[Trainer-Talk] Research on reading speed with Braille displays

[kg 6sxy (kg6sxy)]

I can only speak from personal experience.  I currently have an Orbit Reader 20 Plus.  When I was just beginning to learn Braille, the width of the display didn't bother me much and being able to toggle word wrapping off/on and being able to toggle ignore spaces off/on helps with content formatted for a wider display.  I think it depends on the type of content you're reading.

Now that I've gotten a little faster at reading, I've ordered an Orbit Reader 40 because the 20 cell display always feels like you're waiting for panning to refresh the display.  I won't get to compare them side by side until a few weeks from now when my new Braille display arrives.

The portability of the 20 cell display is definitely a benefit for carrying the display with me everywhere since it is not much bigger than my iPhone except a lot thicker.  The really long battery life also helps.

Panning and refresh speeds will definitely limit how fast you can read compared to reading from hardcopy Braille materials.  In the beginning 20 cells was better than a larger device that I couldn't afford at the time.  If I could afford to choose either at the time, I'd likely still start with the 20 cell display since it is a lot more portable.

I hope this helps a little.

Take care,  
Tony


> On May 20, 2021, at 10:32 AM, Nancy Coffman via Trainer-Talk <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello:
> 
> I am planning to purchase a Braille display soon and am curious whether there has been any research on how the length of a display effects reading speed. I am looking at a 20 and a 40 cell. I know some documents are formatted for 40 cells which can be a drawback on a 20 cell display. I am curious if the smaller size might mean I carry it and use it more, leading to increased speed.
> 
> Thoughts welcome.
> 
> Thank you.
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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