Hi Joe and list, Thanks for this detailed info here. This is more towards Eric: I still keep an eye on HIMS (in Korean) about future upgrades to Braille Sense family. So far, HIMS has been working on bug fixes (the 5.3 firmware is mostly bug fixes; so is 1.4 for Voice Sense). I'll continue to advocate for an English sDK (until HIMS listens to its potentials). As far as Apex having three USB ports, HW notes that it was mostly for USB modem users (external modem). In terms of internals (for OS; this is only theories), the Apex and BSP are equal in shape; if HIMS is planning on upgrading the OS, I personally would like to recommend Windows CE 6.0 to bring "true multitasking" - mostly because BSP only allows seven programs at once, which comes in because the OS kernel itself (at the moment BSP runs under CE5.0) does not allow more than 32 processes. If CE6 is adopted (I can see it coming in the future), then BSP would have tru multitasking capabilities - running ALL programs without hinderence (subject to RAM/RAM Disk amount and processing power). For HW, the "light at the end of the tunnel" would be the development kit under KeySoft. Time will tell "who will score the highest skating scores" - opening up KeySoft or translation of HIMS SDK. The things that I would like to see for both GW Micro/HIMS and for HW would be: For HIMS: * Consideration of upgrading the OS. * Translation of Korean Contents SDK to English (the Contents are developed using Visual Studio 2008 using HIMS's own sDK). * (Personal): Better translation of user interface and user guide (for me, I notice that some aspects of UI and user guide were not translated "right", but it could be my own feelings). * A way to have better control and more options/(hacks) to things such as system sound modifications and so on. For HW: * General availability of the SDK for KeySoft (HW has the foundation for it under the Apex; the question now is, "will they even release the SDK to the general public", and if so, when and how). What does the "Korean" market say: There is a general consensus that BSP is the winner (known as Hansone LX (or Laptop Expert)). The minor issues that are reported, according to HIMS bulletin, is some power management problems (apparently with the battery), translation and schedule manager problem with the latest firmware. Also, there are worries that the Korean version of the BrailleNote would not see updates (the latest version there is 7.27). That's all I have at the moment. Sorry if this post was too hard to understand... (maybe I should drink coffee before writing this...) Cheers, Joseph S. Lee University of California, Riverside "It is better to look at a product's potential than its looks." - JL
-----Original Message----- From: Joe Orozco [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 8:13 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [GWN] Thumbs Up Hi Erik, I've spent time with the Apex, Pac Mate and BSP. I hope to write something more complete later, but in the way of quick answers, let me offer the following to your questions: 1. The Apex is flatter and sleeker. I sometimes like to leave my briefcase home and hang the machine from my shoulder inside my suit jacket. The Apex fits nicely. It feels like a solid build despite its smaller size. In terms of form factor, the Apex is superior. The drawbacks is that because of the smaller size of the thumb keys, it is slightly more difficult to use them if holding the machine on your lap. Also, despite the quieter temperament of the keyboard, the Apex keys are still louder than I would like. I tested the unit in a quiet lecture atmosphere, and I am not convinced that the keys sound like a laptop the way it has been advertised. The BSP beats the Apex keyboard 10 to 1. Unfortunately, not as important, but the Apex case is superior. The magnetic lid is a dream compared to the racket of opening the BSP. 2. Ease of use will depend on the user. The Apex continues to use Keysoft, and although the proprietary program is a nice, straightforward system, I rather prefer the Windows environment of the BSP. I enjoy the actual multitasking of the BSP. I like context menus. I like dedicated media keys. In fact, the Media Player on the BSP is far superior to the Apex. I like that in the Word processor one can drop a top marker, proceed to the end of the selection block and copy, cut or delete without moving through a menu as is the case with the Apex. The BSP has the same context help, which I originally felt was a great selling point of the Keysoft system. BSP offers the same Space + H for easy help. I like that creating and manipulating files and folders all happens from within the File Manager as opposed to being divided between Word Processor and Folder Manager as is true with the Apex. Also, a huge selling point of the BSP, the Apex required that I change my home router from Mixed Mode to just G. The BSP connected right away with no fuss on Mixed Mode. In fact, setting up the Internet in general was far simpler on the BSP than the Apex. 3. The Braille display is a draw for me. If I had to absolutely pick one over the other, I would say that the quality is better on the Apex, but the routing keys are better on the BSP. Yet, both give a crisp experience. Neither will disappoint. Also, the Apex allows you to adjust the intensity of the Braille display. I am not sure if this is possible on the BSP. 4. The battery life is better on the BSP. I did not chart the number of hours per unit, which makes this unscientific, but on a full charge the Apex dropped from 100 percent to 50 percent in a day and a half. I've had the BSP going for the same period at only a 30 percent reduction. I think this answers your questions. As I said, I'll try to get around doing something more comprehensive as time allows, but remember this: I make references to the Apex, but it's not actually the Apex itself that is to blame as much as Keysoft. The Apex is physically an elegant machine. Why one would actually need 3 USB ports is beyond me. I don't even use that many on my laptop, but it is Keysoft that weakens the unit. I prefer the familiarity of Windows, but all of this having been laid out, I think this is a rare case of win/win. Customers on both sides will be pleased. The Pac Mate Omni maintains the lead in terms of software, but this is owed to Freedom Scientific using the Windows Mobile system. Physically, both the QWERTY and BT versions are too darn big for either version to really be called a notetaker. Ultimately, I am choosing the BSP because: 1. Quieter keyboard 2. Easy menu structure 3. Multitasking 4. Great Internet experience and navigation 5. Ability to use BSP as a mobile disk and making ActiveSync optional rather than mandatory Negatives of the BSP: 1. Leather case 2. Slight delay in completing saving, deletion and similar commands 3. Limited formatting features on the Word Processor Joe Orozco "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam Ewing -----Original Message----- From: erik burggraaf [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 10:05 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [GWN] Thumbs Up Hi Jo, Did you compare the braille note apex? It's the only one with comperable hardware right now, and it has better coverage up here because of the funding. I like the bsp personally, but wondered if you had any comparisons to draw, especially in terms of how the two feel in the hand, any key differences in ease of use or general system software layout, the readability of the displays, the battery life, and so on. I may do my own if I can get hands on an apex, but this kind of info is always helpful to me as a training consultant, so would appreciate your views. Best, erik burggraaf A+ certified technician and user support consultant. Phone: 888-255-5194 Email: [email protected] On 2010-02-26, at 10:36 PM, Joe Orozco wrote: > Hello all, > > I'll write a more complete review later, but a local dealer let me borrow > the BSP, and after having spent time with all three leading Braille > notetakers, the BSP is the killer one for me. The software is a little > limited compared to some of the others, but I'm going to put my bet on HIMS > to make things happen. I hope there's an update by CSUN, so that I make an > investment knowing full well the extent of the latest updates around. > Anyway, if you're also in the position of debating between what notetaker to > purchase, I've spent nine months doing research, talking to people and > getting my hands on the machines, putting them through a variety of > scenarios. Go with the BSP all the way. You won't be disappointed. > > Joe Orozco > > "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, > some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam Ewing > > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature > database 4899 (20100226) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: > > http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv > If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4899 (20100226) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4900 (20100227) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2712 - Release Date: 02/26/10 19:39:00 If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv
