# The BrailleNote Apex is out - What do you think?

Category: Geeks r Us

## Post 1 by theJournalist (move over school!) on Wednesday, 11-Nov-2009 19:26:43

Hi to all,
Recently, Humanware released a new family to their BrailleNote line of products.
Below is the information, as listed on their products page. To skip passed this section, use the find function of your screen reader or web browser and look for the letters e o f.
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Take note. Take charge.
Take your success further.
HumanWare has been helping people who are blind maximize their digital communications since 2000, when the innovative BrailleNote was first introduced. The BrailleNote family has continually evolved to address the needs of students, professionals and consumers. Today, advanced productivity as well as reading in total comfort are at the heart of all our note taking products.
The new BrailleNote Apex puts success at your fingertips. Whether you are a busy professional or a hardworking student, today's connected, digital world is all yours with the sleek and powerful BrailleNote Apex.
Cutting-edge technology
Starting with BrailleNote's acclaimed design, exceptional ergonomics and outstanding reading and writing experience, our designers set out to meet your needs at work, school or home by taking the technology further than ever before:
•The thinnest and lightest Braille notetaker anywhere
•Powerful KeySoft applications for dynamic real-time communications
•NEW Windows CE 6 operating system
•Extensive connectivity
•Enchanced support for large documents and media files
•Plug and play visual display
•Convenient user-replaceable battery
•Integrated real-time clock maintains time and date for 30 days without battery power
Connectivity with global reach
The BrailleNote Apex assures that you stay connected wherever you go:
•Built-in options are at your fingertips to access Web pages, download e-mails or retrieve files from your wireless or Ethernet network.
•Enjoy the convenience of wireless accessories and connectivity to keyboards, a wireless earphone or your mobile phone using the improved Bluetooth manager.
•Printers, embossers, hard drives, flash drives and more, it's a snap to connect to one of the three available USB ports.
•Keep an updated list of personal contacts and appointments by synchronizing information with your PC.
•Use your BrailleNote's keyboard to input Braille or navigate with your computer screen reader using the Braille Terminal Mode.
Smart Ergonomics
The BrailleNote Apex is designed for maximum comfort during extended reading and writing tasks.
•Comfortable full-size Braille keyboard makes all your notetaking quick and easy.
•Signature thumb keys make extensive reading a real pleasure with effortless
•navigation by line, sentence or paragraph.
•Newly designed scroll wheel allows for effortless navigation in menus, documents and e-mail lists.
More memory and storage options
The BrailleNote Apex puts more power in your hands with 8GB of internal memory and various portable storage options, including support for high-capacity SDHC cards.
Sound thinking
The BrailleNote Apex offers outstanding stereo sound capabilities for playing back recordings, listening to audio books, interviews, news, your favorite music or any of the thousands of Internet radio programs.
Keysoft Inside
The acclaimed KeySoft Suite of applications is both user-friendly and efficient.
•Easy-to-use menu system enables users to quickly review applications and settings.
•An extensive set of shortcut commands allows users to instantly access any desired feature.
•Context-sensitive "help" is always available when you need to remember a command. One-key touch accesses the Main Menu and Online Help.
KeySoft includes a comprehensive suite of productivity applications with feature-rich content that is 100% accessible.
Word Processor: Translate between any grade of Braille and text formats including Microsoft Word, then print or emboss any document or attach it to an e-mail.
Book Reader: Read books from Bookshare, RFB&D, Audible and numerous other sources. Read Braille or text formats in your preferred grade of Braille. Enjoy listening to audio books and take advantage of the powerful DAISY navigation features.
Web Browser and E-Mail: Surf the Web - do online research, shopping and banking. Send and receive e-mails, and stay connected via your preferred network connection.
Voice Memos: Record lectures, class notes and memos, then instantly play them back from anywhere in KeySoft with a single key press.
Media Player: Listen in stereo to MP3, WAV and Windows Media files and a number of other formats. Create playlists, enjoy Internet radio or music while reading, e-mailing or surfing the web.
Streaming Audio: Enjoy listening to Internet radio programs that use MP3 or Windows Media formats.
Keychat: Communicate in real time with colleagues, friends and family using state-ofthe- art instant messaging (IM) services.
The revolution is at hand
With the innovative line of BrailleNote products, HumanWare has changed the way people who are blind connect, work and interact. Thinner and lighter, enabling its users to stay ahead of the fast-paced world around them, the BrailleNote Apex truly delivers power to the people.
The Technology
Operating system
•Microsoft Windows CE 6 operating system
•8GB of non-volatile user storage
•256MB SDRAM
Connectivity
•One SD card socket supporting SDHC cards
•Built-in Ethernet port (10/100Mbps)
•Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g protocol
•Built-In Bluetooth 2.1
•One high-speed USB 2.0 client port for Active Sync and Braille Terminal Mode
•3 high speed USB 2.0 host ports
*Optional USB voice modem
Hardware
•32 cell refreshable Braille display
•Computer-style keyboard (QT model)
•8 -dot Braille keyboard (BT model)
•Speech output with choice of TTS
•GPS receiver via Bluetooth
•Stereo speakers
•Internal Omni Directional Microphone
•Rechargeable and user-replaceable lithium-ion battery
•Real Time Clock with 30-day battery backup
•External speaker / headphone and microphone jacks
•Weight: 900 g (31.75 oz)
•Dimensions: 19 mm (0.78 in) H x 250 mm (9.84 in) W x 140 mm (5.51 in)
---eof
Finally the perfect note taker. I've also heard that it has a replacable battery, and it only comes in the 32 cell model.
First, what are your opinions on the rollout of this new device? (I don't know if transplants will be allowed or not, by the way).
Was it a smart move? Will people upgrade/purchase this new brailleNote product? Or has Humanware's brailleNote "screwed up" - should they have provided this functionality back with the m-power (with a littme more investment I know some of the technology, like a faster CPu and more rom size, was out there).
Cost? According to Blind bargains, it will be US $6195. No official word from Humanware yet, though.
My own personal catchy motto for the new note-taker?
The BrailleNote Apex: The zenith of your life.

