Braille Displays
A braille display is an electronic device that connects to a computer to display braille characters. The display is made up of a line of ‘soft’ cells, each with 6 or 8 pins that move up and down to represent the dots of a braille cell. The display is used to represent a line of text on a computer screen.
The mechanism which raises the dots uses the piezo effect of some crystals, where they expand when a voltage is applied to them. Such a crystal is connected to a lever, which in turn raises the dot. There has to be a crystal for each dot of the display, i.e eight per character. The user can ‘read’ a line of braille cells by touching the pins of each cell as they pop up. After a line has been read the user can ‘refresh’ the display in order to read additional lines.
The number of braille cells in a display can vary. A full size display is 80 cells long which matches the character width of a word processor screen. Smaller displays will read the same line of text in stages (for instance a 40-cell display will read a line in 2 stages and so on).
B&M Ingenieurbüro GmbH
B&M Ing. Office, Strandallee 101, 23683 Scharbeutz, Germany.
Tel: +49 4503 702222
Email: bm@bm-ing.de
Web: www.bm-ing.de
BMS IV-Jumbo
Braille display with rounded edges for comfort. Enables a keyboard to be attached to the top for easy movement of hands. Use of a foot switch as well as thumb keys. Compatible with B&M Access and Jaws programmes. Uses 8-dot braille cell format.
Last updated: 21/07/2009
BMS IV-Mini
A durable quiet braille display with integrated cursor keys and fast text correction. Direct function keys. Use of Jaws is recommended with this display. Rollers on the front of the machine enable easy and confortable hand movement between lines of braille.
Last updated: 21/07/2009
BAUM Retec AG
Schloss Langenzell, D-69257 Wiesenbach, Germany.
Tel: +49 6223 49090
Fax: + 49 6223 490999
Email: info@baum.de
Web: www.baum.de
SuperVario
Available as a 64, 80, 32 and 40-cell braille display. The new 40-cell display is designed especially for notebooks or reading machines. Each one has universal interface options: USB, Bluetooth and serial connections. The VARIO Braille displays have always stood out by their unrivalled long battery-supplied running time: Battery running time with Bluetooth connection: approx. 25 hours; Battery running time with USB or serial connection: approx. 100 hours. In addition, the new Varios offer intelligent loading electronics with the use of the USB-interface: The Braille display is only loaded while your notebook is also mains-operated. When the notebook is battery-supplied, the new VARIO is automatically switched to battery operation, too. Thus the generally shorter running time of your notebook in battery operation will not be further reduced.
Last updated: 21/07/2009
VarioConnect 12
VarioConnect 12 is a communication orientated, super small mini-Braille display. Whilst using the integrated 6-dot Braille keyboard together with the 12-cell Braille display you also can turn into a mobile communication professional: writing and reading SMS Text Messages and operating your mobile phone or PDA.
Length: 130mm Width: 81mm Height: 17mm
Weight: 0.2kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
VarioConnect 24
VarioConnect 24 is similar to the VarioConnect 12 but has a 24-cell display and a built-in 8-dot Braille keyboard. The VarioConnect 24 also offers an interface possibility through USB.
Length: 215mm Width: 86mm Height: 18mm
Weight: 0.42kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
VarioConnect 32 and 40
The VarioConnect 32 and 40 have been developed to fit sub-notebooks and notebooks offering users the choice of using the notebook keyboard or the incorporated 8-dot Braille keyboard on top of the VarioConnect.
VarioConnect 32: Length: 259mm Width: 86mm Height: 18mm
Weight: 0.5kg
VarioConnect 40: Length: 310mm Width: 86mm Height: 18mm
Weight: 0.6kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
VarioPro
The navigation rollers ensure ease of use and the two different connection types (serial, USB) make the VarioPro highly adaptable; the large selection of convenient supplementary modules provides flexibility and allows individual configuration. VarioPro displays can be operated not only with VIRGO or BLINDOWS, but also with all other reputable screenreaders.
