. I, also, agree with almost everything that Lewis has said and Windows XP is a much more stable operating system that also requires a fast processor and 256MB of RAM. I am using Dragon 6.0 but Lewis has convinced me to upgrade to 7.0 which I will do shortly. Thanks for your understanding.
PN
Cris:
You may want to read through some of these replies.
PN
http://carecure.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12433
How do you turn the pc on, off or reboot. Need an interface!
Originally posted by PN:
Cris:
You may want to read through some of these replies.
PN
http://carecure.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12433
Yes, I even poseted in that thread, but it does not have the info i am looking for.
Lewis writes "I'm not sure what a "Logician" is and a quick Yahoo search did not reveal anything related to your question."
Can you provide us with a URL for "Logician" ?
PN
"Logician"? interface, I don't remember."
If I could rember the correct name (I will ask her again) I would go there http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif
However, what do high quads use to turn on/off PC, answer phone, etc. that is more recent than win95?
I asked the user and she repled:
a joystick attached to a neckpiece. i type with my chin. the device is
called liason.
Originally posted by Cris:
However, what do high quads use to turn on/off PC, answer phone, etc. that is more recent than win95?
Good questions. I need someone to turn the PC on and off for me. However, a low tech approach for turning the tower and the monitor on, could be accomplished by using a mouth stick.
Steven, or others, how do you turn your PC on or off etc.?
PN
Steven Edwards
05-07-2003, 10:20 AM
"Steven, or others, how do you turn your PC on or off etc.?"
I have my monitor set on a surge protector (Newpoint Switcher 2000 Plus) and have everything plugged into that. To cut something on, I just pull up to my desk, grab the mouthstick, and flip the proper switch.
-Steven
I'm not really a high quad(C5), but my PC stays on 24/7. I use Win2K and I reboot 3 or 4 times a week, but in a year and a half I've never had it freeze on me to where I needed assitance. I don't know how it affects the electric bill, but my PC goes on 'Standby' after 20 minutes of being idle.
Cris,
I think we should talk on the phone and get this problem resolved for your friend. E-mail me with your telephone number and a convenient time to talk.
PN
SSUUSC@AOL.COM
I think everyone is missing my intent. For all intents and purposes I want to buy a PC sytsem for a C1 complete.
Brand new, state of the art. What is out there to use, how can I get info on what is available.
Steven Edwards
05-08-2003, 06:07 AM
Cris, does the C1 have any neck movement?
-Steven
I do not know about the neck and the budget is negoitable.
Cris:
I give you extra points for wanting to purchase a computer for a friend with a very high spinal cord injury. I am just trying to find out how much are you willing to spend for a new PC? If you want to stay around the $600 - $800 price range, then I would suggest an E-machine. If you can afford something in the $1000 price range, you may want to look at the Specials that Dell Computers or Gateway are offering. These two companies compete against each other and they will lower their prices to get your business. Therefore, the price is negotiable when you purchase over the phone from Gateway or Dell. Personally, I like Dell.
PN
PN
I have bought, installed and maintained computer systems costing between $1,000 to over $1 million. I have never bought the interface for input via a sip n puff or mouthstick.
So first I do research and I come here to ask and no one from this communty knows anything about it. So now I will ask OT's and salesman.
Am I missing something?