I have used both the BrailleEdge and U2Q with WindowEyes. The thing that
bothers me the most is the WindowEyes hot keys for the U2Q. The hot keys are
described as if I were using a bt keyboard and I've had to add more hot keys.
For some reason, I cannot use the shift key on my U2Q as a stand-alone key.
Actually, I would like to be able to use it as sticky shift, the same as what I
have on my Edge.
If WindowEyes supported contracted grade 2 braille, then the Edge would be
wonderful. I hate writing in computer braille!
I hope GW Micro and HIMS fix the hot keys so they will reflect the qwerty
keyboard's keys for the U2Q. And please fix the labels on the display buttons!
Terri, Amateur Radio Call Sign KF6CA.
----- Original Message -----
From: Vaughan Dodd
To: 'Micallef Michael at MITA' ; GW-Info
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2013 2:36 PM
Subject: RE: refreshable braille display
Hello Michael.
Without wanting to knowingly trample on list moderation , I think this is an
o.k. list to have the discussion. Others do have similar questions to yours.
As a fluent braille user, and a competent braille display operator, I take
the view that the more cells from 18-40 the better.
I have four displays acquired over a number of years.
I own the Braille Sense U2, the Braille Edge 40 (both from hims), and the
Focus Blue (first generation) and Pac Mate displays, both from GW's main
competitor.
Assuming that your message includes an interest in working with Window-Eyes,
I would place the HIMS displays ahead of the two others. I use the 32 cell as
a backup in times of emergency, and I notice the inconvenience when contrasted
with 40 cells. Years ago, I had the first BrailleNote 18 cells) and the
constraints when used as a display were frustrating.
The two HIMS units that I have are Perkins style, not QWERTY. I understand
that the only QWERTY option is the HIMS U2 in its QWERTY flavour, and this is
32 cells. Personal preference may be the reason for choosing one keyboard type
over another, but I understand that external keyboards can be connected to the
Perkins U2.
If it performs like the Perkins style model, its USB and Bluetooth
interfaces are reliable. If data entry is required, Window-eyes is now the
only major screen reader which does not directly support contracted braille
input, but its translation of computer code is generally good. I have found
that I like computer Braille entry, as accuracy has improved for me. I make
this point as the power of any given display is inexorably linked to decisions
of screen reader developers, and the success or other-wise of assistance from
display manufacturers.
Window-eyes has numerous hot keys assigned or assignable by the user. An
aspect of the hot keys with HIMS devices is that the function keys are
misleadingly hard labelled as advance 1, advance 2 etc. This requires HIMS to
properly advise GW - may have done so and maybe in a future release of
Window-Eyes.
The devices from FS do not support any form of direct Braille input when
paired with Window-eyes. The Focus 40 has fewer hot keys assigned to it, but
its USB interface is reliable.
I am a critic of GW not properly supporting contracted braille entry; but
with respect to the Focus displays, the absence of any mode for braille entry
is not entirely GW's fault, as unless things have changed recently, FS has
chosen to go its own way.
Both AFB and NFB have indicative price lists associated with comprehensive
lists of available displays.
Hope this helps, and I guess that if the discussion shifts away from
Windo-Eyes and GW Micro, taking off lis is still an option And I would respect
that decision..
Vaughan.
From: Micallef Michael at MITA [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, 4 November 2013 7:23 p.m.
To: GW-Info
Subject: refreshable braille display
Hi guys,
First of all, please excuse me for putting this question here, but I don't
know any other better active list.
I have a blind client and he wish to start use a refreshable Braille display
similar to the Braille sense Qwerty.
He is considering either 18cell or 32 cell system. Please those of you who
have experience with these refreshable devices (any brand) could you please get
back to me privately and give me your experience, amongst other, I would like
to know, model reliability, capabilities, disadvantages/advantages when
compared with other refreshable devices and how much cost you.
I sincerely appreciate any recommendations and thanks in advance to those who
are going to reply back.
Michael Micallef Dip I.T.
Office in Charge of Web Accessibility Audits and ICT Training
Malta Information Technology Accessibility (FITA)
Gattard House. National Road, Blata Il-Bajda HMR 9010
Email: [email protected]
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