Have you been in contact with your local blindness support agency about these video magnifiers? Perhaps you could make an appointment to see your local support agency and go to their showroom if they have one, and perhaps they can give you a demonstration of some of the current magnifiers available now.
Nokia Magnifier works on the following phones: N96, N95, N95 8GB, N82, N73, E90, E71 and E66.
It is free, but is not perfect.
There are problems that seem to be hardware limitations, but others seem to be programming problems that may be fixable if more work is put into it.
For example, there is an option to set a different backlight timeout when using Magnifier. But on my N95 8GB it doesn't work and the backlight turns off after the usual 15 seconds. I have to press a key to keep it on.
An interesting option for spot reading is the Nokia Magnifier.
When you think about it, a smart phone has all the components you need to make a digital magnifier: Camera, Screen, Processor and is programmable.
Well it's not that simple, the lens isn't optimized for such close in work, the processor is incapable of handling high frame rates when trying to apply sharpening or inverse colors, focusing is not continuous and you have to keep the same distance from the material without a stand.
Thanks for answering. I hope I didn't come off as a critic. I find your vids interesting and informative. Just wanted to clarify the term. I am legally blind and use a CCTV for most of my reading and a pocket magnifier (11 power). I can still read my computer with special reading glasses. Thanks for your demos. I might look into some of the equiptment that is available.
A little correction. Legally blind means 20 over 200 or lower with best correction. If you see better than that with your glasses, you are not legally blind, but are visually impaired.
if u all want a sample of a desktop magnifier i just put up a vid of mmine if u all wnat to check it out itsw an old one, right now im in the middle of battlign an organization for a handheld one
This gear is expensive, but at least over here I was able to get help from the social services to purchase AT gear I need for university and then when my desktop CCTV wasn't enough for the job I got they also paid 90% of the cost of my AMIGO.
Most people think my AMIGO is a camera.
We have lot's of security guards checking your bag at the entrance to public building here and I did give a couple of them a scare as that box with a battery stuck in it does fir the profile of a possible IED.
I've seen the SenseView, it's one of the more compact and cool looking units I've seen.
At the time I considered it the addon writing cam was still under development. Without the extra cam it was one of the less writing friendly unit's I've seen. It sits very low on the paper.
I have yet to see a digital magnifier that offered a truly usable writing solution.
The Nemo is also a nice unit I've tried, it's light enough to be comfortable for one handed use, but it's display is too small for me.
I own the AMIGO, it's one of the more expensive and large units around, but it's 6.5" display is the only one that was large enough for me.
It's a bit too big to easily handle with one hand while holding the reading material in the other, so it's essentially best used on a desk.
I use it for work, I work at different locations, I essentially carry my office on my back and set up shop at each different location. I do have access to a PC at each location and I use ZT USB to make those accessible.
These magnifiers are AWESOME for price tags, labels, etc. They are (QUITE A PAIN) when it comes to lengthy reading due to the small screen, and you can only view so much on the screen at a time. Would I recomend them? If you have problems reading labels, tags, etc - and have the cash, GO FOR IT.
I have thought about getting a video magnifire for some time but yah they are expensive I know someting like that will realy help me there is even one that can let your read street signs fron about 600 feet or even more then standerd banoculars. These video magnifires aslo have a very high resolution which can also add to the cost.
The other thing I hated about the Compact+ is that it had only 2 or 3 zppm settings, one nice thing about it is that it can use rechargeable batteries or 2 AA batteries if your rechargeable battery goes flat, but even that's not enough to make me like the unit, perhaps the other portable video magnifiers are better.
I have a magnifying glass with a light that no longer works properly, so i very rarely use it now. Last year I had a look at the Potelec Compact+ portable video magnifier, personally I hated it because it has this arm that you can swing out and grip in order to hold it, but I think it makes the unit a bit unwieldy to hold and use. If I was to get a video magnifier/CCTV, I'd buy a desktop one and not a portable or handheld one, this is my opinion, have you considered a desktop model?
The average desktop model I've seen is around $1,500 to $2,500 - and so a portable one is CHEAPER, and it would help when I go to places like Best Buy - like if I'm in the Laptop section at an electronics store, and need to see the price tags. I can't see the specs, because they are on the wall behind the computer, and are too small for me to see without leaning in, up over the laptop, which is very uncomfortable.
Fair enough, I didn't even think of that, that's one situation where a handheld magnifier would certainly help. I'm sure there are better models than the Compact+ and that magnifier may be OK for some people, but i certainly didn't like it when I had a play with one. Out of the current portable video magnifiers available today which one are you leaning towards?
I'm looking at the SenseVIew (the original one, not the DUo or the Light) but I want to approach this in baby steps. I want to carefully weigh my options, so I'm giving myself at least a month. This way, I can have a choice in mind for my birthday.
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You can get Portable Video Magnifiers for $295 at The Brailler Depot
TheLifeofaSpartan 1 year ago
Have you been in contact with your local blindness support agency about these video magnifiers? Perhaps you could make an appointment to see your local support agency and go to their showroom if they have one, and perhaps they can give you a demonstration of some of the current magnifiers available now.
Lachlant1984 2 years ago
All we have, as far as I know, is Easter Seals. I'll be making an appointment with them soon.
rml695 2 years ago
You can get Portable Magnifiers for $295 at The Brailler Depot
TheLifeofaSpartan 1 year ago
Nokia Magnifier works on the following phones: N96, N95, N95 8GB, N82, N73, E90, E71 and E66.
