Hi Mary At one time the Focus displays made extensive use of “Thumb-Wheels”. Happily, however, those are now gone. In their plaice, there are now left and right-hand “Nav Rockers”, “Panning buttons”, “Selector Buttons” and “Mode Buttons”.
This provides the user with an astonishing amount of configurability, personalisation and versatility. I honestly cannot praise Freedom highly enough for the ergonomics of these modern devices. The old “Focos40” has now been re-christened the “Focus Classic”, meaning that it is still available for those who prefer the older design. I only ever used one of those things once, I vowed at that time never to do so again. However, I was quite excited when I read about the re-design, so I arranged a demo and I immediately decided that I wanted one for my work. Those who know me well will know that I do not forgive easily when somebody does me a serious wrong. Freedom Scientific, or rather HenterJoyce, as they were known in those days named after the founders of the company, did me a very serious wrong by re-selling my serial number for Jaws 3.something or other, and refusing to acknowledge the fact. Until now, I have never even remotely considered the possibility of using anything Freedom did ever again. I still do not like their prejudicial treatment of overseas customers by virtue of the fact that we are not permitted to by direct from the point of origin if we happen to want anything of theirs. But in the case of the Focus, I felt myself compelled to make an exception. The focus40-Blue is a terrific device. I just love the feel of the 8-key Perkins-style keyboard. It took me a little while to grow accustomed to the positioning of the space bar, but not too long. They may also have done well to improve the outer case of the Focus which is totally plastic. Indeed, this along with its carry-case is its one great flaw in my opinion. With the carry-case zipped shut, it is possible to press keys on the display. Thus, it is very important to take extreme care with the positioning of the display if, for instance, it is to be carried in a laptop bag or brief case. Inadvertently pressurising the keys could prove to be a very costly error indeed. We all know how much these doggies in the window cost to put right. (Sorry, couldn’t resist the urge). Seriously though, one needs to exercise extreme caution with the transportation of the Focus. However, I considered that a minor obstacle, as I always do take extreme care in any event. The actual display on these beasts is very similar to that which I get from my other display, the Humanware BrailleNote Apex BT. The major difference being the shape and material used in the case’s construction. In some respects the Apex still wins that battle because I think that out of the two devices, both of which I’m very fortunate to own, I think that the Apex just, and I do mean just, has the edge. I’m planning on acquiring a third display probably in the new year now for use with my iOS device. But that too could change yet. But I’m thinking about the acquisition of the device which Jackie reviewed for us a little while back. Indeed, were it not for the prehistoric functionality of the RNIB’s online shop these days, I’d probably already have bought one. I’m astounded by the so-called “Improvements” they’ve made to that shop. It doesn’t even seem possible to buy products online any longer. Kind regards <--- Gordon Smith ---> <[email protected]> Information Technology Accessibility Consultant; Providing Help & Support To Young People LivingWith Visual Impairment, plus Braille Transcription services. On 30 Nov 2013, at 19:13, Stores, Mary A. <[email protected]> wrote: Hi Gordon, I am glad they have improved it. That is wonderful. Congrats! And for once, congrats Freedom Scientific! Well, I shouldn't say for once, but ... well, it's been a while since I have been totally happy with something they have created, and I guess I can be happy vicariously through you. Lol Mary -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Gordon Smith Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2013 8:03 AM To: Techno-Chat ... Technology Enthusiasm! Subject: How Things Change! Hi all Around 3 or 4 years back, I had the opportunity of trying a Focus 40 Braille display. At that time, they used thumb wheels and I hated the darn thing! I'm now the owner of a Focus40-Blue, and what a change of design philosophy since those days! They now use panning buttons and rocker bars and I have to confess I love it! It's a very nice display indeed now. I know I'm not all in favour of how Freedom does things. But on this occasion they've definitely scored a major hit in my opinion. The Braille display itself can be adjusted in terms of the firmness of the cells. The ability to move as per the speed of your reading is not unique, but it is a nice touch. The surface of the display is nice and smooth, which makes the Braille stand out. The charging, power usage and management are excellent. The unit is host-powered when connected to USB so there is no drain on battery. The unit is only self-powered when used with BlueTooth and even then you get an average of 20 hours continuous use before a recharge is necessary, according to Freedom. I've only had this since last Tuesday but didn't get the opportunity to try it properly until last night. I am very very impressed, well done Freedom Scientific on this one. Kind regards <--- Gordon Smith ---> ======================================= The Techno-Chat E-Mail forum is guaranteed malware, spyware, Trojan, virus and worm-free To modify your subscription options, please visit for forum's dedicated web pages located at http://mail.tft-bbs.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/techno-chat You can find an archive of all messages posted to the Techno-Chat group at either of the following websites: http://mail.tft-bbs.co.uk/pipermail/techno-chat/index.html Or: <http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]> you may also subscribe to this list via RSS. 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