Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[William James]

I thought the comment about NLS not providing writing tools was over the top.  
Come on A-hole, we *KNOW* this!


Sent from my iPhone Pro Max

> On Aug 17, 2021, at 6:59 PM, Richard Turner  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> OK, so I can be a little dense now and then.
>  
> I totally skipped over NFB Newsline in the ONLine resources.
> It is there, fairly easy to set up and quite fast at downloading.
>  
> Thank you.
>  
>  
>  
>  
> Richard
> Software means never having to say you're finished
> 
>  
> Web site: www.turner42.com
>  
> From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of 
> TaraPrakash
> Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2021 9:37 AM
> To: viphone@googlegroups.com
> Subject: Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations
>  
> My last message on this thread because we are stepping into the off list  
> territory. 
>  newsline is indeed one of the two  online services. 
>  
> And finally, eReader, as  is clear from its name, a reader.  comparison with 
> other note takers and  braille displays  Can be limitless 
>  
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> 
> On Aug 17, 2021, at 10:55 AM, Richard Turner  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> Alan,
> Please forward this to your friend.
>  
> You are troubled by its inaccuracies?  Having an opinion about a strap that 
> is clearly designed as a neck strap, which you choose to treat as a handle is 
> not an inaccuracy; it is a difference of opinion.  When I put it around my 
> neck, it was very uncomfortable for me; but would work fine as a handle which 
> won’t help you if you want to use it in church while standing and reading the 
> hymn lyrics ….
> Of course my observations are subjective, that is because they are my 
> observations and you are more than welcome to provide different observations; 
> but this is not about accuracy.
>  
> I have used multiple braille displays as well and know for a fact that at 
> least 3 of the ones I’ve used had those markers.
>  
> You said: “--Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking book 
> machine does not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading 
> materials, not writing tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with 
> an iPhone or computer and use it to read and write in a variety of 
> applications. –I was presenting information to an audience that had no 
> information on the NLS eReader and was simply pointing out what is clearly 
> stated in the information on the eReader for those who do not have access yet 
> and have not read about it.  In case you are not aware of it, observations 
> are not criticisms, they are observations…
>  
> --Also worth mentioning here that users can download directly from NLS BARD 
> and NFB NEWSLINE. Downloads from either are lightning fast.
> I have not seen any documentation on accessing NFB Newsline; I’d be very 
> interested in getting more info.
>  
> Thanks very much,
>  
> Richard
> Software means never having to say you're finished
> 
>  
> Web site: www.turner42.com
>  
> From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Alan 
> Lemly
> Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 9:44 PM
> To: viphone@googlegroups.com
> Subject: RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations
>  
> I’m posting the below on behalf of a friend who is not on this list but who 
> is a part of the NLS eReader team:
>  
> I have read this list of observations regarding the HumanWare eReader and am 
> troubled by some of its inaccuracies.
> I’ve been a part of the eReader team for NLS since its beginning , about 18 
> months ago, and will respond by inserting my comments between the original 
> ones.
> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
> made out of a very rough material.
> --This is very subjective. I use it as more of a hand or wrist strap, and 
> find it perfectly convenient.
> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too 
> far to the right.
> 3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers 
> every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
> --I had three other braille displays on my desk when I read this comment – 
> from three different manufacturers – ranging in age from four months to 
> fifteen years, and cell length from 20 to 40.  None of them have these marker 
> every five spaces that are mentioned here. I believe what you refer to is the 
> quirk of one particular company, but not present in at least three of them.
>  
> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space 
> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people 
> prefer the space bar clo

RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Richard Turner]

OK, so I can be a little dense now and then.

I totally skipped over NFB Newsline in the ONLine resources.
It is there, fairly easy to set up and quite fast at downloading.

Thank you.




Richard
Software means never having to say you're finished

Web site: www.turner42.com<http://www.turner42.com>

From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of 
TaraPrakash
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2021 9:37 AM
To: viphone@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

My last message on this thread because we are stepping into the off list  
territory.
 newsline is indeed one of the two  online services.

And finally, eReader, as  is clear from its name, a reader.  comparison with 
other note takers and  braille displays  Can be limitless

Sent from my iPhone


On Aug 17, 2021, at 10:55 AM, Richard Turner  
wrote:

Alan,
Please forward this to your friend.


  1.  You are troubled by its inaccuracies?  Having an opinion about a strap 
that is clearly designed as a neck strap, which you choose to treat as a handle 
is not an inaccuracy; it is a difference of opinion.  When I put it around my 
neck, it was very uncomfortable for me; but would work fine as a handle which 
won’t help you if you want to use it in church while standing and reading the 
hymn lyrics ….
Of course my observations are subjective, that is because they are my 
observations and you are more than welcome to provide different observations; 
but this is not about accuracy.


