The Cooper Family Fund of the Baltimore Community Foundation donated funds to LINC to purchase the PAC Mate, a newly released device from Freedom Scientific for people who are blind or low-vision. The PAC Mate functions as a portable computer for those who are blind and provides a link between everyday desktop applications and the needs of busy lifestyles. It is the world's first accessible Pocket PC device that offers users an integrated Braille option. The unit provides direct access to everyday Windows-based desktop data and software applications, via ActiveSync, and uses JAWS® for the speech output. (JAWS is a screen reading program for people who are blind).

The user can run Pocket PC versions of popular software programs to manage information internally or sync up and share data with other devices; and surf the Internet and send and receive email with the addition of a modem. Because of changing technology, Freedom Scientific engineers wanted to give users the choice of purchasing a modem that best fits their needs and budgets. With the PC card connection on the PAC Mate, users can purchase a modem of their choice, whether it is dial-up or broadband. In addition, this is the first unit to access streaming media with synthesizer speech on the same sound card. In other words, users can continue to use the speech function while listening to Internet broadcasts through Pocket Internet Explorer. PC card connection allows users to purchase peripherals they need, such as a modem, micro-drive, Ethernet card, Wireless LAN card, Bluetooth, cellular modem and others.

By providing the open architecture with the PC card, PAC Mate has the flexibility to always stay up to date with the latest and greatest technology. The device is approximately 12 inches across at the bottom of the unit and approximately 6 inches in height, and weighs a little more than 2 pounds with the user-replaceable battery installed. The PAC Mate features a rechargeable lithium batter, an internal microphone and speaker, a laptop style QWERTY or braille keyboard, and a USB on-the-go port. LINC members are encouraged to call and make an appointment with Fred Carter to try out the new PAC Mate to see firsthand how a device like this could benefit you.