Hi folks,
Since some people have suggested that I post the comparison
article between BrailleNote mPower and PAC Mate Omni, I thought I
would do it here (for benefit of all of you). Since there was an
announcement about trade in program, I thought I'd give you my
"picture" of information about PAC Mate and what to expect from
it (some people who used, or have both would recognize what I'm
about to talk about). Some of the scenarios that I provided are
merely my own examples and does not reflect the "real" picture.
Some information in this article might be inaccurate (my
apologies in advance). Some phrases may be harsh (again, my
apologies).
For the benefit of this list, I also put my own suggestions in
the end of this article for you to comment. If you have any
comments, let me know off list.
So, enjoy reading:
Packed with Empowering Possibilities
A Comparison Guide for PAC Mate Omni and BrailleNote mPower
Joseph Lee
"Keeping up with mainstream technology."
"Technology's Cutting Edge."
These are some of the slogans that assistive technology companies
have put forth in the past. Both slogans have some similarities
- follow the lead of mainstream companies while supporting
blindness features, latest connectivity features while retaining
accurate braille output, etc. But the top difference is this:
how to achieve this - either using textual interfeace with menus,
or using graphical interface with a screen reader. These are the
approaches that BrailleNote and PAC Mate use to deal with this
difference. This article's aim is to present my opinions about
these two blindness PDA's based on data collected from various
tests and various feature sets. For each of the categories
provided below, I have tried my best to present easy to
understand examples for illustrational purposes.
Background
During the third weekend of April, I evaluated a PAC Mate Omni
QX440 running JAWS for Pocket PC 6.0. I used the PAC Mate in
many situations, including classroom setting, at home and while
traveling (in its case). While evaluating this device, I ran it
through some diagnomic tests, including duration of usage (using
the battery), installing 3rd party software and using external
storage devices such as USB thumb drives and CF cards. So far, I
have been impressed with its capabilities compared to BrailleNote
mPower. Still, there are rooms for improvement regarding better
support for braille output (the reasoning is provided at the end
of this article).
Here are the results of the comparisons of two devices, based on
feature sets and various tests:
Braille displays
While BrailleNote mPower's braille display is made of individual
braille cells, PAC Mate's displays are made of two 20-cell
"frames" - in other words, the display on the PM is made of two
20-cell braille displays coupled together. This is the reason
why one would feel a vertical line between the 20th and 21st
cells. Also, unlike curved plastic cursor routing buttons on the
mPower, PM has two rows of plastic cursor routing buttons (the
explanation as to why it is two rows is given below). Also, for
convenience, PAC Mate has whiz wheels (essentially a replica of
scroll wheels on a mouse) to navigate vertically via line,
sentence or paragraph.
In regards to the responsiveness of the braille display,
BrailleNote wins. For example, whenever a user types something
in a document, the display on the BN responds much quicker than
PAC Mate (although this slowness can be attributed to the fact
that the display is rather a separate unit from the actual unit
(see below) and it uses a separate internal connector.)
Unit Design
The BrailleNote's casing is made of mostly plastic, while PAC
Mate's casing is made of magnesium.--Source: Freedom Scientific
website. A notable feature on the PM is that, by design, the
keyboard portion and the braille display can be detached, whereas
BrailleNote's casing includes braille display as well as the
keyboard in a single frame. This has a disadvantage: whenever a
component on the unit or the display needs to be replaced, the
whole unit must be sent back. On the PAC Mate, one can detach
the malfunctioning unit - the braille display or the actual unit
- and keep the other part while the defective part can be sent
for servicing. This is significant in two ways: first, the cost
and weight of shipping can be saved (as opposed to sending the
whole unit, one can pay less and send the defective part only).
Second, even though one part is missing, the other part is still
functional. For example, if the keyboard needs to be serviced,
one can keep the braille display and continue his or her work on
a computer running a screen reader.
Another consideration is the design of the carrying case.
Whereas BrailleNote is supplied inside a protective leather case,
PAC Mate's case resembles that of a traditional laptop. This
means that, unlike BrailleNote which can be operated while it is
in its case, one has to take out the actual unit to use it - same
as a laptop. This is more inconvenient when using the device on
the go - it is more easier if the device is placed in this case
with the keyboard and the braille display exposed.
