Hello,

One of the most puzzling decisions you may find yourself having to make is determining what kind of mobile phone to purchase.   

Believe it or not, the answer to this question is not simple, especially if you require the use of adaptive technology in order to access the phone such as a screen magnifier, screen reader, and/or Braille display.

In an effort to assist you in your purchasing decision, I offer the following suggestions:

Please note that I strongly recommend that visually impaired people consider choosing Code Factory’s Mobile Speak software in order to access their mobile phone.

Please also note that the following recommendations are for non business mobile phone users, only.  Therefore, I suggest that you not consider a Blackberry device.

1.
Determine which, if any, wireless providers are available in your area as your choice of phones will greatly depend upon this fact.

2.
If more than one wireless provider operates in your area, determine which offers the greatest coverage profile with the highest quality.  Many wireless providers will gladly provide you maps of their coverage areas. 

3.
Assuming that you have both a CDMA wireless provider such as Verizon Wireless as well as a GSM wireless provider such as AT&T in your coverage area, determine whether you are a “homebody” or a “globetrotter.”  Assuming that you live in the USA, and you do not travel outside the country very often, then CDMA may provide the best mobile experience for you.  However, if you find yourself traveling outside the USA more than twice a year, then GSM is definitely the way to go as most of the world uses GSM technology.

4.
Determine how much you can afford to spend before you begin shopping.  Understand that for the most satisfying mobile phone experience, you must buy some accessories for whatever device you decide upon such as a memory storage card (a must for visually impaired users installing adaptive technology software), carrying case (to protect the phone from damage), and a hands free headset (required by law in the USA for anyone operating an automobile).  I strongly recommend against purchasing the cheapest device the wireless provider offers as this is usually an indicator that the device is or will soon be outdated.  For those requiring the use of adaptive technology, speed and capacity play a critical role in the mobile experience.  Remember, you may have to live with this device for a while.

5.
Do not buy a mobile device, site unseen.  Always go to a retail store and touch the phones for a mobile handset is a very personal tool that you will use everyday. 

6.
The phrase “visually impaired” is used to describe those who are considered legally blind.  However, the needs of the “low vision” and the totally blind are very different from each other, especially where technology is concerned.  Fortunately, Code Factory’s Mobile Speak easily accommodates both the “low vision” and the totally blind.  If you are visually impaired, it is critical  that you determine with which of the two groups you can most closely identify as this will impact the type of handset you select.  For example, to a totally blind person, the size of the display screen is of little importance.

7.
Consider your support team.  That is, ask your friends, family, and coworkers which phones they recommend and, more importantly, use.  Trust me, it is much easier to learn how to use technology when you are not alone.  So, unless there are overwhelming reasons to the contrary, select a phone that someone you know already owns or will soon be buying.  For example, many years ago I was faced with the decision to purchase either Jaws or Window Eyes.  A good friend of mine was an advanced Jaws user so, for me, the decision was quite easy to make.  I purchased Jaws and believe me, I am so glad I did as my friend was instrumental in helping me take my first baby steps in learning how to use this somewhat complicated software application. 

8.
Regardless of the learning curve, only consider handsets with full QWERTY keyboards.  Even though you may have no intention of doing anything other than making a telephone call with your mobile phone, today, you never know what you will want to do with it, tomorrow. 

9.
If you do not know anyone who can help you with your new mobile phone, join a customer support group email list.

10.
Those needing adaptive software in order to access their phones should visit the Code Factory website located at:  http://www.codefactory.es and use their online phone selection wizard in order to confirm both software and hardware compatibility.  Once you select your wireless provider and preferred operating system, Code Factory’s selection wizard will display a list of devices currently supported by Mobile Speak.

In conclusion, at the time of this writing, I highly recommend the Samsung Blackjack II running Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition on the AT&T Wireless 3G GSM network for both the sighted and non-sighted, alike.  In short, I believe the Blackjack II is the most robust and cost effective Windows Mobile Smart Phone on the market.  Once unlocked, the Blackjack II can be used on any GSM network such as T-Mobile.

Good luck and happy shopping.

Mark