[gui-talk] A Pacmate or a Braillenote?

[Dane Trethowan]

Thanks Don!
Yes, I did consider a USB-serial converter, I have both an Alva 320 and Alva
380 display. JAWS and Window-Eyes will support these displays still but my
Apple Mac won't, well unless I run a virtual PC on the Mac which I can do.
I was mosnt interested in your observations on the Braillenote and Pacmate
and its given me something to think about, running third party applications
really won't worry me all that much I don't think, so long as I can use the
device affectively to communicate with other devices and so long as the
device will connect to my PC and allow me to use it as a Braille Disply and
possibly a voice synthesizer then I'll be more than happy.
I'll take a look at what GW Micro have to offer, I'd like to talk to you
more about the Braillenote so by all means keep in touch.
Cheers


-----Original Message-----
From: gui-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:gui-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of don bishop
Sent: Monday, 8 October 2007 3:22 PM
To: NFBnet GUI Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [gui-talk] A Pacmate or a Braillenote?

Dane,

This doesn't directly address your question regarding the type of 
note taker to get, but do you think a usb to serial adapter might 
get your braille display working.  You didn't mention what kind of 
display it is.  Just a thought.

I got a note taker for many of the same reasons you are considering 
one now.  I personally like the braillenote, and specifically the 
MPower qt-32 which has a 32-character display and a qwerty keyboard.

It does only run applications specifically written for the keysoft 
operating system while the pac mate will reportedly run many 3rd 
party applications.  So, if this is a concern for you, you need to 
take that into account.

The quality of braille on the MPower is excellent as well.

I have not personally used a pacmate and really don't want to get 
into the product bashing mode which these types of discussions 
usually get to.  Both systems have their plusses and minusses and it 
probably really depends on what you would primarily use the device 
for.  I'd really suggest trying to get a serious demo of both 
products and maybe even be allowed to use each for a few days to see 
for yourself.

As for gps, the Sendero gps system for the braillenote is truly a 
superior product and works extremely well.  It is also extremely 
easy to install which I've heard the gps for the pacmate is not at 
all easy to install.  But, lest the bashing begin, my reports on 
installing to the pacmate are all second hand, so don't take it as 
gospel.

Finally, as if this wasn't enough, you might also wish to consider 
the notetakers sold by gwmicro, the developers of window eyes.

You can get information on these machines at:

www.gwmicro.com
and there is quite a bit of detailed information there.

Good luck,

Don


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dane Trethowan" <grtdane at iprimus.com.au>
To: <gui-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2007 9:43 PM
Subject: [gui-talk] A Pacmate or a Braillenote?


> Hi Everyone!
>
> Ok, if I may outline my situation here, regrettably my hearing has 
> become
> worse so I'm looking at various pieces of equipment which will 
> allow me to
> A: make the most of what remaining hearing I have and B:, allow me 
> to work
> and play affectively as my hearing keeps degrading, unfortunately 
> it looks
> as though degradation will continue but not to worry <smile>.
>
> I have a Braille display here but it is well past its prime, that 
> is to say
> no new computer systems will work with the thing because new 
> computers these
> days are not equipped with serial or parallel ports so I've been 
> pondering
> this problem, if I were to get a new Braille display then I may as 
> well pay
> the extra and get a portable device such as a BrailleNote or 
> Pacmate and
> yep, coming to this conclusion has meant that I've had to swallow 
> a little
> of my pride as I've been of the opinion that these devices have 
> been "pieces
> of over-priced trash" in the past <smile>.
>
> So I'm asking, what device would be better in my situation or are 
> they both
> on a par with each other? I have to admit that the GPS features 
> that the
> latest version of the Braillenote offers sounds most attractive.
>
> I'd be interested to hear from both Keynote and Pacmate users or 
> perhaps
> from anyone who has a device which beats those two, one just never 
> knows
> what's out there these days.
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
>
>
>
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