I gotta tell you guys something. I totally forget completly that I have an email address listed on this blog. No really. I forgot. So if you emailed me a while back and I never responded it was because I am just stupid and not a stupid jerk as some might say [no one step up to confirm that on line okay?].

Anyway tonight I was trying to get a note out to someone and I went into the dreaded Inbox of Shame. Understand that I do this Blog away from work. It's kind of a thing I do to pass along info I don't see elsewhere in the lists, forums and other venues where we users of Assistive Tech hang out. I also write it from a *wired in* perspective. Several big time movers and shakers stop by, and again I thank you all for even looking at what I write for any amount of time, to read these pages. And since they know where I live and work I try to be as positive as possible about products in general. In person though.. I am well known in circles for being a little too outspoken.

But one thing I try to do is just post this stuff up on the Blog and go back to rubbing my nose on the flat panel monitor. Okay I don't really do that but I needed a metaphor for the 21st century version of the grindstone.

And my casual posting method has now got to go because you awesome, fantastic and ever so smart people are asking me well thought out and thought provoking questions. While I can't answer them all due to my Non Disclosure Agreements with some Venders I will do my best to take a stab at a few answers that may help those in need out there in cyberland. Unfortunetly don't expect much in the way of Tech Support. That kinda fits in with the day job and once you open that door past your regular work hours then forever will it consume yor destiny.

Ahem, back to task. Jose wrote me an email with this question:

"Recently I acquired a used braille note and am deciding weather a transplant is worth it. You mentioned something about word of what's to come in Keysoft 8 durring the last CSun. Did you find out what that was? They didn't mention anything of the sort durring ACB's coverage.
Thanks in advance, I really appreciate your help. And keep up the blogging!

Jose"

Well kind sir here's my response..

Keysoft 8 may see some press at this week's ATIA. You may want to check out Humanware.com a few times this week and see if I am right.

But honestly I completly wholeheartedly and absofreakinglutely recommend a transplant to any Note user. What I suggest you do first, as always, is see it for yourself. Contact Humanware and find your nearest dealer. Look at a mPower up close with the latest updates. And if they have it there check out that sweet new Oxford dictionary.

Why upgrade? memory for one. Tons of slots like USB for another. And if you don't have an accessible MP3 Player then here you go. Get a huge SD or Compact Flash card, download some great files or listen to the FM tuner. Then you have some cool DAISY options coming over time. What's not to like about the Voice Note and Braille Note?

But again.. personal opinion. I don't think I would have answered this if you would have asked the classic "pac Mate vs. Braille Note" debate. Seeing how you already have one on hand it's easier to say what may work out best for you.

Oh and make sure you get your name officially registered to that unit. Assistive Technology companies these days aren't too keen on EBay and users trading up or down on their hardware. Some even have specific policies about this kind of thing. So again check with a Dealer before you do anything. Hope this helps and thanks for reading!

Now if you have written me before and I, as the blockhead I already claimed to be earlier, didn't respond then feel free to try me again. I promise to check Hotmail more often in the future.