Hi there, Adrian,
I've used both products and would certainly endorse Kathleen's suggestion
that you look at both user guides. (I always try to do this as it really
gives you a feel for a product.)
Without trying to be bias and, bearing in mind that I used the PM first and
now choose to use the BN, I would suggest that some of my choice boiled down
to the fact that technically I found the PacMate more challenging and the
Help (though I understand has recently been improved) was nowhere as near as
good as that in the BrailleNote. I do think though that there is a definite
place, perhaps especially for students, for the PacMate, so this is why it
is important to look at the functions of both very carefully.
Do bear in mind of course that they're both on the move and the Stats
availability on the BrailleNote very soon may well be what you really need
to know about in order that you consider the BrailleNote alongside the
PacMate. It is very important that you try to evaluate just what you are
going to do with whatever you purchase and whether this will have to be your
only tool or you'll have a computer also around which will of course enhance
anything you use.
I know and respect that this list is for speaking about the BrailleNote but,
especially where student needs are concerned, I think there is some value in
tossing around information about the features and of course I'm more than
happy to tell you that I do believe the BrailleNote is still a strong
contender and may well be all that you'll need. If it is, you'll find it
much simpler and more user friendly.
I'm in the UK Adrian and if you want to chat more specifically then please
get in touch off list because I don't want to go into a full comparison of
feature for feature and provoke discussion that will sure take things well
off topic.
--
Carol
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
----- Original Message -----
From: "kathleen spear" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Braillenote List"
<[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 9:16 PM
Subject: re: [Braillenote] COMPARISONS
Dear Adrian,
It has been my privilege to use both the Braillenote and Pac Mate. Even
though I used the latter for only a short time, I think I gleaned the
fine points of these device. Here is my take on your question.
* If you are using a PC with JFW, you might be more comfortable with the
Pac Mate system. However, it will take you a bit of time to work quickly
with it.
When I bought my Braillenote, I turned it on and was in the "Menu." I
just used my downarrow and went through the "desktop" list. (I have a
32-cell Bn M-Power QT.) Using the braille copy of the User Guide, that
comes with the device, I was in business is short order!
As a student, you might also consider adding an extyeran hard-drive, so
you can work quietly and easily in the library or online. I have added
the Western Digital Pasport 80GB extrernal hard-drive, so I can keep
loads of things in one place!
* The Bn is lighter than the Pac Mate, a fact I appreciate.
If I may make a suggestion, you might want to take a look at the User
Guide for both devices, because only YOU know exactly what your needs
are.
Best of luck.
KC Spear
___
To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit
http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
___
To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit
http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