64 Braille modules, 3 navigation rollers, thumb rollers
Length: 459mm Width: 260mm Height: 24mm
80 Braille modules, 4 navigation rollers, thumb keys.
Length: 561mm Width: 260mm Height: 24mm
Last updated: 21/07/2009
euroBRAILLE
134-140, rue d'Aubervilliers, F-75019 Paris, France.
Tel: +33 1 55 26 91 00
Fax: +33 1 55 26 91 91
Email: boutique@eurobraille.fr
Web: www.eurobraille.fr
ESYS 12
Esys 12 is a portable 12 cell Braille display with integrated 10 key Braille keyboard. Multi functions and with reduced volume, it has a slot for a mini SD card to save text files becoming a useful note-taker. Navigation is either by two joysticks or two navigation wheels. Features Bluetooth technologies and specific software so it can be connected to a mobile phone or PDA.
Length: 150mm Width: 86mm Height: 20mm
Weight: 0.2kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
ESYS 40
40-cell braille display connects to PC by Bluetooth or USB. Works with Windows (Jaws or Jaws NT). Its memory SD CARD enables storage of up to 128 Mb of data. The ESYS 40 also connects to a mobile phone or a PDA. Navigation is either by two joysticks or two navigation wheels.
Length: 325mm Width: 86mm Height: 20mm
Weight: 0.5kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
IRIS
IRIS is a personal data assistant, portable and compact, equipped with a 10-key Braille keyboard and a refreshable Braille display of 40, 32 or 20 cells. Other features include: Ethernet and Wifi connectivity, internal flash memory, external compact flash and USB keys. Compatible with: Jaws, Supernova and Window Eyes.
Last updated: 21/07/2009
F H Papenmeier GmbH & Co KG
Reha Division, Talweg 2, 58239 Schwerte, Germany.
Tel: +49 2304 2050
Fax: +49 2304 205 205
Email: info.reha@papenmeier.de
Web: www.papenmeier.de
Braillex Duo
Duo is a 40-cell Braille display and a Braille keyboard for PCs. The keyboard has been designed to be positioned around the Braille display. The space bars and special function keys are located in front of the display, the Braille keys behind. The distance between the Braille keyboard and the display is only 35mm. The Duo has Easy Access Bar, a long single lever situated on the front side of the device, that allows the user to move around the screen by moving their thumb in the desired direction.
Length: 370mm Width: 125mm Height: 26mm
Weight: 0.9kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
Braillex EL2D-80
Two dimensional Braille display with Easy Access Bar, a long single lever situated on the front side of the device, that allows the user to move around the screen by moving their thumb in the desired direction. The display has 80 characters of Braille horizontally and a 20 cell vertical display showing the information layout of the complete computer screen. Other features include: dual routing keys integrated into the cells; connection to computer via serial port (cables provided), optionally, connection to USB port; DosDOTS screen reader for DOS, optional for Windows (compatible with all major screen readers, Linux and OS/2); carrying case.
Length: 657mm Width: 277mm Height: 22mm
Weight: 2.95kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
Braillex EL-66s
Braille display with Easy Access Bar, a long single lever situated on the front side of the device that allows the user to move around the screen by moving their thumb in the desired direction. Features include: 66 slightly concave piezo-electric Braille cells with integrated cursor routing keys; very flat and light but sturdy aluminum-magnesium housing perfectly fits a regular size keyboard on top of it; data connection to the computer and power supply via USB port; alternatively, connection via serial port and power supply via separate transformer (provided); compatible with all major screen reader programs.
Length: 470mm Width: 277mm Height: 22mm
Weight: 2.0kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
Braillex EL-80s
Braille display with Easy Access Bar, a long single lever situated on the front side of the device that allows the user to move around the screen by moving their thumb in the desired direction. Features include: 80 slightly concave piezo-electric Braille cells with integrated double cursor routing keys; very flat aluminium-magnesium housing; data connection to the computer and power supply via USB port; alternatively, connection via serial port and power supply via separate transformer (provided); compatible with all major screen reader programs.