  1.  I have used multiple braille displays as well and know for a fact that at 
least 3 of the ones I’ve used had those markers.


  1.  You said: “--Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking 
book machine does not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading 
materials, not writing tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with 
an iPhone or computer and use it to read and write in a variety of 
applications. –I was presenting information to an audience that had no 
information on the NLS eReader and was simply pointing out what is clearly 
stated in the information on the eReader for those who do not have access yet 
and have not read about it.  In case you are not aware of it, observations are 
not criticisms, they are observations…


  1.  --Also worth mentioning here that users can download directly from NLS 
BARD and NFB NEWSLINE. Downloads from either are lightning fast.
I have not seen any documentation on accessing NFB Newsline; I’d be very 
interested in getting more info.

Thanks very much,

Richard
Software means never having to say you're finished

Web site: 
www.turner42.com<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.turner42.com%2F=04%7C01%7C%7Cf2c2f957326143e7744908d9619d3526%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637648150107110062%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000=aQAg8nQnF%2FZ7w2xb0Xy8UfT0174VffQbhao0ULwaEME%3D=0>

From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Alan 
Lemly
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 9:44 PM
To: viphone@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

I’m posting the below on behalf of a friend who is not on this list but who is 
a part of the NLS eReader team:

I have read this list of observations regarding the HumanWare eReader and am 
troubled by some of its inaccuracies.
I’ve been a part of the eReader team for NLS since its beginning , about 18 
months ago, and will respond by inserting my comments between the original ones.
1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
made out of a very rough material.
--This is very subjective. I use it as more of a hand or wrist strap, and find 
it perfectly convenient.
2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too far 
to the right.
3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers every 
5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
--I had three other braille displays on my desk when I read this comment – from 
three different manufacturers – ranging in age from four months to fifteen 
years, and cell length from 20 to 40.  None of them have these marker every 
five spaces that are mentioned here. I believe what you refer to is the quirk 
of one particular company, but not present in at least three of them.

4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space bars 
are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people prefer 
the space bar closer to the keyboard.
The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touc

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[TaraPrakash]

My last message on this thread because we are stepping into the off list  
territory. 
 newsline is indeed one of the two  online services. 

And finally, eReader, as  is clear from its name, a reader.  comparison with 
other note takers and  braille displays  Can be limitless 
 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 17, 2021, at 10:55 AM, Richard Turner  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> Alan,
> Please forward this to your friend.
>  
> You are troubled by its inaccuracies?  Having an opinion about a strap that 
> is clearly designed as a neck strap, which you choose to treat as a handle is 
> not an inaccuracy; it is a difference of opinion.  When I put it around my 
> neck, it was very uncomfortable for me; but would work fine as a handle which 
> won’t help you if you want to use it in church while standing and reading the 
> hymn lyrics ….
> Of course my observations are subjective, that is because they are my 
> observations and you are more than welcome to provide different observations; 
> but this is not about accuracy.
>  
> I have used multiple braille displays as well and know for a fact that at 
> least 3 of the ones I’ve used had those markers.
>  
> You said: “--Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking book 
> machine does not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading 
> materials, not writing tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with 
> an iPhone or computer and use it to read and write in a variety of 
> applications. –I was presenting information to an audience that had no 
> information on the NLS eReader and was simply pointing out what is clearly 
> stated in the information on the eReader for those who do not have access yet 
> and have not read about it.  In case you are not aware of it, observations 
> are not criticisms, they are observations…
>  
> --Also worth mentioning here that users can download directly from NLS BARD 
> and NFB NEWSLINE. Downloads from either are lightning fast.
> I have not seen any documentation on accessing NFB Newsline; I’d be very 
> interested in getting more info.
>  
> Thanks very much,
>  
> Richard
> Software means never having to say you're finished
> 
>  
> Web site: www.turner42.com
>  
> From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Alan 
> Lemly
> Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 9:44 PM
> To: viphone@googlegroups.com
> Subject: RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations
>  
> I’m posting the below on behalf of a friend who is not on this list but who 
> is a part of the NLS eReader team:
>  
> I have read this list of observations regarding the HumanWare eReader and am 
> troubled by some of its inaccuracies.
> I’ve been a part of the eReader team for NLS since its beginning , about 18 
> months ago, and will respond by inserting my comments between the original 
> ones.
> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
> made out of a very rough material.
> --This is very subjective. I use it as more of a hand or wrist strap, and 
> find it perfectly convenient.
> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too 
> far to the right.
> 3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers 
> every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
> --I had three other braille displays on my desk when I read this comment – 
> from three different manufacturers – ranging in age from four months to 
> fifteen years, and cell length from 20 to 40.  None of them have these marker 
> every five spaces that are mentioned here. I believe what you refer to is the 
> quirk of one particular company, but not present in at least three of them.
>  
> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space 
> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people 
> prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
> The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
> 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
> cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
> exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
> 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
> plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
> 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
> smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
> --Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking book machine 
> does not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading materials, not 
> writing tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with an iPhone or 

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Mary Otten]

Thanks for posting that, richard. I thought that post that was forwarded was an 
extreme overreaction on the part of the originator. So I’m glad you stood up 
for your original post. I think you are exactly correct, although I have no 
clue about the displays with the dots every five characters. It seems to me 
maybe I have seen one like that in the very distant past, perhaps in Alva? But 
other than that I can’t think of any. Doesn’t mean they don’t exist of course.


Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 17, 2021, at 7:55 AM, Richard Turner  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> Alan,
> Please forward this to your friend.
>  
> You are troubled by its inaccuracies?  Having an opinion about a strap that 
> is clearly designed as a neck strap, which you choose to treat as a handle is 
> not an inaccuracy; it is a difference of opinion.  When I put it around my 
> neck, it was very uncomfortable for me; but would work fine as a handle which 
> won’t help you if you want to use it in church while standing and reading the 
> hymn lyrics ….
> Of course my observations are subjective, that is because they are my 
> observations and you are more than welcome to provide different observations; 
> but this is not about accuracy.
>  
> I have used multiple braille displays as well and know for a fact that at 
> least 3 of the ones I’ve used had those markers.
>  
> You said: “--Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking book 
> machine does not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading 
> materials, not writing tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with 
> an iPhone or computer and use it to read and write in a variety of 
> applications. –I was presenting information to an audience that had no 
> information on the NLS eReader and was simply pointing out what is clearly 
> stated in the information on the eReader for those who do not have access yet 
> and have not read about it.  In case you are not aware of it, observations 
> are not criticisms, they are observations…
>  
> --Also worth mentioning here that users can download directly from NLS BARD 
> and NFB NEWSLINE. Downloads from either are lightning fast.
> I have not seen any documentation on accessing NFB Newsline; I’d be very 
> interested in getting more info.
>  
> Thanks very much,
>  
> Richard
> Software means never having to say you're finished
> 
>  
> Web site: www.turner42.com
>  
> From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Alan 
> Lemly
> Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 9:44 PM
> To: viphone@googlegroups.com
> Subject: RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations
>  
> I’m posting the below on behalf of a friend who is not on this list but who 
> is a part of the NLS eReader team:
>  
> I have read this list of observations regarding the HumanWare eReader and am 
> troubled by some of its inaccuracies.
> I’ve been a part of the eReader team for NLS since its beginning , about 18 
> months ago, and will respond by inserting my comments between the original 
> ones.
> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
> made out of a very rough material.
> --This is very subjective. I use it as more of a hand or wrist strap, and 
> find it perfectly convenient.
> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too 
> far to the right.
> 3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers 
> every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
> --I had three other braille displays on my desk when I read this comment – 
> from three different manufacturers – ranging in age from four months to 
> fifteen years, and cell length from 20 to 40.  None of them have these marker 
> every five spaces that are mentioned here. I believe what you refer to is the 
> quirk of one particular company, but not present in at least three of them.
>  
> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space 
> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people 
> prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
> The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
> 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
> cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
> exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
> 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
> plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
> 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
> smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
> --Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talk

RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Richard Turner]

Alan,
Please forward this to your friend.


  1.  You are troubled by its inaccuracies?  Having an opinion about a strap 
that is clearly designed as a neck strap, which you choose to treat as a handle 
is not an inaccuracy; it is a difference of opinion.  When I put it around my 
neck, it was very uncomfortable for me; but would work fine as a handle which 
won't help you if you want to use it in church while standing and reading the 
hymn lyrics 
Of course my observations are subjective, that is because they are my 
observations and you are more than welcome to provide different observations; 
but this is not about accuracy.


  1.  I have used multiple braille displays as well and know for a fact that at 
least 3 of the ones I've used had those markers.


  1.  You said: "--Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking 
book machine does not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading 
materials, not writing tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with 
an iPhone or computer and use it to read and write in a variety of 
applications. -I was presenting information to an audience that had no 
information on the NLS eReader and was simply pointing out what is clearly 
stated in the information on the eReader for those who do not have access yet 
and have not read about it.  In case you are not aware of it, observations are 
not criticisms, they are observations...


  1.  --Also worth mentioning here that users can download directly from NLS 
BARD and NFB NEWSLINE. Downloads from either are lightning fast.
I have not seen any documentation on accessing NFB Newsline; I'd be very 
interested in getting more info.

