[nfb-talk] Caveat, do not buy yet. FW: HIMS Introduces the All-New QBraille XL

Buddy Brannan buddy at brannan.name
Fri Jul 6 01:10:55 UTC 2018


I don’t have a dog in this fight, so to speak, but do have some thoughts.

When you’re comparing the Polaris, or for that matter the Braille Sense/Braille Sense U2/Mini, to this new display, it’s not an apples to apples comparison. A more accurate comparison would be comparing to the previous Hims display, which would be the Braille Edge. One of similar features would be the Baum Vario Ultra. None of these are notetakers in the same sense as the Polaris, Braille Sense/Mini/U2, or the BrailleNote Apex or Touch is. This new device, priced similarly to the Braille Edge, appears to be the next iteration of the Braille edge with additional features/keyboard/etc. 

With the Polaris, Hims has had to contend with a whole scale architecture change, from Windows CE to Android. This was a change that, I suspect, wasn’t completely voluntary in nature, as Microsoft’s focus shifts. Regardless, such a sweeping change, it seems to me, would make some bugs inevitable, especially if they feel that they have to meet an aggressive release schedule. I’m not justifying, as I think it’s better to get it right than it is to get it fast, but I do think it’s important to have an idea of what’s being compared and what the challenges are. 

> On Jul 5, 2018, at 8:30 PM, Judy Jones via nfb-talk <nfb-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
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> Hello, List,
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> New HIMS notetaker announcement below my message.
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> Just my opinion, for what it is worth.
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> HIMS has been known for its quality of product, and I have been using their products since 2013, and have been a very happy customer, until the Polaris.
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> This device has great potential, but since my acquisition of the Polaris in February, I am finding a mediocre device that has great potential but a long way to go in fixing major bugs.
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> They also have been promising to upgrade the older U2 generation of devices, but this has not come to pass.  Since February, they have had two major updates, plus a security patch in April, so they are obviously working hard to fix the bugs, but not there yet.
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> Yet, here comes another new device with shiny promises.  The ideas are great, but as a consumer, I question the quality now, that I would not have done in the past.  Have they bitten off more than they can chew?
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> Ask some serious questions, and hold off purchasing until you can have a length of time to test personal use.  Just a caveat.
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> Judy
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> From: HIMS, Inc [mailto:thomas at hims-inc.com] 
> Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2018 1:29 PM
> To: sonshines59 at gmail.com
> Subject: HIMS Introduces the All-New QBraille XL
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> Nothing like this has been done before 
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>  <http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=595a5af8-42ed-4781-ad03-fc3107e795b6&a=1129092538389&c=a5c986c0-cfa9-11e7-878c-d4ae52733d3a&ch=84c3f270-6e60-11e8-9de7-d4ae529a8612> 
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> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017Uuj07qZLQ37AX1lynEJj1RauQBeSF55_WLt6GcXw2IEbTgf6c2QXHznTCA0DgZD034LXQ6To6m6Rl5vp30_KOPf8QqZylMVK_P6ZJB_PY0vpr1khOc0HsW6BZ-W_jVaoVQdvL4-JJnC3UuiWCR9tdxXiTCXnZv0o4cyizyuyajvqFAcsDD1LvPGMftEXD7Udst4oZFiZRPcKY7a-cXHTCQ6Dsxm8sEtuwtqygD4azV2qMWuRJTADZwFlw6RIG8x53rz5ZztCG-G9OR4qrcIoA==&c=zLtQjNBPmsV3yqtcrd2DhRP_WshrjbjYt_5oJ0f6tsyzelJNdBt27g==&ch=4F7sODMA12I8VBSN-Odnp0XxsrSR_EOtQZn2dKfzYe4uWQZdIzg6kg==> 
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> Introducing the All-New QBraille XL
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> QBraille XL braille notetaker
