Computers & Networking

[TonyaW]

Looking for a handheld device that can hookup to a computer because my son has a disablity. His hands turn under so it is hard for him to type or write for very long, but he can text very well.  Is there something someone can reccomend that could help.  He will have to print out his papers.  thanks, Tonya

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

We need to know the specific disability we are dealing with here. If you feel the need to keep the disability private, you may send me a private message and then I will do some research for you  

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee]

I'm not exactly sure what you are referring to. Are you talking like, a wireless keyboard? Or a tablet that can save documents so it can be printed out? Most already do that.

[TonyaW]

He has authrogryposis which causes one of his elbows not to bend and the other only by gravity (raising his arm up he is able to bend one elbow). His hands turn under, inother words he cant turn his hand over palm up. The way you text is the way his hands stay.  So that is why I was thinking of a hand held something?

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

An iPad would allow him to touch the surface of the tablet and let him do his thing, there are special apps out there for disabled children - Make sure you buy a safety case for the ipad.

[TonyaW]

It will be for saving & printing documents (school & homework) a wireless keyboard but needs to be small enough to type like texting. Not sure what a tablet you are referring to.  He will need to see his work as he types though. Something that can hook up to a computer or a printer.

[TonyaW]

I have an Ipad, but because he can't bend his elbows he is unable to type successfully due to not feeling the keypad. the pad has to be too far away from his face.  I do appreciate your help!

[TonyaW]

Thank you for any solution you can offer!

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee]

Your message has been read. We're thinking. May be a while to work out what he can and can't hold, it's rather not clear. Or maybe it is clear but not sure how he can text like that?

[Entropy]

It sounds like what you're looking for is a small keyboard similar in form factor to the keyboards found on cell phones.

I know there is a Bluetooth keyboard sold for the PS3 that might be usable with a Bluetooth-enabled PC, also small keyboards are sold by some companies for use with cell phones that might also be usable for a PC.

The PS3 unit I'm talking about is at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+Wireless+Keypad+for+PlayStation+3/9062033.p?id=1218014208336&skuI... - you should be able to find it in the PS3 accessories section.

Other options appear to be:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/VisionTek+-+Candyboard+Wireless+Mini+Keyboard/1847133.p?id=1218297020181...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+Wireless+Keyboard+and+Mouse/1747125.p?id=1218288822223&skuId=17... (may be too large, hard to tell from the picture)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/SMK-Link+-+Ultra-Mini+Wireless+Keyboard/2460357.p?id=1218328983929&skuId...

I believe there is software (BlueputDroid) that allows many Android devices to be used as a Bluetooth keyboard for another machine.  This might work too.