Now, I have no problems when people want to take a closer look at various communication technologies that are specifically designed in mind for deaf and hard of hearing people. Whatever the prices are for these specialized technologies for deaf and hard of hearing people consumers have the right to investigate, test and see what the pros and cons are. Having said that I was a bit amused on what I read over at About.com:Deafness by Jamie Berke. Rather it wasn't what she wrote but what one commenter's attempt on trying to advertise a $45 knock-off version of the Blackberry or Sidekick that has a wireless range of 50 feet (view must not be blocked). Toys which he affectionately calls them as "Pinkberries."Sounds impressive for a...toy? It is if you're a 5 or 6 year kid having a wireless SMS Texting toy for the first time. But how do adults react on this idea to be used as an everyday communication device?
Well, a Deaf techno geek took the opportunity to review and test this toy product. He wasn't exactly impressed. Even the kids he let try weren't impressed either. Not surprised. But if you insist on getting that kind of a texting toy but want more choices then don't worry there are many to choose from right now thanks to China.
Slide & Click Text Messenger Toy (range - 30 feet) - $17.50
Set of 2. Send text messages wirelessly up to 30 feet! Click and slide to open. Databank organizer holds phone numbers, addresses, emails, and memos. Password function locks out intruders.
Discovery Black Slide & Text Messengers (range - short) - $19.95
Includes two text messengers. Sends and receives text messages. Data bank organizer holds phone numbers, addresses, emails and memos. 2" wide LCD. Works with other Slide & Text messengers. Secret password locks snoops out.
Cyber Gear SMS Text Messenger (range - short) - $19.99.
Spider-Man 3 Text Messengers (range - 30 feet) - $24.98
Spider-Man helps you and your friends communicate secretly about any crimes that need foiling! Set of 2 plastic text messengers send and receive text messages up to 30 feet away, and include calculator, time, date, and alarm functions.
SMS Text Message Organizers (range - 50 feet) - $34.95
Today's cyber kids have a new language-instant messaging. Set of SMS Text Messenger/Organizers are handheld devices that simply send and receive wireless text messages instantly, up to 50 ft.! They're also organizers that store information and important phone numbers, addresses, emails and memos.
Bratz Text Me Walkie Talkies (range - 2 miles) - 19.99 British Pounds
Send short text messages to your friends up to 2 miles away! This single channel walkie-talkie features traditional chatting and external voice activation (VOX) features, but also sends and receives messages up to 52 characters long. Can store 8 messages. Also has clock and alarm clock functions.
Imagine the possibilities with these wireless devices where you can wirelessly send text messages to your friends, bosses, doctors, business clients, customers and even send text messages during an interview with your interviewer that you are trying to land a job. Maybe use the Spiderman's version and really impress people up to...50 feet away. Maybe even brag that you have a Bratz Text Walkie Talkie that has a range of 2 miles! Your boss will undoubtedly be impressed.
Or you can get durable and reliable products that can withstand the rigors of everyday use then you pay for that quality product. But if you want to pay for a so-called knock off version of Blackberry or Sidekick phones that are packaged as toys then you pay for what you get as a toy.
Deaf and hard of hearing advocacy is also about supporting any technologies that can help bridge the communication gap. Especially products that are specifically designed in mind for deaf and hard of hearing people. But buying a $40 toy will get what you pay for which is a $40 dollar toy. Those toys do not take into consideration the several different functionalities and ergonomics necessary in order to make a successful product for deaf people to use.
Though I'm pretty sure a deaf person wouldn't want to be caught dead using a SMS texting toy (god forbid if it's a Spiderman one) while using it for a job interview with the interviewer. Or talk with a potential customer. Or discuss important details with a business client. And so on. Now, I'm not saying that deaf people cannot use that kind of toy to communicate with other people, they can if they want to. The choice is theirs to decide on which product they would want that will fit their needs.
But the only Pinkberry I want would be these nice little delicious ones here.
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