When known, an approximate total weight of the types of
things normally required for complete portability is listed for each device.
The approximate total weight of the device with batteries
and a CD inserted is 2.625 lbs. If the
AC/DC adapter is added to the mix, the total weight becomes 3.03 lbs.
The approximate total weight of the Victor Vibe with a CD
and ear buds is 12.75 ounces. If the
carrying case and adapter are added to the mix, the total weight becomes 1.33
lbs.
The approximate total weight of the Telex Scholar with a CD
and headphones is 1.19 lbs. If the AC/DC
adapter is thrown into the mix, the total weight becomes 1.75 lbs.
The approximate total weight of the
The approximate total weight of the BookCourier with ear
buds is 7.25 ounces (.45 lbs).
According to the manufacturer, the PTR1 unit alone weighs
860 grams (1.89 pounds).
According to the manufacturer, the Soul Player (with
batteries) weighs 310 grams (10.85 ounces).
According to the manufacturer, the Classic Plus unit is 23.7
cm (9.3 inches) by 20.9 cm (8.2 inches) by 5.4 cm (2.1 inches). A non-protruding, built-in carrying handle
occupies the lower left side of the device.
The device is higher and heavier at the top. When the device is placed on a flat surface,
it leans slightly toward the user.
According to the manufacturer, the Vibe unit is 148 mm
(5.827 inches) high, 138 mm (5.433 inches) wide, and 29 mm (1.142 inches) deep.
According to the manufacturer, the PTR1 unit is 180 mm high,
150 mm wide, and 38 mm deep.
According to the manufacturer, the Soul Player is 147 mm
high, 130 mm wide, and 30 mm deep.
The Classic Plus is limited to the amount of information
that can be placed on one CD.
The memory is limited by the amount of information that can
be contained on the compact disc being played.
The Vibe has no other memory devices or slots.
The memory is limited by the amount of information that can
be contained on the compact disc being played.
The
The BookCourier unit comes with a 128MB CompactFlash
card. According to the documentation, a
memory card up to 1 GB in size could be used.
Caution: Data on a card may
become corrupt if the user removes the card while the unit is on or connected
to a PC.
According to the user’s manual, when using a PC memory card
to back up a recorded CD, the maximum backup capacity is 700 MB of data. The PTR1’s internal memory is capable of
retaining information about CDs and bookmarks.
It has a capacity for up to 1,000 DAISY disc titles. Up to 30 minutes of voice bookmarks and memos
can be retained in memory.
The Soul Player must have at least a little internal memory,
because it can remember where it left off playing a disc, but in general the
memory limitations of this device closely parallel how much information can be
fit on a compact disc.
The unit that shipped in November 2003 came with a CD
containing a getting started overview and a user’s guide (the equivalent of 14 printed
pages), a printed two-page quick reference guide, a four-page printed set of
safety instructions, an AC/DC adapter, and a printed warranty card.
The unit that shipped in September 2003 came with ear buds,
two rechargeable batteries, an AC/DC adapter and cord, a synthetic, padded
carrying case for the base unit (with a loop presumably for passing through a
belt), a printed one-page quick reference guide, and a CD containing
instructions for getting started and the user’s guide. If printed, the user’s guide would be
approximately 10 pages long. The CD is
DAISY-enabled.
The unit that shipped in October 2003 included a set of
headphones, an AC/DC adapter, a CD containing instructions in DAISY format, and
a printed brochure including a two-page instruction manual and a one-page legal
notice regarding software built into the product.
The unit that shipped in October 2003 came with ear buds,
two disposable AA batteries, a SanDisk CompactFlash card, a quick start audio
cassette, a setup CD, a USB cable, an advertisement from Bookshare.org, and a
sheet listing the contents and the system requirements. Note:
The user guide is available as an HTML file at http://www.springer-design.com/BookCourierUserGuide.htm.
The unit that shipped in November 2003 came with a USB
connector, a 64 MB SanDisk compact flash memory card, two AA disposable batteries,
a CD in a jewel case containing the PC software and digital content, ear buds,
an audiocassette (1 7/8 inches per second speed) containing the user’s manual,
and a one-page printed set of instructions on how to install the software. The device itself contains a built-in belt
clip, and the manual is preloaded on the device itself. Note
that the manual contains some subtle advertisements for other hardware,
software, and content, and it does express some preferences. For example, it extols the advantages of
e-texts over digital audio recordings.
Note: The user’s guide is
available as an HTML file at http://www.aph.org/tech/bp_doc.htm.
