[nabs-l] BrailleNote Apex--Braille keyboard v. computer keyboard

Sun May 2 22:11:18 UTC 2010

One of the advantages of an Apple IPad is that it starts up just as fast as a notetaker, and, (honestly), seems to have less issues than a notetaker. Also, getting an IPad repaired is far easier and less expensive than getting a notetaker repaired. We've all had to deal with Human-where-art-thou at some point, and I'd much rather take my IPad to an Apple Store than send my unit in for an undetermined period of time. Also, the accessibility is built in to Apple devices. I haven't had any issues with Voiceover being unreliable, and while nothing is perfect and everything will stop working at some point, I find using it much more pleasant and convenient than using an overpriced notetaker.

I miss having a notetaker sometimes because of the built in braille display, however since the IPad now supports bluetooth options, I am more comfortable with the idea of recommending the Apple option to students.

Briley

On May 2, 2010, at 4:40 PM, Nicole B. Torcolini wrote:

> This is JMHO, but, for something that I would take to class and depend on and need to run right all the time, I would rather have one of the electronic Braille notetakers that has the accessibility features built in. If I could find some combination of Braille displays, screen readers, and other mainstream and adaptive technology that I felt was less likely to have problems, I would certainly consider it.  BTW, does anyone know how long it takes an IPad or other device of the sorts to start up?  That is the other trade off--the Braille notetakers usually take less than 5 seconds to start.
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Domonique Lawless" <dlawless86 at gmail.com>
> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 1:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] BrailleNote Apex--Braille keyboard v. computer keyboard
> 
> 
>> This is slightly off topic, but have any of you thought about
>> purchasing an IPad with an external bluetooth keyboard as an
>> alternative to a braille notetaker? You could also connect a blue
>> tooth braille display for more hands on reading. This would still be a
>> cheaper alternative to a notetaker. I'm just curious to see what
>> people think.
>> 
>> Best Wishes,
>> Domonique
>> 
>> On 4/30/10, Serena <serenacucco at verizon.net> wrote:
>>> Hi guys,
>>> 
>>> One thing I don't like about the computer-style keyboard is, at least on my
>>> friend's BN I get to practice on, it doesn't display the last character I
>>> write, until I type another.  (My friend is deaf-blind, so we communicate
>>> via the BN when we're hanging out.)  E.G., if I write "What?", I don't see
>>> the question mark on the display, until I press the space bar.  Since I'm
>>> not all that familiar with the layout, I'm not always sure if I wrote a
>>> question mark or a slash.  I don't know I wrote a slash, until I press the
>>> space bar!  Is this a flaw with the computer-style keyboard?  Or is there a
>>> setting that can be changed to make the display show each character as you
>>> write, like the Braille keyboard does?
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> Serena
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Nicole B. Torcolini" <ntorcolini at wavecable.com>
>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 1:00 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] BrailleNote Apex--Braille keyboard v. computer
>>> keyboard
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> Some people prefer to use an electronic notetaker such as the BrailleNote
>>>> because the accessibility is built in and they like the simplicity when
>>>> all that is really needed is taking notes.
>>>> 
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "clinton waterbury" <clinton.waterbury at gmail.com>
>>>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 3:55 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] BrailleNote Apex--Braille keyboard v. computer
>>>> keyboard
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> This is true, but why take a laptop when that would be duplicating what
>>>>> you're using the bn/pac mate or what ever you want to use as a notetaker?
>>>>> You could just turn around and get a braille display that connects up to
>>>>> a laptop for reading braille for the price you pay for something that
>>>>> does word processing and all that kind of stuff like the bn does, but
>>>>> that's a matter of personal preference.
>>>>> On Apr 28, 2010, at 3:59 PM, Jorge Paez wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>>> Well,
>>>>>> it really depends.
>>>>>> I have used a computer keyboard a lot with my laptop, but like the
>>>>>> ability to write grade 2 braille.
>>>>>> Part of it is the ability to type entire words, being able to take notes
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> a lot faster--only typing one sign for the, etc.
>>>>>> The thing is, I haven't been used to a computer keyboard on a notebook
>>>>>> device, so I'd go for braille just because I know it better, but in your
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> case it may depend.
>>>>>> However, I wouldn't recommend you rely souly on the Apex.
>>>>>> In my experience the note has been perfect for taking notes and that's
>>>>>> about it--(E.G. completely failing at Internet except at my home
>>>>>> network), though they claim they have made improvements.
>>>>>> My best bet is go for which ever one you feel better, but try and get
>>>>>> a--or take your laptop as a backup.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Jorge
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
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>>>>> 
>>>>> 
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