Perkins/APH Brailler, The NEXT GENERATION

[jeraldsrestoration]

i tell u what everybody. I still got my old brailler from 20 years ago. Still works perfect. I dont use it no more 4 my computer but. It will never ever leave my sight lol. I might have 2 put it 2 work again & do some old braille typing huh? This new 1 looks interesting but lol. Its better then they were 4 sure lol. U cant wear these out. I used mine 4 homework everyday so. 20 years later. AWESOME as well. Love these Braille machines.

[ChaosFascination]

I want one!! :)

[robatron97]

Why change the colour, when blind people won't be able to see it?

[perkinsmatz]

4. Paper Width it is true that the new brailler does not accommodate wide paper. This was a sacrifice we had to make in order to ensure that the new brailler was lighter and smaller

In the meantime, we would like to emphasize the Next Generation theme

Less Force.

Less Weight.

Less Noise.

More Possibilities

Thanks.

[perkinsmatz]

2. Paper Feed Knob We designed the new paper feed knobs to be easier to turn without having to curl fingers and grasp a knob AND keep the brailler footprint small. We have had feedback that the knobs are much easier to use, particularly for older people

3. Open slots The new brailler is much more enclosed than the Classic. There are still a few openings which allow the mechanical pieces to operate.

SEE FOLLOWING COMMENT

[perkinsmatz]

Sorry you are disappointed. We will try to incorporate user suggestions in future versions of the new brailler.

1. Keys a) the keys require less finger strength. b) they are closer together so children with small hands can reach the keys. In order to design keys which are angled as on the Braille Note, an electronic not a mechanical device, it would have required a different amount of force for each finger. And, it would have driven up the costs dramatically

SEE FOLLOWING COMMENT.

[Ms2sonias]

This new brailler is a disappointment.

1. It only takes narrow paper.

2. No attempt was made to make the keys more ergonomic (as on the Braille Note). Why not?

3. The paper wind-in knob is a repetitive injury waiting to happen. Should have been a crank like on the old time adding machines.

4. It is still too easy for little kids to drop things into the foot slot and the margin stop slots.

The reading rest is a good idea, though.

Back to the drawing board, Perkins.

[Swimmergirl247]

how much will it cost? I am about to go to college and I'm looking for a perkins to have as a back up for notes and such. How much will this one cost and what is it made of? metal like old ones? or of a plastic? I live Texas BTW

[perkinsmatz]

Hi. the new brailler costs $650. The outer shell is made of high impact polycarbonate (thus the weight reduction), and the inner components are of metal just like the Classic.

[hurricaneomega]

en erase button genius!

The reading rest is a great idea too.

[MidwestMex]

nice video showing the brailler

[gtey]

Wow! That's quite a petite new Brailler. The reading rest seems clever and so very practical.

[jls1114]

in live in massachuesetts and i knwo ware the perkins school is, i have glaucoma myself, and i am very happy to see that you re design it, especially for it to be much more portable. is there any chance i can get one loaned to me to try it out for a while. i will pass on the word that this vid exists.

[perkinsmatz]

Great to hear from you. Unfortunately we do not have enough to loan out at this point. At some point in the future, the Braille and Talking Book Library at Perkins may have some to loan to Massachusetts residents, but that would not be for some time - at least a year.

Thanks for watching the video and for your comment.

[rml695]

What is that new end-of-line sound (now that the bell no longer is in the unit)?

[perkinsmatz]

Actually, the bell is still there, it is just VERY soft. You can hear it if you are listening, although in a loud room it would be difficult. Where are you from? We are curious who has found the video and has watched it. Thanks for the question!!

[rml695]

I'm from Nevada. So far I'm probably the only one who has seen it from my state. LOL I am considered low vision, but the condition is fragile (stable but fragile at the same time - if I were to be hit in just the right way, my retina would detatch). As a precaution, I learned Braille in elementary school using the original Perkins and I would love to see one of these new ones in person.

[perkinsmatz]

We will be exhibiting at CSUN in California in March, if you were able to get there. And also at CTEVH in California. That is the closest we will be in terms of exhibiting, in the near future.