[Electronics-Talk] [EXTERNAL] Re: b2g description

Sun Apr 10 20:36:47 UTC 2016

I agree jim i think the overpriced note taker market will really drop

On Sat, Apr 9, 2016, 3:50 AM James Aldrich via Electronics-Talk <
electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi Andy and all,
>
> I fully realize the jury is still out on the $300 to $500 braille display
> but it was shown at sea sun.  I paid $2700 or so on my Braille Edge.  I
> will wait for specials or let five years go buy when I can get that $5000
> or better for half price!  I think more of us are voting against the $5000
> or more notetaker.  I predict they will be history!  Dean Blazie is a part
> of the price reduction.
>
> Jim
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Apr 8, 2016, at 8:35 AM, Baracco, Andrew W via Electronics-Talk <
> electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > In the 1990s Dean Blazie said that refreshable Braille costs about $100
> > per cell, and this price point seems to be valid today. Perhaps actually
> > more when you are talking about a note taker because of the computer
> > functionality.
> >
> > Andy
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> > Behalf Of James Aldrich via Electronics-Talk
> > Sent: Friday, April 08, 2016 4:33 AM
> > To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
> > Cc: James Aldrich
> > Subject: [EXTERNAL] 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
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
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> >>>>> od
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> >>>>
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