product analyzed

Braibook: portable braille reader

Braibook: portable braille reader

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Overall rating:
4/5
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Technology:

Categories assigned to this product within the main category Technology.

Needs:

Categories assigned to this product within the main category Needs.

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What does it consist of:

September 2018

Braibook is an innovative evolution of the traditional ebook or portable book readers. In this case, the device allows documents and books to be stored in different text formats in such a way that they can be read in braille autonomously without the need to be associated with a mobile phone or other device thanks to its battery and storage memory.

The device has an 8-point braille block that updates the information at a speed previously set by the user.

Likewise, the device can also be used as a player for books in audio format by connecting headphones.

 

Forms of acquisition:

The device is priced at € 395 excluding VAT and shipping costs.

The purchase can be made through the manufacturer's website at the following link:

https://braibook.com/producto/braibook/braibook/

 The contents of the box are as follows:

  • Braibook device with 8Gb memory
  • Charger and associated cable

Warranty and support

The legal warranty offered by the manufacturer is 2 years.

The manufacturer offers support through the data of the following link:

https://braibook.com/contactar/

Weight and measurements

Weight: 145g

Dimensions: 135 x 46 x 38mm

 

Technical assessment:

We have checked the technical performance of the Braibook braille reader and we will tell you our impressions in this section.

First, it should be noted that the reader is a product with a compact and robust format. The reader consists of a braille reading block with 8 positions that update the character at a speed previously configured by the user. Configuration is done through a joystick-type button located on the left side. This button allows you to move through the menus whose content is displayed in braille at the top. The joystick has 5 positions (up, down, left, right and center or confirm).

The options that can be configured in the menu are the following:

Menu 1. Continue reading (only in case of having an open reading)

2. Open document

3. Configuration

3.1. Language

3.1.1. Spanish

3.1.2 English

3.2. Reading type

3.2.1. With space

3.2.2. Without space

3.3. Braille type

3.3.1. 6 points

3.3.2. 8 points

3.4. Enable audio

This menu of basic options allows you to configure all the necessary options to be able to read a book in braille format or in audio format.

Regarding the reading block

The braille reading block has 8 points, although it can also be configured in 6 points mode. This block consists of a series of mechanical actuators with two positions (on / off) that can reproduce any braille character.

Regarding the reading method

At this point it is important to highlight that Braibook makes use of a novel method for the representation of characters in which, unlike braille lines, the user does not need to move the finger through a set of braille blocks or cells, but the device counts with a single block in which the finger is permanently placed, the content being the one that is updated at the previously configured speed.

From our point of view, a good idea may be to request a test from the manufacturer until you get used to the reading method. Regarding this point, the manufacturer states the following:

“After your purchase, you have a 30-day trial and in the event of not being satisfied, we will refund the full amount of the purchase. You can also enter the web in the Tour tab and fill in the form, we will notify you when the device is presented in your city "

Regarding the battery and memory

The device provides great autonomy as it is not necessary to permanently connect to cables, mobile phones or computers to read books and documents.

Charging both the battery and the reading contents is done through a USB type-C connector that includes an additional charger.

The battery has an autonomy of 5 hours in continuous reading.

The memory is enough to store thousands of books and documents and it also has an SD card slot in case you want to expand its capacity.

In addition, the device has a Bluetooth connection to upload files from a computer or Smartphone.

Regarding the audio options

The device includes a headphone connection that allows you to listen to audiobooks and files in audio format. The audio can in some cases be reproduced simultaneously with braille.

Manual and product information

The product has a short manual in text format, although it would be advisable to include a manual in Braille format. The manufacturer has audiovisual materials on its website.

Conclusions

In general, Braibook is an innovative device with good features, among which stand out the battery life and the possibility of use not linked to other devices such as telephones or computers, its large storage capacity for books and documents and the possibility of playing audio files or audiobooks even simultaneously with braille.

That said, it should also be noted that the device has a price that makes it advisable to assess before purchase if the user adapts to the reading method.

Highlights

  • The fact of not needing a phone or computer and being able to use Braibook autonomously anywhere
  • The battery has adequate autonomy for reading for a period of up to 5 hours
  • The device has memory capacity for thousands of books and documents

Improvement points

  • The manual is quite short and one could be attached in braille format
  • The reading method is new so it would be convenient to put more emphasis on this part and even offer test sessions with experts.

 

Technical evaluation scores.

Design and manufacturing:
3/5
Refers to the physical aspects and details of the manufacturing of the technological product
Technical benefits:
4/5
Description of the quality of the technical specifications of the technological solution
User experience:
3/5
This criterion is linked to the user's assessment of the product or application
Accessibility:
5/5
It is the degree to which people can use or access a product, technological solution or service, regardless of their technical, cognitive or physical capabilities.

Social valuation:

Social valuation scores.

Impact and utility:
This item has not been rated/5
Describe to what extent the functionalities of the product are useful and impact on the improvement of the user's life
Design and Ergonomics:
This item has not been rated/5
Assessment of how the design of the technological solution adapts to the person to achieve greater comfort and effectiveness when using it
Usability and accessibility:
This item has not been rated/5
Possibility of the device to be used, understood and used in equal conditions for any person
Ease of acquisition:
This item has not been rated/5
It refers to the possibilities of accessing and acquiring a technological solution by the user

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