Thanks very much,

Richard
Software means never having to say you're finished

Web site: www.turner42.com<http://www.turner42.com>

From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Alan 
Lemly
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 9:44 PM
To: viphone@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

I'm posting the below on behalf of a friend who is not on this list but who is 
a part of the NLS eReader team:

I have read this list of observations regarding the HumanWare eReader and am 
troubled by some of its inaccuracies.
I've been a part of the eReader team for NLS since its beginning , about 18 
months ago, and will respond by inserting my comments between the original ones.
1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
made out of a very rough material.
--This is very subjective. I use it as more of a hand or wrist strap, and find 
it perfectly convenient.
2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too far 
to the right.
3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers every 
5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
--I had three other braille displays on my desk when I read this comment - from 
three different manufacturers - ranging in age from four months to fifteen 
years, and cell length from 20 to 40.  None of them have these marker every 
five spaces that are mentioned here. I believe what you refer to is the quirk 
of one particular company, but not present in at least three of them.

4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space bars 
are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people prefer 
the space bar closer to the keyboard.
The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
--Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking book machine does 
not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading materials, not writing 
tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with an iPhone or computer 
and use it to read and write in a variety of applications.
8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.  It 
follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the 
instructions did work.
9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait about 
6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want is on the 
display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to what you 
were doing.
11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works 
pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours

RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Alan Lemly]

I’m posting the below on behalf of a friend who is not on this list but who is 
a part of the NLS eReader team:

 

I have read this list of observations regarding the HumanWare eReader and am 
troubled by some of its inaccuracies. 

I’ve been a part of the eReader team for NLS since its beginning , about 18 
months ago, and will respond by inserting my comments between the original 
ones. 

1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
made out of a very rough material.

--This is very subjective. I use it as more of a hand or wrist strap, and find 
it perfectly convenient. 

2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too far 
to the right.

3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers every 
5 like on most displays with routing buttons. 

--I had three other braille displays on my desk when I read this comment – from 
three different manufacturers – ranging in age from four months to fifteen 
years, and cell length from 20 to 40.  None of them have these marker every 
five spaces that are mentioned here. I believe what you refer to is the quirk 
of one particular company, but not present in at least three of them.

 

4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space bars 
are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people prefer 
the space bar closer to the keyboard.

The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.

5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."

6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.

7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.

--Of course it does not have a notetaker. The digital talking book machine does 
not have a digital recorder either. NLS provides reading materials, not writing 
tools. That said, one can easily pair the eReader with an iPhone or computer 
and use it to read and write in a variety of applications. 

8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.  It 
follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the 
instructions did work.

9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.

10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait about 
6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want is on the 
display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to what you 
were doing.

11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works 
pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.

12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.

--Most users thus far have found battery life to be considerably longer than 
stated here. 

13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books and 
updating the firmware.

--Also worth mentioning here that users can download directly from NLS BARD and 
NFB NEWSLINE. Downloads from either are lightning fast.

14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.

15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.

16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to shut 
down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not sure.

--This is for a complete startup. If just put in “sleep” or “standby” mode, 
however, the eReader comes on instantly with the press of the Power button.

To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the 
blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If you 
already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to get sign 
up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program that is..

At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree to 
participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the device 
and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you want, you 
can keep it after the pilot project is finished.

Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the 
one from Zoomax.

There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…, etc..

Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device: 
https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/

 

Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device: 
https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/

 

From: viphone@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Richard 
Turner
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2021 2:49 PM
To: viphone@googlegroups.com
Subject: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

 

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[TaraPrakash]

EReader has been designed keeping The possibility of single hand operation in 
mind.  depending on which hand you’re using, you can choose which spacekey 
to use. 
Second possibility is that   Some day eReader will be enabled to play Nls audio 
cartridges. Two space keys will be able to perform different functions.  

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 15, 2021, at 7:21 PM, Joshua Hendrickson  wrote:
> 
> I still like humanware displays and I really hope that that is the one
> I will be able to get when they become sent out officially.  I don't
> know why they have 2 space bars though.  I can think this is something
> I will use in church for reading the Bible.  There are also some books
> from bard, that it would be great to have in braille loaded with bard
> mobile.
> 
>> On 8/15/21, Richard Turner  wrote:
>> Updated version with the info about the cursor routing buttons made more
>> clear.
>> 
>> I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
>> My impressions are below, in no particular order.
>> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and
>> made out of a very rough material.
>> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my
>> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too
>> far to the right.
>> 3. There are cursor routing buttons over each of the 20 cells, but no
>> markers every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
>> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space
>> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some
>> people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
>> The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
>> 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book
>> cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys
>> exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
>> 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch
>> plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
>> 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a
>> smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
>> 8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.
>> It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the
>> instructions did work.
>> 9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
>> 10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait
>> about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want
>> is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to
>> what you were doing.
>> 11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works
>> pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
>> 12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
>> 13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books
>> and updating the firmware.
>> 14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
>> 15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
>> 16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to
>> shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not
>> sure.
>> 
>> To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the
>> blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If
>> you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to
>> get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program
>> that is..
>> At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree
>> to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the
>> device and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you
>> want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
>> Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the
>> one from Zoomax.
>> There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…,
>> etc..
>> Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device:
>> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/
>> 
>> Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device:
>> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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>> list.
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>> 
>> The archives for this list can be searched at:
>> 

