Haven't Been Able to Use Touchscreens

MarjaE · 06-28-2015, 03:30 PM

... Pretty much that.

I am looking for a new e-reader, so I can read away from the computer and read without worsening my arm injuries.

I have proprioceptive issues, and haven't been able to use any of the touchscreen devices I've tried. I can't avoid accidentally triggering unwanted gestures. I have sensory issues too, and flashing and zooming effects are quite painful. I have been able to use some touchpads, if and only if I've been able to disable certain gestures: tapping on some, pinch/zoom on all, etc.

I have an old Iriver Story HD, but I haven't been able to read certain pdfs on it [it opens them, but only shows blank pages] or read any djvus on it [it doesn't open them], and I have been frustrated with freezes and various bugs.

I am considering an Icarus Illumina e653, but can't get a clear answer about the accessibility options. Apparently it runs Android 4.2, and users are supposed to be able to disable magnification gestures in Android 4.2, but I'm not confident about that. In addition to pdf and djvu support, it is supposed to have a conventional file system, allowing me to copy files from my computer, instead of the app-specific file systems of some other devices.

I previously picked up an Ipega pg9023, a game controller for android and sometimes iOS or Windows devices. It requires bluetooth, so it wouldn't work with the Icarus Illumina, but it could work with some tablets, and could avoid the frustrations of trying to fight the touchscreen.

So two questions:

How do I find out which accessibility options are available in which Android devices?

Should I order an Icarus Illumina e653?

ebusinesstutor · 06-29-2015, 12:40 AM

There is a touchscreen blocker app that can turn off the touchscreen while reading:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...hblocker&hl=en

I haven't tried it myself.

I think some ebook reader apps let you use other controls like the volume up/down controls to turn pages. I just tested and Aldiko does this.

So any Android tablet of smart phone with Aldiko and the touch disabler might work for you.

MarjaE · 06-29-2015, 09:38 PM

Thanks, that might work.

Thing is, for me flashing and zooming can hurt and can trigger headaches, so I want to be reasonably sure I can use a given device before I order it.

MarjaE · 08-20-2015, 03:30 PM

I ended up ordering the Icarus Illumina e653. I wasn't able to turn off the zooming, but was able to use the buttons to navigate. Then it stopped working, and I've been wrangling with Icarus to get it repaired. I get an rma, and sent the e-reader to them, but they didn't accept the delivery, and I don't know what to do from here.

DaleDe · 08-22-2015, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarjaE

I ended up ordering the Icarus Illumina e653. I wasn't able to turn off the zooming, but was able to use the buttons to navigate. Then it stopped working, and I've been wrangling with Icarus to get it repaired. I get an rma, and sent the e-reader to them, but they didn't accept the delivery, and I don't know what to do from here.

Did you include the RMA number on the outside of the package as part of the address such as ATTN RMA: XXXXX. The number must be there for them to accept. This is generally true for all companies that require an RMA.

Dale

MarjaE · 08-22-2015, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaleDe

Did you include the RMA number on the outside of the package as part of the address such as ATTN RMA: XXXXX. The number must be there for them to accept. This is generally true for all companies that require an RMA.

Dale

No, they didn't say anything about that. They provided a mailing label, but of course the mail center did their own mailing label.

DaleDe · 08-22-2015, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarjaE

No, they didn't say anything about that. They provided a mailing label, but of course the mail center did their own mailing label.

If they cannot readily identify the return they will reject it. You can resubmit. No way they will accept something they think is unsolicited.

Dale

HarryT · 08-23-2015, 03:57 AM

Dale is right. When you return anything, the RMA number must be clearly displayed on the outside of the package.

Ripplinger · 08-23-2015, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarjaE

No, they didn't say anything about that. They provided a mailing label, but of course the mail center did their own mailing label.

It sounds like you possibly didn't use their provided mailing label either. Those labels usually have a bar code on them that also identifies the RMA, so if that was not used or covered up by some other shipping label, they'd have no way of knowing what the package was.

