Hi everyone, This is Priscilla. I have a couple questions since I am new to the NLS E-Reader pilot program and just received the NLS E-Reader because my library just got onboard. So far, I’ve had it for a week. I called my local Talking-book and Braille library and they said that they are currently participating in the pilot program. Some of my observations of the Humanware NLS E-reader are as follows: When opening the cardboard box containing the device, I got very excited because the braille display felt just right and pretty comfortable for me to use. I liked the ergonomic keys and the fact that the space keys were further apart from the braille display. That position is more comfortable for me, and the keys felt rather large. But then again,I have small hands and fingers because I’m very petite. It came with two lanyards, one for the case holding the braille display, and the other one for the braille display itself. When closed, the braille display looks like a small hardcover book which is cute, and with the straps, it feels like wearing a cute pocketbook. They’re meant to be hung around the neck, but I would prefer to use them as a shoulder strap and wear it as a small purse. Beware that the straps are indeed skinny and fragile, so you cannot put too much force on them. I’d prefer thicker straps with a stronger clip. Personally, I’d rather carry it in my regular purse than just by itself because chances are that one of the clips can break easily if not careful.
One thing I would like to have is the ability to use it as a basic notetaker though. I have a Macbook air M1 computer using VoiceOver, and to my surprise, it works beautifully when I connect it using the USBC cable that came with my laptop. It also charges the display which is a bonus, and I don’t need to bring multiple cables if I need to travel. I can leave the charger and cable at home. It also connects to my iPhone using bluetooth like all other devices. In comparison to the freedom scientific focus 40 braille display, the keys work better for me on this one and are quieter. I also like the fact that you can connect USB drives to the braille E-Reader. As for the focus 40 braille display I mainly use it for editing on my computer. With the focus 40, you need to bring the extra bulky charger which I don’t like because it doesn’t have the ability to charge using my computer. But with this new Humanware E-reader, you can do that, and it has a separate cable and wall charger which is a lot better. The braille feels crisp for me to read. Also the cursor routing buttons feel like bump dots. It also has a memory card slot to insert a memory card which I like. I connected my bard account and it is a breeze to download books onto the device rather than getting the extra cable and hooking it up to the included cartridge to load the book. I tried using a USB flash drive and it worked well. So far, I was able to open PDF files on it. However, I was disappointed in finding out that you cannot open word or powerpoint documents. I connected my external drive , and was disappointed because it said USB connection failed. I have a question though, I’ve heard that at the end of the pilot program, you can keep the device if you want? How does this work? Do you have to email a completed transfer of ownership form for that after you do all the surveys? From my experience, I had a school-issued laptop, and once you graduate you fill out a transfer of ownership form proving that you completed all required courses, final exams and papers. Because if that is the case, that would be of great use for me in the future since I plan to go back to school someday or attend other conferences. Also, what has been your experience with the NLS E-Reader. I believe I got the new version. It’s so small that I can carry it in my handbag and use it as a braille keyboard for my phone. Why didn’t I do that instead of buying a keyboard case for my iPad during the Covid19 pandemic? Laughing out loud . I wish I knew this sooner though. Is this the smart brilliant VX braille display from humanwhare or another model? Just wondering. Thank you, and I hope this helps Kind regards, Priscilla -- 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: [email protected]. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at [email protected] The archives for this list can be searched at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- 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 [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone/10314137-E11F-424C-BF40-ACE405672FC2%40gmail.com.
