|
|
Wireless Keyboard Options for the Blind Computer UserBy: Kelly Pierce
Summary:
The first article in this two-part series described how you can listen to the audio of your computer's sound card remotely. This second article offers options in wireless keyboards for remote access. 
Limitations
Viable Options Checking a Keyboard's Range for Distance Share Your Experiences With a Wireless Keyboard Comments people have made about this topic: Related Content Finding a great wireless keyboard is often an exercise of trial and error. Yet, there are some viable options to consider that allow you, as a blind small business owner, to operate your machine throughout your home. In a previous article, Limitations Why is that listening range of little value? Wireless keyboards, which complete the second piece of the cheap home-access-anywhere puzzle, have a much shorter range. Essentially, keyboards need only extend as far as sighted people can see their monitors. There are no wireless monitors, unlike wireless audio, and monitor cables are not long enough to go throughout a home. Because of the short monitor cables, there is little demand for extended-range wireless keyboards. In early 2002, many blind computer users were delighted to learn that Casco Products was marketing a full size wireless keyboard with a number pad that could reach 175 feet. Unfortunately, this keyboard is no longer available. Casco now only produces wireless keyboards that use an infrared receiver, which offers connectivity for only short distances similar to those available to television and stereo remote controls. Go to Top of Page Viable Options There are still options available, although the ideal solution from Casco is no longer a reality. Wireless keyboard manufacturers claim a maximum range of six to 15 feet, but many have found the stated range can be extended with a little effort. Wireless keyboards come in two parts: the keyboard itself and a receiving unit that connects to either the computer's PS2 keyboard/mouse ports or to a USB port. To extend the range, many blind computer users place the receiving unit high on a hutch or shelf and attach an FM antenna (available at most electronics stores) to the receiving unit. The placement of the receiver and antenna is adjusted as the keyboard is moved around the home, and the coverage area is defined and then broadened through placement adjustments. A keyboard that is used by a number of blind computer users is the Logitech iTouch wireless keyboard. A version of the keyboard is produced with the number pad used for screen reader navigation. Be sure to not install the software included with this keyboard because some people have found this to interfere with JAWS. This keyboard is one of the least expensive wireless solutions. Computergeeks.com has been selling refurbished models with a six-month warrantee for less than $40. Computergeeks.com was also selling a new Sony wireless keyboard with number pad in 2002 for less than $40 as well. Some end users have found the Microsoft Wireless Desktop to be both a great value with a great range. For less than $100 the Wireless Desktop comes with a receiver, a full keyboard with number pad, and an optical mouse. One blind end user reported that he could use the keyboard at the other end of the house, on the second floor of his home, and in the basement with the RF version. Microsoft has also just released an Updated Wireless Desktop with Blue Tooth connectivity. The company promises a range of 30 feet, which may be extended with some clever antenna positioning. In addition, there is the VersaPoint RF Wireless Keyboard by Interlink. It is the only keyboard I could find that promises a range of 50 to 100 feet. It is intended for corporate executives who wish to be in command of a PowerPoint presentation or collaborative meeting from any point in a conference room or large hall. Sighted users complain that the joystick-like mouse requires a little practice to fully get the hang of it, which could be a problem if the keyboard will be used regularly by other persons. The keyboard has 88 keys, which is perfect for pianos but not for blind computer users who need a keyboard that includes a number pad with 104 keys or more for maximum efficiency and ease of use. With this keyboard, it will be necessary to learn and use the laptop configuration for your screen reader. One reviewer on ZDNet complained that the keys were smaller and closer together than what she expected, and she made typing errors as a result. I suggest assessing your need for distance and try the Logitech and Microsoft keyboards first before throttling for distance with this product. Go to Top of Page Checking a Keyboard's Range for Distance To determine if a keyboard meets your needs for distance, install the keyboard and position the antenna well. Open up a word processing program or text editor and type from various locations throughout an office or home. At each location, I type a short sentence, such as "this is from the kitchen" or "this is from the den." The sample is long enough to find obvious problems with missed keystrokes. The sentence sample method is a good way to independently know if the keyboard can reach the locations required. Using this method, distance can be determined without needing to listen to the speakers or see the monitor. If a wireless keyboard cannot be found to reach the distance you need, a low-power FM transmitter or 900-MHz speakers may not be a good investment for you. Be sure to check return policies at the retailer where you purchase the keyboard. If the keyboard doesn't meet your range requirements, you may need to take it back and try another one. Go to Top of Page Share Your Experiences With a Wireless Keyboard Have you used or owned a wireless keyboard? If so, what are your experiences? What do you recommend? Please share your opinions with eSight. Go to Top of Page Comments people have made about this topic: I've been using wireless keyboards for over two years. I started out with the Logitech iTouch, which I used for about a year and a half. When it stopped working, I couldn't find another one, so I bought the VersaPoint model. I got used to the laptop commands and am glad that I am not solely reliant on the number pad. The VersaPoint has a good range. Although I can't specifically say how far, I can use it anywhere in my house and most of my backyard. This keyboard is much more expensive, but it's worth it because of its small size. I could never go back to a connected keyboard. I like being able to read my local newspaper and surf the web from my backyard in the summer, on my couch and even in bed. -GH Just for your info. Another way to help improve distance with an IR keyboard is to buy one of those IR repeaters. It is basically an IR receiver and RF transmitter that you place in the distant room far from your computer. And an RF receiver and IR transmitter in the room with your computer. That way, the IR from the keyboard gets picked up, broadcast via RF to the receiver in the other room, converted to IR and broadcast to the keyboard pickup. You can even help things out by placing the repeaters in pretty creative places to absolutely maximize your coverage. -DR Gyration makes a keyboard which they say will go 100 feet, and which someone in their sales department says will go 200. I haven't tried it, and it's quite expensive, but it sounds good. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a number pad -AS Bookmark this article to: 
Share your views with eSight Careers Network E-mail this eSight article to a friend |
|
