Hi Alex and all, Humanware reps have got the Apex to work with JAWS 11 with both Bluetooth and USB connections. This is using the 32 bit version. I got this from the BCAB (British Computer Association of the Blind) list. I have since enquired on 64 bit compatibility and they will get back to either myself or the list on that one. So don't fret; the Apex, like the mPower, appears to work fine with JAWS.
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Alex Hall Sent: 17 November 2009 02:40 To: [email protected] Subject: [Braillenote] Tech Talk Apex presentation: summary Here it is. We already know most of this from Friday's ACB Radio presentation, but I tried to write it all down. >From the Tech Talk presentation The Apex took two years, over two million dollars, 18 developers, and "an army" of beta testers to produce. Over ten percent of Humanware's profits go straight back into R&D. The "up" key on the scroll wheel, the key at 12 o'clock on the wheel setup, is the same as sending the exit command (e chord). The key at 6 o'clock is the "help" key. These keys are not currently customizable. Here is a description of the device: Left face, front to back: record button, headphone jack, microphone jack (still mono since stereo is so expensive), on/off rocker switch, reset button (not as recessed as that on the mPower so you do not need a sharp object to press x Back face, left to right: three USB ports (side by side), SD card slot (SD/SDHC support), LEDs for bluetooth, wifi, power, VGA port, 10/100 wired ethernet port (AKA DSL, cable). Right side, back to front: AC adapter port (with tactile mark for identification), mini USB (client USB) port. Front, right to left: thumb keys like usual, though a bit slimmer. Inside: bluetooth 2.1, wifi b/g, 8gb internal storage, 256mb ram. Battery: removable with a slide switch like many laptops have. Keysoft: the Apex has ks9.0 (build unknown), which has the same features as ks8.0.20, but the underlying improvements take advantage of the new Apex hardware. One rep, for example, said he was online for over three hours one day and never had to reset or even close Keyweb. Another example of new things: if you plug in an ethernet cable, the Apex knows; you do not need to even make a new connection configuration for the cable. Multi-tasking: not yet, aside from what you can already do, but the platform is there for expansion. Extensions: all extensions are already on the Apex, so all you buy is an unlock code. Upgrading: just put the upgrade on any media, from a thumb drive to a high capacity sd card, and put the card in the Apex. You will be prompted to upgrade, say "yes", and there you go. Not more size limits or doing special resets. Miscellaneous: Apex cannot act as a Braille display for Serotech screen readers. Bluetooth supports two connections at once, so you can emboss with bluetooth while using a bluetooth headset, or use a bluetooth headset while using a bluetooth GPS receiver. A French version of the Apex is in development, but will not be ready for the December 1 Apex launch date. The Apex will keep its time and date setting for 30 days with no battery, and will sync its time with an internet server. The Apex works with USB as a braille display with Window Eyes, no mention of JAWS support. Battery life: 8-12 hours with normal use, but that will obviously vary with how you use it: speech, braille, media playback, radio, wifi, bluetooth, external media cards... The idea is that you can get a "full day's use out of the device on a single charge". However, you do not have to condition the battery anymore; there is not even the option to do so. Therefore, you should get into the habit of charging it every night. Battery Cost: just $50!! Considering that the mPower takes $78 per battery change, and that you are lucky to get a laptop batter for under $100 (especially one that can last for more than 8 hours) that is a great price. Have a great day, Alex ___ 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
