BRAILLEX EL Braille Assistant (ELba)

A Braille notetaker that works

• Full Internet and e-mail access
• Superior hardware with extra-large memory
• Rock-solid Linux-based software
• Ease of use
• Truly ergonomic Braille keyboard
• Patented Easy Access Bar

Global access and connectivity the easy way

Papenmeier, the German Braille specialist with more than 25 years experience in refreshable Braille, presents a new generation of notetakers: BRAILLEX ELba.

A universal communications tool and a state-of-the-art Braille display for other computers, BRAILLEX ELba is the most versatile portable Braille device around. Send and receive e-mail or surf the web, make notes or organize your day, share information with other devices or access your Windows based PC. BRAILLEX ELba offers this with quality refreshable Braille and easily understood speech - in many different languages.

Full Internet and e-mail access

With BRAILLEX ELba, you don't need a computer to send or receive messages or to surf the web. The built-in modem and friendly yet powerful software make sure that you will be connected.

BRAILLEX ELba 32 with Braille keyboard

Superior hardware with extra-large memory

BRAILLEX ELba features a state-of-the-art CPU designed for portable use with plenty of computing power and advanced power management. The 16 MB of non-volatile flash memory and 32 MB RAM can store thousands of documents.

Rock-solid Linux-based software

BRAILLEX ELba is based on the Linux operating system. Most users will never "see" the operating system, they will still take advantage of its advanced networking capability and its rock-solid applications.

BRAILLEX ELba comes with a set of applications including a word processor, e-mail, Internet browser, day-planner, address book, scientific calculator, etc.

Ease of use

Users of all levels will find the menu-driven control center easy to learn and navigate. Those familiar with Windows commands will find most of the shortcut keys they are used to.

Text can be entered in either grade 1 or 2 Braille, translation and reverse translation are available at any time.

Ergonomic keyboards and Easy Access Bar

BRAILLEX ELba is available with either a Braille or a QWERTY type keyboard.

The mechanics of the Braille keyboard were inspired by the technology used for piano keyboards. You will feel the difference when it comes to writing long texts - and you will hear the difference when it comes to taking notes.

Another highlight of BRAILLEX ELba is the patented Easy Access Bar, a long key situated on the front of the device. This joystick-like control moves the display up, down, back and forth in a very fast and intuitive way. You issue commands without ever taking your hands off the Braille display.

In the control center, the Easy Access Bar offers fast and easy navigation through the menus.

Complete Productivity Suite

BRAILLEX ELba comes with a complete selection of productivity tools: From the control center, choose between the word processor, File Manager, Email, Internet browser, scientific calculator, spreadsheet, data base, day-planner, address book, MP3 player.

Easy file transfer to and from a PC is a must. BRAILLEX ELba can also do file conversion (read and write Word files) and keep your data files updated with its automatic synchronization utility.

Since Linux is a multi-tasking operating system, you may have several applications running at once. For example listen to music with the MP3 player while you work.

BRAILLEX ELba 32t with QWERTY keyboard

Braille Access to Windows based computers

Connect your BRAILLEX ELba to your computer, run a screen reader like Jaws, Hal/Supernova, Window Eyes, etc., and you have a Braille terminal to your computer - an award-winning refreshable Braille display and if you want, a Braille keyboard.

All in one

BRAILLEX ELba, Papenmeier's new Braille Assistant, combines all of your communications and Braille requirements into one compact and easy to use device.

Technical Specifications

Braille Display

• 32 cells with 8 dots per cell
• Cursor routing button integrated into each cell.
• Patented Easy Access Bar on front panel for easy navigation

Keyboard

• 8 Braille keys plus a space bar and two extra keys left and right of the space bar
• Silent key switches with tactile feel·
• Optionally, QWERTY keyboard instead of Braille keyboard at no extra cost
• Connector for external PS/2 (computer) keyboard

Speech

• Highly intelligible, naturally accentuated synthesized speech
• Optionally, up to 4 voices or languages; a large variety of languages available
• Internal speaker or headphones

Power Management

• Internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack
• 10 hours typical battery capacity
• Low power electronics with automatic power management
• Fuel gauge to keep precise track of charge
• AC adaptor

Memory

• 32 MB RAM corresponding to 32000 Braille pages
• 16 MB Non-volatile FLASH memory
• Optional disk drives (up to 1 GB) and storage cards

Communication Ports

• Serial (RS232) with standard 9-pin connector
• Parallel with standard 25-pin connector
• USB Client
• PS/2 keyboard
• Standard Type II PCMCIA slot
• Ethernet
• Internal 56k modem, or optionally, internal ISDN card instead of modem
• Speaker Output
• Microphone Input

Program Suite

• Word processor
• File Manager
• File transfer to and from PC
• Automatic synchronization utility
• File converter (read and write Word compatible format)
• Braille translator
• Email
• Internet browser
• Scientific Calculator
• MP3 Player
• Voicenote
• SpreadSheet
• Day-planner
• Address book
• Data base
• Root shell (bash) for power users allowing direct access to the Linux system

Remote Braille Display Capabilities

• Braille Terminal to allow BRAILLEX ELba to act as a Braille display and Braille keyboard for other computers

Visual Display Support

• Connection via the serial port to an (optional) external LCD display

Technical Specifications

• 32-bit Digital StrongARM RISC processor
• Linux operating system
• DRAM 32 Mbytes, Flash Memory 16 Mbytes

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 11.8" x 8.5" x 2"
• Weight: approx. 4.5 lb for 32-cell version
• Aluminum-magnesium case

Carry Case

• Soft carrying case with shoulder strap

Please contact us for more information about our products and services.

Page Last Updated: Monday, February 09, 2004

• Home
• Products & Services
• Contact Us
• Site Index
• Accessibility Statement