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Macaw Family - feature comparison

Model	Recording time	levels	personalities	Extra memory
Macaw 5	78 minutes	32	one in use	none
Green Macaw 5	78 minutes	63	one in use	none
DACtyl Macaw 5	78 minutes	63	one in use	none

Macaw model selection guide

The current macaw models (the 5 series) differ only by 3 variables:

amount of recording time / memory available
number of keys on the keyboard
(of the smallest or default configuration)
number of levels

Some considerations:

When making decisions about any electronic communication devices a 'rule-of-thumb' is to project 3 to 5 years. The device, especially a Macaw, will most likely last longer than this, however, after this time needs may have changed significantly to justify a different system, or technology changes may drive desire for something new. Many people have had Macaws for 10 years, however even over this time ZYGO Industries has continued to improve the Macaw

What is the smallest size key the user is likely to use?
— 2.8 cm square => Macaw 5
— 1.4 cm square => Macaw Green
— 1.9 cm square => DACtyl Macaw
— larger => any model using enlarged key patterns

What is the number of message sets / vocabulary / levels the person will need?
— up to 32 => Macaw 5
— up to 63 => Macaw Green 5/ DACtyl Macaw 5

How much recording time will the messages take?
The current model Macaws have significantly more memory than previous models. The 5 series all have 78 minutes of recording time. With such a large amount of memory the considerations here may no longer be relevant. If you are comparing with other devices you may wish to sit with a stop watch and physically record how long it takes to speak all the messages to be stored on a device. This will enable determionation of the minimum amount of recording time required. It is usually desirable to have more time available for expansion of the system.

Conclusion

So you can see that the outcome is not always obvious. There are many options and there will be a great range of user needs.

Remember that the only difference between the Macaw 5 series and Green series is the way in which the messages are displayed (more on the Green keyboard). In addition the Green and DACtyl offer more levels.

So you may have a user who will only need 4 large keys per level, but requires many levels, so you may choose a Green Macaw 5, simply to get LOTS of levels!

You may choose a Green Macaw now, but use it with 8 large keys, but provide room for development, as the user is able to manage smaller keys.

You may choose a DACtyl and use it with 8 large keys because the user needs a large keyboard area, for visual or physical access reasons.

The most popular model remains the Macaw 5.

You don't need to agonize over functions and operations as all Macaws have ALL the features, so you can vary the set-up as a user's abilities change. Key patterns can be changed to make the keys smaller keys and more numerous. Scanning can be used with direct access, alternating between the modes if necessary. Scanning training can take place alongside direct access. Having ALL the features at your finger-tips may prevent the need to outlay for a different device later.

Back To Macaws

Macaw Family - feature comparison

Model

Recording time

levels

personalities

Extra memory

Macaw model selection guide

Some considerations:

Conclusion

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