## Post 2 by Striker (Consider your self warned, i'm creative and offensive like handicap porn.) on Wednesday, 11-Nov-2009 19:48:59

hmm, already made a topic about this but I'm honestly not sure its worth the caust. its in direct compotition with the braille sense+ more than anything else and honestly I think the braille sense+ might be a better unit unless humanware has some hidden functionality they haven't stated. Sure this new device is small but its not all that much new honestly, Humanware is just catching up to the compotition. Pacmate needes a hardware overhall now to compete on any level.

## Post 3 by rat (star trek rules!) on Wednesday, 11-Nov-2009 20:40:02

I like the ram upgrade from what it used to be, that should help with some of the net issues some were having, and with CE 6 on ther e now hw has room to expand on a lot of stuff. I'm working on getting one of these, dependign on how pricing goes, i'll keep this topic updated on my response from hw if people like.

## Post 4 by Brooke (I just keep on posting!) on Wednesday, 11-Nov-2009 23:59:12

It sounds great, but they're all way too expensive!

## Post 5 by PorkInCider (Wind assisted.) on Thursday, 12-Nov-2009 10:54:21

It just looks like Humanware realised the enpower wasn't good enough competition for the Braille sense plus, and so brought this out. it sounds nice, but doesn't look to be much better than the BSPlus, if at all. sure it has more USB sockets, slightly more ram, and a choice of TTS, but to be honest, I hardly ever use the speech on the BSPlus, prefering to just use the braille.

## Post 6 by rat (star trek rules!) on Thursday, 12-Nov-2009 19:31:54

I like to use braille a lot myself but sometimes speech can be handy, like with gps and the like if you're trying to follow a route.

## Post 7 by SexySquirrel (I can't call it a day til I enter the zone BBS) on Thursday, 12-Nov-2009 20:42:55

Sounds very nice!

## Post 8 by illumination (Darkness is history.) on Thursday, 12-Nov-2009 23:46:36

I like that it has all that internal memory and things like that, but I've been told that the new Keysoft version is not all tht great. The keyChat does not work with Windows Live Messenger, unlike the Braille Sense. I understand they updated the operating system, but let's see how far they'll go with that. They may not go very far with it.

## Post 9 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 13-Nov-2009 4:10:07

I totally agree with Kefvin on this. The mPower has been falling behind for years now, and the BraileSense+ has only stiffened that competition. I think this is Humanware's attempt to keep up, but from everything I've heard, the BrailleSense is still better. Should the day ever come when I can get a new note-taker, it's going to be a BrailleSense. I don't like what Humanware has become as a company, and I don't like my past experiences with them, so I'd rather not buy from them.

## Post 10 by motifated (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 13-Nov-2009 5:54:59

I'm beginning to get a little disappointed with humanware. They are supposedly rolling out thre products at the same time, and they're all different--the Intel Reader, the Orator, and now the Apex. Tech support probably wants to about kill the marketing people right now.
Lou

## Post 11 by robbiec12345 (Good night and Farewell ) on Friday, 13-Nov-2009 16:56:47

As I said on the other Apex topic, in my opinion, it's the user reviews (and bug reports) that are potentially more helpful. Also, at the moment, we are not sure on stuff to do with the software side of things: it's all been about the hardware so far. I can't wait to see the full user guide when it's posted on the HumanWare site; this should give us some more answers.
If it wasn't for the cost, i'd order one now. Yes, I could trade in my MPower and get some dosh knocked off, but it's still rather expensive. My local authority here in the UK bought me my MPower and somehow, I don't think they're gonna spend a load more money on a Braillenote Apex.
Yes, the current version of KeySoft (8.0) is pretty crap: KeyChat does not work with WLM, AIM, Yahoo, etc; only XMPP based services like Google Talk and IChat. I only upgraded because I had the upgrade available and from what i've heard, you can't skip upgrades.
What I will say is this: don't knock it til you see it. The units haven't even started shipping yet and already people are complaining. Yes, the cost is very high and HumanWare's customer service is not the best, but still; at least give HumanWare a chance to reveal more information about the Apex (especially regarding software) and let people try out the unit for themselves. Ok, so you have the right to complain, but all i'm saying is that maybe you should give it at least a few more weeks to allow more information to be revealed before you jump to conclusions; it's only been around 48 hours since the initial announcement.
There is a special program tonight on ACB radio at 9PM EST where Matthew Janusauskas (not sure if I spelled that right) from HumanWare will introduce the BrailleNote Apex. Apparently you'll also be able to call in and ask questions. There is also going to be a Tech Talk presentation on the BrailleNote Apex on Monday 16 November 2009 at 8PM EST. Hopefully more information will be revealed at these events.
Thank You
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may not necessarily be the opinions of others; please respect this when replying.

## Post 12 by illumination (Darkness is history.) on Friday, 13-Nov-2009 18:01:57

The fact that tthey are puttig Windows CE 6.0 makes no difference in terms of the software applications for the BrailleNote. I've had a BrailleNote before, and I didn't like it whatsoever. PAC Mate rules!

## Post 13 by KC8PNL (The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.) on Friday, 13-Nov-2009 18:31:36

The crap mate stinks, sorry. The only thing note takers have going for them is that the display is part of the unit itself. But for those people who prefer speech, They're much better off with a netbook running jaws. And, it's cheeper. The braille keyboard is something I like, but not worth an extra few grand. Besides, people need to learn how to use a standard keyboard to function in today's society. When you have a notetaker and it works, that's wonderful, but what about when it dies? In many work environments, they don't care whether your note taker dies, they care about productivity. And one with the knowledge of being able to type on a conventional keyboard along with the ability to use satogo is still in the game.

## Post 14 by Jeff (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Friday, 13-Nov-2009 20:22:14

It sounds cool, but it is not as good as the Mobal Manager is. I really like the braille note but they aren't worth 6200 dollars you could get a lap top and Jaws cheaper then that and could do so much more.

## Post 15 by robbiec12345 (Good night and Farewell ) on Saturday, 14-Nov-2009 10:36:40

To post 14, I'll agree with you; a laptop/netbook running jaws or window-eyes could do a lot more.
To post 12: Due to the Windows CE upgrade, things such as better MS Word support, direct HTML support, better bluetooth support etc, are now a lot easier to implement. It is just a matter of HumanWare implementing these features.

## Post 16 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Thursday, 19-Nov-2009 13:09:15

I have an older BrailleNote that I haven't used since I got my first laptop and Window-Eyes. So I don't see the need for a notetaker, especially since the laptop and screen reader put together amounted to less than half the price of any of the BrailleNotes or even the CrapMate. But if I did get another notetaker for whatever reason it would be one of the Sense products from GW Micro.

