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

Tue Mar 20 23:19:04 UTC 2012

Denise, can you tell me more about the keyboard?  Where to get it and what
brand it is?  Thanks.

-----Original Message-----
From: electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Denise Robinson
Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 10:04 AM
To: Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] OT: Looking for Discussions of Notetakers

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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