[NABS-L] Seeking Experiences with/Thoughts on Mantis Q40 Braille Display

Mon Aug 14 01:45:08 UTC 2023

Hello Noah,
I am a Mantis Q user, and I have been so for almost 3 years now.
I have also been a music student who has studied piano performance and music composition.
The mantis has been great, and I think the thing that makes it really unique is its full QWERTY keyboard.
However, my problem with it is that it barely gets updates, and I think support for it is waning.
However, I still think it’s great because of its capabilities in opening various file types, and it works wonderfully with both JAWS and NVDA.
If it weren’t’t for the support issue, I’d highly recommend it. However, I’m worried that support for this device would be completely dropped in a year or two at most. (I think it was released in 2020.)
Hope that helps.
Best,
Dana

________________________________
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Noah Carver via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 4:23:28 AM
To: louvins at gmail.com <louvins at gmail.com>; National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Noah Carver <noahcarver494 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Seeking Experiences with/Thoughts on Mantis Q40 Braille Display

Hi Joshua,

Thanks for your reply. I did briefly consider the Brailliant BI 40X as it
has some functions which the Mantis lacks. At this point, however, the
QWERTY keyboard of the Mantis is quite appealing to me. I also was under
the assumption that, since the Mantis is manufactured by Humanware, it
would be using the same braille display technology as the BI 40X. If you
wouldn't mind, please tell me more about why you prefer the BI 40X. Is
there a function provided by the BI 40X that you feel I would be missing
out on if I went for the Mantis? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Noah
--
Noah Carver
Candidate, B.M. '26
Applied Music (Performance) -- Voice
Eastman School of Music
University of Rochester
[image: JAWS Certified, 2023]
<https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification/>
+1 (207) 557-9143 <+12075579143>
noahcarver494 at gmail.com

On Sun, Aug 13, 2023 at 9:17 PM Joshua Hendrickson via NABS-L <
nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Have you ever thought about the BI40X from humanware?  I have that
> display and it is great.  I use it primarily for reading bookshare
> books, and it does a great job.  I hope you find the wright display
> for your needs.
>
> On 8/13/23, Asia Quinones-Evans via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> > Hello my name is Asia Quinones-Evans. I have been using a Mantis Q40 for
> > two years next month. I have created a Facebook group called Mantis Q40
> > Users that has become very popular for any questions about the Mantis. I
> > really love my Mantis and am actually writing this email with it
> connected
> > to my Ipad mini. There is much more I can say but I do not want to make
> > this email a book. If you want to contact me privately to get more of my
> > opinion feel free in my signature is my private info.
> >
> > On Sun, Aug 13, 2023 at 8:38 PM Noah Carver via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> To Whom it May Concern,
> >>
> >> I am a Bachelor of Music student on the hunt for a new braille display,
> >> and
> >> I am seeking input from anyone with experience with, or thoughts on, the
> >> Mantis Q40 from APH/Humanware. I will primarily be using the display to
> >> read music braille, books from NLS Bard and BookShare, and other .BRF
> >> files. I will also be using the display with my Windows laptop (I use
> >> both
> >> JAWS and NVDA) and Android smartphone. I am drawn to the Mantis because
> >> of
> >> its QWERTY keyboard, which can also be used as a Perkins-style keyboard
> >> if
> >> necessary, as well as its ability to automatically translate text
> formats
> >> to braille. The onboard connectivity to services such as Bookshare is
> >> also
> >> quite impressive and appreciated.
> >>
> >> As mentioned above, I am seeking input from people who have experience
> >> with
> >> the Mantis. What has been your impression? Has it lived up to your
> >> expectations? Have you had any unpleasant surprises as a Mantis owner?
> >> How
> >> is the repair experience? Is there anything I should know before
> >> committing
> >> to the purchase of a Mantis?
> >>
> >> Thank you in advance for any input or suggestions which you might have.
> >>
> >> Sincerely,
> >>
> >> Noah
> >>
> >> --
> >> Noah Carver
> >> Candidate, B.M. '26
> >> Applied Music (Performance) -- Voice
> >> Eastman School of Music
> >> University of Rochester
> >> [image: JAWS Certified, 2023]
> >> <https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification/>
> >> noahcarver494 at gmail.com
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> NABS-L mailing list
> >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
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> >> NABS-L:
> >>
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> >>
> > --
> > Yours truely,
> >
> > Asia Quinones-Evans
> >
> > Phone: 440-670-6509
> > Email: aevans.nfb at gmail.com
> >
> >
> > Live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
>
>
> --
> Joshua Hendrickson
>
> Joshua Hendrickson
>
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