I would think that if you really want open platform, go for a compact laptop. Andy
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of don bishop Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 3:12 PM To: Braillenote List Subject: RE: [Braillenote] and, is pac mate really the answer? I certainly don't want to get into a bashing war which seems to happen far too often, but it is definitely a question to ponder. Don On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 16:55:25 -0500, Richard Ring wrote: But Rusty, HumanWare has made huge amounts of money with the Braillenote! They can't even keep up with their orders! This is not about a tiny company and a huge one any longer, it is about the two major players in this field! -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rusty Perez Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 4:53 PM To: 'Braillenote List' Subject: RE: [Braillenote] This is about two things, an open platform and MONEY! We have all been clamoring for features for the BN which could very easily be implemented if their were more openness for the BN. If there were a software development kit, then many people would be programming for the BN, not just those who made it, dare I say it, in to bed with Humanware? We can count the number of outside developers of software for the BN on one finger I believe. As I've said before, Jonathan is a smart man. He wants to see improvements to his own life. He says it in the press release. An open platform allows for quick innovation and improvement for blindness products. So that's at least the first reason. He sees an open platform as a better way to go. He's also in for the money. Until he comes and says, "folks, I took a pay cut because I believe in this technology more," then FS had more money. FS is huge! They have tons and tons of contracts and exclusivity arrangements. FS is smart. They grab all kinds of marketing opportunities. Humanware didn't sponser the audio descriptions for Blind Justice, the half baked show about the blind cop on TV two years ago; Freedom Scientific did. FS sponsers a nation wide Braille challenge, a Braille Awareness and reading and writing contest. I am not saying that the BN is not good. I'm just saying that Jonathan, the BN's biggest proponent for many years, has said, in just as many words, that "Freedom Scientific's products emphasize the strengths of an open-platform approach to both hardware and software. This approach showcases the company's ability to leverage mainstream applications and technology elements to provide technology solutions for those that are blind in a timely manner." The BN has been behind! Jonathan is going where he can be ahead, and where he can get, very likely, more money. I have never bought the idea that a closed platform is better, and I suspect that neither has Jonathan. He just couldn't say that when he was a mouthpiece for Humanware. Jonathan is shrude and though this has bothered me at times, I know he's a smart guy. I think this is all the more reason for us to push for more and more from Humanware. Rusty, who still likes his BN Mpower, but who wishes that development were more open. ____________________ Skype: rustyperez Yahoo and AIM: reliroo Check out my blog at http://rusty-perez.blogspot.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Shane Jackson Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 2:01 PM To: 'Braillenote List' Subject: RE: [Braillenote] Hmmm. Goodness. I thought Jonathan hated Freedom Scientific with a purple passion. I wonder what changed so suddenly? Thanks for posting this, Richard. Heavens, what will happen next! Shane Jackson, Amateur Radio Station: K4JSJ Hoover, Alabama, USA "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB) ___ 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 ___ 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 __________ NOD32 1.1734 (20060831) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com ___ 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