Always use their mailing label provided, as well as make sure the RMA number is written on the package as others have said.

MarjaE · 08-23-2015, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ripplinger

It sounds like you possibly didn't use their provided mailing label either. Those labels usually have a bar code on them that also identifies the RMA, so if that was not used or covered up by some other shipping label, they'd have no way of knowing what the package was.

Always use their mailing label provided, as well as make sure the RMA number is written on the package as others have said.

The mail center does their own labelling and packaging, so they used their own label. That said, Icarus's label did not include the rma number or any barcode.

PeterT · 08-23-2015, 04:35 PM

So why not ask Customer Support why the return shipment was not accepted, or ask if there are any special packaging / labelling requirements to be followed.

MarjaE · 09-09-2015, 02:23 PM

So what other options are available?

I need physical page-turn buttons. I want to disable pinch-zoom, and need to disable other animation, zooming, etc. I need the ability to read my pdfs and djvus - the old Iriver Story Hd can't read many pdfs or most djvus.

I think that basically leaves versions of the T62 and T68 for Android devices, and some low-power low-resolution non-Android devices which might support djvu.

MarjaE · 11-22-2015, 11:55 AM

I have been using the Iriver Story HD again, although the device has been freezing, flipping pages the wrong way, skipping pages etc.

I am also struggling with worsening arm injuries, despite getting a lower table, smaller chair, propping my keyboard at an angle so I don't have to twist my good arm as much, etc.

Are e-readers really any ergonomically better than computers? I guess they can't be worse. Are some e-readers ergonomically better than others? Especially given that I can't handle touchscreens, or flashing/sheering/zooming effects.

P.S. I suspect that side buttons, like on old Kindles, and on the e653, might work better than the awkward bottom button, like on the Story Hd. I don't know which devices I can side-load my own books onto, load Adobe books onto, etc.

P.P.S. I would like the ability to read djvus but would be satisfied with the ability to reliably read pdfs and epubs, and good performance, and good ergonomics.

barryem · 11-22-2015, 08:23 PM

I wonder if using a capacative stylus would help you use a device with a touch screen. That way you'd never have to put your fingers near the screen. A stylus can cost a couple of dollars.

I don't really understand your problem so maybe this isn't a solution but I thought I'd mention it just in case.

Barry

Cinisajoy · 11-22-2015, 10:23 PM

Barryem,
Dollar tree sells stylus'.
Oh and I have some I got at Amazon at 10 for a dollar.
And my good one was 2.50 but it is also a pen, flashlight and red laser.

06-28-2015, 03:30 PM	#1
MarjaE Guru Posts: 924 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	Haven't Been Able to Use Touchscreens ... Pretty much that. I am looking for a new e-reader, so I can read away from the computer and read without worsening my arm injuries. I have proprioceptive issues, and haven't been able to use any of the touchscreen devices I've tried. I can't avoid accidentally triggering unwanted gestures. I have sensory issues too, and flashing and zooming effects are quite painful. I have been able to use some touchpads, if and only if I've been able to disable certain gestures: tapping on some, pinch/zoom on all, etc. I have an old Iriver Story HD, but I haven't been able to read certain pdfs on it [it opens them, but only shows blank pages] or read any djvus on it [it doesn't open them], and I have been frustrated with freezes and various bugs. I am considering an Icarus Illumina e653, but can't get a clear answer about the accessibility options. Apparently it runs Android 4.2, and users are supposed to be able to disable magnification gestures in Android 4.2, but I'm not confident about that. In addition to pdf and djvu support, it is supposed to have a conventional file system, allowing me to copy files from my computer, instead of the app-specific file systems of some other devices. I previously picked up an Ipega pg9023, a game controller for android and sometimes iOS or Windows devices. It requires bluetooth, so it wouldn't work with the Icarus Illumina, but it could work with some tablets, and could avoid the frustrations of trying to fight the touchscreen. So two questions: How do I find out which accessibility options are available in which Android devices? Should I order an Icarus Illumina e653?

