I love this list!  Thanks for the info Amy.  I searched around a little more, and the following article seems credible for a nexus 7.  So the cable referenced below would probably work with most tablets with a mini USB connection (to allow for access from a USB head mouse etc.) which is probably more common than the specialized Samsung connector.

You really cannot generalize on the android platform, as there are a LOT of varieties of hardware and software.  So no guarantee that these will work with your particular tablet.  But as Amy says, also a lot cheaper than the iPad and more flexible.

http://seveninchtablet.com/2012/07/27/connect-a-usb-keyboard-and-mouse-the-nexus-7/

Ed Hitchcock OT/L
Technology Center
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com on behalf of Amy Roman
Sent: Thu 11/15/2012 6:39 PM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: Re: android tablets

Hi Lisa,
Funny you should ask.  I am working on a blog on Androids for pALS right now.  Soon I will introduce a new web page/blog which will focus on AAC and AT for patients with ALS.  AmyandpALS (not up yet) will provide tips and tools to pALS, their caregivers, speech therapists, AT specialists and all of us who are interested in supporting pALS' communication.  The blog talks about how iPADs, which are wonderful, are a dead end for pALS.  If  pALS experiences arm/finger weaknesss and stop being able to use the touchscreen or a keyboard they are done with the iPAD unless they want to become scanners. 
 
Androids which costs much less provide much more.  At this time I use and recommend a Galaxy Tab 2, 10.1.  It has an Ice Cream Sandwich OS.  I don't want to generalize to other OSs but here is what I know about the Galaxy Tab 2.
 
 
1.  Unlike the iPAD you can access the GalaxyT2 via USB pointer options.  I have tried a mouse, wireless touch pads, head trackers, the joystick roller and they all work. 
 
2.  The mouse/pointer wakes the screen when you move it.
 
3.  All you need to make it USB accessible is this adapter
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EPL-1PL0BEGSTA
 
4. Swype keyboards work. Unfortunatly, and I'm looking for a fix for this, you do need to click and drag to use swype which is not ideal for most pALS.  
 
5.  The mouse speed slider can really ramp up the mouse action and allow those with very little movement to use the GT2 with a mouse/pointer.
 
6.  I don't have an Android phone but I can try out any apps that you like on the phone and see how they work on the GT2.
 
Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist

Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center
2324 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Cell (415)518-0592
Fax (415)600-3778

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--- On Thu, 11/15/12, Lisa Bardach <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Lisa Bardach <xxxxxx@gmail.com>
Subject: android tablets
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012, 2:14 PM

Is anyone working with Android tablets with pALS?  I know that those with the Jelly Bean operating system can handle alternative access such as head mouse and jouse.  I am trying to find out the following:
 

Can you use a wireless mouse with Honeycomb or Ice Cream operating systems?

Do apps for an android phone work equally well on a tablet (like iPhone and iPad)?

If you are using a mouse and the tablet goes to sleep, will moving the mouse wake it up or do you have to press a button?

If you are using swype, does that work with a mouse? 
I'd appreciate any input from anyone using the Android platform.  If you prefer to answer off list, please feel free, my direct email is xxxxxx@gmail.com 
 
thanks,
Lisa
--
 
 
Lisa G. Bardach, MS CCC-SLP
Communicating Solutions, LLC
2314 Yorkshire Road
Suite 200
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
phone (734) 973-9670
fax     (734) 975-6970

ALS of Michigan, Inc.
24359 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100
Southfield, MI 48075
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Confidentiality Notice: This message and any attachments are only for the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, privileged and/or protected health information.  If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please: 1) be advised that unauthorized review, use, copying, disclosure, or distribution is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful; 2) notify the sender of the delivery by reply e-mail or contact RIC's Privacy Officer at 312.238.0766 or xxxxxx@ric.org; and 3) delete and destroy all copies of the message and its attachments. Thank you.