The unit that
shipped in February 2004 came with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, an AC
adapter, a cloth carrying case and strap, a 200 page printed manual, four
printed pages of corrections and additions to the manual, a CD (containing the
user's manual, the USB driver for Windows 98SE, and the Plextalk Recording
Software), a blank 650 MB CD-RW, a cloth for cleaning the screen of the device,
color-coded stick-on key buttons, an EU Declaration of Conformity, a USB cable,
and an audio cable for recording.
The PTR1 comes
bundled with Plextalk Recording Software, designed to run on Windows PCs. The recording software is designed to
function as a simple recording and editing tool for the blind and visually
impaired. Note: the Plextalk Recording Software cannot be
installed on a PC or laptop unless it can recognize that a Plextalk PTR1 device
is connected via a USB cable.
The review copy that shipped in February 2004 contained the
device, two AA disposable batteries, ear buds, an eight-page printed
instruction booklet, a sampler CD containing the first chapters of ten
audiobooks, and a coupon to redeem the full text of two of the ten audiobooks
at no charge.
The “Soul Accessory Kit” (sold separately) contains an AC
adapter, headphones, an inline remote control, a protective case, and a car
adapter kit.
The review kit also contained two unabridged works of
fiction on two discs.
The Classic Plus can operate when the AC/DC adapter is
connected and plugged into an electrical outlet.
The Vibe can operate when the AC/DC adapter is connected and
plugged into an electrical outlet. Note:
If the AC/DC adapter is unplugged while the unit is operating, the unit
will immediately power off, even if the rechargeable batteries are installed
and charged.
An Eastek 5 volt direct plug-in class 2 transformer came
with the unit. The documentation notes
that this wall adapter will not replenish rechargeable batteries. When the batteries become weak, the unit will
beep three times each minute to remind the user to replace them.
Evidently, the
Evidently, the Book Courier cannot be operated on direct
current.
The PTR1 can operate when the AC/DC adapter is connected and
plugged into an electrical outlet. If
the device is operating on this source of power, the automatic power off
function—after 30 minutes of inactivity—is disabled.
The Soul Player can operate on direct current. The AC adapter is sold separately in the
“Soul Accessory Kit”. The port for the
cord leading from the AC adapter to the playback device is located on right
side of the device. It is the farthest
port from the front of the device. When
the AC adapter is used, the batteries are bypassed as the power source, and the
little battery icon on the LCD disappears.
The Classic Plus comes with double A rechargeable batteries
already installed and charged. It is
possible to operate the unit while recharging the batteries. If the rechargeable batteries become
completely discharged, it takes 8-10 hours to fully charge them. According to the manufacturer, the
rechargeable batteries last up to five hours.
The unit comes with two rechargeable AA-sized
batteries. The battery compartment is on
the bottom of the unit. It is accessible
without opening the clamshell for the CD.
According to the user manual, the battery life is 10-14 hours. According to the introductory CD, it takes
approximately 7 hours to fully recharge the batteries. When the AC/DC power supply is plugged in and
the unit is not operating, a small battery symbol on the LED display indicates
that the rechargeable batteries are charging.
Disposable alkaline AA batteries also can be used to power the
unit.
The unit can be powered by four double-A disposable
batteries. To access the battery
compartment, you need to open the CD clam.
If a CD is loaded in the device, it must be removed before the battery
compartment can be accessed. This seems
unnecessarily cumbersome. To conserve
power, the CD drive spins only as needed.
The documentation states that rechargeable batteries may be
used in the
Feedback from Actual User: One problem with the
The device shipped with two double-A disposable batteries. To hear an announcement of the current battery
level expressed as a percentage, press and hold the diamond key in the lower
left for one beep.
The PTR1 contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. When playing a DAISY CD, the PTR1’s internal
battery will run for approximately four hours.
When preparing to use the PTR1 for the first time, the manufacturer
suggests that the internal battery be charged for at least 24 hours. After that, it takes approximately 4 hours to
go from no charge to full charge.
The Soul Player can operate on two AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended. The battery compartment is located on the
bottom of the device. It can be accessed
without opening the clamshell where the CD drive is located. When the batteries are the power source being
used, a small battery icon appears in the upper right corner of the LCD. A “low battery” message on the LCD indicates
when the batteries should be replaced. According to the manufacturer, two fresh AA batteries
should supply approximately 12 hours of music playback or 8 hours of audiobook
playback.
