[Electronics-Talk] b2g description

Fri Apr 8 12:11:32 UTC 2016

You got to start sending @potus twitter messages and stop the Veterans 
Administration from doing these kinds of purchases.  That's the only way 
to shoot a hole in the blindness industry $$$ baloon.  State agencies 
are hopefully getting wise too.

On Fri, 8 Apr 2016, James Aldrich via Electronics-Talk wrote:

> Date: Fri, 8 Apr 2016 07:33:10
> From: James Aldrich via Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
>     <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: James Aldrich <jajkaldrich at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] b2g description
> 
> Hi Sharon,
>
> Thanks for this good information!  I believe Dean Blazy has his hands in the design of this product!  I for one will never pay over $5000 for a notetaker ever again!  I have done this twice and have products which are obsolete and can't go online.  One shouldn't have to pay much over $2500 for any braille product!  The jury is still out on the 300 to five hundred dollar braille display but I hope we see the end of the $5000 and more notetakers.  I'm writing these companies expressing this thought!  Imagine what might happen if everyone wrote this thought and avoided buying over $5000 notetakers!  I believe this year will bring about some refreshing changes for braille products!
>
> Jim
>
> Sent from my iPod
>
>> On Apr 5, 2016, at 9:49 AM, Sharon Klug via Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hello. My friend just got the b2g and it sort of looks like the old braille
>> lites but the keys or more erogonomic. The display is a little lower in the
>> front. It has 20 cells. It is a little smaller than the apex. The braille is
>> very nice on it and easy to type on.
>>
>> Hope that helps.
>> Sharon
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Lauren Merryfield via Electronics-Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 10:11 AM
>> To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
>> Cc: Lauren Merryfield
>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers
>>
>> Hi,
>> What does the Braille To Go look like?
>> Thanks,
>> Lauren
>>
>> Blessings in Jesus' name! John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in
>> the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His
>> Son, purifies us from all sin. ... My digital evangelism blog is at:
>> w w w . ask in jesus name . org (remove the spaces).
>> Advice from my cats:"meow when you feel like it."
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Jim McCarthy via Electronics-Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 7:36 AM
>> To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Jim McCarthy <jmccarthy at mdtap.org>
>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers
>>
>> Tracy,
>> The touch tablet has the Braille display at the bottom so if one places it
>> in the conventional way, the display will be closest to you, below the touch
>> screen. It fits in a case and the keyboard is hinged into the case and lays
>> on top of the touch tablet when one wants to use it. I can't recall if the
>> keyboard can be removed from the case, though the expectation, I think, is
>> that if one does not need the keyboard for braille, one would carry the
>> touch pad in a neoprene sleeve that comes with all of this at purchase.
>> Jim McCarthy
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 10:25 AM
>> To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
>> Cc: Tracy Carcione
>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers
>>
>> I have looked at the Humanware site for the Braillenote Touch, but it's
>> light on actual specs.
>> Is it 3 pieces--braille display, touch tablet, and case?  It seems rather
>> confusing to me.
>> Tracy
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Jim Barbour via Electronics-Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 10:12 AM
>> To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
>> Cc: Jim Barbour
>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers
>>
>> I am assuming that you two are talking about the Braille note touch, I've
>> not heard of the apex touch.
>>
>> It definitely has a one line Braille display.
>>
>> It also comes with a touchscreen tablet that you can Braille into much like
>> the iPhone's braille input utility. It also comes with a case that has
>> traditional braille keys on it.
>>
>> Another android-based note taker that was introduced is the low cost Braille
>> display that the NFB has been involved in.  It definitely has drawbacks, but
>> will cost under $500 which will be interesting to some.
>>
>> Hope this helps,
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> Written While on the Move
>>
>>> On Apr 5, 2016, at 6:51 AM, Brad Hodges via Electronics-Talk
>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Greetings:
>>>
>>> I have had a brief audition of the Touch, and it includes a braille
>>> display. If it is a consideration, I'm sure if you contact humanware
>>> you can arrange an in-person audition. I don't know what plans the
>>> other manufacturers have for demonstrations.
>>>
>>> My direct e-mail is brad.hodges at outlook.com, if you would like to
>>> communicate directly.
>>>
>>> Brad
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 4/5/2016 9:26 AM, Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk wrote:
>>>> Thanks Brad.
>>>> I looked at the ad for the Humanware Touch, but it does not appear to
>>>> have a braille display, which for me is a deal-breaker.
>>>> Looking at the FS ad, it appears that the ElBraille will not be
>>>> available until at least convention.  Since my current notetaker died
>>>> suddenly and I'm now using my good old slate for notes, I'm not sure
>>>> I'm willing to wait that long.
>>>> Your questions are certainly things worth thinking about.
>>>> Both the NeoBraille and B2G say they can have cellular connectivity,
>>>> but don't specifically say one could use them for phone calls.
>>>> Tracy
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>> On Behalf Of Brad Hodges via Electronics-Talk
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 9:02 AM
>>>> To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
>>>> Cc: Brad Hodges
>>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers
>>>>
>>>> Tracy:
>>>>
>>>> While I was not at CSUN, I have had an opportunity to follow the
>>>> arrival of Android-based notetakers. In addition to the 2 you
>>>> mention, the Apex Touch, from Humanware is also available. Of the 3,
