[Nfbmt] note takers for blind users

[Jim Marks]

I use a Braille Plus 18 from APH and like it pretty well.  It's really 
an Android phone adapted to Braille input and output.  I do not use it 
as my phone.  Rather, I use it like I used my Apex, Braillenote PK, and 
other earlier notetaking technologies.  The BP18 has its problems, but 
it's connectivity is a huge advantage.  I usually don't lug a laptop 
along when I travel any more because the BP18 can handle most of what I 
need while on the road.  No other notetaker can do with the BP18 can. 
At the same time, it can be quite frustrating to use.  APH has been 
promising for some time for an update that will fix most of the 
problems.  I'm a long time Android user, so I don't mind the hassles 
others dislike.  If a person is tech minded, the BP18 is a very good 
choice.  I believe it costs around $3,500 or so.

Jim Marks
blind.grizzly at gmail.com

On 9/25/2014 4:12 PM, James Aldrich via Nfbmt wrote:
> 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
>
>
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