It is free, but is not perfect.
There are problems that seem to be hardware limitations, but others seem to be programming problems that may be fixable if more work is put into it.
For example, there is an option to set a different backlight timeout when using Magnifier. But on my N95 8GB it doesn't work and the backlight turns off after the usual 15 seconds. I have to press a key to keep it on.
zkrisher 2 years ago
An interesting option for spot reading is the Nokia Magnifier.
When you think about it, a smart phone has all the components you need to make a digital magnifier: Camera, Screen, Processor and is programmable.
Well it's not that simple, the lens isn't optimized for such close in work, the processor is incapable of handling high frame rates when trying to apply sharpening or inverse colors, focusing is not continuous and you have to keep the same distance from the material without a stand.
zkrisher 2 years ago
Thanks for answering. I hope I didn't come off as a critic. I find your vids interesting and informative. Just wanted to clarify the term. I am legally blind and use a CCTV for most of my reading and a pocket magnifier (11 power). I can still read my computer with special reading glasses. Thanks for your demos. I might look into some of the equiptment that is available.
youthnotlost 2 years ago
A little correction. Legally blind means 20 over 200 or lower with best correction. If you see better than that with your glasses, you are not legally blind, but are visually impaired.
youthnotlost 2 years ago
I don't think I said legally blind, I said legally considered to have low vision, I think... :S If I did say legally blind, I apologize.
rml695 2 years ago
if u all want a sample of a desktop magnifier i just put up a vid of mmine if u all wnat to check it out itsw an old one, right now im in the middle of battlign an organization for a handheld one
jls1114 2 years ago
This gear is expensive, but at least over here I was able to get help from the social services to purchase AT gear I need for university and then when my desktop CCTV wasn't enough for the job I got they also paid 90% of the cost of my AMIGO.
Most people think my AMIGO is a camera.
We have lot's of security guards checking your bag at the entrance to public building here and I did give a couple of them a scare as that box with a battery stuck in it does fir the profile of a possible IED.
zkrisher 2 years ago
I've seen the SenseView, it's one of the more compact and cool looking units I've seen.
At the time I considered it the addon writing cam was still under development. Without the extra cam it was one of the less writing friendly unit's I've seen. It sits very low on the paper.
I have yet to see a digital magnifier that offered a truly usable writing solution.
The Nemo is also a nice unit I've tried, it's light enough to be comfortable for one handed use, but it's display is too small for me.
zkrisher 2 years ago
I own the AMIGO, it's one of the more expensive and large units around, but it's 6.5" display is the only one that was large enough for me.
It's a bit too big to easily handle with one hand while holding the reading material in the other, so it's essentially best used on a desk.
I use it for work, I work at different locations, I essentially carry my office on my back and set up shop at each different location. I do have access to a PC at each location and I use ZT USB to make those accessible.
zkrisher 2 years ago
These magnifiers are AWESOME for price tags, labels, etc. They are (QUITE A PAIN) when it comes to lengthy reading due to the small screen, and you can only view so much on the screen at a time. Would I recomend them? If you have problems reading labels, tags, etc - and have the cash, GO FOR IT.
VideoGuyNC 2 years ago
its a lot of money but we gain so much more independence with this so its all worth it
jls1114 2 years ago
I have thought about getting a video magnifire for some time but yah they are expensive I know someting like that will realy help me there is even one that can let your read street signs fron about 600 feet or even more then standerd banoculars. These video magnifires aslo have a very high resolution which can also add to the cost.
bluetech7753 2 years ago
The other thing I hated about the Compact+ is that it had only 2 or 3 zppm settings, one nice thing about it is that it can use rechargeable batteries or 2 AA batteries if your rechargeable battery goes flat, but even that's not enough to make me like the unit, perhaps the other portable video magnifiers are better.
Lachlant1984 2 years ago
I have a magnifying glass with a light that no longer works properly, so i very rarely use it now. Last year I had a look at the Potelec Compact+ portable video magnifier, personally I hated it because it has this arm that you can swing out and grip in order to hold it, but I think it makes the unit a bit unwieldy to hold and use. If I was to get a video magnifier/CCTV, I'd buy a desktop one and not a portable or handheld one, this is my opinion, have you considered a desktop model?
Lachlant1984 2 years ago
The average desktop model I've seen is around $1,500 to $2,500 - and so a portable one is CHEAPER, and it would help when I go to places like Best Buy - like if I'm in the Laptop section at an electronics store, and need to see the price tags. I can't see the specs, because they are on the wall behind the computer, and are too small for me to see without leaning in, up over the laptop, which is very uncomfortable.
rml695 2 years ago
Fair enough, I didn't even think of that, that's one situation where a handheld magnifier would certainly help. I'm sure there are better models than the Compact+ and that magnifier may be OK for some people, but i certainly didn't like it when I had a play with one. Out of the current portable video magnifiers available today which one are you leaning towards?
Lachlant1984 2 years ago
I'm looking at the SenseVIew (the original one, not the DUo or the Light) but I want to approach this in baby steps. I want to carefully weigh my options, so I'm giving myself at least a month. This way, I can have a choice in mind for my birthday.
rml695 2 years ago