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> A Unique Blend of a Perkins Keyboard and QWERTY Function Keys
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> QBraille XL represents an entirely new type of Braille display. The 40-cell QBraille XL replaces modifier keys and special keystrokes with intuitively placed function, application, and system keys that you find on your standard QWERTY keyboard. With the QBraille XL, Alt+F4 means pressing Alt+F4.
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>  <https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif> 
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> Intuitive Productivity
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>  <https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif> 
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> The groundbreaking combination of Braille and QWERTY function keys means you no longer need your laptop keyboard, letting you get more done in less time.
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> Use QBraille XL’s arrow keys to navigate across tables, or use the dedicated control, shift, and arrow keys to quickly select text.
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> QBraille XL save seconds with every command, minutes with every task, and hours with every project.
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> QBraille being used with an iPad <http://files.constantcontact.com/510e823e601/9e4f930c-dbee-4d78-8b16-465c15c0a369.jpg> 
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> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017Uuj07qZLQ37AX1lynEJj1RauQBeSF55_WLt6GcXw2IEbTgf6c2QXHIocXbwrhTJ3-KzGAgvth6JXafivCKh-zKnfkeC-RlPaAhpIAkWL5-wAjgg3TwL1ySnXY7IqS2knsKqj4Z-r2gwYxFrErixZUwzPepX2I8kSafLLreYZrjWjyzpQ5cVNJTjIL5zEQxJ2Pt6Nsdi0tlYGqZ81-FaEhuSLc_ohOnXBxsLeIr6i03kQPrDS1HJFD8zHWEs5TDgSuZqcpJasOLj77EqQVYm2GuC96Vke5qrRnOGn0ssrgE-KoUm7JcWx--QY450MWrfsolut3eFFhDrPzaRnTz3qdDYvSIDY8hg&c=zLtQjNBPmsV3yqtcrd2DhRP_WshrjbjYt_5oJ0f6tsyzelJNdBt27g==&ch=4F7sODMA12I8VBSN-Odnp0XxsrSR_EOtQZn2dKfzYe4uWQZdIzg6kg==> Learn More
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> Compact Versatility
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> QBraille XL braille display perkins keyboard and windows keys <http://files.constantcontact.com/510e823e601/795ddcfc-eb0f-4709-b5ef-541a32bee8ec.jpg> 
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> QBraille XL makes it easier than ever to multi-task like a pro. Quickly switch between Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices for sending emails, performing Google searches, sending a text, or using your favorite app all without lifting your hands.
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> QBraille XL also lets you switch between three Terminal, Keyboard, or Hybrid modes and pairs with up to six Bluetooth devices and 1 USB device at the same time.
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> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017Uuj07qZLQ37AX1lynEJj1RauQBeSF55_WLt6GcXw2IEbTgf6c2QXHIocXbwrhTJXSoRmo0dXME8e25amX1AAGMiOEgnRKbsPCMqza-X_Wqf7ErVo94oGJCQR7xEOJRbkuczrfwIywNlmaSGqtueSyK32XPnGfD-pwtN-Orv0VIzCrP_imOFRFbFGBnsoomh1XbuzR0CmKiiA0ML3APjpuT49eBpsvixneMLtDGt7yNrkmxUbeGmXVlLXAQ8YEoDJ6wkENhQF5Dk9GN9ssX2J3XL3HJfKhrJc-FzvwYbp5DnVL1WJS6lLbjQxAd3Sujyf8ghnendV7xTyMovwwDm0Q==&c=zLtQjNBPmsV3yqtcrd2DhRP_WshrjbjYt_5oJ0f6tsyzelJNdBt27g==&ch=4F7sODMA12I8VBSN-Odnp0XxsrSR_EOtQZn2dKfzYe4uWQZdIzg6kg==> Request a free demonstration
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>  <https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif> 
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> Finally, Something New in a Braille Display!
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> Man holding several technology products <http://files.constantcontact.com/510e823e601/248759c9-a5fe-46b8-ac98-3dba53281901.jpg> 
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>  <https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif> 
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> With QBraille XL:
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> Ctrl A = Select All
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> Ctrl C = Copy
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> Ctrl V = Paste