Ports is the generic term used in this report for any slot
on the main device for power supplies, earbuds, headphones, speakers, external
memory devices, network connections, etc.
The Classic Plus contains four ports, all located on the
right side of the device. One is for
connecting the AC/DC power adapter. The
documentation indicates that three raised vertical lines should be located
below this port to quickly identify it, but on the unit shipped there were no
lines below this port, just three small raised markings. Another is the “line” port, identifiable
tactically by two raised vertical lines.
A third is the “remote” port, identified by one vertical line. Near the front of the device is an unnamed,
unmarked port that is used to connect earphones or external speakers.
The unit contains four ports. One connects to the AC/DC adapter. The “line out” port is designed to connect to
another audio system, such as a home stereo.
The third port currently is not used.
The fourth port is a jack for headphones or ear buds. Headphones and ear buds also will connect to
the “line out” port, where the sound seems a little more rich and robust than
when using the port designated for headphones or ear buds. However, evidently the volume cannot be
controlled when ear buds or headphones are plugged into the “line out”
port.
The Scholar has three ports.
One on the back is used to connect the AC/DC transformer into a wall
outlet. Another port on the back,
labeled “I/O”, evidently is used to connect to a PC. No cable or instructions, however, were
provided with the unit being reviewed.
The documentation indicates that the port is to be used for firmware and
security upgrades and product accessories.
A third port on the right side of the unit is used to connect headphones
or ear buds.
The unit contains three ports. One is a jack for ear buds or head
phones. Another connects the USB cable
to your computer. The third is a slot
for a compact flash memory card.
The BookCourier has three ports. Two are located on the top of the unit. One is used to connect ear buds or
headphones. The other is used for the
USB connector with the PC. Oddly, when
the USB connector is attached to a PC, BookCourier makes no vocalized comment
to confirm a successful connection. When
the connection is broken, however, BookCourier announces that it is
“ready”. There are at least two good
reasons not to keep the device connected to a PC for long: the keypad becomes inoperable, and the
batteries may run down. The port on the
right side of the device receives the compact flash memory card.
The PTR1 contains five ports plus a PC card drive. The PTR1 can accept Type II PC memory cards,
also known as PCMCIA cards. Three ports
are located on the left side of the unit:
a jack for headphones, a jack for an external microphone, and a line
input jack. An audio cable can be
plugged into the line jack to record from another source (e.g., TV, radio, or
boombox). At the top of the device are ports for the
power cord and the USB cable.
The Soul Player contains four ports all located on the right side of the
device. The one closest to the front of the device is
for ear buds or headphones. The next one
appears to be for firmware upgrades. The
third one is labeled “line out.” According
to the FAQ on the website, “The LINE
OUT jack is strictly for connecting your player to an external set of speakers
or a stereo system, where the sound adjustments are made on that external
device.” The
fourth port, closest to the back of the device, is for the cord connecting to the wall outlet.
The Classic Plus contains 25 buttons on its face. Note:
It is unfortunate that the “daisy” logo on the top of the device is
raised and tactilely differentiated from the background surface, because a
print-impaired user may mistake it for a button. Even the getting started instructions are a
bit apologetic about this minor poor design decision.
Twelve of the buttons are arranged like the numeric buttons
on a telephone keypad. Twenty-one of the
keys are light gray in color, without much color contrast with the dark gray
color of the body of the device.
However, four of the keys (play-stop, increase volume, decrease volume,
and eject CD) are bright orange.
1: Bookshelf: By pressing the key, the end-user hears the
number and title of the current book.
2: Navigation
Element: Navigation elements are
arranged in a hierarchy. Pressing either
key 2 or key 8 will list the available levels within the hierarchy of
structural elements. The most recently
announced level will be the one selected.
3: History: By pressing the 3 key the end-user can return
to recently read content. The device
memorizes up to a maximum of the last five places visited, such as elements
within content and bookmarks. The
history file is erased automatically whenever a book is removed.
4: Back: This enables the end-user to move backward
through the content at the elemental level selected through the use of the 2 or
8 keys.
5: Where Am I? When the 5 key is pressed, Classic Plus will
announce the current page, the navigation level, and the title of the current
section.
6: Forward: This enables the end-user to move forward
through the content at the elemental level selected through the use of the 2 or
8 keys.
7: [inactive]
8: Navigation Element
9: Sleep: This key enables the end-user to specify a
delay period after which the unit will shut down automatically. The maximum delay is 60 minutes, definable in
increments of 15 minutes.
