Hi Josh and list, Perhaps the following post would be some interest for some people here, particularly the originator of this thread: Actually, I used Korean versions of these two devices myself yes, I can speak and type in Korean as well as in English). Here are the technical specs of two devices - BrailleNote mPower running KeySoft 7.5 and Braille Sense Plus (Braille Hansone (pronounced Hahn-So-Neh) hardware version 3.0 nicknamed "Hansone LX") running firmware version 5.0: BrailleNote mPower: * Operating System: Windows CE.net 4.2 (Windows Mobile 2003). * CPU: Intel X-Scale PXA272 at 416 MHz * Memory: 64 MB RAM (which 32 MB is KeySoft System Disk while other half is reserved as true RAM), 128 MB Flash * Expansion slots: USB 2.0 - two host ports, one client port, Type II CompactFlash slot, Type II PC card slot, regular SD (not SDHC nor SDIO) slot that accepts SD variants such as MMC and Micro SD cards. * Connectivity: serial port, 56K modem, WiFi 802.11G (requires KS7.5.29 and a supported WiFi card), Ethernet (also requires a separate CF card), Bluetooth 1.1 (I think) supporting ActiveSync, Keyboard, Modem and Printer services, IR output port. * Audio: Dual channel speaker with headphone jack, mono microphone jack with record button FM radio (built into the motherboard itself). * Software: Wordprocessor, calendar/planner, address list, database manager, book reader (supporting DAISY books), Email and Internet, Scientific Calculator supporting everything except Calculus and unit conversion (which includes trig, statistical and fractions support) and so on. * Braille Display: either Tieman or KGS cells with either 18 or 32-cell display with navigational thumb-keys.
Now, onto Braille Sense Plus: * Operating System: Windows CE 5.0 (Windows Mobile 5.0) * CPU: Intel X-Scale PXA272 at 520 MHz * Memory: 128 MB RAM, 128 MB OS storage area, 8 GB Flash (separate chip from RAM) * Expansion slots: one USB OTG (on-the-go where the device will act as either a client or host device (ask me off list for more info)), one USB host (if I'm correct), one CF slot, one SD (I think it is SDHC). * Other devices: WiFi 802.11 (I don't know the substandard) built-in, Bluetooth transceiver, LCD display. * Audio: Dual channel stereo speaker with headphone jack, internal microphone with microphone jack, dedicated media control buttons. * Software: Wordprocessor, calendar/schedule manager (alarms are separate from schedule manager), address manager, media player/recorder, MSN Messenger, Email and Internet, Scientific Calculator (just regular ones) and so forth. * Braille Display: HIMS's display with scroll buttons (on the either side of the display). Few notes: * The overall interface for the Braille Sense is Windows-like versus textual interface on the BrailleNote. * Whereas BrailleNote's KeyPlan has built-in alarm, Braille Sense's Schedule Manager does not have alarms built in. The "Alarms" are located at Utility Menu. * Whereas KeyPlus is located at BrailleNote's main menu, the calculator on the Braille Sense is located at the Utility Menu. * Other goodies that Braille Sense (at least the Korean variant) has is a daily calendar that tells you the solar and lunar days, as well as the day of the week on which the given day falls. * Although Josh didn't mentioned it, the Braille Sense's interface can be displayed on a VGA-equipped monitor screen via VGA port. On the BrailleNote, it is possible to display BN's interface using a Voyager VGA adapter which has a CF type card on one end and a VGA port on the other end. * The interface for the File Manager on the Braille Sense resembles that of Windows Explorer, whereas BrailleNote's Directory option is a list of files and folders. * The Reset button for the unit is actually located on the backside of the Braille Sense (near dot 5 key), whereas the Reset button on the BrailleNote is located on the left side directly behind the power jack. * Braille Sense has four function keys on the surface (beside the keyboard) for performing various operations, such as opening Program Menu (F1), opening menus in individual apps (F2), equivalent of TAB (F3) and ESC (F4). * The thumb-keys on the BrailleNote (especially the outer ones), in addition to performing functions of ENTER and ESC (Next and Prev keys, respectively) allows users to move quickly through the document either vertically (when using Up and Down setting), line, sentence, paragraph or section. On KeyWeb, the keys can be used to move through links and form fields using the braille display alone, something that Braille Sense users does not have (correct me if I'm wrong). And many other notes of interest - let me know if I omitted some details. These notes come from my own experiences while using these devices, my own researches on the products' websites (HumanWare and GW Micro, respectively) and extensive communication with users of both products (here in United States and in South Korea) as well as with representatives from HumanWare (in English) and HIMS (in Korean). I Hope this post gives you an updated information. Let me know if you want to talk about this further (not here). * Notes: * GW Micro website, 20058. Oress release on Braille Sense Plus, GW micro, 2008. * Various posts in Korean about Braille Sense Plus (Braille Sense hardware version 3.0 called Hansone LX (Laptop Expert). HIMS website, 2008. Cheers, Joseph P.S. I guess I "spilled" a lot of things here. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joshua Klander Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 6:39 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Braillenote] comparison between braillenote and braillesense Hi list. There have recently been people on this list wondering about the braille sease. I have used one of these this summer. I am an expert on the braille sense, but I'll do my best to give you my opinions on both the braillenote, and the braille sense. In my opinion, one of the major drawbacks of the braille sense is its non-user friendly interface. The braille sense isn't something you can just give to anyone, and expect them to learn how to use it in a few days. The braillenote is much easier to work with. Also, the braille sense calculator has no fraction capability. The braille sense has an lcd that a sighted person can look at, but the thing is so small, that a sighted observer would have a hard time reading it. The braille sense also has no dictionary or thesaurus. Also, the reset button is located in the stupidest place, right on the front of the unit. It is not recessed to prevent accidental use, or anything. Another thing I have heard about the braille sense is that if the battery needs to be replaced, you will loose all data on the flashdisk. The braille sense also has some features that the braillenote doesn't have, but not many. The braille sense supports msn messenger. Also, the user can replace the battery without sending the unit in for service. In fact, the unit comes with a backup battery. final conclusion: In my opinion, I think the mpower is a much better choice. ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.7.5/1703 - Release Date: 10/2/2008 7:46 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.7.5/1703 - Release Date: 10/2/2008 7:46 AM ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. 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
