Technology lending a hand to the deaf in court
Article Abstract:
Court-reporting computer systems, that translate court proceedings onto a display screen in real-time, are increasingly being used to aid the deaf who have to take part in legal proceedings. Court-reporting machines are 23-key stenotype systems that translates court reporters' codes into English. When used by a trained reporter, the system could capture up to 260 spoken words per minute with about 98 percent accuracy. Recent models use portable computers, thus allowing reporters more mobility. A typical system now costs about $15,000, compared to $30,000 a few years ago. Services are available in every state. The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which mandates that deaf people should have access to all government legal proceedings, is expected to generate bigger sales for court-reporting systems.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1991
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Computer brokerages match buyers, sellers and used gear
Article Abstract:
The computer brokerage business is growing. About 200 brokers nationwide posted more than $138 million in sales in 1989. Brokers publish information and prices for equipment listed with them. Listings are available in newspapers, magazines and electronically. A prospective buyer sends a check to a brokerage-maintained escrow account and the equipment is shipped. If the buyer affirms that the equipment is working properly, the brokerage pays the seller less a commission, usually 10 percent. Prices for used equipment range from 15 percent to 40 percent off the prices of new models. Buyers do not have a warranty, however. Computer-repair services can examine a computer, but some experts say it is unlikely that a used machine will break down.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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