Length: 569mm Width: 277mm Height: 22mm
Weight: 2.4kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
Braillex EL-40sd
Braille display with Easy Access Bar, a long single lever situated on the front side of the device that allows the user to move around the screen by moving their thumb in the desired direction. Features include: 40 slightly concave piezo-electric Braille cells with integrated cursor routing keys; very flat and light but sturdy aluminum-magnesium housing perfectly fits a regular size keyboard on top of it; data connection to the computer and power supply via USB port; alternatively, connection via serial port and power supply via separate transformer (provided); compatible with all major screen reader programs.
Length: 470mm Width: 277mm Height: 22mm
Weight: 1.8kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
Braillex EL-40s
Very small portable forty cell Braille display with the Easy Access Bar, a long single lever situated on the front side of the device that allows the user to move around the screen by moving their thumb in the desired direction. Other features include: routing keys integrated into the Braille cells, data connection to the computer and power supply via USB port, compatible with all major screen reader programs; carrying pouch and keyboard stand.
Length: 310mm Width: 115mm Height: 22mm
Weight: 0.89kg
Last updated: 21/07/2009
Freedom Scientific
11800 31st Court North, St Petersburg, Florida 33716 1805, USA.
Tel: +1 727 803 8000
Fax: +1 727 803 8001
Email: info@freedomscientific.com
Web: www.freedomscientific.com
Focus 40 Blue Braille Display
The Focus 40 Blue is a 40-cell braille display. It connects via USB 2.0 or wirelessly with Bluetooth® 2.0, with 20 hours of battery life. Other features and options include: All buttons can be individually configured in JAWS to set up “hot keys” for specific functions; WHIZWHEELS® let the user scroll by line, sentence, or paragraph, or pan through a document; Front panel select buttons can be used in combination with panning buttons, rocker bars, and cursor router keys to select a block of text, page up or down, or move to the beginning or end of a document; 10 configurable hot keys centered behind the cursor routers give instant access to many braille and JAWS commands. Use these to enable Contracted Braille, switch to display modes such as structured and line mode, or perform keyboard commands; VariBraille allows the user to select the firmness of the braille display; A Perkins-style keyboard provides the user with a logical, structured interface to issue navigation, Windows, and JAWS commands without removing your hands from the display.
Price: $4495.00
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Focus Braille Displays
The Focus 40 and Focus 80 Braille Displays allow the user to navigate the Windows® environment. Focus Braille Displays are packed with features and options that can be easily configured through JAWS®. The location of navigation keys, bars and buttons promotes more economical hand movement. Choose the 40-cell Focus 40 or the 80-cell Focus 80, depending on your workstation requirements. Both models include easy-to-remember braille commands for Windows, JAWS for Windows, and braille settings. Used with the JAWS screen reader, the refreshable braille cells act as a tactile monitor that allows you to navigate and read information in dynamic braille. Both models supplied with nylon carry case and adjustable folding keyboard/laptop stand/handle.
Focus 40
Price: $3,895.00
Focus 80
Price: $7,795.00
Last updated: 22/07/2009
PACMate 20 Portable Braille Display
A portable display not only makes PAC Mate™ more accessible, but it also can be used with desktops and laptops. Featuring a low-cost, simple platform this 20-cell refreshable braille unit adds functionality to any computer with a USB port. With a pair of three-way Whiz Wheels® for rapid navigation and dual purpose cursor routing buttons, users can quickly and accurately obtain the information they need. The built-in VariBraille and programmable hot keys make the PAC Mate 20 Portable Braille Display a convenient extension to any Windows or Windows Mobile operating environment.
Price: $1,595.00
Last updated: 22/07/2009
PACMate 40 Portable Braille Display
A portable display not only makes PAC Mate™ more accessible, but it also can be used with desktops and laptops. Featuring a low-cost, simple platform this 40-cell refreshable braille unit adds the most manageable functionality available to any computer with a USB port. With a pair of three-way Whiz Wheels® for rapid navigation and dual purpose cursor routing buttons, users can quickly and accurately obtain the information they need. The built-in VariBraille and programmable hot keys make the PAC Mate 40 Portable Braille Display a convenient extension to any Windows or Windows Mobile operating environment.
Price: $3,595.00
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Handy Tech Elektronik GmbH
Brunnenstrasse 10, D-72160 Horb, Germany.
Tel: +49 7451 55460
Fax: + 49 7451 554667
Email: info@handytech.de
Web: www.handytech.com
Bookworm
Portable Braille reading device. Features include: 8 concavely shaped Braille cells; 2 reading keys (back, forth); menu and escape keys; 4MB memory capacity; automatic scroll mode (adjustable speed); manual mode; bookmarks; jump function; clock and alarm function. Battery capacity of 20 hours (rechargeable). The Bookworm can be used as a miniature Braille display for the PC.
Length: 180mm Width: 80mm Height: 36mm
Weight: 0.4kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Braille Star 40
Compact, ergonomically optimized braille display for use with laptops. Forty concavely shaped braille cells, cursor routing, serial and USB interface. Adjustable mounting surface for different laptops. With the keyboard included, can be used as notetaker. Two triple action keys, 8 function keys, battery capacity 20 hours, internal memory capacity 4MB. With the optional Bluetooth connection. Braille Star 40 can be used with a variety of screen reading products for different operating systems like Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP/XPP, Linux and DOS.
Height: 24mm Width: 331mm Depth: 227mm
Weight: 1.4kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Braille Star 80
Braille display with 80 concavely shaped, piezo-electric braille cells. Combined with a PC keyboard, it can be used stand alone to take notes. The keyboard can be placed directly on top of the Braille Star 80. Features include: 80 cursor routing keys; 2 switchable external keyboard-inputs; USB and serial ports; 4MB text memory; 2 extended up/down keys; 2 triple action keys; 8 function keys.
Height: 24mm Width: 585mm Depth: 245mm
Weight: 2.55kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Braille Wave
Extra compact Braille display with notetaker. Features include: 40 concave Braille cells with routing keys; status cells can be switched on according to requirements; external keyboard can be connected; 4 MB text - memory; 11 quiet function keys with some resistance; runs 20 hours on battery (rechargeable); quick charging time (3 hours); serial port. With the optional Bluetooth connection, it is possible to connect Braille Wave wireless to the PC or by using Talks&Braille with mobile phones.
Height: 35mm Depth: 120mm Length: 360mm
Weight: 1kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Easy Braille
Easy Braille is a fully functional Braille display that connected via USB to a PC. Easy Braille is equipped with 40 piezoelectric Braille elements. Each of these elements is equipped with a cursor-routing key. Easy Braille also offers two navigation keys and 8 function keys. The layout of the function keys allows them to be used for Braille input. Also available as a Bluetooth connection.
Length: 305mm Width: 90mm Height: 29mm
Weight: 0.7kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Modular Evolution
The Modular Evolution is comprised of four components. The Modular Braille Display unit is available with 88 or 64 Braille cells and uses Active Tactile Control (ATC) technology. It also has: 2 navigation keys (Left/Right), 2 Triple Action keys, (Left/Right), integrated with the tactile area, 8 function keys (B1 – B4, B5 – B8) and 88 or 64 cursor routing keys for placing the cursor at each Braille position. The Modular Braille display offers three additional USB ports and a 4 GB internal memory. The Modular Keyboard is a complete PC keyboard which can be clipped onto the Braille display unit. The keyboard has tactile markings for blind users. The keys are labelled with high contrast (white on black) and can therefore be easily read by partially sighted users. The Modular Braille Keyboard can be used to enter text in Braille. It also offers complete control of the PC. In addition to the 8 ergonomic Braille entry keys (P1 – P8), the Modular Braille keyboard has a number pad as well as control and function keys. The Modular Number Pad when clipped on to the Modular Evolution, offers additional functions. The 16 keys of the Modular number pad can be individually assigned. For example, as a telephone operator, you can use the number pad directly for dialling or switchboard functions.
Last updated: 22/07/2009
HumanWare
11 Mary Muller Drive, PO Box 3044, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Tel: +64 3 384 4555
Fax: +64 3 384 4933
Email: nz.info@humanware.com
Web: www.humanware.com
BrailleConnect 12
Available as a 12 or 40 cell refeshable Braille display. Can be used to write and read SMS text messages and operate a mobile phone or PDA. Battery life for 12 cell is 20 hours wireless, for 40 cell 35 hours Bluetooth wireless connection and 80 hours USB connection.
Length: 130mm Width: 81mm Height: 17mm
Weight: 0.23kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
BrailleConnect 40
Available as a 12 or 40 cell refeshable Braille display. Can be used to write and read SMS text messages and operate a mobile phone or PDA. Battery life for 12 cell is 20 hours wireless, for 40 cell 35 hours Bluetooth wireless connection and 80 hours USB connection.
Length: 310mm Width: 86mm Height: 18mm
Weight: 0.6kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Brailliant 24
A 24 cell refreshable Braille display that serves as a Braille terminal for a PC screen reader. Features Bluetooth, USB and serial interfaces. 25-30 hour battery life with Bluetooth connectivity, 100 hour battery life when connected via USB.
Length: 208mm Width: 70mm Height: 20mm
Weight: 0.38kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Braillant 32
A 32 cell refreshable Braille display that serves as a Braille terminal for a PC screen reader. Features Bluetooth, USB and serial interfaces. 25-30 hour battery life with Bluetooth connectivity, 100 hour battery life when connected via USB.
Length: 260mm Width: 70mm Height: 20mm
Weight: 0.48kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Braillant 40
A 40 cell refreshable Braille display that serves as a Braille terminal for a PC screen reader. Features Bluetooth, USB and serial interfaces. 25-30 hour battery life with Bluetooth connectivity, 100 hour battery life when connected via USB.
Length: 310mm Width: 70mm Height: 0.56kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Braillant 64
A 64 cell refreshable Braille display that serves as a Braille terminal for a PC screen reader. Features Bluetooth, USB and serial interfaces. 25-30 hour battery life with Bluetooth connectivity, 100 hour battery life when connected via USB.
Length: 464mm Width: 70mm Height: 20mm
Weight: 0.88kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Braillant 80
An 80 cell refreshable Braille display that serves as a Braille terminal for a PC screen reader. Features Bluetooth, USB and serial interfaces. 25-30 hour battery life with Bluetooth connectivity, 100 hour battery life when connected via USB.
Length: 566mm Width: 70mm Height: 22mm
Weight: 1.07kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Nippon Telesoft Co Ltd
Hanzomon MK Building, 1-8-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan.
Tel: +813 3264 0800
Fax: +813 3264 0880
Email: telesoft@telesoft.co.jp
Web: www.nippontelesoft.com/english.html
Seika
40 cell, 8-dot display capacity. Lightweight and compact for easy of carrying. Four cursor keys are located on front of display for easier operation. Supports most major screen reading software. The USB power source connection and compact design eliminate the need for an extra adapter. Compatible with most standard PC laptop and desktop systems.
Length: 300mm Width: 206mm Height: 35mm
Weight: 0.6kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
Sensotec NV
Gistelsteenweg 112, B-8490 Varsenare, Belgium.
Tel: +32 50 39 49 49
Fax: +32 50 39 49 46
Email: info@sensotec.be
Web: www.sensotec.be
EuroScope CE 20
Notetaker with Braille keyboard and Braille and speech output (20 characters display). Word processor, calculator, email and surf the Internet. Personal organiser for calendar, addresses and notes. Media player. Use the Braille keyboard to input Braille or attach by USB to standard computer keyboard. Uses the latest Real Speak Solo voices in two languages. Further languages available on request.
Length: 140mm Width: 225mm Height: 28mm
Weight: 0.6kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009
EuroScope CE 40
Notetaker with Braille keyboard and Braille and speech output (40 characters display). Word processor, calculator, email and surf the Internet. Personal organiser for calendar, addresses and notes. Media player. Use the Braille keyboard to input Braille or attach by USB to standard computer keyboard. Uses the latest Real Speak Solo voices in two languages. Further languages available on request.
Length: 140mm Width: 300mm Height: 28mm
Weight: 0.9kg
Last updated: 22/07/2009