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Julia Kulak]

Hi everyone. If you live in Oregon, the pilot program is now closed. I just 
talked to Crystal with an LS, and they do not know when they will be handing 
out the braille displays to the general public. Julia.

> On Aug 15, 2021, at 10:48 PM, Devin Prater  wrote:
> 
> I mean, I’m not complaining, just find it interesting.
> Devin Prater
> r.d.t.pra...@gmail.com
> 
> Https://devinprater.flounder.online
> 
>> On Aug 15, 2021, at 4:04 PM, Julia Kulak  wrote:
>> 
>> Hi everyone. Richard, thank you very much for this description. Devon, I 
>> don’t care if the voice over driver has more holes than a block of Swiss 
>> cheese. I am just grateful to have a free braille display! Julia.
 On Aug 15, 2021, at 1:19 PM, Devin Prater  wrote:
 
>>> 
>>> Try going into keyboard help mode on the iPhone with Space with K, and 
>>> press the Up and Down keys. See the holes in VoiceOver's driver for the 
>>> thing. :) NVDA has no such faults, go figure.
>>> Devin Prater
>>> r.d.t.pra...@gmail.com
>>> gemini://tilde.pink/~devinprater/
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
 On Sun, Aug 15, 2021 at 2:49 PM Richard Turner 
  wrote:
 I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
 
 My impressions are below, in no particular order.
 
 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, 
 and made out of a very rough material.
 
 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
 right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly 
 too far to the right.
 
 3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers 
 every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
 
 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space 
 bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some 
 people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
 
 The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
 
 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
 cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
 exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
 
 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
 plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
 
 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
 smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
 
 8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays. 
  It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the 
 instructions did work.
 
 9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
 
 10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait 
 about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you 
 want is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go 
 back to what you were doing.
 
 11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works 
 pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
 
 12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
 
 13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD 
 books and updating the firmware.
 
 14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
 
 15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
 
 16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to 
 shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not 
 sure.
 
  
 
 To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for 
 the blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader. 
  If you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how 
 to get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the 
 program that is..
 
 At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to 
 agree to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after 
 receiving the device and of course, to return it if you are not going to 
 use it.  If you want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
 
 Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting 
 the one from Zoomax.
 
 There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…, 
 etc..
 
 Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device: 
 https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/
 
  
 
 Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device: 
 https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Devin Prater]

I mean, I’m not complaining, just find it interesting.
Devin Prater
r.d.t.pra...@gmail.com

Https://devinprater.flounder.online

> On Aug 15, 2021, at 4:04 PM, Julia Kulak  wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone. Richard, thank you very much for this description. Devon, I 
> don’t care if the voice over driver has more holes than a block of Swiss 
> cheese. I am just grateful to have a free braille display! Julia.
>> On Aug 15, 2021, at 1:19 PM, Devin Prater  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Try going into keyboard help mode on the iPhone with Space with K, and press 
>> the Up and Down keys. See the holes in VoiceOver's driver for the thing. :) 
>> NVDA has no such faults, go figure.
>> Devin Prater
>> r.d.t.pra...@gmail.com 
>> gemini://tilde.pink/~devinprater/
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Sun, Aug 15, 2021 at 2:49 PM Richard Turner > > wrote:
>> I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
>> 
>> My impressions are below, in no particular order.
>> 
>> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
>> made out of a very rough material.
>> 
>> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
>> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too 
>> far to the right.
>> 
>> 3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers 
>> every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
>> 
>> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space 
>> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some 
>> people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
>> 
>> The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
>> 
>> 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
>> cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
>> exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
>> 
>> 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
>> plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
>> 
>> 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
>> smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
>> 
>> 8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.  
>> It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the 
>> instructions did work.
>> 
>> 9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
>> 
>> 10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait 
>> about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want 
>> is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to 
>> what you were doing.
>> 
>> 11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works 
>> pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
>> 
>> 12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
>> 
>> 13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books 
>> and updating the firmware.
>> 
>> 14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
>> 
>> 15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
>> 
>> 16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to 
>> shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not sure.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the 
>> blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If 
>> you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to 
>> get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program 
>> that is..
>> 
>> At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree 
>> to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the 
>> device and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you 
>> want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
>> 
>> Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the 
>> one from Zoomax.
>> 
>> There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…, 
>> etc..
>> 
>> Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device: 
>> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/ 
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device: 
>> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/ 
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Richard
>> 
>> Software means never having to say you're finished
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Web site: www.turner42.com 
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone list.
>>  
>> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if 
>> you feel that a member's post 

RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[William James]

I was looking at this thread last night and did a search for Zoomax’s braille 
display manual some time ago.  I could not get to it last night.  I did get it 
today and here is the manual for those of you who are curious about this device.
 
