BrailleNote Apex
BrailleNote Apex
The second interation of Humanware's BrailleNote, tagged the Apex, was the staple of South Australian Braille users for the best part of a decade, only recently replaced by the BrailleNote Touch. The Apex offered both Braille (BT) and QWERTY (QT) input, with refreshable braille displays of various sizes. Featuring thumb keys, a scroll wheel, internet access, email, word processing, a calculator and text-based games to name but a few features. The device could also be connected to a VGA monitor to allow a sighted adult to monitor, in print, the process of the student they were working with.
Classroom Applications
Additional useful information:
The best file type to transfer files to the Apex on USB is in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
When transferring files to the Apex, it is best to have as little formatting as possible to allow easiest navigation on the Apex.
Internet research with the Apex can be challenging with some websites.
Connection to school based internet systems (using proxies) can be challenging.
Guides
BrailleNote Apex teaching guides (aimed at adults) - one set left blank for participants to fill in as they learn, the other a complete version with all the parts filled in. Broken into 4 parts.
BrailleNote APEX - Part 1 - Complete.pdfBrailleNote APEX - Part 2 - Complete.pdfBrailleNote APEX - Part 3 - Complete.pdfBrailleNote APEX - Part 4 - Complete.pdfBrailleNote APEX - Part 1 - To Fill Out.pdfBrailleNote APEX - Part 2 - To Fill Out.pdfBrailleNote APEX - Part 3 - To Fill Out.pdfBrailleNote APEX - Part 4 - To Fill Out.pdfPrinting from BrailleNote Apex using an Epson Printer.pdfVideo Guides
Tour of the BrailleNote Apex buttons and ports, how to use the Apex with a monitor and how to set up a KeyWord document.
Links
BrailleNote Apex support page (Humanware): http://support.humanware.com/en-australia/support/braillenote_apex
BrailleNote Apex review - American Foundation for the Blind: https://www.afb.org/aw/13/4/15822