Levelstar's PDA and Docking Station Helps the Blind Surf the Web

Ten years ago, blind people had limited means of accessing computers. But things are changing. New hi-tech products are now helping blind people to read e-mails or search for information on the Internet. You probably heard of the screen reader, an application that attempts to describe to the blind user in speech what the graphical user interface is displaying. Well, here's a similar approach.

Levelstar's Linux based Icon is a screenless PDA that will let users navigate the Internet using sound directions. It was designed by Marc Mulchay, himself a blind person (co-founder of US based Levelstar company and also the device's designer). The PDA's buttons are similar to the ones you see at cell-phones, making them easy to get used to. It has everything, almost everything you see in normal PDAs: a calendar, a book reader, a web browser, an e-mail manager, a music player, a RSS reader and it even supports podcasts.

Even though the device is based on last year's standards, the specs aren't that bad: a 30 G hard drive, WiFi 802.11b, Bluetooth 1.1, USB 1.1, Intels520 Mhz Xscale processor, Mini SD and a pair of speakers. The device will hook to either a QWERTY or a Braille keyboard that act as docking stations. The Levelstar Docking Station comes in a slick ergonomic design and enables users to take notes, write e-mails, perform full-capability word processing and web browsing. The "laptop" for the blind also comes with four long lasting batteries. It would probably have been nicer if the PDA doubled as a GPS handheld that gives voice directions to help users locate intersections, crosswalks, Swedish massage services etc.

The basic unit will cost about 1400$. Levelstar's Icon plus Docking Station comes with a 1 year extended warranty of 125$ and software updates that will cost about 75$.

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