Hi Stacey and list,
First, welcome for Crystal (I've seen your name on the BN list
several years ago).
As for thumb-keys, the length of each key is the same yet the
height is half that of mPower. Also, the feel of it is like
aluminum instead of plastic.
As for choosing a product, I would say that just one factor is
not enough. If you want to use GPS, I would say both are
competetive; but the GPS algorithms (how it works) is based on
how Sendero programmers have programmed it, so I would say this
cannot be a useful decicding factor.
The braille display could change over the years. Unlike mPower,
Apex nor BSP has no built-in function to regulate voltage passed
through the display, something that PM displays have (mPowers
with Tieman cells has this variability). As for braille display
navigation, I would say that BSP's method is similar to that of
whiz wheels (you can set them independently from each other).
As for other useful factors, I would say it depends on your
previous experiences and the potentials of the future. We'll see
if even HIMS would consider "opening up" the Sense framework.
Also, I would say that tech specs is not a useful tool when
deciding on a product (at least hardware specs; this same factor
became the fuel of some arguments on a third list). In my
opinion, what really determines usefulness of a product, after
all, is how its programs accomplish users' needs (I've learned
this fact thanks to the selection sort algorithm homework that
I've just finished; one wrong code means useless program that
produces odd things).
For me, the chief reason why I chose Apex (I'm still keeping an
eye on Sense products, however) is mostly because of the newer
operating system (well, with Windows CE 7 on the horizon these
days, I'm not sure what will happen to current OS design). This
means short-term issues and long-term "liberty" - compatibility
issues in the beginning, yet "no more virtual memory is below
certain percent" - which I know is one of the factors behind
random freezes (Joe, am I right that you get this random freeze
when you're dealing with large data or running multiple programs
at once?). I, freezing issues remain, which is inherent on all
computer systems.
Well, enough of this random thoughts...
For Crystal: If you want to compare BSP versus Apex, I'd like to
suggest that you ask your questions on the BrailleNote List also
(so those who are over there could answer your questions better).
Hope you make a smart decision...
Cheers,
Joseph
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stacey Robinson" <[email protected]
To: <[email protected]
Date sent: Sat, 29 May 2010 18:39:13 -0500
Subject: Re: [GWN] Introduction
Joe,
I had an mPOWER once, how much smaller are the thumb keys on the
apex than
those on the mPOWER?Just curious.
Have a blessed day,
Stacey Robinson and GEB dog Chesley
Eagleville, Tennessee.
[email protected]
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Orozco" <[email protected]
To: <[email protected]
Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 2:59 PM
Subject: RE: [GWN] Introduction
Hi Crystal,
Both displays are of high quality. The routing keys above the
Apex
keyboard
are small buttons. The routing keys above the BSP keyboard are
meatier,
slightly rectangle in shape. Someone can correct me on that
description.
The quality of the dots is great on both devices. For me, the
difference
is
in the navigation keys. You're familiar with the Pac Mate, and
so you
know
how there are wheels at either side of the display. The BSP has
similar
keys, only these are capsule-shaped keys divided into upper and
lower
halves. Perhaps I did not learn how to correctly use the Whiz
wheels on
the
PMO, but I rather enjoyed the reading experience on the BSP. I
thought I
was attached to the BrailleNote signature thumb keys, but in the
Apex
these
thumb keys were reduced in size. If the device is used on a
table, the
difference is not bad. If, however, you use it on your lap, I
sometimes
found it difficult to easily press the keys because of their
size. Mind
you, these are all personal preferences. These observations
have nothing
to
do with the functionality of the device, and if at all possible
you should
try to get your hands on both technologies to compare for
yourself. In
terms of the Braille display, I felt that perhaps the Apex may
have had a
crisper quality, but nowhere near enough to make me want to
belittle the
excellence of the BSP Braille display.
Best,
Joe
"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: Crystal French [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 12:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [GWN] Introduction
Hi Joe,
No, GPS is not the only thing I am looking at between the two
note takers.
You bring up a very important factor to me: the Braille
displays.
I may be making a wrong assumption from your message, but
gather that you
have some experience with both units.
May I ask why you feel that the Braille reading experience is
better on the
Braille Sense Plus?
I thought the Apex used the same display as the BSP?
Thanks.
Crystal
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Orozco" <[email protected]
To: <[email protected]
Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 10:19 AM
Subject: RE: [GWN] Introduction
Let us hope it is not the Rolls Royce of GPS, unless BMW has
allowed the
model to go by the wayside. All GPS functionality is primarily
led by
Sendero. One notetaker's ability is not significantly
different from the
other, if at all. My recommendation is not to use GPS as
your deciding
factor between the two products. Even the veteran traveler will
find
themselves using the other functionalities more than the GPS
application.
If you want GPS, use your phone. The iPhone already provides
good
navigation. The Android platform is catching up, and it will
not be long
before something comparable is launched for Windows Mobile.
Moving from the Pac Mate Omni you will find yourself losing the
flexibility
of Windows Mobile. Say good-bye to third-party applications,
among many
of
the formatting features found in Office, but say hello to
portability and
easy user interface. I've chosen to gamble on the Braille Sense
Plus
because the keyboard is the quietest of all the notetakers.
It's menu
structure most closely resembles Windows, not including the
Pac Mate Omni,
and it feels good in your hands. I know this last may sound
bogus or full
of personal opinion, but anyone who's ever spent hours
reading a book on a
Braille display understands the importance of a product that
can give you
a
good comfortable experience while reading and typing. All
this does not
include the bigger storage, built-in wi/fi and Bluetooth, etc.
Just my thoughts,
Joe
"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: John Gallagher [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2010 9:13 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [GWN] Introduction
Hi there I use both products and gps is a must for me.
At the moment the gps on the sense is behind the apex or should
I say
braille note products.
I understand very very soon the new update to the sense products
will
have the most up to date sendero gps on it.
all I can say for gps on the apex that it is truly great though
expensive I do know it is the rolls royce as regards gps
products.
both apex and braille sense are very good indeed but the sense
has a
much quieter keyboard.
if further interest email offlist and I will answer any
questions as
both products are not cheap and you need to right choice.
cheers then.At 14:10 29/05/2010, you wrote:
Hi,
i have just joined this list, and want to introduce myself.
I do not have a Braille Sense Plus, but am considering it or a
BrailleNote Apex.
I know that the Apex is available now in an eighteen cell model,
but
understand that there is also a soon to be Braille Sense Plus
eighteen cell model, too.
I am trying to learn as much as I can about both units, although,
I
have seen neither one as yet.
I have used a Pac Mate Omni for several years, but want to go to
something smaller and lighter, especially, since I am interested
in
the Sendero GPS.
I will want a unit with the Braille keyboard.
I would be interested in any comments from users who may have
familiarity with both the Braille Sense Plus and Apex, if it is
okay
to ask that on this list.
Thanks.
Crystal
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