Grant Laird, Jr. Blog

Deaf Website & Dot-com History

10 12 2007

ASL Video - Approx 5:00 Minutes Long

Grant talked about DeafNetwork.com which recently celebrating 10th Anniversary. It’s been rich experience for him over years. One thing he mentioned that there’s few deaf-related website that still existing today – after running for about 10 years?

He remembers many deaf-related website that are no longer in business due to gave it up, it get bored or purse something else.

Note: There’s many more actively website starting 1999 but not many before that.

Still around and/or going strong: (Around 10 years +)

Dying, quiet, and/or what? (Around 10 years +)

Long Gone Dead (Since 10 years ago or so)

If you notice that Grant forgot to list (any category) please make comment. Thanks!

Grant Laird Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

Comments : 14 Comments »
Categories : Internet, deaf community, technology, vblog

Treo 700wx & Treo 755p

31 10 2007

ASL Video - Approx 5:00 Minutes Long

Grant discussed his experience about his former Palm Treo 700wx (Windows-based) and currently Palm Treo 755p. (Palm-based) Both devices are awesome but both have somewhat differences beside operating system. (OS)

Treo 700wx’s biggest enemy is battery management – it is usually fine, as long, you do not heavily use instant messenger. Otherwise, it will last like half day. In addition, it does crash periodically. With Treo 755p, it is much simpler and better battery management. For me with instant messenger (I used Toccer), and it lasted all day with no problem.

He managed to trade his 700wx device with 755p. All is good now.

Sure, both devices have its own pro and con but apparently Treo 755p suit him better.

What do you think?

Grant W Laird Jr
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

Comments : 3 Comments »
Categories : Internet, technology, vblog

Is Xbox 360 Deaf Friendly Machine?

19 09 2007

ASL Video - Approx 2:57 Minutes Long

Grant talked about Xbox 360 console game machine but is it deaf friendly machine? He would love to know if anybody have it, too.
Apparently, most of the features are obviously deaf-friendly except few things. Read on.

1. Playing Xbox Live (online via Internet against other players) is probably one of the most disadvantages out there. Most hearing players use headset to communicate each other even it is not required. Text messenger is optional but making the message thru controller is pain in the butt. (You can use your Hotmail or MSN account.)

2. They are selling messenger (mini keyboard) add-on to wireless controller (Optional - $30 dollars) but he thinks its waste because hearing players probably won’t bother doing it anyway. Also, they have Live Vision Camera (Optional - $30 dollars) – he’s not sure if it will benefit but each player must have gold membership to have webcam capability. ($99 a year; they have monthly, quarterly plan as well)

3. Few games like F.E.A.R. game doesn’t support subtitle. Many racing games doesn’t support subtitle but it wasn’t too bad since all we do is playing the race game. You can look up http://www.deafgamers.com for more list which games support subtitle. Bonus: You can download demo game to check out before you purchase the game.

4. DVD movies (Not downloadable movies) can be watch with subtitle. Obviously, closed captioning will not work at all. Optional: HD DVD Player do support subtitle as well.

5. You can retrieve virtually any pictures, videos, and music thru another networked computer with Windows-based Zune program or Media Center Edition. (Neat stuff – you can watch vlog thru Xbox 360 (hard drive or memory card) machine but not thru Internet like DeafRead.com; Perhaps someday)

6. According to Windows Vista Blog, they said Media Center Edition will expand in near future including Internet TV shows with advertising-supported. This is where he asked about captioning – they replied saying it will happen in future.

7. Downloadable movies, video clips, etc. (Video Marketplace) doesn’t support subtitle or caption at all. This is one of the biggest disadvantages.