Using mobile phones

[defeatism]

Hey all,

I was just diagnosed with MS two days ago (something that never really came up with past neurologists. Anyway, I'm sure I'll introduce myself more in the respective forum.

So, my big question here is how certain mobile phones can be used. I have an iPhone with the touchscreen keyboard and icons, and I'm having pretty bad intention tremors just typing out an email/text. Would something with physical buttons such as a BlackBerry be easier? I'm open to all suggestions, but I'm stuck with AT&T as a carrier.

Thanks! Merci d'avance!
Brian

[carolew]

I would keep the iphone... the touches on the blackberry are even smaller. take care. Carole

[mandamurr81]

I totally hear you about the iphone thing. When I was shopping for a smart phone last summer I tried a bunch. I work for a communications company who was instrumental in launching the iphone to the Canadian market. All of my friends/co-workers have iphones and love them.

For me, trying to use an iphone is an exercise in frustration. I find the BB Curve keyboard is too narrow, but the Bold is perfect. I would highly recommend it for the full keyboard. I avoid touch screams like the plague. Sounds like maybe you should too. lol.

[Algis]

@manda: why you don't like touchscreen?

[mandamurr81]

@algis

I find my dexterity makes touch screens problematic. I have a bit of intention tremor, and poor co-ordination. On a touch screen I always end up hitting the wrong "button" and have to be always re-typing messages. For me that is very, very frustrating.

[Algis]

OK; I understand. It must be very frustrating indeed

[MegansMom]

My husband has an iPhone and he told me that there is an application called "Voice Box Dial", its a voice activated dialer, he thinks its either free or cost $0.99 ( since he never pays more than that) at itunes app store. It won't help with texting but it will help with phone dialing, so it will help a bit. It just takes the initial set up time for all your frequently dialed numbers.

Also there are stylus that are iphone specific , that may help too.

Best of luck,

Cat

[mattalleng]

Well, Ihave T-Mobile and I have the Google G1 (Android). I'm currently getting through my first exacerbation and the first thing I found was using my phone was incredibly difficult, mainly text in because I have lost most my fine motor control in my left hand so I have to grip the phone to the best of my abilities with my left hand and type which is my right thumb, very time-consuming and frustrating! Especially because I'm near blind!

However, if you're looking for a new phone, get a phone with an android operating system. They have so many apps that are useful I can even name them all! For example, I have a voice recognition text in application, it works okay for the short stuff. I think it uses Google's voice recognition interface so you kind of have to speak as clearly as possible. Either way it helps.

So grab an android Phone!