*: Cancel
0: Info: This key gives direct access to basic
information about the content. Potential
information accessible through the info key include total number of pages,
total playback time (at the factory-default speed, one assumes), time elapsed,
time remaining, number of bookmarks currently placed in the book, how many
books are contained and currently available on the CD currently in the drive,
battery and power conditions, plus the version number and serial number for the
unit, including information about the VisuAide company.
#: Confirm
The eleven main functional buttons are located in a circle
on the top of the device. They are
located roughly in the
The unit presents 20 buttons. Nineteen are located on the top of the
device.
The
Here is a summary of the keys and their four possible
functions:
|
Key |
|
Idle |
Reading One Beep |
Idle One Beep |
|
1 |
Back Sentence |
Back Sentence |
Beginning of File |
Beginning of File |
|
2 |
Stop |
Read |
Announce Time |
Announce Time |
|
3 |
Next Sentence |
Next Sentence |
End of File |
End of File |
|
1+3 |
Lock/Unlock |
Lock/Unlock |
None |
None |
|
4 |
Back Paragraph |
Back Word |
None |
None |
|
5 |
None |
Say Current Word |
None |
Spell Current Word |
|
6 |
Next Paragraph |
Next Word |
None |
None |
|
4+6 |
Set Mark |
Set Mark/Clear Mark |
None |
None |
|
4+5 |
Back Mark |
Back Mark |
None |
None |
|
5+6 |
Next Mark |
Next Mark |
None |
None |
|
7 |
Back Page |
Back Letter |
Back Section |
Back Section |
|
8 |
Statistics |
Say Current Letter |
None |
Pronounce Current Letter Phonetically |
|
9 |
Next Page |
Next Letter |
Next Section |
Next Section |
|
7+9 |
None |
Define Find |
None |
None |
|
7+8 |
Back Find |
Back Find |
None |
None |
|
8+9 |
Next Find |
Next Find |
None |
None |
|
* |
Back File |
Back File |
First File |
First File |
|
0 |
Next Keypad |
Next Keypad |
None |
None |
|
# |
Next File |
Next File |
Last File |
Last File |
|
*+0 |
Close Folder |
Close Folder |
None |
None |
|
0+# |
Open Folder |
Open Folder |
None |
None |
|
A |
Slower Speed |
Slower Speed |
Slowest Speed |
Slowest Speed |
|
B |
Stop |
Stop |
Switch to or From Memos Folder |
Switch to or from Memos Folder |
|
C |
Faster Speed |
Faster Speed |
Fastest Speed |
Fastest Speed |
|
2+B |
Reset |
Reset |
None |
None |
|
A+C |
Announce Version |
Announce Version |
None |
None |
|
D |
Lower Volume |
Lower Volume |
Lowest Volume |
Lowest Volume |
|
E |
Record/Pause |
Record/Pause |
None |
None |
|
F |
Louder Volume |
Louder Volume |
Loudest Volume |
Loudest Volume |
|
B+E |
Delete File |
Delete File |
None |
None |
|
D+F |
|
|
None |
None |
|
D+E |
Back Power |
Back Power |
None |
None |
|
E+F |
Next Power |
Next Power |
None |
None |
|
D+E+F |
Power Off |
Power Off |
None |
None |
The BookCourier contains 15 keys located in five rows of
three on the top of the device. The
first four rows are arranged and numbered like the keypad of a telephone. The bottom row keys are marked with a
diamond, a plus sign, and a question mark.
The plus sign key functions as a shift key and is slightly concave. The number 5 key is concave and slightly
larger than the other keys.
Each key can perform up to three functions. Activate the primary function by pressing and
releasing the key. Activate the
secondary function by pressing and holding a key until you hear a beep. Activate the tertiary function by
simultaneously pressing and releasing the shift (plus) key and the other
key.
Here is a summary of the keys and their three functions:
1
Primary: Volume Down
Secondary: none
Shifted: Speed Down
2
Primary: Up
Secondary: Top
Shifted: none
3
Primary: Volume Up
Secondary: none
Shifted: Speed Up
4
Primary: Back
Secondary: Beginning
Shifted: Fast Reverse
5
Primary: Read/Pause/Select List Item/On
Secondary: Where am I
Shifted: Off
6
Primary: Forward
Secondary: End
Shifted: Fast Forward
7
Primary: Previous Bookmark
Secondary: Previous File
Shifted: Set Bookmark
8
Primary: Down
Secondary: Bottom
Shifted: Enter Spell Mode/Spell
9
Primary: Next Bookmark
Secondary: Next File
Shifted: Bookmark List
*
Primary: Library
Secondary: Table of Contents
Shifted: Favorites
0
Primary: Exit
Secondary: none
Shifted: Jump
#
Primary: Pause and Resume (in Record Mode only)
Secondary: Stop Record (in Record Mode only)
Shifted: Record
<> (diamond)
Primary: Settings List
Secondary:
Shifted: Delete
+
Primary: Shift
Secondary: none
Shifted: none
?
