[access-uk] Re: Note Takers

Hi Steve,

I can make a few remarks about the Pacmate, which I've used, but not with a 
braille display.

Never, ever, not never, not once, should you forget to take the battery 
charger, in my experience, because if you're doing a full day's work with one, 
you'll probably need to connect to the mains. 

Overall, I found it too commplicated for what I wanted in a note-taker. apart 
from not being familiar with JAWS and all its ramifications, I wasn't quite 
ready for the odd keyboard layout and the Windows CE system, which is almost, 
but not quite, completely unlike Windows. 

I used it in a sort of survival mode without the headphones on because the 
speech output was as much of a sdistraction as an access tool. Of course a lot 
of this depends what your existing experience is. I simply typed away, saved 
eveyrthing and hoped for the best. I got very good at using ActiveSync to make 
sure all my files ended up on a PC as soon as possible so that I could correct 
them and make sure the battery didn't run out and lose the lot. 

Notetaker is a bit misleading as a description, because although you can 
certainly take notes, it's like a very cut-down PC with Excel, Word, Internet 
Explorer, etc etc installed, all in Pocket PC versions. 

I can tell it would be an ideal machine for someone who's already skilled with 
Pocket applications and JAWS, but it's a pretty steep learning curve for 
someone who isn't - especially in the middle of a meeting or a course! 

If you have the time, there are audio tutorials on the CD and I believe these 
are available somewhere on the Web. 

Can't comment on the braille display - don't know Braille at all. 

Vince.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Steve Dryden 
  To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 2:13 AM
  Subject: [access-uk] Note Takers


  Hi All,

  I'm going to be needing to use a note taker shortly and was wondering what 
people thought of the three main contenders I've looked at.  The packmate, 
Empower and Braille sense.  I'm interested to know how you've got on with them 
and what the problems are you've encountered.  I've an idea of which one I want 
to go for but your experiences may sway me!
   Also, if you've any other suggestions, let me know.  I mainly want to be 
able to sinc my appointments, email and files.  I want a braille display and 
audio player.  Blue tooth isn't so important but wireless connectivity is 
essential.  Has anyone looked at the new XP based handheld pc from gw micro?  
Steve, have you played with it? 

  Best regards.

  Steve



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