Accessible Portable Playback Devices

Draft of January 27, 2005

Scope

The focus of this discussion is on portable playback devices (often called MP3 players) capable of playing a variety of digital audio books and digital music files, and that are accessible to individuals who happen to be blind or visually challenged.

The Basic Choice, Round 1:

Either purchase and use a general consumer portable playback device that tends to be less expensive, but also generally less accessible.

Or purchase and use a specially designed portable playback device that tends to be more accessible, but also more expensive.

The Basic Choice, Round 2:

Flash memory portable playback devices contain no moving parts, so they tend to be more reliable, especially during physical activity, but they tend to hold less content.

Mini hard drive portable playback devices contain moving parts, but they hold more content.

Portable CD players seem to be losing market share. They contain moving parts, and they hold only as much information as can be fit onto a CD.

Aspects of the Accessibility of Portable Playback Devices

Button design

Shape

Size

Tactile nature

Arrangement

Audible clues

Beeps and tones

Narrated messages

File formats supported

MP3

WMA

DAISY

Audio output options

Earbuds

Headphones

External speakers

Internal speakers

Battery replacement and/or recharging

Size, shape, and weight

The accessibility of any supporting websites

The accessibility of the user’s guide

The accessibility of any accessories that come with your portable playback device.

File management and transfer software

This software usually runs on your PC. Typically you download content from the Web to your PC, then transfer the content from your PC to the portable playback device.