Just one thing to add:
The icon and braille+ with version 2.0 of the software will work with
braille displays.
Both USB and blutooth and USB over serial are supported.
I know this is the bn list but just wanted to clarify that one point.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Terri Pannett" <[email protected]>
To: "BrailleNote List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 6:05 PM
Subject: [Braillenote] HumanWare's Quality of Service
Dear List,
I'm going to add my two cents' worth about HumanWare's quality of service
and I will also tell why I'm staying with the BN.
HW's quality of service has gone down. I've bought HW products since 1995
and, until my latest BN, I've never had any trouble with the units.
When I first received my BN, I noticed some of the cells had dots which
weren't as high as others although the braille was readable. The cells
got worse and worse until I finally sent the BN in for repair. When I got
it back, I noticed the bad cells had been fixed but other cells had some
dots which weren't as high as others. The braille is readable, but how
long will the cells last until I must send it in again? My warranty is
due to expire soon and I don't know if I should buy an extended contract
or not. I was told by HW that people may not receive a letter reminding
them their warranty is about to expire. I think that's terrible!
So why am I sticking with the BN? I tried using a mini laptop with a
braille display connected to it and I didn't like it. There's no
stability and a docking station is required if I want to use usb
peripherals or CD/DVD's. A full-size laptop is too heavy to lug around.
The gui environment doesn't have the same ease of use as Keysoft. Braille
files can't be read on a PC except by plugging in a braille display. The
BN provides what I need: Word processing, the media player, calendar and
calculator. I don't use Keymail or Keyweb very much because I prefer
using my desktop PC for the internet. I don't use the recorder, the radio
or games. I've got lots of recorders and radios and the games are too
hard, so they're not even fun to play! I can't stand Word, and I don't
get too many Word files. I only use the calculator for basic everyday
math.
HumanWare needs to step up its quality of service and it does need to pay
more attention to improving the BN. I can't understand why they didn't
get the BN to work with NLS digital talking books unless it is because
they want us to spend more money and buy another product to handle this
service.
I don't approve of their latest product for the deaf blind because it
relies on the use of a cell phone. What happens when the cell phone quits
working or the model is no longer being manufactured?
Before I bought my latest mPower, I looked into buying another notetaker,
but I decided not to because the unit didn't have a QWERTY keyboard and I
don't like working with a Windows-like environment. Buying FS notetakers
is out of the question for me. And the BraillePlus doesn't support a
braille display and it would mean having all of the hassles of a
minilaptop.
To conclude: HumanWare needs to listen to its customers and put out a
better quality product. I don't care how many bells and whistles are on
it! I can't afford to send the BN in for repair again and again.
The braille display I recently bought has very limited notetaker
capabilities, but I'm not required to send it in for servicing for two
years! That's right, two years! Besides that, the battery can be changed
by the user. I would be much happier if HW had the same quality of
service!
Terri Amateur Radio call sign KF6CA.
___
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
___
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
