Technology isn't just about having the latest gadget; it's about making life easier. Many of the latest high street products are designed with blind and partially sighted people in mind. It's often just about knowing how to access the right features. This is something that Maggy Bower discovered after purchasing an Amazon Kindle.
Amazon Kindle
Maggy enthuses "After only a few months, I'm already in love with my Amazon Kindle. It's opened up a world filled with hundreds of thousands of books, available to me whenever I choose.
Just the other day I was listening to a book review on Radio 4, within minutes I had logged on to the Amazon website, found the book they were reviewing and after a few clicks, it was ready for me to read on my Kindle.
The Kindle converts the text to speech, so I listen to the books. Whilst it's not the same as hearing a real voice like you have with RNIB Talking Books or other audio books, it's still great. It means I can read what I want, when I want, without having to wait and see if it's a title that will be made into an audio book.
I'd encourage anyone who loves reading to give eBooks and eBook readers like the Amazon Kindle a try. It doesn't mean you have to give up reading in your other favourite ways; it simply widens your choice and gives you more flexibility."
Switch on to technology month
November is Switch on to technology month. It's the perfect opportunity to give something new a go. We're running a number of local technology taster events throughout the UK about eBook readers; smartphones; computers, laptops and tablets; getting connected to the internet and staying in touch through the internet. Come along to hear from RNIB experts, ask your questions and try out some of the latest products for yourself.
To find out more about what's going on during Switch on to technology month, contact our Helpline on 0303 123 9999, email helpline@rnib.org.uk or visit our technology webpages.
Win a Victor Reader Stratus 4 DAISY player
In celebration of the fact that November is Switch on to technology month, we have a Victor Reader Stratus 4 DAISY player to give away, usually priced at £215 excluding VAT.
The Stratus 4 has been specifically designed to make listening to your DAISY books or music CDs as easy as possible. Slide a disk into the narrow slot along the front and within a few seconds it will begin playing your book or music automatically.
The large tactile buttons and logical layout make learning how to use the player quick and easy. Use on mains power or for up to 10 hours on its rechargeable battery when playing DAISY audio books. It's ideal for leisure reading with easy navigation by chapter, page or bookmark.
For your chance to win answer this question:
How many hours reading can you get from the Victor Reader Stratus 4 player when playing a DAISY audio book using the rechargeable battery?
Enter by sending your answer, along with your name and contact telephone number:
Competition entries must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 30 November 2011.