## Post 17 by illumination (Darkness is history.) on Thursday, 19-Nov-2009 13:58:36

But watch this, guys. Theres an eReader from Kurzweil that's coming out that'll work with the iPhone and perhaps the iPod touch as well. So is there any need for a note taker anymore? No. Absolutely not. You can survive off of a lap top and an iPhone or iPod touch. I guarantee you, when they put all these iPods to full use, I'm trashing my PAc Mate.

## Post 18 by robbiec12345 (Good night and Farewell ) on Thursday, 19-Nov-2009 14:40:54

If you have a laptop/netbook or another computer system, then i'd not recommend getting a notetaker. The only reason why I got a notetaker is because it is very portable and has a very fast startup time so it is good for school. To be honest, i'd only upgrade if you use an existing braillenote and, like me, do not have access to a computer.
But I think this is the beginning of the end for blindness specific notetakers. Mainstream technology is a lot more accessible than it was back in 2000 when the braillenote was first released. I know this might be off topic for this thread, but you can kind of say the same thing about the zone: Social networking sites are a lot more accessible now than they were back in 2003 when the zone first started.
That's all I have to say for now.

## Post 19 by Harmony (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 19-Nov-2009 14:41:59

I haven't actually seen the Braille Note Apex yet, so can't really comment, but will be able to do so when I have seen it. I didn't like the PK much though because the braille keys are so small and hard to type with.

## Post 20 by theJournalist (move over school!) on Friday, 20-Nov-2009 7:54:50

I'd agree with post 18 and 19 both - and will voice my comments here.
I'm actually using a netbook as you read - my review is in the works and should be posted here shortly. They are very good and yes, I'd certainly agree: If you can buy and use one, do get it and not a $6195 note-taker like the Apex. for $6195, you might even be able to buy yourself a good laptop, with an extended battery that'll last you 12 hours, and an 18 cell braille display (they run about $3000). That's right! Although, your laptop with the battery might be a bit heavy.
I do agree, the PK does have a very tiny keyboard. I've only seen these things at the National Center, and yes sure I see the use for them - but not only do they come only in an 18-cell model, but they also aren't too usable with people (like myself) who have really long fingers. In the same aspect, the Apex only comes in a 32-cell model - so why no 18-cell release?
-Tomi

## Post 21 by robbiec12345 (Good night and Farewell ) on Friday, 20-Nov-2009 12:36:01

From what I heard on the tech talk presentation earlier this week, a lot more people use the 32 cell braille display than the 18 cell display or the voicenote model (i'm assuming they based this on MPower units only). So apparently, they wanted to release the most popular combination first with the possibility of an 18 cell/voicenote Apex in 2010.

## Post 22 by illumination (Darkness is history.) on Friday, 20-Nov-2009 13:06:01

Just for clarification, VoiceNotes do not have a Braille display.

## Post 23 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Friday, 20-Nov-2009 14:34:36

That's another reason why I wouldn't get an Apex even if I could afford it. I absolutely can't stand the voice synthesizer. And since I really don't like reading Braille if I can help it that would be my primary reading method. Hell, I don't even like Eloquence in WIndow-Eyes and wouldn't use it at all but for its fast response time. But it's far more preferable to the KeyNote or whatever the synthesizer is in the BrailleNote.

## Post 24 by wildebrew (We promised the world we'd tame it, what were we hoping for?) on Friday, 20-Nov-2009 16:37:13

I think Humanware did the right thing by creating the Blackberry app, Orator, especially if is done well. I saw today that the new Google O.S. was introduced to beta developers. Everything happens in a browser, it only runs on SSD netbooks and your docs are automatically backed up online.
Humanware, FS, GW Micro or whoever should concentrate on making this device accessible (of course Google should really follow Apple's example and make it so), and then we could definitely do away with PacMates etc.
The startup time is projected to be in the order of 3 to 5 seconds, currently 7. I am also waiting for the next version of iPod Touch, according to an email Apple sent me support for bluetooth braille is the highest priority for future additions, as I understand it neither bluetooth keyboards nor bluetooth braille displays are currently supported.
Cheers
-B