11-22-2015, 11:55 AM	#13
MarjaE Guru Posts: 924 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	I have been using the Iriver Story HD again, although the device has been freezing, flipping pages the wrong way, skipping pages etc. I am also struggling with worsening arm injuries, despite getting a lower table, smaller chair, propping my keyboard at an angle so I don't have to twist my good arm as much, etc. Are e-readers really any ergonomically better than computers? I guess they can't be worse. Are some e-readers ergonomically better than others? Especially given that I can't handle touchscreens, or flashing/sheering/zooming effects. P.S. I suspect that side buttons, like on old Kindles, and on the e653, might work better than the awkward bottom button, like on the Story Hd. I don't know which devices I can side-load my own books onto, load Adobe books onto, etc. P.P.S. I would like the ability to read djvus but would be satisfied with the ability to reliably read pdfs and epubs, and good performance, and good ergonomics. Last edited by MarjaE; 11-22-2015 at 05:09 PM.

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06-29-2015, 12:40 AM	#2
ebusinesstutor Star Gawker Posts: 526 Karma: 6944314 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Spruce Grove, AB Canada Device: Kindle Paperwhite	There is a touchscreen blocker app that can turn off the touchscreen while reading: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...hblocker&hl=en I haven't tried it myself. I think some ebook reader apps let you use other controls like the volume up/down controls to turn pages. I just tested and Aldiko does this. So any Android tablet of smart phone with Aldiko and the touch disabler might work for you.

06-29-2015, 09:38 PM	#3
MarjaE Guru Posts: 924 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	Thanks, that might work. Thing is, for me flashing and zooming can hurt and can trigger headaches, so I want to be reasonably sure I can use a given device before I order it.

08-20-2015, 03:30 PM	#4
MarjaE Guru Posts: 924 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	I ended up ordering the Icarus Illumina e653. I wasn't able to turn off the zooming, but was able to use the buttons to navigate. Then it stopped working, and I've been wrangling with Icarus to get it repaired. I get an rma, and sent the e-reader to them, but they didn't accept the delivery, and I don't know what to do from here.

08-23-2015, 03:57 AM	#8
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Dale is right. When you return anything, the RMA number must be clearly displayed on the outside of the package.

08-23-2015, 04:35 PM	#11
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,160 Karma: 73448616 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Nexus 7, Clara, Touch, Tolino EPOS	So why not ask Customer Support why the return shipment was not accepted, or ask if there are any special packaging / labelling requirements to be followed.

09-09-2015, 02:23 PM	#12
MarjaE Guru Posts: 924 Karma: 53902736 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: multiple	So what other options are available? I need physical page-turn buttons. I want to disable pinch-zoom, and need to disable other animation, zooming, etc. I need the ability to read my pdfs and djvus - the old Iriver Story Hd can't read many pdfs or most djvus. I think that basically leaves versions of the T62 and T68 for Android devices, and some low-power low-resolution non-Android devices which might support djvu.

11-22-2015, 08:23 PM	#14
barryem Wizard Posts: 2,459 Karma: 68781975 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Arkansas Device: Paperwhite 4	I wonder if using a capacative stylus would help you use a device with a touch screen. That way you'd never have to put your fingers near the screen. A stylus can cost a couple of dollars. I don't really understand your problem so maybe this isn't a solution but I thought I'd mention it just in case. Barry

11-22-2015, 10:23 PM	#15
Cinisajoy Just a Yellow Smiley. Posts: 19,161 Karma: 83862859 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Texas Device: K4, K5, fire, kobo, galaxy	Barryem, Dollar tree sells stylus'. Oh and I have some I got at Amazon at 10 for a dollar. And my good one was 2.50 but it is also a pen, flashlight and red laser.

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