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

Sun May 2 23:33:09 UTC 2010

Check out apple.com/accessibility for more information, but yes, the IPad does have a built in screen reader at no extra cost to the blind user. It is a touch screen device that some may compare to a netback. It also serves as a completely accessible EBook reader, and I think will change the face of assistive technology in many ways. We are moving closer to a universal access mindset, and this will only help us on our way to equality with a sighted public.

Briley
On May 2, 2010, at 5:45 PM, Ashley Bramlett wrote:

> I don't always keep up with latest technology.  What does the IPAD do?  If you got one does it have built in talking software or how would you use it?
> 
> I definately am looking for an alternative that is cheaper than a electronic notetaker.  Currently I have a Braille Note but when it crashes I may not be able to afford to replace it.  Voc rehab bought it for me but I may be employed when something happens to it.  Therefore I'd be on my own with expenses.
> 
> Ashley
> ----- 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 4:57 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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>>> 
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