visual interface info

[tim kugel <guitardo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,
first, sorry for previous pedantic attempts to add commentary - I was pissed

I am asking a general question here - I'm a visually disabled person (low
vision).   I am getting interested in going beyond synths and need info about
coding type of music work.  I want advice from anyone willing regarding the
visual interface for the different systems and programs around.  How large,
simple-looking, what is the manual like, (like font size used, size of
diagrams) what kind of contrast is used in the software, is it changeable,
etc.

I generally have problems with large documents because of eye strain, and .pdf
is not a great tool because I seem to need to move the page back and forth as
well as magnify it - a doubly slow process.  18 pt. font is what I need.

I am aware of a dozen or more softwares (I mean the music software now),  but
because this list is about all I can handle reading, I am probably unaware of
some.  I have had some programming experience (15 years ago though).  I have
seen Kyma demonstrated at my house and have a trial version of max/msp.  I am
able to see but only a few words at a time and with my right eye very close to
the monitor.  The max/msp manuals are long - 371 pages in tutorials alone.

I am not planning to throw away all my other equipment and use only a laptop,
though I'd like to be able to work while I travel - I have always played
guitar and want to include that as a controller and acoustic source still - I
like microsound and experimental 20th century music more than dance/"techno"
music in general (but have no grudge against dance-related stuff - love it!) -
so maybe that gives you an idea of what might be suitable.

I like the Nord editor, and can use it.   I've also tried software synths for
the Mac a little (Propellerheads and NI) and own a P2 but prefer the Macs. My
eyes are not as bad as some folks with this affliction - and if you feel, for
example, that a particular hardware tool has a great visual interface (like
the su700?) please mention it, even if in usage it is kind of non microsound
typically.

Thanks in advance for those who choose to help me, and reply off line if
appropriate.

Cheers,
Tim