Zoomax NLS Braille eReader EMZ-20 Baille e-Reader User Manual Hangzhou Rejoin 
Tech (fccid.io)
 
 
Sent from Mail for Windows
 
From: Richard Turner
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2021 7:36 PM
To: viphone@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations
 
It is so easy, and I think better, to use its onboard feature to download books 
from NLS, rather than going through the extra steps of downloading it through 
Bard mobile then putting it on the card.
 

 
Richard 
"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss 
people." -- Eleanor Roosevelt
 
www.turner42.com
 


On Aug 15, 2021, at 4:21 PM, Joshua Hendrickson  wrote:

I still like humanware displays and I really hope that that is the one
I will be able to get when they become sent out officially.  I don't
know why they have 2 space bars though.  I can think this is something
I will use in church for reading the Bible.  There are also some books
from bard, that it would be great to have in braille loaded with bard
mobile.

On 8/15/21, Richard Turner  wrote:

Updated version with the info about the cursor routing buttons made more
clear.
 
I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
My impressions are below, in no particular order.
1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and
made out of a very rough material.
2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my
right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too
far to the right.
3. There are cursor routing buttons over each of the 20 cells, but no
markers every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space
bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some
people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book
cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys
exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch
plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a
smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.
It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the
instructions did work.
9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait
about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want
is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to
what you were doing.
11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works
pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books
and updating the firmware.
14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to
shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not
sure.
 
To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the
blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If
you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to
get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program
that is..
At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree
to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the
device and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you
want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the
one from Zoomax.
There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…,
etc..
Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loc.gov%2Fitem%2Fwebcast-9336%2Fdata=04%7C01%7C%7C56f022c9fdaf40a0147508d96043648f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637646664845871243%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=iRepzE1hxYfn20QoK4lBesy5Hc02uMhi7Gmk4zX5%2FuQ%3Dreserved=0
 
Here is the physical description link f

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Richard Turner]

It is so easy, and I think better, to use its onboard feature to download books 
from NLS, rather than going through the extra steps of downloading it through 
Bard mobile then putting it on the card.



Richard
"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss 
people." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

www.turner42.com


On Aug 15, 2021, at 4:21 PM, Joshua Hendrickson  wrote:

I still like humanware displays and I really hope that that is the one
I will be able to get when they become sent out officially.  I don't
know why they have 2 space bars though.  I can think this is something
I will use in church for reading the Bible.  There are also some books
from bard, that it would be great to have in braille loaded with bard
mobile.

On 8/15/21, Richard Turner  wrote:
Updated version with the info about the cursor routing buttons made more
clear.

I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
My impressions are below, in no particular order.
1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and
made out of a very rough material.
2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my
right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too
far to the right.
3. There are cursor routing buttons over each of the 20 cells, but no
markers every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space
bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some
people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book
cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys
exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch
plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a
smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.
It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the
instructions did work.
9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait
about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want
is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to
what you were doing.
11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works
pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books
and updating the firmware.
14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to
shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not
sure.

To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the
blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If
you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to
get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program
that is..
At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree
to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the
device and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you
want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the
one from Zoomax.
There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…,
etc..
Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loc.gov%2Fitem%2Fwebcast-9336%2Fdata=04%7C01%7C%7C56f022c9fdaf40a0147508d96043648f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637646664845871243%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=iRepzE1hxYfn20QoK4lBesy5Hc02uMhi7Gmk4zX5%2FuQ%3Dreserved=0

Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.loc.gov%2Fitem%2Fwebcast-9653%2Fdata=04%7C01%7C%7C56f022c9fdaf40a0147508d96043648f%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637646664845871243%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=DfyB5SOE5%2BX8Fuo%2FMEP3msj4romJqm%2FQt6H7ulzxMTw%3Dreserved=0





--
The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone
list.

If you have any questions or concerns about the running 

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Joshua Hendrickson]

I still like humanware displays and I really hope that that is the one
I will be able to get when they become sent out officially.  I don't
know why they have 2 space bars though.  I can think this is something
I will use in church for reading the Bible.  There are also some books
from bard, that it would be great to have in braille loaded with bard
mobile.

