[Athen] Seeking info on Touch Tablets

[Nettie Fischer]

Hi Mike,

Prior to my career as an ATP, I was a photographer and I worked with
PhotoShop and some other less vigorous photo software programs.  One thing
that I experienced was the need to perform some fine detailing  actions
which is touchey with a mouse without user issues- how many times when I was
so close and needed to back step because my mouse action 'messed
up'  <smile>

As an ATP, I am now on my second touch tablet computer, the fujitsu 3400 was
my first and the HP Pavillion is my newer system.  They are functional as
mouse alternative for many things but I am not sure how they will address
the need for the detailed actions required for photo software.   When you
use a stylus -the fujitsu required the stylus and/or a fingernail- to mimica
the mouse activation/actions.  The HP is more responsive to the fingertip
(great for AAC software/mouse emulation) and does not require a stylus for
basic mouse options; the stylus is avialable and useful for writing and
other more detailed computer tasks.

My concern would be related to the girls ability to hold the stylus without
touching another part of the screen with an arm or shirt sleeve, etc. -
which would move the cursor to the contact site.  This might require that
she hold her arm above the screen with the possible need of an arm support
to address fatigue, etc.

Prior to purchasing my tablet, , I was able to play with it at the store
(Fry's, Best Buy - most stores have tablets on display).  She can explore
using the stylus and her fingernail and see if she has the fine motor skills
as well as the ability to hold her arm in a positon above/away from possible
contact areas on the screen.

Also, if she is receiving OT services, check to see if the actions required
might cause negative reactions - and maybe even more fatigue.

Hope this helps a little.

Regards,
Nettie Fischer, ATP





On Tue, Feb 3, 2009 at 2:59 PM, Mike Gibson <mikegibson at boisestate.edu>wrote:


> Hi Everyone,

>

> I am working with a student this semester who has issues using a

> conventional mouse do to Carpal Tunnel and Fibromyalgia.  She is

> enrolled in a  photography class this term which requires students to

> use photo editing software. She is having problems with the fine mouse

> movements to properly edit the photos and other related activities.

>

> I have been reading about touch tablets and their use for drawing,

> painting, and handwriting on a PC.  Has anyone had experience using

> these devices as a mouse alternative?  If so what challenges were their?

> Also any information on brands would be helpful as well.

>

> Thank you in advance.

>

>

>

> Mike Gibson

> Assistive Technology Coordinator

> Boise State University

> 1910 University Dr.

> Boise, ID 83725-1375

> Phone: (208) 426-1583

> Fax: (208) 426-3785

> Email: mikegibson at boisestate.edu

>

>

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>




-- 
Nettie T. Fischer, ATP
Assistive Technology Practitioner
nettiet, ATP Consultants
www.nettietatpconsultants.com
[916] 704-1456
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