[Nfbmt] note takers for blind users

[James Aldrich]

Hi all,

I think if I were buying a notetaker these days, I'd look at the Apex 
from Humanware and the Braille Sense U 2 mini from Hyms company.  The U 
2 is close to $4000,  The 16 to 18 cell Apex is probably a bit over 
that but I'm not sure! I'd consider the U 2 mini before I'd consider 
the Apex!  I think the mini has more going for it but I'd say these are 
the best choices!  At least, they are the more readily available choices!

One must consider any number of things when considering any advantages 
a notetaker might have if it has any advantages at all! I think Joy hit 
the nail on the head when she spoke about her Braille Sense not being 
able to go online!  This is indeed a big disadvantage when notetakers 
don't keep up with the latest connectivity protocols.  I cannot go 
online with my voice Sense either and it is no longer supported or 
being upgraded.  I'll probably use it till it crokes! It is still good 
for some things!  I have two other braillenotes which cannot be 
repaired or are they supported any more!  I paid good money for those!

I came close to ordering that Braille Pen!  I thought it would be nice 
to have during the resolutions committee.  Other things got in the way 
but when one considers one of the braille pens, an I product or android 
tablet, perhaps a laptop, it is much less than what one pays for a 
notetaker.  This might work with the phone you presently use depending 
on its capabilities. Even if one gets a $2000, braille display, it is 
still less expensive!  Having a phone or tablet with a bluetooth 
braille display might take up less room in your fanny pack or back 
pack.  Since most braille displays have their own Perkins style 
Keyboard, one can leave their phone or tablet in the fanny pack and do 
their work with the braille display!  One usually gets 30 feet or more 
between the tablet and braille display when bluetooth is used. Quite 
often I have left my IPhone in the bedroom and walked around the house 
with my Aftershokz bluetooth headset while listening to the conference 
call!  This worked surprisingly well!  One might be able to do the same 
thing with the tablet and braille display! Should the notetaker need to 
be repaired, all your content and the device must go back to where you 
ordered it from.  Your repair might be hefty as well after waranty is 
up.  I can go back to Verizon if I have a problem with my phone or 
IPad.  It can be exchanged and the content is backed up in the Icloud.  
I can restore all my content to the new device.  I have ringtones in my 
new IPhone 6 which were used in an IPhone 4.  That of course is when 
Apple works correctly. I'm simply saying I'm not away from my content 
very long if I must exchange my device! That might be crutial!  The 
braille device and phone or tablet can be used independently as stand 
alone units or together! If my I devices were lost or stolen, I can 
disable them remotely!  I can use my I products except the IPod on 
Verizon Wireless as well as Wi  Fi. The only notetaker I know about 
which can be used on a cell carrier is the braille plus by APH. The U 2 
mini comes with two batteries and has built in GPS.  You can find more 
information by going to:
http://www.hims-inc.com
One can backup content to a PC but if the notetaker is in repair, can 
one readily access that content for 2 to 4 weeks or more?

If my fanantial advisor or family member gave me the money to get the U 
2 mini, I'd probably do it!  Otherwise, I'm looking for an affordable 
braille display to use with my I products.

I'm not trying to sway anyone here one way or the other!  I only wish 
to bring out things one should ponder before buying!

Jim