VarioConnect

The newest mini and supermini from BAUM:
Communication was never
so easy and compact

More and more there is a wish for both reading Braille and writing Braille when on the move. BAUM is Trendsetter in developing accompanying Braille Interfaces and again BAUM pushed the limits further away of creating both attractive and robust mobile devices for blind and visually impaired people.

VarioConnect 12:
Your Communication Talent

Dimensions: 130mm x 81mm x 17 (h) mm

More than just a
compact Braille display!

VarioConnect 12 is a communication-oriented, super small mini-Braille Interface. Whilst using the integrated 6-dot Braille keyboard together with the 12-cell Braille display even YOU can turn into a mobile communication professional:

• writing and reading SMS Text Messages
• operating your mobile phone or PDa

With VarioConnect 12 it is not a problem!

VarioConnect 12 - Braille Power in your SHIRT Pocket!

VarioConnect Family:
Universal and Flexible

If speech output of your mobile phone or PDa is muted, you can now also use them during meetings or in public transport – without disturbing anyone else.

Apart from using VarioConnect with special softwares for mobile devices (like i.e. some versions of Talks (product of NUANCE, Inc.), Mobile Speak and/or Mobile Speak Pocket (products of CodeFactory, S.A.) and/or PocketHAL (product of Dolphin Ltd.)) also they can function as a "normal" Braille display. They not only can operate with COBRA, VIRGO4 or BLINDOWS but also with almost all other known screen readers. Special drivers exist.

Also special drivers (called TBI - Talks Braille Interface) exist to communicate with your mobile device (mobile phone or PDa) which is driven with some versions of Talks software (product of NUANCE, Inc.).

VarioConnect 12: The Supermini

The dimensions of the VarioConnect 12 are a minor 130 mm in width, 81 mm in length and only 17 mm in height. Its weight is only 200 grams.

VarioConnect 12 will easily fit ANY SHIRT pocket!

With it's 12 Braille cells the VarioConnect 12 is just a little wider then a sigarette box – but only half as thick! The weight of VarioConnect 12 is only a little more then your mobile phone. Fully charged built-in batteries enable you to read and write Braille completely wireless for up to 20 hours.

The special Braille key in the middle of the Keyboard even permits you typing Braille when standing - preventing not to drop your VarioConnect 12.

Apart from the 6-dot Braille keyboard, VarioConnect 12 uses some more elements that enable you to work easy and comfortable despite it's size:

• 3 Keys on each side of the Braille display
• Navi-Stick
• Left and right 2 space keys
• 4 System keys totally left and totally right

Of course VarioConnect can also be connected to a PC or laptop using almost all screen readers, but this task rather can be carried out by it's bigger sisters: VarioConnect 24, 32 and 40.

VarioConnect 24: The Mini

For those Users (maybe persons suffering from Deafblindness) who like to write a bit more and have higher demands to a Braille keyboard, we offer an only slightly larger alternative:

VarioConnect 24 with a built-in 8-dot Braille keyboard.






Aside of offering a Braille keyboard enabling easier typing, though resulting somewhat in a compromise in size, the VarioConnect 24 also offers an interface possibility through USB.

Nevertheless the VarioConnect 24 can be carried in your pocket!

VarioConnect 32 and 40:
without compromise

The VarioConnect 32 and 40 have been developed to fit sub-notebooks and notebooks offering the Users the choice of using the notebook keyboard or the incorporated 8-dot Braille keyboard on top of the VarioConnect. Furthermore a reliable

This offers you to use VarioConnect both with a notebook or a PC in a comfortable way as well as on the move when combining the VarioConnect 32 or 40 with your mobile device - without a compromise!

        

Screen Readers

VIRGO4 and BLINDOWS screen readers and their mutual successor called COBRA - to be released in the second half of 2007 - will support all VarioConnect Braille Interfaces in an optimum manner. Almost all other screen readers will function as well. Our aim is for you to rely less and less on a screen reader and for you to be able carry out your work easily and efficiently using only your VarioConnect Braille Interface – the screen reader should then only be regarded as a support function in this work.

Ask your local BAUM Distributor!

Specifications

VarioConnect 12: 12 Braille cells - 6-dot Braille keyboard, fits your shirt pocket;
VarioConnect 24: 24 Braille cells - 8-dot Braille keyboard, fits your pocket;
VarioConnect 32: 32 Braille cells - 8-dot Braille keyboard, fits sub-notebooks;
VarioConnect 40: 40 Braille cells - 8-dot Braille keyboard, fits notebooks, Reading Machines, regular PC's, etc.

All VarioConnects have in common:
Three keys on each side of the Braille display - designed for various functions and optimal use in different screen reader softwares;
Navi-stick;
Left and right two space keys;
Four (4) System keys totally left and totally right.

Drivers for COBRA, VIRGO4, BLINDOWS and other screen readers are available.

Also TBI for certain Talks softwares is available.

Interfaces: BlueTooth and USB (VarioConnect 12: BlueTooth only)
Power supply: either through built-in battery power, through USB or external supply unit (VarioConnect 12: only through built-in battery power or external supply unit - no USB).
Battery running times:
Battery running time Bluetooth connection: approx. 20 hours
Battery running time USB connection: approx. 100 hours! (not on VarioConnect 12)

Dimensions:
VarioConnect 12: 130mm x 81mm x 17 (h) mm and 200 grams
VarioConnect 24: 215mm x 86mm x 18 (h) mm and approx. 420 grams
VarioConnect 32: 259mm x 86mm x 18 (h) mm and approx. 500 grams
VarioConnect 40: 310mm x 86mm x 18 (h) mm and approx. 600 grams