[access-uk] Re: Braille notetakers
- From: "Steve Hyde-Dryden" <csdryden@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:43:35 -0000
Jackie, this is a very subjective area. As someone who works with an
organisation who has absolutely no ties to specific products, I would never
categorically advise someone against something until they'd actually had a
opportunity to look at and play with the particular product. I feel there
is some sour grapes here and on the subject of differences between the Apex
and the Braille sense, they are on different operating systems so there is a
world of difference.
Actually, the Pacmate is still a good product and especially so for someone
who is a current jaws user. Differences in the mobile platform don't
necessitate a great learning curve.
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Jackie Cairns
Sent: 15 March 2012 08:37
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Braille notetakers
Hi Mary
Please, whatever you do, don't go for a Pac Mate. Support for it is
dwindling, contrary to what is said by the dealers here. It has no built-in
Bluetooth or WiFi, and I wouldn't even use it as a doorstop!
Your best bet is either the BrailleSense - which is what I use - or the
Apex. Sight and Sound have just taken over the BrailleSense from Force Ten,
and they claim to be able to support it and know how to train someone using
it. Humanware, on the other hand, sell the Apex, and do have people working
there who competently read Braille and are able to support it fully.
There isn't a pile of difference between the two note-takers I recommend. I
went for the BrailleSense for its very nice, quiet keyboard which is lovely
for writing Braille on. It comes with built-in BlueTooth and WiFi, as does
Apex, they are both 32 cell, and both have 8GB onboard storage with the
capacity to facilitate up to 32GB SD cards. There is also the BrailleSense
OnHand, which is an 18 cell baby to the 32 cell model, but the keys are a
bit smaller.
Both the Sense and Apex families come in qwerty flavours, but I can't
comment on them as I haven't used either in that format.
I am giving an honest view Mary, so if someone wants to take offence, it's
up to them. But as a long time, experienced Braillist, I know what I am
talking about here.
There is also the Esys note-taker from EuroBraille, but while these are very
nice, small and compact in either 12 or 40 cell, I wouldn't recommend them.
They have their own little note pad, but the keys are tiny, and you don't
have the flexibility for the money that you do on the Sense or Apex
families.
But I implore you, don't go near Pac Mate, it's a heap and outdated now.
Good luck.
Kind Regards,
Jackie Cairns
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Mary Tottle
Sent: 14 March 2012 13:15
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Braille notetakers
Hi,
I am thinking about buying a Braille notetaker as I would like to read and
write more in this form. I know very little about the various ones
available so could someone please advise. I am tempted by the Pac Mate
Omni, does this have the latest firmware on the market? Does this have the
largest storage capacity? What other things would I need to consider? Is
there good support for the product here in the UK?
Any help much appreciated.
Regards
Mary
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