Hi;
for 695.00 it should be a quality machine.  If its not going to 
do most of the things I want might just stick with the old 
booksense or upgrade to a stream.  I didn't really have a need 
for the o c r and I suspect that's what they're focusing on.
richard
sent from my braille note

 ----- Original Message -----
From: Russ Kiehne <[log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Wed, 9 Jul 2014 06:52:03 -0700
Subject: Re: OT pocket recorders

It's call the Blace and Here are some things to be aware  of 
about the
Blaze.  internet radio and downloading podcasts work just like 
the
bookport plus and plextalk pocket.
The Stream has a much better implementation of internet radio.  I
feelthat the Stream has a better way of organizing it's content.  
You
will not be able to download books directly to it.  Here's the 
message
posted on the HIMS list:

I don't know what demonstration you heard, but I can tell you, 
there
will b no direct download except through online DAISY services, 
in the
first version.  Online DAISY protocol is not used for US 
libraries.  NLS
and BookShare, and probably other things will be coming in future 
versions.
I'm sorry,
Jenny

For me, the biggest drawback to the Blaze, it has no telephone 
style
keypad.
Here's what Jenny posted about this on the HIMS list:

As for entering text, there won't be as much text entry available 
in
this model.  To enter Wi-Fi keys, etc, you will use the arrows to 
choose
your letters/numbers from lists, and you will use the select key 
to
enter it.
As you might guess, this isn't a quick method of entry, thus, the 
lack
of entry intensive functionality.
This model is focusing on providing access to a variety of 
content while
  remaining very simple to operate.
Thus, the simplified keyboard and different interface.
jenny


On 7/8/2014 9:55 AM, richard fiorello wrote:
 Hi;
 Apparently they are coming out with a new improved booksense 
that
 will let you both download from bookshare and has a camera for o
 c r.  Didn't like the price.  695.00 on special seemed a bit
 high.  On the other hand still recovering from sticker shock
 concerning the surface 3.  Might just as well buy a laptop and
 get it done.  I've never played with notebook computers but the
 price is much more reasonable and I wonder if you could still 
get
 the basics done?
    richard
 sent from my braille note