Primary: Talking Help
Secondary: Talking User Guide
Shifted: Date/Time
The PTR1 contains a total of 26 keys. Twenty are located on the face of the
unit. Twelve of those are arranged in
the usual configuration of a telephone handset. To the left of the 12 “telephone” keys are
four diamond-shaped keys. The top key of
the four is the information key. Next is
the heading key, which is used to listen to heading information and to move to
the heading specified by the numeric keypad.
The page key is used to listen to page information and to move to a
specific page. The bottom of the four
diamond-shaped keys is the bookmark key, used to attach bookmarks and to move
to an existing bookmark.
Five keys are located on the front of the device below the
CD slot. The three keys on the left are
unique among all the devices reviewed in that they toggle between two distinct
functions by pressing them in. The
left-most key controls both the recording level of the sound being recorded and
the monitor volume, which enables you to hear and adjust the volume level of
the sound being recorded. The next
button to the right controls both the playback speed and the tone of the output. The next button to the right controls both
the playback volume and the volume of the voice guide. The next key is a slide key that locks and
unlocks the keys. Note: the device is designed so that the audible
descriptions of what functions the keys perform can be invoked only when the
keys are locked. The right-most key on
the front of the device is the eject key for the CD drive.
The on-off slidebar key is located on the left side of the
device.
The PTR1 device also contains seven LED (light emitting
diodes): three record level LEDs, a
power LED, a battery LED, a recording LED, and an LED on the front of the
device that indicates when the CD drive is busy.
The Soul Player has 13 buttons. Eleven buttons are on the top of the device,
arranged in a circular pattern, but they are not spaced equidistantly. A slide button on the front of the device
opens the clamshell. A hold switch on
the right of the device locks the eleven buttons on the top of the device.
The eleven buttons on the top of the device perform several
functions, depending on the type of file being played and whether the device is
in normal (play) mode or in menu (stop) mode.
The functions of the eleven buttons—beginning at the
On/Increase Volume:
Off/Decrease Volume:
Reread: When
listening to an audio book, this button goes back and rereads the previous
fifteen seconds of content
Fast Forward:
Play/Pause:
Rewind:
Info: When listening
to an MP3 audiobook, pressing this button repeatedly displays the title,
author, narrator, ISBN, total play time, and version.
EQ: The equalizer
button toggles through a variety of options, including audiobook, classic
(music, not books, one presumes), rock, pop, jazz, and ultrabass)
Menu: When listening
to an MP3 audiobook, pressing this button toggles among the various levels
(e.g., chapter, page) and displays in the LCD display the level and the current
location within that level.
Navigate Down/Back:
This moves back one chapter or song.
Navigate Up/Forward: This
move forward one chapter or song.
The Classic Plus keys all are made of the same material,
some sort of non-slick plastic, so they all have the same basic feel. However, the keys come in a variety of shapes
to help differentiate their functions.
The more important keys are concave.
Several of the keys have embossed symbols to help the print-impaired
user locate them. Oddly, the symbol on
the on/off key is recessed, rather than raised.
The eleven main functional buttons are raised, concave, and
metal. The symbols indicating the
functions of the buttons are painted into the background metal surface. Caution:
the paint scratches off rather easily. Blind and visually impaired users would need
to learn to associate each function with the position on the circular “clock”,
because there is no tactile information on the buttons themselves to indicate
what they do.
Another interesting tactile feature of the Victor Reader
Vibe is the dividing up of the circle of buttons in four functional zones. A slightly raised line separates each
zone. Two short raised parallel lines
indicate the “
Five different button designs are used. The five at the top of the face of the device
are rubberized, blue, and squarish. The
central keys on the numeric keypad are rubberized as well. The other keys on the numeric keypad are oval
and metallic. The page and bookmark keys
are small, round, and metallic.
The BookCourier uses convexity and concavity to
differentiate the various keys. The 5
and plus keys are slightly concave. The
2, 8, 4, and 6 keys, which are the keys used to navigate within a file, are
slightly convex.