On 8/15/21, Richard Turner  wrote:
> Updated version with the info about the cursor routing buttons made more
> clear.
>
> I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
> My impressions are below, in no particular order.
> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and
> made out of a very rough material.
> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my
> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too
> far to the right.
> 3. There are cursor routing buttons over each of the 20 cells, but no
> markers every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space
> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some
> people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
> The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
> 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book
> cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys
> exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
> 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch
> plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
> 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a
> smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
> 8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.
> It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the
> instructions did work.
> 9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
> 10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait
> about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want
> is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to
> what you were doing.
> 11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works
> pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
> 12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
> 13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books
> and updating the firmware.
> 14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
> 15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
> 16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to
> shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not
> sure.
>
> To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the
> blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If
> you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to
> get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program
> that is..
> At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree
> to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the
> device and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you
> want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
> Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the
> one from Zoomax.
> There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…,
> etc..
> Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device:
> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/
>
> Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device:
> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone
> list.
>
> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if
> you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or
> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself.
>
> Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor.  Mark can be reached at:
> mk...@ucla.edu.  Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at
> caraqu...@caraquinn.com
>
> The archives for this list can be searched at:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/
> ---
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>


-- 
Joshua Hendrickson

Joshua Hendrickson

-- 
The following information is important for all members of the 

RE: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Richard Turner]

Updated version with the info about the cursor routing buttons made more clear.

I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
My impressions are below, in no particular order.
1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
made out of a very rough material.
2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too far 
to the right.
3. There are cursor routing buttons over each of the 20 cells, but no markers 
every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space bars 
are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people prefer 
the space bar closer to the keyboard.
The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.  It 
follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the 
instructions did work.
9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait about 
6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want is on the 
display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to what you 
were doing.
11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works 
pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books and 
updating the firmware.
14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to shut 
down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not sure.

To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the 
blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If you 
already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to get sign 
up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program that is..
At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree to 
participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the device 
and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you want, you 
can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the 
one from Zoomax.
There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…, etc..
Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device: 
https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/

Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device: 
https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/





-- 
The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone list.

If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you 
feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or 
moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself.

Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor.  Mark can be reached at:  
mk...@ucla.edu.  Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at 
caraqu...@caraquinn.com

The archives for this list can be searched at:
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Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Julia Kulak]

Hi everyone. Richard, thank you very much for this description. Devon, I don’t 
care if the voice over driver has more holes than a block of Swiss cheese. I am 
just grateful to have a free braille display! Julia.
> On Aug 15, 2021, at 1:19 PM, Devin Prater  wrote:
> 
> 
> Try going into keyboard help mode on the iPhone with Space with K, and press 
> the Up and Down keys. See the holes in VoiceOver's driver for the thing. :) 
> NVDA has no such faults, go figure.
> Devin Prater
> r.d.t.pra...@gmail.com
> gemini://tilde.pink/~devinprater/
> 
> 
> 
>> On Sun, Aug 15, 2021 at 2:49 PM Richard Turner  
>> wrote:
>> I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
>> 
>> My impressions are below, in no particular order.
>> 
>> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
>> made out of a very rough material.
>> 
>> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
>> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too 
>> far to the right.
>> 
>> 3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers 
>> every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
>> 
>> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space 
>> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some 
>> people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
>> 
>> The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
>> 
>> 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
>> cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
>> exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
>> 
>> 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
>> plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
>> 
>> 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
>> smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
>> 
>> 8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.  
>> It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the 
>> instructions did work.
>> 
>> 9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
>> 
>> 10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait 
>> about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want 
>> is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to 
>> what you were doing.
>> 
>> 11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works 
>> pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
>> 
>> 12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
>> 
>> 13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books 
>> and updating the firmware.
>> 
>> 14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
>> 
>> 15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
>> 
>> 16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to 
>> shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not sure.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the 
>> blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If 
>> you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to 
>> get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program 
>> that is..
>> 
>> At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree 
>> to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the 
>> device and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you 
>> want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
>> 
>> Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the 
>> one from Zoomax.
>> 
>> There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…, 
>> etc..
>> 
>> Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device: 
>> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device: 
>> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Richard
>> 
>> Software means never having to say you're finished
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> Web site: www.turner42.com
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> -- 
>> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone list.
>>  
>> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if 
>> you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or 
>> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself.
>>  
>> Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at: 
>> mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at 
>> caraqu...@caraquinn.com
>>  
>> The archives for this list can be searched at:
>> 

Re: NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Devin Prater]

Try going into keyboard help mode on the iPhone with Space with K, and
press the Up and Down keys. See the holes in VoiceOver's driver for the
thing. :) NVDA has no such faults, go figure.
Devin Prater
r.d.t.pra...@gmail.com
gemini://tilde.pink/~devinprater/



