Unapologetically Blind

Tag: computer

  • Lets Talk Tech – Dive Into My Ecosystem

    Lets Talk Tech – Dive Into My Ecosystem

    Hey everyone! Let’s talk tech. Over the past few years, I’ve amassed quite a collection, some thanks to a fantastic program through Google, and some I’ve bought myself. All of it has impacted my life, made me think differently about accessibility, and introduced me to platforms I now use every single day. So, let’s dive into my world of smartphones, smartwatches, and computers/tablets. (We’ll save smart home tech, like Firesticks and Chromecasts, for another post!)

    Smartphones: From Flips To Candy Bar Phones

    My current daily driver is the Samsung Galaxy S23+, but it’s a recent switch. Before this, I was rocking the amazing Z Flip 5. Why the change? It was really a matter of opportunity.

    The Z Flip 5: A Flashy Throwback

    The Z Flip 5 was, and still is, my absolute favorite phone. Even with its slightly unusual screen ratio, it was incredible. The outer screen was so functional, it blew my mind. Pair it with a good case, and you’ve got a flashy, flippy throwback to the early 2010s and those iconic flip phones. Remember the original Motorola RAZR? Enough said.

    The Z Flip 5’s One Downside

    The only real con? The inner screen. Because it’s flexible, it needs a special screen protector that costs about $80 to replace here in Alberta. Having to do that every six months gets expensive.

    My S23+: Back to Basics (But Better)

    I got a great deal on the S23+, and it made me realize why I still love the classic “candy bar” style. While I miss the Z Flip’s foldability, the S23+ has a bigger battery, better cooling, and oh my goodness, a much better camera. Samsung makes amazing devices across the board – you have to give them that – but the camera on the S23+ is a vital tool for me.

    A History of Phones

    I’ve used everything from a Samsung S5 to the S23+, a Pixel 4A, Moto devices, and even an iPhone (gasp!). So why Samsung? Well, it ties into my next category…

    Smartwatches: More Than Just Time

    My smartwatch journey started with a cheap, used Asus Android Wear watch. I was hooked, not just for telling time, but for notifications, step counting, and so much more. And they’re accessible!

    After that first watch shuffled off this mortal coil, I got a Mobvoi TicWatch 5E. It was the more budget-friendly version of the TicWatch 5, and I loved it. I did have some minor accessibility issues with the Mobvoi apps, but the watch itself cemented my love for smartwatches.

    Then, I found a deal on a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic – you know, the one that doubled as a fidget spinner! I used it for a few months until that update. You know, the one that was supposed to fix the bricking issues from the previous update… and promptly bricked my watch.

    So, I needed a new one. Tough choice: something similar in size and sportier, or the Watch 5 Pro – chunkier, but tougher with titanium and sapphire glass? I went Pro, because let’s be honest, I’m rough on my tech. It’s still going strong after three years! And the Watch 5 Pro is a big reason I stick with Samsung phones. Features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring are unique to the Samsung ecosystem, and as someone with high blood pressure, those are important to me.

    Laptops: From Bricks to Beasts

    My laptop history is… eventful. I had a Lenovo IdeaPad that bricked itself with corrupted files. Then, I got a used 17-inch HP EliteBook, which was amazing (wi-fi issues aside). On a whim, I bought a Lenovo ThinkPad 2-in-1, and loved it! It was my daily driver until it couldn’t keep up anymore.

    Enter the Samsung Galaxy Book! This sleek, slim, non-touchscreen machine was, and still is, a micro-beast. It’s small but powerful.

    But, I have to confess, my true love right now is Chromebooks. Thanks to that Google program, I got to try a Pixelbook, and I still use it daily at work. I also loved the Lenovo Duet 5, which I traded with my partner for her monstrous 16-inch Asus CX5601 Chromebook. That Asus? My new favorite. It’s fast, has an amazing keyboard and trackpad, and all the ports I need.

    My current home workspace setup? My Samsung Galaxy Book connected to a beautiful 32-inch monitor and a 42 or 46-inch TV. And beside that beast, I have my trusty Brother monochrome laserjet printer.

    Tablets: Less Used These Days

    Since I have a 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop, I don’t use tablets much anymore. I do have a Pixel Tablet, but it mostly lives on its dock in the bedroom. I’ve used everything from iPads to Samsung Galaxy Tabs, and they all have their pros and cons. It really depends on what you need a tablet for.

    So, that’s a glimpse into my tech journey. I love how each piece has influenced my next purchase. I think I’m heading towards a full Chrome OS ecosystem. I’ve already ditched my Microsoft 365 subscription and kept Google Workspace for the extra Drive space. Google is making serious waves, creating functional and fantastic mobile operating systems. Android and Chrome OS? They’re my daily drivers.

  • Choosing a Laptop with Vision Loss: A Personal Journey

    Selecting a laptop when you experience vision loss involves careful consideration of several factors. This post shares my personal laptop selection process, explaining my choices and their impact. Remember, this is my experience, and your needs may differ.

    Size Matters

    Laptop size is a common consideration for everyone, regardless of vision. Many factors influence this decision. My own preferences have evolved over time. During my school years, a 15-inch laptop with a number pad was essential. After graduating, I transitioned to a smaller 13 or 14-inch model as the number pad became less important.

    Mac, Windows, or Chromebook?

    My operating system preferences have also changed. In school, I favored a MacBook due to its excellent built-in screen reader software (VoiceOver) and seamless iPhone integration. I briefly used a Windows laptop during that time and found it less suitable for my needs. Currently, I primarily use a Chromebook for about 90% of my daily computing tasks. In fact, this entire blog post, along with website modifications, was created on a Chromebook.

    Screen Reader Compatibility

    Screen reader compatibility is crucial for visually impaired users. My laptop choices have always been influenced by this. While using Apple products, VoiceOver was my go-to screen reader. When I switched to Windows, I initially used JAWS, but later discovered and preferred NVDA, an open-source, lightweight, and flexible screen reader. NVDA’s lower resource requirements made choosing a Windows laptop easier and more affordable. My Chromebook uses ChromeVox, a lightweight, functional, and accessible built-in screen reader.

    RAM Considerations

    RAM requirements differ depending on the operating system and screen reader. With macOS and VoiceOver, the base RAM configuration was sufficient for my needs (excluding intensive video or photo editing). For Windows, at least 12GB of RAM was recommended when using JAWS due to its resource-intensive nature. With NVDA, 8GB of RAM was generally adequate, though more is always preferable on Windows. For Chrome OS and ChromeVox, 4GB of RAM is usually sufficient; while I’ve used 8GB, I haven’t noticed a significant performance difference.

    Brand Recommendations

    Over the years, I’ve developed preferences for certain brands. I consistently recommend Lenovo, Samsung, and Asus. Within Lenovo, the ThinkPad line stands out. I’ve also been impressed with Samsung’s slim, lightweight, and powerful Windows laptops. Asus offers excellent gaming PCs, and my recent experience with their Chromebooks has been positive.

    Final Thoughts

    I’ve used a wide variety of laptops and have learned from each experience. Every laptop I’ve owned served its purpose at the time. As my needs evolve, so will my choice of computer.