All of the keys are round and rubberized with yellow
characters painted on them. The number 5
key is slightly larger and contains a raised knob for orientation.
Feedback from Actual User: The keys on the
All of the buttons
on the top of the PTR1 device are rubberized.
A visual clue to the functions of each key is embossed on the top of
each key, but the visual clues apparently have no tactile corollary. The number five button contains a slightly
raised nub in its center (it could be a little larger), as an aid to overall
orientation on the keyboard. The two,
four, six, and eight keys contain raised semicircular lines, again evidently as
an aid to tactile navigation. Most of
the keys are circular, but a few are diamond-shaped, triangular, or rectangular. All of the keys except the record key are
slightly convex.
The buttons on the
sides of the device either slide from left to right (for example, the on/off
button and the lock/unlock button), push in (for example, the button that
ejects the CD), or both rock from left to right and push in, where the act of
pushing the key in functions as a toggle switch.
Note: The PTR1 device contains a handy indentation
on the outer casing edge between the top and the front of the device. This quickly helps the user locate the front
of the device and the CD drive slot.
Feedback from Actual User: The keys on the PTR1 seem too
flat and stylized.
All eleven keys on the top of the device have the same size,
shape, and texture: round, metallic and
concave. The name or identifying icon
for each button is painted next to the button on the metallic skin. The slide button at the front of the device
has eight raised nubs on its left side.
To the left of that slide button, the word “open”, three raised nubs,
and a small right-directed triangle are in raised relief on the casing. The “hold” button—for locking the keys--on
the right side of the device at the
Because all of these devices contained keyboards without
covers that remain exposed during transportation, carrying, and playback, it is
often useful to lock the keys so that a key or sequence of keys are not
accidentally touched or hit.
Evidently, the Classic Plus has no way to lock the
keys.
The key marked “hold” on the side of the device locks and
unlocks the keys, so that undesired functions are not accidentally initiated
while the unit is being handled while in use.
The “hold” button on the right side of the device moves
forward to the on position and backward to the off position.
To lock all the keys and their functionalities (except the
reset function, which is never locked), simultaneously press the 1 and 3
keys. To unlock the device,
simultaneously press the 1 and 3 keys again.
Pressing the 1 and 3 keys locks or unlocks the keys.
The PTR1 contains a
separate sliding lock/unlock button on the front of the device, left of the
rectangular CD eject button. Note: Locking the keys also enables the audible key
describer function. When the keys are
locked, press and hold any key to hear an audible description of the
function(s) of that key.
The key marked “hold” on the right side of the device locks
and unlocks the keys, so that undesired functions are not accidentally
initiated while the unit is being handled when in use.
The open-slot CD drive is located at the front of the
device. The CD is manually inserted into
the drive until a motorized mechanism grabs the disc and moves it into
position. If the user accidentally
inserts the disc upside down, it will eject automatically without damaging the
unit or the disc. Note: If the unit is turned off, the unit will not
grab and insert a disc. A more
user-friendly design would be to have the unit grab the disc and turn itself
on.
To open the CD drive, the user moves to the right the small
button located at the front of the device.
The CD clam pops open approximately one-half inch. The user must manually complete the process
of opening the clam and inserting or removing the compact disc.
To open the CD drive, the user needs to flip open a
buckle-type covering, then manually pry open the lid. This reviewer wonders how well this design
will stand up to repeated openings and closings. The user manually inserts or removes the
compact disc.
The open-slot CD drive is located at the front of the device. The CD is manually inserted into the drive
until a motorized mechanism grabs the disc and moves it into position. If the user accidentally inserts the disc
upside down, a female voice announces that an “improper or damaged disc” has
been inserted, and the disc is not automatically ejected, as it is in the
Victor Reader Classic Plus. Note:
If the unit is turned off, the unit will not grab and insert a
disc. A more user-friendly design would
be to have the unit grab the disc and turn itself on.
To open the CD drive, the user moves to the right the small
button located at the front of the device.
The CD clam pops open approximately one-half inch. The user must manually complete the process
of opening the clam and inserting or removing the compact disc. When fully opened, the hinge on the clamshell
snaps and remains wide open.
A built-in speaker is located in the upper left corner of
the Classic Plus device.
It is possible to connect external speakers, rather than ear buds or headphones, to the BookCourier. The user guide, however, cautions that the BookCourier supports only amplified stereo speakers.