[Dtb-talk] Victor Reader Stream

[Bob Boyd's Gmail]

Great feedback Fred.  Only a couple things to add:

1) With XP systems or later, the need to use the "safely remove hardware" 
seems to be in the urban myth category & has never been required in my 
several months with the Victor Reader.

2) The company that makes an after market case, Executive Case, is excellent 
and I wish it was an upgrade option when purchasing direct from Humanware.

There is another list that is dedicated to the stream and has tons of 
detailed information at:

Information on this list can be found at 
http://www.freelists.org/list/vrstream


Bob Boyd
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fred Wurtzel" <f.wurtzel at comcast.net>
To: "'Discussion of Digital Talking Books'" <dtb-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 6:37 AM
Subject: Re: [Dtb-talk] Victor Reader Stream


> Hello,
>
> I have owned the Victor Stream and the Book Port.  I think the Stream is a
> pretty robust piece of hardware.  It is lacking in a few places compared 
> to
> the Book Port and is better in a couple.
>
> The Stream does what it claims to do pretty well.  Its number 1 advantage 
> is
> that it will play NLS downloadable audio books.  Its recorder is far
> superior to the Book Port. The external speaker is just right and an
> improvement from the Book Port which had no speaker.
>
> Some of its shortcomings are1. No clock.  2.  No alarms.  3. no Braille 
> text
> editor.  4. the file transfer procedures are way too complicated.  5.
> Unlike Book Port, the stream will not automatically update its software 
> and
> firmware.  Again, the update procedures are way too complicated compared 
> to
> Book Port.  6.  The stream requires safe disconnect of hardware in order 
> to
> safely disconnect it from the computer.  I do not understand this
> requirement since I have never experienced any problem with any other 
> device
> including the Book Port.
>
>
> A major improvement for the Stream is the bookmarking functions.  There 
> are
> several options for bookmarking, including a recorded note, that make this
> feature a truly great feature for students or anyone wishing to keep notes
> when reading a book.
>
> I like the rechargeable battery.  It plays a good long time between 
> charging
> and charges fairly quickly.
>
> With the latest update, the music fidelity is very nice for playing
> MP3's.
>
> I am glad there is no built-in belt clip as there was on the Book Port.
> However, the supplied carrying case is poorly designed since it allows the
> Stream to fall out.  This has happened to me and a friend.  My friend,
> unfortunately dropped his in the toilet causing him to replace the unit.
> When mine fell out, the SD card came out.   There is an optional case
> available from some place.  It may be a worthwhile investment.
>
> The victor feels nice in your hand and the controls are pretty logical. 
> The
> DAISY navigationkeys are not dedicated, requiring the user to select the
> level of navigation separate from actually navigating.  This is an extra
> step but is only a small bother occasionally causing one to move too far 
> or
> incorrectly and having to relocate one's place.  Usually simply reversing
> the misstep will recover immediately.
>
> This is my unscientific and anecdotal review of the stream compared to
> another similar device.  I hope it is helpful.  It is a good device and I
> think you will enjoy using it.
>
> Cordially,
>
> Fred Wurtzel
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dtb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:dtb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Donnie
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 1:30 AM
> To: dtb-talk at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Dtb-talk] Victor Reader Stream
>
> Hi All
>
> If any of you have the Victor Reader Stream, I'm interested in your 
> opinions
> on this technology.  I'm thinking of purchasing one.
>
> Donnie
>
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