Hi Jen-
I think it's the nature of computers (any kind of computer), that it will
break down at some point... I think trying to rely on tech support from a
conventional computer company (like Dell), could lead to a lot of headache.

A different approach would be to encourage clients to reserve the SGDs for
communication, and to use a standard computer or laptop for things like
watching online television/video, surfing the internet, etc.

(The SGD should be powerful enough to deal with email. But it's possible
that there are so much non-communication software running in the background
that it's slowing the SGD.)

Margaret Cotts

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Coggiola, Jennifer
L.
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 8:16 AM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: using SGDs vs modifying computers

Hi eveyone,

My high-tech patients have been really frustrated these past 2 years with
their SGDs.  They are on Dynavox (V Max/EyeMax) or Tobii (P10, C12/Ceye)
devices.  Everyone's devices have broken at some point.  Most have sent them
in for repairs at least 2 times.  The SGD is not a fully functioning
computer, even when unlocked.  Patients have had problems with software
incompatability, device freezing related to RAM or processor, not being able
to watch online television/video due to limited RAM, slow
uploading/downloading of email related to SGD company's server, etc.

I'm really re-thinking the idea of introducing these into peoples lives vs
keeping them on their computer as long as possible.  Maybe only ordering the
eyegaze systems as a last resort for my high tech patients, and having them
give EZKeys a really long trial if they have a switch access point.  My
biggest challenge with using computers instead of SGDs is mounting.  Has
anyone else experienced this?  Any success with mounting computers?

Jen Coggiola, MA, CCC/SLP
Speech Pathologist
ALS Center at UCSF
400 Parnassus Ave., 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2122 clinic phone
(415) 353-2524 clinic fax
(925) 323-0175 cell phone
xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx