Braille Edge 40

The Braille Edge 40 is a braille display that I'd like to call a smart display. This is because, while it is a braille display, it also has the ability to take notes independently, has a calendar, time and date, and calculator. It also has the ability to load and save files on an SD card, which can then obviously be used to transfer files from one platform to another. It supports SDHC up to 32GB. The display is crisp like all the other HIMS products, and it is as stable as all the others as well. While the Edge does not work with iOS 5, it is compatible with iOS 6 and later. The Edge does work with JAWS and Window-Eyes, and is reported to also work well with NVDA. The display has 8 buttons, 4 to each side of the keyboard, which Windows users can utilize to take more control of their computers. Since this is an Apple site though, I won't elaborate on this particular feature, other than to say that these buttons also offer increased functionality for both Mac and iOS users. The keyboard itself I found very comfortable to type on for a long durration, and also quite quiet. Among the changes in firmware version 1.1 of this device, is that the user now has the capability to use "terminal clipboard". This feature allows the user to type something on the display and then send it to whatever device it's connected to. This comes in handy because you can send notes that have been taking on the display to your iPhone, for example, and you can also edit files without having to use the quirky braille translator offered by Apple. All of these extra features for $200 more than the cost of the Focus 40 Blue, and at the same price as the Humanware Brailliant BI 40. For more details in the updates in firmware version 1.1, see My review of the new firmware and case The few draw-backs to this display are that the carrying case is designed only for carrying it from one place to another, not to be able to type on the device while on the go with it strapped to your shoulder. This is a somewhat huge disadvantage for those like myself who wish to be able to use the Edge on the go in places like subways or on buses. Executive Products has developed a sleek case for the Edge, which costs $87.50. For more details, see this link Also, the Edge is slightly more heavy and a bit longer than the Focus 40, thus making it slightly less portable. However, with the Executive Product case, the added functionality of a word processor, and at a slightly higher price, I would say this is the best bang for the buck in terms of 40 cell displays at the moment.