Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Braille Display Question (self.Blind)
submitted by bleeblat
I was looking to get back into programming, and I read a lot as well, but I'm not sure what the best solution to this is.
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I don't really need a braille notetaker thing, as I prefer using an actual computer. I also don't necessarily need braille input, although I suppose that I could make use of it. All the newer displays seem to not be able to be used with a full-sized keyboard. How do people handle this if you're doing math or programming things in braille with a typical computer?
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I want to figure out something that isn't going to be awkward to use, especially if I have to drop several thousand dollars on the thing. Also which companies have good support in the case that I have to repair the thing? Synthesized speech is annoying for reading large documents or complex things like math, logic, or philosophy or computer books, so I was looking for suggestions.
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I used to have an older display that I could put under my keyboard, but those don't seem to be made or supported anymore. Also I don't want to buy something only to have the company go out of business and then eventually end up with an unsupported brick. Currently I have Windows 10 and Android devices, and they work rather well for what I'm doing, but I might screw around with other things as well. I usually use NVDA on Windows, but I'm ok with hacking something or configuring things as needed. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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​
I don't really need a braille notetaker thing, as I prefer using an actual computer. I also don't necessarily need braille input, although I suppose that I could make use of it. All the newer displays seem to not be able to be used with a full-sized keyboard. How do people handle this if you're doing math or programming things in braille with a typical computer?
​
I want to figure out something that isn't going to be awkward to use, especially if I have to drop several thousand dollars on the thing. Also which companies have good support in the case that I have to repair the thing? Synthesized speech is annoying for reading large documents or complex things like math, logic, or philosophy or computer books, so I was looking for suggestions.
​
I used to have an older display that I could put under my keyboard, but those don't seem to be made or supported anymore. Also I don't want to buy something only to have the company go out of business and then eventually end up with an unsupported brick. Currently I have Windows 10 and Android devices, and they work rather well for what I'm doing, but I might screw around with other things as well. I usually use NVDA on Windows, but I'm ok with hacking something or configuring things as needed. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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pokersnek 2 points 4y ago
Humanware and Freedom Scientific are pretty tried and true brands that don’t seem to be going anywhere.
bleeblat [OP] 1 points 4y ago
I ordered the Brailliant BI 40 and it should be here tomorrow. I had to order from Amazon, because HumanWare couldn't process my payment, but they did seem to be helpful. I went with that one, because I had gotten a demo a bit ago, and it seemed good for a large amount of reading. Thanks foer the other suggestions. The Orbit Reader appears to be not available here, or at least APH said it was still having production issues. I'll like the larger display I think, but I'm glad there are smaller ones available so that people can at least get some braille if they need it. I'm not sure the lack of erouting buttons, and slow refresh rate are acceptable compromises, but they might be slightly preferable to the lack of dots 7 and 8 on the Braille Me. I wasn't able to demo the Orbit Reader, but I found the refreshabraille a bit small. APH also was not very good for customer service when I did call them once, but I'm not sure if that is a general trend, or if I just got unlucky. Certainly I'll say that these things need to be made easier to order for individuals, because I had quite the trouble calling enough people to get my card accepted. Certainly payment options for large purchases can be fiddly as hell. It'd be nice if these companies could keep in mind that they may not always be dealing with a state agency. But it's on the UPS truck, so we should be straight now. Thank you for the suggestions. I can send impressions if anyone would like, but I gather there's enough said about these things already. It seems to be a good option too, as I'm in Canada, so getting repairs should not be much trouble, if that should happen.
bleeblat [OP] 1 points 4y ago
I have seen the HumanWare one, and it was quite good for reading in the short time I had it, I was just wondering how the cells hold up under heavy use because I didn't see any cleaning instructions. I was looking at Braille Edge 40 as well, since it's around the same price range, but it seemed a bit big to fit in a bag. I was trying to avoid flapping around with a keyboard and a braille display which also has a keyboard, but I guess I'll have to fiddle with my work flow a bit. I'd like this to be the last of these sorts of devices that I end up having to buy, if that's possible. I'm presuming that they have reasonable firmware updates?
-shacklebolt- 1 points 4y ago
> I'd like this to be the last of these sorts of devices that I end up having to buy, if that's possible.
Probably not.
I personally own a braillenote apex notetaker which I use as a braille display connected to my iphone, ipad, or computer. I'm happy with it, but I got a great deal on it secondhand. I've previously owned a braillenote which got about a decade of total use.
Depending on the device and company you go with, warranty support may be limited (one or two years) or cost significant extra money to extend. Devices may eventually need things like professional cleanings, replacing bad cells, and battery replacements that tend to be costly out of warranty, and compatibility with newer devices eventually can become an issue.
If you can, see if you can demo devices in person through a local blindness organization or vocational rehabilitation service. If you can get a chance to go to CSUN (or a major blindness conference) you can demo pretty much all the tech. If you're in the US, you might be able to get short term loaned devices at home through your state's assistive technology exchange. If you like a device, ask the device manufacturer questions about what the warranty does and does not cover where you live, if extentions are available, and what they personally charge for common repairs.
If you're paying cash, look into the APH orbit reader 20. It has some limitations (only 20 cells, slightly slower refresh than other braille displays,) but at $449, the value is amazing. I was impressed with the demo of the device I saw, and provided it's available, it will be the next braille display I purchase.
Probably not.
I personally own a braillenote apex notetaker which I use as a braille display connected to my iphone, ipad, or computer. I'm happy with it, but I got a great deal on it secondhand. I've previously owned a braillenote which got about a decade of total use.
Depending on the device and company you go with, warranty support may be limited (one or two years) or cost significant extra money to extend. Devices may eventually need things like professional cleanings, replacing bad cells, and battery replacements that tend to be costly out of warranty, and compatibility with newer devices eventually can become an issue.
If you can, see if you can demo devices in person through a local blindness organization or vocational rehabilitation service. If you can get a chance to go to CSUN (or a major blindness conference) you can demo pretty much all the tech. If you're in the US, you might be able to get short term loaned devices at home through your state's assistive technology exchange. If you like a device, ask the device manufacturer questions about what the warranty does and does not cover where you live, if extentions are available, and what they personally charge for common repairs.
If you're paying cash, look into the APH orbit reader 20. It has some limitations (only 20 cells, slightly slower refresh than other braille displays,) but at $449, the value is amazing. I was impressed with the demo of the device I saw, and provided it's available, it will be the next braille display I purchase.
[deleted] 1 points 4y ago
[deleted]
TheNobleHouseMartin 1 points 4y ago
The Brailliant by Humanware, or the Focus 40 by Freedom Scientific seems to be the solution you are looking for. Both are pretty good companies and VFO which owns almost everyone doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon
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