On Sun, Aug 15, 2021 at 2:49 PM Richard Turner 
wrote:

> I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
>
> My impressions are below, in no particular order.
>
> 1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny,
> and made out of a very rough material.
>
> 2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my
> right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too
> far to the right.
>
> 3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers
> every 5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
>
> 4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space
> bars are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some
> people prefer the space bar closer to the keyboard.
>
> The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
>
> 5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book
> cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys
> exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
>
> 6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch
> plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
>
> 7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a
> smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
>
> 8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware
> displays.  It follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but
> following the instructions did work.
>
> 9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
>
> 10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait
> about 6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want
> is on the display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back
> to what you were doing.
>
> 11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works
> pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
>
> 12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
>
> 13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD
> books and updating the firmware.
>
> 14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
>
> 15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
>
> 16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to
> shut down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not
> sure.
>
>
>
> To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for
> the blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.
> If you already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how
> to get sign up for an eReader if your library is participating in the
> program that is..
>
> At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to
> agree to participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after
> receiving the device and of course, to return it if you are not going to
> use it.  If you want, you can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
>
> Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting
> the one from Zoomax.
>
> There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to…,
> etc..
>
> Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device:
> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/
>
>
>
> Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device:
> https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Richard
>
> Software means never having to say you're finished
>
>
>
> Web site: www.turner42.com
>
>
>
> --
> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone
> list.
>
> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or
> if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the
> owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself.
>
> Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at:
> mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at
> caraqu...@caraquinn.com
>
> The archives for this list can be searched at:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "VIPhone" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone/MW4PR17MB451322153BA9C6B9661329E0B7FC9%40MW4PR17MB4513.namprd17.prod.outlook.com
> 

NLS eReader by Humanware observations

[Richard Turner]

I have had the eReader from NLS made by Humanware for about three days.
My impressions are below, in no particular order.
1. The neck strap is cheap and not at all comfortable. It is too skinny, and 
made out of a very rough material.
2. There are two space bars that for me, are not positioned well. I use my 
right thumb for pressing the space bar and I find its position slightly too far 
to the right.
3. There are the 20 cursor routing buttons over each cell, but no markers every 
5 like on most displays with routing buttons.
4. The keyboard is ergonomically designed with the slight curve. The space bars 
are below the braille cells, which is fine for me but I know some people prefer 
the space bar closer to the keyboard.
The keys have more play in them than I expected. They feel a little spongy.
5. The case makes it look like a hardback book. It opens just like a book 
cover, with the spine on the back of the unit leaving the front thumb keys 
exposed.  The best word I can think of is, "cute."
6. The braille feels better to me than on the Humanware braille note touch 
plus, but not quite as good as on the Orbit Readers.
7.  It does not have a note taker, but can be connected to a computer or a 
smart phone to be used as a braille keyboard.
8.  The setup for Bluetooth devices is much like other Humanware displays.  It 
follows Humanware's logic, which is not my logic, but following the 
instructions did work.
9.  NLS BARD login and download is very straight forward.
10.  Changing braille grades is slow.  Press Space+g and you have to wait about 
6 or 7 seconds before the grade shows up, Then, once the one you want is on the 
display, wait another 6 or 7 seconds for the display to go back to what you 
were doing.
11.  when used as a braille input device with an iPhone SE 2020, it works 
pretty much as well as all displays work, which is very good.
12.  The battery life seems to be maybe 6 or 8 hours, hard to be sure yet.
13.  There is no internet browser, Wi-Fi is used for downloading BARD books and 
updating the firmware.
14.  The wi-Fi set up was pretty straight forward, as Humanware devices go.
15.  I have not tried using it with the computer.
16.  It takes approximately 20 seconds to start up and about 17 seconds to shut 
down.  Probably due to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, I am not sure.

To get an eReader from NLS you have to contact your regional library for the 
blind and sign up for braille materials, and then request the eReader.  If you 
already receive braille materials, simply contact them and ask how to get sign 
up for an eReader if your library is participating in the program that is..
At this point, it is still considered a pilot program and you have to agree to 
participate in several surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months after receiving the device 
and of course, to return it if you are not going to use it.  If you want, you 
can keep it after the pilot project is finished.
Oregon seems to be getting the Humanware device; some states are getting the 
one from Zoomax.
There are YouTube videos walking through each device, settings, how to..., etc..
Here is the physical description link for the Humanware device: 
https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9336/

Here is the physical description link for the Zoomax device: 
https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-9653/








Richard
Software means never having to say you're finished

Web site: www.turner42.com

-- 
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If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you 
feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or 
moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself.

Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor.  Mark can be reached at:  
mk...@ucla.edu.  Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at 
caraqu...@caraquinn.com

The archives for this list can be searched at:
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