Hi Lisa,

I haven't spent enough time comparing the different apps to chime in there but this link will take you to a table that compares iPhone and iTouch features/specs: http://ipod.about.com/od/decidingwhichipodtobuy/a/iphone-ipod-touch.htm.  To sum up highlights - no phone, GPS or camera on iTouch. I'd say he should stick with his current phone/provider if he's happy with them.  The main advantage to switching to an iPhone might be having to keep up with only one device.

As far as apps for other phones are concerned, there was one available for the Blackberry at one point but it has since been pulled.  I haven't come across any others.

Amy Wright
Speech-Language Pathologist
Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center
(704) 355-0867
-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of lisa
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 15:59
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: at listserv

Hi All,

I am looking into the iPhone vs iPod Touch for a patient.  He is a bulbar
onset guy with good hand function and does not care for any of the standard
AAC devices since he wants something small, portable and multi-tasking.
Breathing is already quite compromised so we may not have a lot of time to
work on funding.  Conversely, he had not yet determined if he will accept a
trach/vent, so he may need to save his funding for a very high tech system.

Anyway, he currently uses a touch screen storm and texting from a QWERTY
keyboard on his Verizon cell family contract and is not looking at switching
providers or adding another carrier.  He is looking to add text-to-speech
via an iPod touch just for the spoken communication app.

Do any of you have a preference for one of the apps on the list (Proloquo,
Talk Assist, iSpeech, Speak it! Talk to me) and why do you prefer it?

Is there any advantage of using the iPhone vs the iTouch?

Is there an app for use on other touch screen phones and carriers that I am
missing?

Thanks for any feedback you could provide.

Looks like I need to get to the Apple Store to play!

Lisa M. Bruening, M.S., CCC-SLP
Patient Services Coordinator
The ALS Association
 Northern Ohio Chapter
phone: 216-592-2572
toll free:  888-592-2572
fax:  216-592-2575

Check out our webpage:  www.alsaohio.org

Become an ALSA Advocate!  It's easy!
Go to our website and follow the tab for Public Policy. Click on Advocacy
Action Center and sign up today!

Where Patients Matter Most

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