The Road To An iPhone

I'm a music lover and tech geek, so when the iPod debuted there was no question of *if* I would get one, only when.  That long-awaited moment came in 2007 when I finally had a computer that could handle a USB connection.  While carrying 80 gigabytes of music in my pocket was a dream come true, there was one glaring disappointment.  Even with thick glasses, my iPod Video's screen was difficult for me to read.  It certainly wasn't unexpected; most things, especially tech toys, are not designed with visually impaired people in mind.  I dealt with that like I deal with small print everywhere else; I learned to recognize the overall shapes of band and album names instead of squinting at the individual letters.  It wasn't perfect, but it got me by. 

Then the iPhone came out.  Maybe this was the answer to my problems!  The potential was huge!  But the initial price tag was well beyond my budget and I already had a contract and was very happy with Verizon.  So once again, I waited.  The iPod Touch was announced shortly thereafter, but it would take another two and a half years of saving.  When I finally was able to get a 3rd generation iPod Touch, I was not disappointed.  Not only was the text larger and easier to read, but I could browse through cover art, making things much easier. 

And then, finally, Verizon got the iPhone!  Ah, if only it were that simple!  Like many full-time disabled people, I'm on a very strict budget. Saving the $150 for the iPhone wasn't the hardest part; like most other techies who read the news, I knew it was coming and put it on my Christmas list.  Coming up with the extra $30 a month *every month* for a data plan--now that was the challenge.  After whittling away at the budget for several months, I was finally able to cut enough expenses to make it do-able and in early June, I was the proud owner of an iPhone 4.  And I'm loving every minute of it. 

I never realized just how different the iPod Touch and the iPhone were until I had both.  The addition of a camera (two of them, actually), an LED flash and a GPS chip have vastly increased what I can do.  And then there's the phone!  I loved my little Motorola RAZR.  It was extremely small and reliable, but very difficult for me to see.  Most companies don't give a thought to people like me with vision problems.  But Apple isn't most companies. 

These days, I'm using my iPhone more than ever, for much more than just calling.  And no, I'm not giving up my iPod Touch!  I need all the mobile disc space I can get ;-). 

So come with me as I explore the iOS and search for the most accessible apps and gadgets to make the lives of disabled people easier and more enjoyable.