Reading braille
Although both devices use some form of braille translations -
BrailleNote's using Duxbury translator itself and PAC Mate uses
FS's own translator that is matched with Duxbury (I'm 90%
confident on that last claim), in terms of representing braille,
BrailleNote wins. An easy illustration is this: suppose that
someone is reading braille continuously through a text document,
and the cursor is positioned on the end of a line. On the
BrailleNote, the braille will be shown continuous even though
there is line break. For example, if the phrase, "One world, One
Dream" (slogan for 2008 Olympics) has a line break between the
words "one" and "dream," the BrailleNote will show the whole
phrase (including the fragment) as if though displayed on a
single line. On the PAC Mate, if it encounters similar
situations, it will show the word "one" on the line, followed by
empty space, then the display jumps to the next line then
displays, "dream." This last fact is an anoyance, particularly
for users who wants to read a book continuously. Although
"Continuous Braille Mode" exists to facilitate this feature, this
"continuous braille" is a toggle feature that is disabled by
default.
Another noteworthy comparion is the navigation method. In this
comparion, BrailleNote wins. The BN has four thumb-keys on the
front of the unit. While the user is reading braille, his or her
thumb will naturally rest against the keys, thus providing
ergonomic comfort. For example, one can read braille without
having to move his or her hand away from the braille display and
using and dedicated navigation buttons behind the braille display
- one can simply press the keys while the fingers are resting on
the display, which saves time and hand movement. In addition to
braille display navigation, the thumb-keys can be used to select
a menu item or exiting an operations. For example, one can use
the right most key to select an item from Options Menu, or use
the left most key to exit out of a menu (except Options Menu,
where one must use SPACE with E to exit out of it).
Even though the PM display lacks the front navigation keys, it
has some advantages when it comes to configuring the display
settings on the fly. Whereas the settings that can be changed
using the thumb-keys are braille display modes (automatic,
reading, editing, layout) and whether to display text files using
grade two or computer braille, the PM's routing buttons
(particularly the second row) has function keys which, when
pressed, changes braille settings on the fly. For example, one
button changes the display mode between line, structured and
speech history (called speech box) modes while other button
changes whether the braille navigation changes the position of
the cursor. Whereas BrailleNote has a dedicated list for setting
similar items, the function keys on the braille display on the PM
provides quicker way of changing them without going to a specific
location. In addition, the whiz wheels (the two wheels located
on either side of the display) can be used to move the braille
display vertically. For example, one wheel can be set to move
the display by line while another can be set to move by
paragraph. Similar functions exist with BrailleNote where the
outer thumb-keys moves the display by line, sentence or
paragraph, but it depends on the overall navigation modes that is
set using a hotkey.
The Learning Curve
In my opinion, the learning curve of a device depends on a user's
skill and knowledge. Because of this, I would differentiate the
learning curve of both devices into two camps: those who prefer
traditional Perkins Brailler style approach (where braille is the
driving force behind the user interface) and users who prefer
computer based approach (where quick grasp of concepts is
important).
* Traditional approach: For those who prefer accurate braille
input and output, as well as a device which can handle complex
braille codes such as UEBC (Unified English Braille Code),
BrailleNote would be easier to learn. This is also true for
those who have just learning about computers - thus, these people
would not understand aspects of graphical interface such as
buttons and windows. Also, BrailleNote would be easier to learn
because of its powerful and streamlined menu system that exposes
advanced functionality of the mPower (such as Recording and
Bluetooth technology) in a textual and contextual way that a
beginner would understand. For example, one can press a hotkey
and hear detailed information on changing recording settings, or
one can use the BN's menu system to copy a file by starting from
Main Menu, going to File Manager and selecting Copy.
* Computer based approach: For those who have sufficient skills
to use a computer with a screen reader, PAC Mate would be easier
to understand. Since it uses a version of Windows targeted for
mobile devices, the familar interfeaace would be present,
including concept of multitasking (which BrailleNote somewhat
lacks; explained below), Start Menu and other functions. This is
more prevalent amongst JAWS users, who would appreciate the fact
that many JAWS commands that they were used on regular Windows
are still found under PAC Mate (especially when using QX models).
For example, the command to say the title of a window (JAWS Key
plus t) and announcing system time (JAWS Key plus F12) are some
of the commands that are found under PAC Mate. By learning about
basic Windows and JAWS commands, one can quickly understand how
PAC Mate works and apply this skills when using applications,
particularly 3rd party software.
These are general comparions on BrailleNote and PAC Mate. Here
are the strengths and weaknesses of these devices in list form:
BrailleNote
Strengths:
* Streamlined, easy-to-use menus for executing common functions:
in other words, one can use menus to find the task he or she
wants, such as creating a document (Main Menu/Word
Processor/Create a Document) or sending and receiving email (Main
Menu/Email/Connect).
* Easier learning curve: since the BrailleNote uses textual
interface and emphasizes menu structure, it is theoretically
easier for a new user (particularly those who are new to
notetakers but are not skilled enough to use a computer
effectively) can benefit from this easier interface.
* Context-sensitive help: Pressing SPACE with H (Help key on QT)
presents information that is relevant to current situation or a
prompt, such as useful keystrokes, how to change a prompt and
sometimes, handy explanations on what the prompt means.
* Latest storage slots: one can use up to 2 USB storage devices
at once, as well as use a CF or an SD (Secure Digital) card.
* Built-in dictionary and thesaurus: A hotkey that allows a user
to look up words (at the cursor) on Concise Oxford Dictionbley
and Thesaurus without having to leave the program which he or she
was working on. (Note: one must purchase this add-on
separately).
* Standard mic jack: BrailleNote has 3.5 inch standard mono
microphone jack, as well as internal mono microphone. Also, a
handy record button exists to record memos from anywhere. The
recording volume can also be adjusted.
* Built-in user guide: BrailleNote has a complete user guide
onboard that can be accessed via a hotkey.
* Streamlined calculator: KeyPlus supports typing equations in
UEB, British and Nemeth codes. The calculator is also useful
when performing statistical operations - whenever something
changes under Data Entry Mode, the calculator reflects this
instantly by displaying the updated calculations. All
statistical calculations such as mean and standard deviations
(both population and sample) are located at a dedicated menu that
can be accessed using a hotkey.
* Support for various file types under Media Player: In addition
to its Windows Media file types (including mp3, m3u and pls),
Media Player (using Windows Media Player technology) supports
other file types, including aif, aiff, aifc, au, mpa, wav and snd
file formats.
* Built-in DAISY playback functionality: BrailleNote includes
Victor Reader Pocket that is integrated with Book Reader
software. This means that DAISY books from NLS, RFBD (using the
authorization key) as well as books from other sources can be
played on the BrailleNote. Victor Reader Pocket (KeySoft 7.2 or
above) supports books in audio, text, or books that include both
audio and text.
Weaknesses:
* 3rd party software: currently BrailleNote cannot run 3rd party
programs (except couple programs developed (Sendero (GPS) or by
various companies in partnership with HumanWare (Dictionary and
Nemeth Tutorial)). There were talks of releasing SDK's, but no
info at this time.
* Synchronization: currently, an add-on software (called KeySync)
must be installed (in addition to ActiveSync) on the PC in order
to synchronize Planner and Address List with Microsoft Outlook.
Currently, email is not synchronized.
* Stereo recording: BrailleNote's internal microphone can record
strictly in mono format. It does not support recording to mp3
format.
* Bluetooth: Even though there is internal Bluetooth transceiver,
BrailleNote does not support OBEX protocol for sending and
receiving files between two devices.
PAC Mate
Strengths:
* Easy to grasp concepts: if a user knows about computers and if
he or she uses JAWS for Windows, the person would be able to
grasp concepts behind PAC Mate's operation and will be able to
lear it quickly (especially for QX users).
* 3rd party software: since it has Windows Mobile operating
system with a screen reader on top of it, it can run programs
designed for pocket PC devices - just like desktop computers.
* Detachable braille display: one can detach the display and use
it as a braille display for other computers running a screen
reader.
* Stereo recording capability: The built-in microphone on the PM
can record in mono or stereo formats. Also supports recording in
many different bitrate formats.
* Powerful calculator: in addition to basic, statistical and trig
functions, FSCalc has financial and conversion functions, as well
as other features such as base conversion e.g. decimal to binary
numbers and absolute values.
Weaknesses:
* No USB host ports: even though the PM's USB port is on-the-go
variety (being able to change its mode between "client" and
"host" depending on which device is connected), it does not have
a separate USB host ports. In theory, this means that one cannot
use USB flash drives (or similar devices) while the PM is
connected to a computer - one must disconnect the PM from the
computer, connect Mini AB to Type A converter then connect the
USB drive in question.
* Cellular mic jack: PM has nonstandard, cell phone style
microphone jack (2.5 inches). This is an issue where a user
wants to record memos using an external microphone. Although a
3.5 inch to 2.5 inch converter exists, having to buy this
converter just to plug a standard microphone is an anoyance.
* Frequent lockups: The case of lockups on PM is somewhat more
problemic. For example, if a user plays an mp3 file while having
2 FSEdit documents opened, then this scenario increases the
probability that there would be a lockup and might require Warm
Reset. This is because of the fact that only 32
processes/programs can run on the PAC Mate at once, and each
process receives 32 MB of virtual memory. (same limitations
exists on BrailleNote, except that programs such as planner and
book reader are included as part of a larger KeySoft program.) If
one or both limits are reached, the lockchp occurs (solved by
Windows Mobile 7).
* Inadequate help system: the help system on the PM is somewhat
inadequate when it comes to explaining a feature in detail or
providing tips and step-by-step instructions on carrying out a
task. The user guide is not installed by default - it is a
separate download from Freedom Scientific's website.
* Undercovthage of some items under Context Help: This is
prevalent in Settings applet. Some items have context help (JAWS
Key plus F1 plus F1) such as Braille Settings and Voice Settings
while others does not e.g. Menus, Customer Feedback, Encryption,
etc. Also, the context help does not change as one moves through
prompts in a dialog (whenever the key mentioned above is pressed,
a virtual screen is displayed, showing the list of options for
all items in a dialog).
* Notes on Windows Media: on the BrailleNote, in Media Player,
one can use the touch cursor to move to a particular location in
the audio file. On the PM, it is not possible. Also, there is
no way to rewind and fast forward using percentages (there is
fixed 10 second increment). Also, wmplayer does not support
other file types other than its own set of Windows Media types
(including mp3). Wav files are played using CE (Sound) Player (a
different player from Windows Media) and does not support files
listed above.
Target Users
One of the design goals of a product is its target users.
BrailleNote and PAC Mate are no exceptions to this rule. Even
though both devices are marketed towards blind people, the two
notetakers have two different submarkets.
For BrailleNote, the first target audience is students who prefer
a device that can perform many operations efficiently. By using
integrated menus, students can perform many tasks such as adding
appoinments, typing memos and recording messages. Also, because
students require accurate braille output (for reading books or
writing essays), it is important that braille code accuracy is an
important factor in choosing the BrailleNote. For example, a
student who needs to write a detailed report (where spelling is
important) would prefer BrailleNote over a PAC Mate due to the
fact that BN has Duxbury translator, which guarantees accurate
braille output. Because of these efficiency reasons, coupled
with the fact that BrailleNote contains Oxford Dictionary and
DAISY playback capability means that it is an excellent tool for
students.
Another target audience for BrailleNote would be those who have
never used a computer before, preferably people who were used to
Perkins brailler. One of the design goals of BrailleNote was to
create a device that can be used by beginning computer users, or
users who have never heard of computers. For example, a
potential user who have never heard about computers in her
lifetime can benefit from BrailleNote's easy-to-use interface
such as menus and detailed help messages to execute common
functions, such as writing a document in braille or creating
phone book entries. Similarly, people who were used to Perkins
Brailler would be happy to see that the feel of the keyboard, as
well as editing functions are similar to the brailler. For
instance, a braille transcriber who used a brailler to produce
braille documents would appreciate the fact that BrailleNote has
all the necessary tools for writing braille, such as support for
uncontracted braille, efficient spell checker and so forth.
Because of its ease of use, coupled with efficiency in handling
braille makes it an ideal tool for beginning computer users and
people who were used to braillers.
For PAC Mate, the chief audience would be users who are familiar
with computers, especially JAWS users. As stated above, PAC Mate
runs under Windows Mobile 6 Classic which is similar to desktop
Windows. This means that people who know Windows would be able
to benefit from PAC Mate. For example, a user would be able to
use PAC Mate to search for items stored on the unit, or use File
Explorer to manage files, just like Windows Explorer. Also,
having Windows Mobile onboard means that 3rd party applications
are supported. For example, a JAWS script developer can install
a calculator software, find out what the problem is, and develop
scripts that allows JAWS to work better with the application in
question. Also, for instance, a student can install multilingual
dictionary or encyclopedia database on his PAC Mate to learn
foreign language and to search for information in an
encyclopedia, respectively. Because of its familar Windows
interface, coupled with the fact that PAC Mate has JAWS screen
reader tccchnology means that PM can be an ideal solution for
people who want to use their devices to its full potential by
trying out new software and hardware.
