[blindkid] apple netbooks

[Jaquiss, Robert]

Hello Linda:

     The combination of a netbook or ultrabook and a braille display will provide most of the functionality of a notetaker. 
As Richard has stated, a notetaker is more portable. To use a netbook and braille display, the user has to open the netbook, turn it on etc.
In contrast, the BrailleNote APEX turns on very quickly and does not need to be set on a desk or other surface. Notetakers are physically smaller than a combination of devices. The downside of the notetakers is their cost. You are also limited in the software that is available. Notetakers can also be used as braille displays for PC and Apple products. The solution you pick is an  individual choice based on lifestyle and funding. Whatever you choose, make every effort to try before you buy. There will be seminars at national convention and vendors will demonstrate their offerings. Look at the convention agenda ahead of time and arrive early.

Regards,

Robert


Robert Jaquiss
Access Technology Specialist
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
200 E. Wells Street at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314, Ext.2422
Email: rjaquiss at nfb.org

-----Original Message-----
From: blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Zwinger
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 4:52 PM
To: Blind Kid Mailing List, (for parents of blind children)
Subject: Re: [blindkid] apple netbooks

Hi Robert--so, basically, this will be an arrangement our kids can use in lieu of, say, a BrailleNote or other such device?

Lynda

On Tue, May 22, 2012 at 1:42 PM, Jaquiss, Robert <RJaquiss at nfb.org> wrote:

> Hello Holly:
>
>     I would definitely go with the netbook and the braille display. 
> For ease of setup, you can use a USB cable to connect the two devices. 
> This gets around problems with Bluetooth. I would include in the 
> package a well padded bag to hold all the stuff and some nonskid 
> material like that used in cupboards. This will help keep things in 
> place on a desk. A rolling bag is a good idea to ease transportation. 
> Don't forget to add a floater to your homeowners insurance policy. The 
> bag can carry all the extras that your son will accumulate such as chargers, power strip etc.
>
> Regards,
>
> Robert
>
>
> Robert Jaquiss
> Access Technology Specialist
> National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
> 200 E. Wells Street at Jernigan Place
> Baltimore, MD 21230
> Phone: (410) 659-9314, Ext.2422
> Email: rjaquiss at nfb.org
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> On Behalf Of Holly Miller
> Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 4:02 PM
> To: Blind Kid Mailing List, (for parents of blind children)
> Subject: Re: [blindkid] apple netbooks
>
> Robert, it does make sense.
> I do want him to read more than listen!
> What do you think about an all in one note taker vs. NetBook + Braille 
> display?
>
> Thanks!
> Holly
>
>
>
> On May 22, 2012, at 3:54 PM, "Jaquiss, Robert" <RJaquiss at nfb.org> wrote:
>
> > Hello Holly:
> >
> >     One very good reason for having a braille display is that it 
> > helps
> with formatting and spelling. For example, pair, pare and pear all 
> sound alike as do to, too and two. In the past, braille displays were 
> not as common not because they didn't work, but rather because speech was cheaper.
> The same argument was made for using lots of recorded books instead of 
> braille books. The recorded books were cheaper and teaching a person 
> to read with a talking book was easier than teaching a person to read 
> with braille. The result is that the literacy rate for the blind has fallen. Dr.
> Ryles did a study, and 90 percent of the employed blind were literate. 
> Hope this makes sense.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Robert
> >
> >
> > Robert Jaquiss
> > Access Technology Specialist
> > National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
> > 200 E. Wells Street at Jernigan Place Baltimore, MD 21230
> > Phone: (410) 659-9314, Ext.2422
> > Email: rjaquiss at nfb.org
> >
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