Okay, computer questions - Thomcat. Adaptability is a necessity.

[lizziegrace]

Thomcat is disabled now. He's slowly losing the use of his hands and has lost much of his ability to walk. He's used canes and now crutches. Even that was too much, so he has a power chair. He must take large doses of narcotics to manage the pain he has constantly. He's leaving his job in 2 weeks and will have to go on disability.

As all of you know, Thom loves people. Interacting, discussing, joking and flirting. He will be cutoff from the 3D world soon and now, more than ever, needs the connection with us online. I need computer suggestions.

He isn't partial to Macs or PCs. He needs a computer for word processing, internet access, watching videos and DVDs and some gaming since he's housebound. Also, if he's having a tough time with his hands, a system that uses voice recognition software would be great. He could continue to write even when his fingers won't work.

So, all of you who know computers and/or love to research things, give me your suggestions. The only requirement? It needs to be a desktop with a flat panel. He cannot carry a laptop.

Ready? Go.

:)

[Lil Missy]

1. Prentke Romich Company specializes in adaptive communication devices.

Here's a start. Please note they also have a department that specializes in help for funding.

http://www.prentrom.com/about

And please give Thom a hug from me. :)

[LeftyFingerPop]

2. Go to dell's site...

They have what looks to be a decent box for $279. Vista, 2.3Gz. 2 Gb RAM. it is just the box. I would be looking for someone to donate the monitor, keyboard, and printer.

Voice recognition software would have to be purchased separately, as well as any other software (or the disks could be donated).

I'm sure there is a DUer in NYC that could set all this up in a few hours.

[pokerfan]

3. website with some ideas

http://www.tetraplegicliving.com/content/view/17/31

[lizziegrace]

4. Wow...

Seattlegirl recommended the voice recognition software mentioned on that website. I hadn't thought about Skype, but that would be great for him to see people when he talks to them.

It's the human contact that he's losing and that breaks my heart. :(

[pokerfan]

5. Skype or another VOIP

He could also get an amateur radio license and talk to people all over the world.

[lizziegrace]

6. Now THAT would be cool

he'd never sleep. He'd talk and talk and talk. (I love him dearly and he'd laugh to hear me say that about him.)

[pokerfan]

7. It's the world's biggest party line

Even if he becomes incapable of keying a mic, there are voice activated mics/headsets where all you need to do is talk (transmitter keys on at the sound of a voice).

I had an amateur (technician no-code class) license back in the eighties. I was just starting to experiment with packet radio when the Internet presented itself via SLIP/PPP.

Radios are something to look for on Craigslist because people either give up the hobby or upgrade to more expensive sets.

[lizziegrace]

8. My nephew is a storm chaser in OK

he's 20 and has his license and serves as a storm spotter. He could help me find out what's involved with licensing and all. He's also up on the technology.

Thanks!

:)