Lowering the Price of Braille: A Review of the Seika Braille Display
By Kendrick, Deborah; Access World, Vol. 10, No. 4Publication Date: July 2009
Review of the Seika Braille display, a low-cost, portable refreshable Braille device introduced by the Perkins School for the Blind. The Seika features 40 8-dot Braille cells, connects via USB and, at the price of 2,495 dollars, sells for about 1,500 dollars less than most 40-cell models. The physical layout of the cells and 8 control buttons is described. The reviewer found installation of the Seika relatively quick and easy, with the exception of an initial difficulty with locating the virtual com port. The display, running on screen reading software, provides command lists for JAWS, Window-Eyes, Hal, and Virgo; a drawback noted is that with each screen reader, some Seika commands are present that are not available with others. The manual for the device was found to be clear and accurate except for the omission of any information under “Contact Us.” The reviewer also points out that the Seika does not offer Braille input, nor does it function as a notetaker when detached from the computer.
Assistive Products Discussed: VIRGO
HAL SCREEN READER
WINDOW-EYES PROFESSIONAL
JAWS FOR WINDOWS
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
Link to text: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw100405
