[Electronics-talk] OT: Looking for Discussions of Notetakers

[Craig Werner]

Hello, Annette.

Thank you so much for the email you sent to Dawn.  I'm sure she will 
reply if she hasn't already.  I hope that your use of hearing aids 
doesn't interfere with activities that require headphones.  I have a 
high-frequency roll-off in both ears, and I figure I will need aids 
myself in a couple of years.  I'm actually looking forward to carefully 
comparing options since, as we both know, hearing is crucial.

About notetakers:  What I most valued about my Braille 'n Speak, 
especially before I retired, was the ability to walk around with a 
calendar, address book, and various textfiles and to be able to access 
them quickly.  The BNS would power up in a matter of perhaps five 
seconds, a most convenient feature.  When the battery deteriorated 
beyond usability, I stopped using it, largely because its technology was 
so out-moded.  This is when I started to rely on a netbook.  Two 
problems here, of course: it boots up in forty or so second, not five, 
and it is heavier to carry around.  Recently, I have thought of getting 
a new notetaker.  To that end, I have been joyfully reading the user 
manuals for the Voice Sense and the VoiceNote Apex (I enjoy Braille but 
don't need the refreshable display).  I wonder how long it takes a 
notetaker to boot up nowadays.  My guess is that since both of these 
critters use Windows CE and since both are sophisticated, boot-up time 
will be longer than that of the old BNS.

Having said all that, I should tell you that over the last couple of 
days, enthusiasm for a notetaker is waning.  I am now seriously 
considering getting a bluetooth keyboard for my iPhone.  I use the 
iPhone extensively, and a keyboard, although it would be larger than the 
phone, wouldn't be as cumbersome to carry around as a netbook would be 
with its carrying case, AC adapter, etc.  So that's where I stand in my 
thinking about what next to purchase.

Best,
Craig

On 3/17/2012 11:57 AM, Annette Carr wrote:
> Hi Craig,
>
> Off of the top of my head, I am not aware of a list for note takers in
> general.  So depending on what you want to get out of a group and if you
> have a specific device in mind, here is some info you might find helpful.
>
> Freedom scientific had a link off of their site for a PackMate users group.
> It has been years since I've used a PacMate, so I do not know if it is still
> in existence.
>
> When GWMicro was selling the BrailleSense and VoiceSense products, they had
> a user's group.  But now that HIMS opened an US office and took back the
> sales of their devices and I am no longer using a voiceSense, I'm not sure
> if HIMS started up a group.  There might be something on their website.
>
> The BlindPhone Discussion group used to be a good source for the use of
> smart phones.  There have been many discussions on how to use these
> mainstream devices for note takers and more.
>
> When I first started using Apple products, I belonged to a group called
> PortablePlayers.  I have not seen anything come through from them in a
> while, so I do not know if they are still out there.
>
> If you are considering any of the Apple products, visit the AppleVis
> website.  There are all types of review of Apps and a variety of forums to
> belong to.  The Apple products offer a lot of versatility, especially with
> all of the new portable braille displays and input devices on the market.
>
> Depending on what you are looking for in a note taker, considering a Netbook
> with your favorite screen reader is another option.
>
> Write me off-list and we can arrange to talk more if your goal is to learn
> more about your options.  Say hi to your other half.
>
> Annette
> Amcarr1 at verizon.net
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Craig Werner
> Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2012 7:48 AM
> To: Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
> Subject: [Electronics-talk] OT: Looking for Discussions of Notetakers
>
> Greetings to the list.
>
> Would someone please direct me to email lists where Braille and voice output
> notetakers are discussed?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Craig
>
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