[Trainer-Talk] Notetaker questions

[Richard Cavallaro]

As an AT specialist, I have used all of these devices and here are my thoughts.
VarioUltra-my braille device that I use at home and work.
It comes in 20 or 40 cellsIt will let you read books offline in brf, rtf, txt, doc or docx.
You can also take notes and save files on the device.
The device will let you connect one USB device and four Bluetooth devices like mac, windows, iOS and Android.
That being said, the VU has a complicated command structure that will take some getting used to.
Also, the keyboard will also take some getting used to given how it's laid out.
The Edge
The edge is 40 cells only-I personally don't like the feel of the keyboard.
I think the Vario has the quiest keyboard.
As to the Edge, you have built in apps like word processor, calendar and calculator.
You also have dedicated hardware keys for windows keys like control, alt windows, applications etc
So using  the edge as a braille display on windows with the newest HIMS driver is nice having those dedicated keys.
You also have an SD card on the side of the edge for saving files as like the Vario, you can take notes on the device.
You can connect to mac windows iOS or Android.
You can only connect one uSB and one Bluetooth device at a time.
There is a switch on the side to flip between modes.
U2 and u2 mini
Those two have a lot of built in apps and include speech and wifi.
BrailleNote Touch
This unit is running on Android.
My concern is how futureproof this product will be and that it is running on an older Android OS


Thanks.
Rich
Richard Cavallaro
Rehabilitation Technology Specialist: Independent Living
Iowa department for the Blind
524 4th St.
Des Moines IA 50309
Office: 515-281-1366
Mobile: 515-971-3967
Richard.cavallaro at blind.state.ia.us
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-----Original Message-----
From: Trainer-Talk [mailto:trainer-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kelsey Nicolay via Trainer-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2016 5:03 PM
To: List for teachers and trainers of adaptive technology
Cc: Kelsey Nicolay
Subject: Re: [Trainer-Talk] Notetaker questions

Hi Sarah,
Good question.  Personally, I would recommend checking out the braillenote apex.  I believe it can read Powerpoint, but I am not sure how to do it.  You can record voice memos on the apex as long as they are relatively short.  Hope this helps.
Thank you,
Kelsey Nicolay

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