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> Ctrl O = Open
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> Ctrl P = Print
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> Ctrl S = Save
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> Alt F4 = Close Document
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> Alt Tab = Switch Between Documents
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> ·    The best of both worlds - Braille input & QWERTY control
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> ·    On-Board Notepad, DAISY Reader, Calendar, and more
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> ·    Open .DOC, .DOCX, .RTF and .PDF documents in addition to .BRF and .TXT files
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> ·    USB and Bluetooth with multi-channel pairing
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> ·    Compatible with PC, MAC, iOS, and Android devices
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> ·    Perfect for demanding work environments and those who want to be more productive
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> Specifications
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> ·    Braille Display: 40 Cells
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> ·    Keyboard Type: Perkins-Style input + QWERTY function keys
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> ·    Supported File Formats: DOC, DOCX, BRF, TXT, RTF, PDF, DAISY
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> ·    Flash Memory: SD card (SDHC) up to 32 GB
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> ·    Interface: Power Button, USB Type-C port, SD slot, Power & Bluetooth LED indicators
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> ·    Applications: Notepad, DAISY Reader, Scheduler, Alarm, Calculator, Clock, Stop Watch, Countdown Timer
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> ·    Compatibility: JAWS, Window-Eyes, SuperNova, System Access, NVDA, VoiceOver for Mac and iOS, BrailleBack for Android, Mobile Speak, TALKS
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> ·    Modes: Braille Terminal Mode, Keyboard Mode and Hybrid Mode
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> ·    Carrying Case: Premium TPU Carrying Case
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> ·    Battery: 5V 2A, Li-polymer Built-in Battery (rechargeable)
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> ·    Warranty: Two-year limited parts and labor
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> Pre-Order Today!
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> Do you want to be one of the first to own a QBraille XL? HIMS is now taking pre-orders on this groundbreaking braille display. Pre-order today and secure your price of only $2,995; a $200 saving off the $3,195 MSRP. Pre-sale quantities are limited and orders are on a first-come first-served basis.
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> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017Uuj07qZLQ37AX1lynEJj1RauQBeSF55_WLt6GcXw2IEbTgf6c2QXHIocXbwrhTJ3-KzGAgvth6JXafivCKh-zKnfkeC-RlPaAhpIAkWL5-wAjgg3TwL1ySnXY7IqS2knsKqj4Z-r2gwYxFrErixZUwzPepX2I8kSafLLreYZrjWjyzpQ5cVNJTjIL5zEQxJ2Pt6Nsdi0tlYGqZ81-FaEhuSLc_ohOnXBxsLeIr6i03kQPrDS1HJFD8zHWEs5TDgSuZqcpJasOLj77EqQVYm2GuC96Vke5qrRnOGn0ssrgE-KoUm7JcWx--QY450MWrfsolut3eFFhDrPzaRnTz3qdDYvSIDY8hg&c=zLtQjNBPmsV3yqtcrd2DhRP_WshrjbjYt_5oJ0f6tsyzelJNdBt27g==&ch=4F7sODMA12I8VBSN-Odnp0XxsrSR_EOtQZn2dKfzYe4uWQZdIzg6kg==> Pre-Order
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> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017Uuj07qZLQ37AX1lynEJj1RauQBeSF55_WLt6GcXw2IEbTgf6c2QXHIocXbwrhTJXSoRmo0dXME8e25amX1AAGMiOEgnRKbsPCMqza-X_Wqf7ErVo94oGJCQR7xEOJRbkuczrfwIywNlmaSGqtueSyK32XPnGfD-pwtN-Orv0VIzCrP_imOFRFbFGBnsoomh1XbuzR0CmKiiA0ML3APjpuT49eBpsvixneMLtDGt7yNrkmxUbeGmXVlLXAQ8YEoDJ6wkENhQF5Dk9GN9ssX2J3XL3HJfKhrJc-FzvwYbp5DnVL1WJS6lLbjQxAd3Sujyf8ghnendV7xTyMovwwDm0Q==&c=zLtQjNBPmsV3yqtcrd2DhRP_WshrjbjYt_5oJ0f6tsyzelJNdBt27g==&ch=4F7sODMA12I8VBSN-Odnp0XxsrSR_EOtQZn2dKfzYe4uWQZdIzg6kg==> Request a Demo
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> HIMS, Inc | 4616 West Howard Lane, Suite 960, Austin, TX 78641 
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