ok. i don't understand the big fuss.... i'm a braille note user.... i've been useing it since 2004.....i'm happy.with the braille note family...... i won't change... i'm used to the braille note! i'm happy with the way. it fits my needs.....
On 3/15/11, Sabahattin Gucukoglu <[email protected]> wrote: > On 15 Mar 2011, at 01:14, Alex Hall wrote: >> I just listened to the announcement by HIMS of the new features for their >> Sense notetakers (firmware version 6, due out in a few weeks). Here is >> why I think that, unless hw does some major catch-up very quickly, the bn >> will not last as a viable notetaker: >> 1. The Sense will now support both Google Talk and MSN. In addition, >> Google Talk can be used not just for text, but for sharing files and voice >> chatting. >> 2. The wordprocessor can be used to open unprotected PDF files, which can >> be read and/or saved as text files for editing later. >> 3. There are now several games on the Sense. While they are geared >> toward younger students, I can see them as a platform for more games in >> the future, games that do not rely on typing full commands and reading >> lengthy descriptions like the z-code games do. >> 4. Here is the proverbial final nail: those interested may contact HIMS >> about the SDK for the Sense products. That's right, you heard me: want to >> write programs for the Sense notetakers? Contact HIMS. No, I have no idea >> if it costs money, what you get, or anything, but the point is that it can >> be done. >> >> Due to the above, I am really having trouble finding reasons for the Apex >> to remain, well, the Apex of the braille notetaking world. > > I concur with the general sentiment that the Apex isn't, but as long as we > have QT input, excellent braille translation (including UK where I am), > great hardware, terrific user interface and company loyalty (whether or not > created by strong upgrade penalties in the wallet), we are ultimately at > HumanWare's mercy, and they know it. I should know better than to have > stuck with them all these years, hoping that one or other of hardware > upgrades or bugfix releases would put right all that was wrong, but that's > how it stands, and HumanWare isn't exactly close to bankruptcy. Nor, I > think, will they ever be - large contracts, students, schools are held > spellbound, unawares. > > To the specifics of the feature list, I'll gladly take PDF support and > Google Talk's voicechat features, which I already have on my PacMate through > OctroTalk. Still, I do use KeyChat and I'm a strong Interactive Fiction fan > (although there's quite a bit not to like about the Games application, it is > at least usable in the general case). Remember also, the Z-machine is used > mostly for Interactive Fiction, but there's nothing to stop you from > building any kind of text-based game with it; there's even a basic > interpreter written for it. And, yes, an SDK is absolutely essential, and > if Hims wins, well, perhaps HW will have to look out for the vanishing trail > as many users migrate specifically for features developed by third parties. > But not just yet. > > Cheers, > Sabahattin > > ___ > 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
