Braille Notetakers - Technology Forum - Home Theater, Computer, Televisions, Personal Electronics and more!

kitkat86 · 07-19-2006, 02:11 PM

The National Federation of the Blind has comprised a list of notetakers that are available for the blind. These notetakers allow blind people access to many of the same conveniences sighted people enjoy. The devices combine Braille with regular text to give people the ability to work with both mediums. Some of them convert Braille to regular text, and regular text to Braille. The devices can be hooked up to desktop or laptop computers for data transfer.

kitkat86 · 07-19-2006, 02:19 PM

Both devices have the same options: the only difference is the number of Braille cells. The 18 has 18 Braille cells, and the 32 has 32 Braille cells. Both machines come with a Braille and/or QWERTY (standard) keyboard. They run the Windows CE operating system. They utilize programs for word processing, date calendar, Internet, and POP3 email. Connection to a computer enables the devices to be used as an external speech synthesizer or refreshable Brailled display.

18-cells: appr. $4,395
32-cells: appr. $6,195

kitkat86 · 07-19-2006, 02:24 PM

This notetaker comes with 128 MB internal memory, Bluetooth capabilities, and a media player. It comes with either the 18-cell or 32-cell Braille display. Either a Braille or QWERTY keyboard can be used.

18-cells: appr. $4395
32-cells: appr. $6195

kitkat86 · 07-19-2006, 02:29 PM

This is the PDA of the BrailleNote family. It has an 18-cell Braille display and, not only wireless Internet, but wireless connections to PCs. It can share files with a PC. Interface is the Keysoft system utilized by the BrailleNote family.

appr. $4,995

kitkat86 · 07-19-2006, 02:34 PM

A regular PDA utilizing DECTalk software synthesizer for voice capabilities. Bluetooth technology allows use with a Braille or QWERTY keyboard. Connection to laptop or desktop allows email access.

appro. $1,595

kitkat86 · 07-19-2006, 02:42 PM

A speech-only notetaker, this device, when hooked up to a computer, can function as an external speech synthesizer. One version of this device is available with either a Braille keyboard; the other with a QWERTY.

appr: $1,995.

kitkat86 · 07-19-2006, 02:48 PM

This notetaker contains a 32-cell Braille display and a small LCD showing what is written. Programs available for it include: word processor, email, Internet browser, and more.

appr. $4,950

tiggapooh · 07-28-2006, 11:59 AM

Wow, how sad the price is too high. I have a cousin who is blind. She was a computer programmer before diabetes caused her to go blind. No way can she afford those prices. It would have been nice for her to have had one to connect with the world. I have no idea if there are programs out there that would help her defray the cost of one.

kitkat86 · 07-31-2006, 03:51 PM

I would try contacting the National Federation of the Blind or go to their website. They hav a lot of information on the site. If they don't have any programs, they may be able to direct you to someone who may have.

2sonsandadaughter · 07-31-2006, 07:47 PM

I would agree that there must be programs that will provide subsidies for the blind. When I was in college, there was an organization that trained guide dogs for the blind and it was all paid for by donations.