Re: the Papenmeir device that was supposed to be coming out

[Luke Davis <ldavis@shellworld.net>]

I would still like to know what one of these cost.  *Without* a corporate
discount, an IBM Thinkpad A20E, with CD and Zip Drive, is less than
$1,400.00.  That *is* a full featured laptop, and unless a particularly
assistive device is going to be at least a third, and probably more, less
expensive than the Thinkpad, I, as someone who wants full functionality,
am going to buy the Thinkpad.


On Thu, 15 Nov 2001, Janina Sajka wrote:

> Tommy:
>
> I need to respond to this last note from you. I appreciate what you say in
> this note. While I do not agree with all of what you say, I do agree that
> that the Papenmeier is probably far and away the best choice among
> available products of its kind today. As you said in another note on this
> list the other day, it comes close to a laptop computer. In fact, were I
> to get one (and I might), I would try to use it just that way.
>
> My comments, while strongly stated, are certainly not directed against you
> personally. I sincerely hope you don't take them that way. The failure of
> the assistive technology industry to bring the price of such units down
> is, in my view, no longer acceptable. And, to my understanding, it is the
> product that takes advantage of free software which bears a greater
> responsibility to its customers in this regard. But, the responsibility
> can also be shared out among various not for profit agencies and
> governmental entities. Fortunately, price is also negotiable and subject
> to change. Market pressure is just one way it can change.
>
> In short, the part I don't agree with is is where you say that you and I
> have no control over price. I intend to push down on the price by several
> means, which include those I have employed here in the past few
> days--where I've challenged you, as the representative of the
> manufacturer, to justify it. You, as the manufacturer's representative on
> this list, might take what is said here back to headquarters. I would
> regard that as your duty to us, actually.
>
>  On Tue, 13
> Nov 2001, Tommy Craig wrote:
>
> > One last post. I am not part of the development team so I'm not really
> > qualified to answer exactly what went into the development. You see although
> > I am fairly technical and I have been working in this field for a number of
> > years I couldn't build one. I think the best way for you to get your
> > questions answered is to actually spend the time and look at a unit.
> >
> >     I didn't get into this discussion to start a feud. I don't control the
> > pricing and neither do you. I tried to answer a question concerning the
> > shipping time for the unit. I am also happy to answer any productive
> > questions that people might have. I am not willing to spend my time arguing
> > about something that accomplishes absolutely nothing. All I would ask is
> > that if you are interested in a Notetaker with a Braille display that you
> > give the ELBA a look. Compare it to the other devices that are available,
> > including comparing prices and pick the one that is right for you. That's
> > the real world. I feel very strongly that if you do this you'll see that the
> > ELBA is a good product at a competitive price.
> > Tommy
> >
> >
> >
> >
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