Miscellaneous personal opinions
I enjoyed evaluating PAC Mate Omni and BrailleNote mPower
side-by-side. Based on data collected from this evaluation, I
have to say that PAC Mate wins in the short run, but BrailleNote
wins in the long run. PAC Mate is useful when running external
programs, but it suffers from lockups and lack of help in some
areas. The BrailleNote's efficiency in dealing with braille
could be enhanced by developing BrailleNote friendly external
software by using an SDK.
For me, when it comes to choosing a device, the most important
question is, "Does this device have potential outlook?" I would
say that, although PAC Mate Omni can be beneficial when running
software that is designed for Pocket PC's the actual potential
lies with efficient use of braille to its full potential -
writing, reading and expanding upon the main means of
communication of blind people, and that is braille. Although
computers have become widespread and it can access wide range of
information, how can one communicate this information without any
methodical means of accessing and reading this data in a
systematic manner? This is the point where PAC Mate fails - the
slow response of the braille display, coupled with uncertainty in
position of the input controls i.e. the title of the prompt
changes its position from one control to another makes it
somewhat hard for beginners to use PAC Mate with the braille
display alone. If the controls were placed on one position of
the display e.g. if the name of the control was displayed on the
left side of the display at all fields, then it would be easier
for the newbies to predict where the actual prompt would be
located. For example, if the title of a checkbox (say, Expand
current word) appears at the beginning of the braille display, it
is expected that all controls behave the same. Unfortunely, it
is not true. Some prompts display their name at the beginning of
the braille line, while others position themselves on the middle
of the display, and, for others, only the part of the prompt is
displayed (this can be solved by panning the display). On the
BrailleNote, all proompts are displayed on the left side of the
display, which helps beginners to easily figure out where the
start of the next prompt would be located (on the left side of
the display), thereby helping newbies to learn the device more
easily.
Few personal suggestions
One of the ways that a product became so popular is through
continued user suggestions. As a user of BrailleNote and a
potential user of PAC Mate, I expect these products to be
effective, helpful and powerful devices in the future.
Therefore, I'd like to take this time to present my own
suggestions for improving BrailleNote and PAC Mate:
BrailleNote
* SDK: if the SDK is introduced, the potentials of BrailleNote
would expand far beyond expectations - in other words, by using
third party programs and by integrating excellent braille
support, the BrailleNote would be the device of the future for
many people, especially students and enthusiasts.
* Updated Bluetooth: Even though the bluetooth on the BrailleNote
is powerful, I would like to see introduction of ObEx protocol.
PAC Mate
* More help, more usability: if more details were added to help
system and if new topics such as using USB connection for
browsing the Internet and examples and consequences of using
features in programs such as FSEdit and Tasks were included, it
would mean an even easier learning curve for beginners. Real
life examples gives beginners a detailed picture of how PAC Mate
can be used to accomplish everyday tasks.
Conclusion
As a popular saying goes, "There is no perfect device." In other
words, a feature that is missing on one device may be present on
another device - and that the comparison sheet above between
BrailleNote mPower and PAC Mate Omni is a prime example. After
all, both devices have outstanding functions and quirks, but for
me, both devices are equal.
Here's my conclusion: both devices are equal, although one's
preference is shaped by his or her goals and skills. In my
opinion, if a person's aim is excellent braille support,
BrailleNote would be the way to go; if a user's goal is to try
new software and expand upon his or her computer skills, then PAC
Mate could be an effective tool. For me, I would choose PAC Mate
because of its potential for running new software, but I would
like to see efficient, streamlined braille support and enriched,
context sensitive and detailed help content, just like
BrailleNote does.
Technical Specifications
BrailleNote mPower
* Operating system: Windows CE 4.2/Windows Mobile 2003 (KeySoft
on top)
* CPU: Intel X-Scale PXA270 (416 MHz)
* Memory: 64 MB RAM (half is KeySoft System Disk), 128 MB Flash
PAC Mate:
* Operating system: Windows CE 5.2 (Windows Mobile 6 Classic with
JAWS for Pocket PC on top)
* CPU: Intel X-Scale PXABLEBEE (400 MHz)
* Memory: 64 MB RAM, 128 MB Flash (about 70 MB is accessible
while other portion is reserved for ROM image storage)
Cheers,
Joseph
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