[Electronics-Talk] Notetaker with braille display

Fri Mar 25 15:48:07 UTC 2016

Hi Tracey,

Given that I do not have much experience with refreshable braille displays
at this point, I do not have much to compare to.  I do have some sensitivity
issues in my hands, but I'm finding the braille to be what I think is firm
and easy to detect.  The dots do make a sound when changing, but again, I do
not know how this compares to other options.  The keyboard is nowhere as
firm/stiff as a manual braille writer, but I do think they feel firm under
my fingers.  Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer.  

Annette

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2016 8:27 AM
To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Notetaker with braille display

Thanks Annette.
The Perkins Mini may really be what I'm looking for.  How's the braille?  Is
it firm, as opposed to mushy-feeling?
How is the keyboard?  Does it feel good to write with, or does it feel
cheap, if you know what I mean?

I think I will call the Perkins store, since you say there's someone there
who really knows the machine.  Do you happen to remember her name?
Tracy

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Annette Carr via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2016 10:45 PM
To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
Cc: Annette Carr
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Notetaker with braille display

Tracy,

The Perkins Mini works well with the iPhone via bluetooth.  I've only had my
Perkins Mini for a short while, and have not mastered it.  I have read and
created text messages, and have read braille format books from BARD.

You can connect the Mini to a computer via the USB cable, but this is not
its strongest point.

The Perkin Mini can read files from the included SD card, or from a USB
thumb drive.  

The Mini had an 8-key Perkins style keyboard.  That can be used to write in
the built in notepad.  If you are looking to draft up documents, the notepad
is not designed for this.  I've successfully used it for taking notes during
meetings at work.  

There is a calculator and an alarm clock in the Mini, but I have not used
them.

I can't answer your questions about music or the use of hybrid grade
2-computer braille, but if you were to call the Perkins Product Store and
let them know that you want to talk to someone about technical aspects of
the Perkins Mini you should be able to get your answers.  Unfortunately, I
do not remember the lady's name, but she uses the device and is very
knowledgeable.  

So far I really like the Perkins Mini and think it is worth what you pay for
it.  I am not a strong braille reader, but really need to get my braille
skills up to speed.  The Perkins Mini is helping me do that.  I think down
the line when I become a much more proficient braille reader, I would want
more cells, but I would not want to give up portability.

HTH,
Annette

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2016 8:02 AM
To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Notetaker with braille display

Hi Annette.
I want something where I can take notes and read books.  I often take notes
in a hybrid grade 2-computer braille, and I don't want the notetaker trying
to translate.  I also often use my notetaker to write or read braille
music--again, no attempt at translation wanted.
It also would be nice, though not essential, if I could connect the
notetaker to my iPhone occasionally.
Could the Perkins notetaker handle notes and books?
Tracy

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Annette Carr via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 3:38 PM
To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
Cc: Annette Carr
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Notetaker with braille display

If you are looking for something basic for taking small notes, you might
want to check out the Perkins Mini braille displays.  If you are looking for
a lot of options, then this is not the tool for you.

Annette

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 2:44 PM
To: electronics-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: [Electronics-Talk] Notetaker with braille display

My Braillenote PK is pretty old now, and it's starting to fail.  I'm
thinking about a replacement, and the Braille Sense U2 Mini looks pretty
good.
Lightweight is very important to me.  An 18-cell display is fine.
I'd be interested to hear of good or bad experiences with the U2 Mini, or
other small notetakers people really like.
Tracy

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