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

Tue Mar 20 14:04:11 UTC 2012

Craig 
you can get a tiny fold up Bluetooth keyboard to go with your iPhone. when folded it is only a bit larger than the iPhone so u can put both in your pocket and go.
Denise

Sent from my iPad

On Mar 20, 2012, at 5:48 AM, Craig Werner <craig_werner at verizon.net> wrote:

> 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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> 
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