[Electronics-Talk] looking for...

Tue Jun 10 17:00:17 UTC 2025

Hello Laura,

I hope my message is readable! The NFB server bug has not been fixed.

I understand your reluctance for smart phones. The touch screen interface is so sensitive; I've tried using them on other IOS devices such
As a Ipod touch which is similar to the IPhone but without a phone connection.

Can you tell us what you are looking for  a little more? Such as the size? 
Saying not too large is relative.
It sounds like you need a digital recorder and this device has audio output and input for your notes.

Some suggestions are what follows.
I suggest going to the electronics department of a multipurpose store such as Best Buy or Wal-Mart and seeing what you can find. They might have more suggestions than I know about.
In my experience, Best Buy sales reps are helpful and knowledgeable of the equipment and if its not in store, they can help you order it for pick up at that store.

First, there is the small light weight Olympus DM 720 digital recorder.
It is slightly larger than a credit card and its very light weight and easily carried in a purse or large pocket.
I use it and am impressed with its durability and its recording output.
In the Olympus dm 720, you can adjust the microphone sensitivity for better clarity.
You can go to the recording menu and select the recording type if you want to. The default recording is mp3, I think, which for me works fine for most notes.

Second, you might want to try the MicroSpeak recorder. 
This is a simple pocket sized recorder and I think you can put recorded notes in folders but not much else.
I know people who use it and find it easy to use.

Third, you could use a VR stream for audio notes, but this is pretty expensive.

There are other recording devices still out there in this day of smart phone and touch screen technology but these are my top ideas.

These devices have small buttons though so if feeling for small buttons is a concern, you might need something different. Some older people have sensitivity challenges I know.
All these recorders can speak to you as you go through the menus. You will need to turn on a setting called voice guidance though if you buy the Olympus version.

Here are reviews of the Olympus and Microspeak.

Good luck in finding an audio output device that meets your needs.

Olympus Digital Recorder

https://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Recorder-Direction-Connection-Transcription/dp/B019G8LNL6?th=1 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1232369-REG/olympus_v414111su000_ls_p2_linear_pcm_voice.html 

Microspeak recorder

https://vi.ie/the-micro-speak-plus-an-accessible-voice-recorder/ 

If you want more information, ask and me or someone might be able to provide more information.

These recorders are a little over 100 dollars except for the more expensive vr stream.
If you want cheaper, options exist but because you are blind, I  highly suggest you get a recorder which can speak the menus to you.
Cheaper recorders cannot usually talk.

HTH,
Ashley
-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of lbock--- via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 12:47 PM
To: Electronics-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: lbock at earthlink.net
Subject: [Electronics-Talk] looking for...

Hi All,

I am blind, 79 and do not use a Smart Phone, nor do I want to!  I need a piece of equipment which I can use for making notes for myself and there is audio output and input, is not too large or very expensive.  That's all!

Thanks,

Laura

Laura Bock, B.A., M.A., RdB
Archival Processing

40 Camino Alto, #13205
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415)383-6842
lbock at earthlink.net <mailto:lbock at earthlink.net> 

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