Scanning and Reading on the Move: A Review of Zoom-Ex and Zoom-Twix
By Huffman, Lee; Access World, Vol. 9, No. 1Publication Date: January 2008
Review of 2 laptop-compatible closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs). The Zoom-Ex is a portable 1-pound, L-shaped, computer-compatible document scanner that converts the scanned page to speech, and magnifies and wraps the lines on the screen to eliminate the need for an x-y table. The Zoom-Twix incorporates the physical design and features of the Zoom-Ex and facilitates live-distance, desktop and self-viewing through the addition of a second “Frog” camera which is attached to the Zoom-Ex stand. The User Manual is presented in two versions: for blind and for low-vision users. Minimum computer requirements for the system are an IBM-compatible desktop or laptop running Windows XP or Vista, and one integrated high-speed USB 2.0 port for the Zoom-Ex. Two ports are necessary for the Zoom-Twix. The system enables scanning of entire books, by the page or in Auto mode, simply by turning the pages. The books can be saved to a CD-RW or flash drive. The Frog camera of the Zoom-Twix allows the user to handwrite under the camera, and to see distant objects up-close on the laptop screen. Suggested improvements to the devices include a large-print Installation Guide, a more clearly written User Manual, and increased stability of the physical design.
Assistive Products Discussed: ZOOM-EX
ZOOM-TWIX
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
Link to text: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/Pub.asp?DocID=aw090205&Special=176