>>>> I would say that the Touch is the most available for immediate purchase.
>>>>
>>>> That having been said, in my opinion there are some very important
>>>> considerations created by the switch to the Android operating system
>>>> for our notetaker technology. Your questions illuminate several of
>>>> these. I also believe there is more that we don't know yet which we
>>>> should know in order to evaluate Android as a notetaker operating system.
>>>>
>>>> Rather than relating my understanding of the 2 you mention, and
>>>> relate my very brief experience with the Touch, last week-end, I
>>>> would encourage you to formulate a comprehensive set of evaluation
>>>> criteria to use as you have the opportunity to audition each of the 3
>> candidates.
>>>> Additionally, don't discount Freedom Scientific's L-Braille, which is
>>>> based on Windows 10 and integrates one of the companies existing
>>>> braille displays with a module containing the processor.
>>>>
>>>> I strongly suggest that those interested in a new notetaker hold off
>>>> until the candidates have made their actual arrival and are ready for
>> purchase.
>>>>
>>>> This question might also be something which we may want to address at
>>>> Convention. Perhaps a panel organized by one of our De visions.
>>>>
>>>> Here are a few of the questions which come to my mind so far.
>>>>
>>>> Since they are using an operating system which is intended to support
>>>> a mobile device does the notetaker include the ability to use
>>>> cellular
>> data?
>>>> Will it support phone calls? How important is this to you?
>>>>
>>>> Which is more important, the availability of phone-like connectivity
>>>> and other exclusive features provided by Android, or an updated
>>>> experience with a familiar menu structure and existing  set of features?
>>>>
>>>> We are accustom to a very fast and responsive interface on legacy
>>>> devices, is the notetaker equally as responsive?
>>>>
>>>> How quickly can the notetaker be activated for immediate input, such
>>>> as capturing a note or appointment? Is there both a sleep mode and
>>>> power down mode? If so what is the difference?
>>>>
>>>> Is the interface logical and easy to follow?
>>>>
>>>> Since this is an Android device, what is the relationship between the
>>>> interface and apps provided by the manufacturer and those apps
>>>> available through the Play Store?
>>>>
>>>> Can Talkback, the Android screen reader be used? If so how does that
>>>> experience contrast with built in menus etc?
>>>>
>>>> How does the notetaker feel while in use? Is the form factor convenient?
>>>> Are keys convenient and responsive? If a touch screen is used how do
>>>> your hands feel after an extended period of use?
>>>>
>>>> How do the braille cells feel? Do they meet your expectations if you
>>>> are experienced with notetaker or refreshable braille?
>>>>
>>>>  How important is the ability of the notetaker to become part of
>>>> your personal echo system, allowing contacts, calendars, documents
>>>> and such to be shared across all your devices and phone? Does the
>>>> notetaker facilitate this if it is of importance?
>>>>
>>>> At the time of product announcements, in mid-March, 3 different
>>>> versions of Android were used, 1 each on the 3 devices. What is the
>>>> significance, if any, of the version of Android used in the notetaker
>> when purchased?
>>>> What is the impact of update availability, and who controls update
>> releases?
>>>>
>>>> Those are just a few quick thoughts which have been running around in
>>>> my mind. I hope that they may be of some use. It has been my
>>>> experience that careful planning and a consistent record of your
>>>> experience can help you make a choice with which you will be very
>> pleased.
>>>>
>>>> Brad
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On 4/5/2016 7:16 AM, Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk wrote:
>>>>> 2 new braille notetakers were announced at CSUN, the NeoBraille and
>>>>> the Braille2Go.  Both are based on android phones.
>>>>>
>>>>> Did anyone happen to go to CSUN and actually use one of these new
>>>>> notetakers?
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm in the market for a new braille notetaker, and I'd like to know
>>>>> what the interface for either of these is like.  Does one have to
>>>>> swipe around, or does one enter a command from the keyboard to bring
>>>>> up an app?  If I need to quickly scribble a note, does the device
>>>>> come on quickly, or do I have to mess around with unlocking it, then
>>>>> starting
>>>> some app?
>>>>> I know it's a long shot, but I'd love to hear from anyone who's
>>>>> actually had hands on one of these new devices.
>>>>>
>>>>> Tracy
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>>>>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>> for
>>>> Electronics-Talk:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/brad.h
>>>>> od
>>>>> ges%40outlook.com
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>>>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> Electronics-Talk:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/carcion
>>>> e%40acc
>>>> ess.net
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>>>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Electronics-Talk:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/brad.ho
>>>> dges%40outlook.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Electronics-Talk:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/jbar%40b
>>> arcore.com
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Electronics-Talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/carcione%40acc
>> ess.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Electronics-Talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/jmccarthy%40md
>> tap.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Electronics-Talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/lauren%40catli
>> nes.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Electronics-Talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/sharonklug9304
>> %40gmail.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Electronics-Talk mailing list
>> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Electronics-Talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/jajkaldrich%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Electronics-Talk mailing list
> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Electronics-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/jdashiel%40panix.com
>

-- 