Hi, Jean and List! I have the BrailleNote with the 18-cell model. I chose it because of funds as well. You can upgrade your display later to a 32-cell. I was told it would cost between $1,500 and $2,000.
As far as advancing the display, it happens as soon as you hit the Advance thumb key. With file downloads, it does take a little time, but I am a very patient person so it doesn't bother me to wait. I just find other things to do while I wait. Also, while running KS5.1, downloading 200 email, it takes me about ten to fifteen minutes. Like I said, it takes time with the version of software I have, but I will be upgrading in the fall. I have the qwerty keyboard and am very happy with it. And, when it comes to reading braille on the display, I have found that my reading speed has picked up with the 18-cell display. I think it is because I am so longing to see what comes next on the display that my fingers are flying to go as fast as I can. My co-workers are always asking me if my fingers ever get tired of moving so fast. I am hoping to take Spanish in the fall due to so many callers at my job needing help and I'd like to be able to understand their needs. I'll have to purchase the Spanish language for my BN some time in the next two months. That'll be fun to finally learn the most beautiful language to me. HTH Diane Garrett/Leader Daisy Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: (918) 664-5731 > ----- Original Message ----- >From: Jean Menzies <[EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: Rhonda Clark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,Braillenote List ><[email protected] >Date: Fri, 27 May 2005 10:15:11 -0600 >Subject: Re: [Braillenote] introduction >So, how do you find reading large documents or downloadable braille >files such as books with an 18-cell display? Is there a lag after >pressing the key to refresh to the next 18 cells? I would like 32, but >you make some good points about costly repairs, etc. Plus I don't know >if I can afford the extra to go to the 32-cell model. >Jean >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Rhonda Clark" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: "Braillenote List" <[email protected] >Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 9:19 AM >Subject: Re: [Braillenote] introduction >> Hi, Jean, and welcome: >> I'll be glad to give you my opinion, and remember that's all it is. >> If you >> are a fast reader, you may want to start out with a 32 cell display. >> You >> couldn't, to my knowledge, convert an 18 cell to a 32. I believe the >> 18 >> cell is just as good as the 32. Many people like more information on >> a >> line, I've never minded using the thumb keys to go to the next line. >> If the Braille display goes out, it's much more costly to fix it, I >> believe >> the price quote is around $100 per cell. Sometimes, in my opinion, >> the more >> you have, the more can go wrong. Remember, these are just my >> observations. >> Enjoy the list, and again, welcome. >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Jean Menzies" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> To: "Braille Note list" <[email protected] >> Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 7:59 AM >> Subject: [Braillenote] introduction >>> I've recently joined this list as an observer and potential buyer of >>> a >>> BrailleNote down the road. I'm looking into some possible funding, >>> but >>> in the meantime, I'm just going to be observing the list to see what >>> people are saying about BrailleNote in all its configurations. I may >>> have a question from time to time, and please understand I'm not a >>> user >>> and have never actually used this equipment. So, what I ask may seem >>> stupid to some. >>> If I opt for a BrailleNote 18, how difficult is it down the road to >>> upgrade to the 32? >>> I'm considering the BrailleNote because I have heard from so many of >>> its >>> superior responsiveness for fast, accurate braille input. Would those >>> of >>> you with the braille keyboard agree? >>> I want the braille experience, and BrailleNote seems to be to be >>> built >>> around braille, whereas the PacMate is built around speech access >>> with >>> braille tacked on. Is that a fair assessment? >>> So that's it for now. I just thought I'd speak up and say I'm here >>> observing. >>> Thanks to anyone who is willing to share their thoughts and >>> experiences. >>> Jean >>> ___ >>> To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit >>> http://list.pulsedata.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.pulsedata.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.pulsedata.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
