Pac-mates come in two different varieties. One has the Perkins style keyboard, while the other has a computer keyboard. This gives users the opportunity to choose their preference. The machine operates similarly to a computer with jaws.
I have been using the Pac-mate Omni for about two years. I was constantly frustrated because I kept losing my work and the machine kept crashing before I upgraded the software. The battery life wasn’t very long either. I felt like throwing the thing out the window!
After I got the upgrade things changed drastically! Battery life could last me as long as four days before having to be recharged. I know longer had to worry about losing any of my work. The omni also has pocket excel and the ability to read text that is on power points, as well as many other different features.
I use the pac-mate for everything! I use it to take notes, read and complete tests, record notes, read books that are in electronic format, do mathematical equations, listen to music or other mp3 files, brows the web, and print or emboss my school work.
If you are interested in Braille note-takers you should definitely give the pac-mate a try. I encourage any one to try the device before selecting a different brand. I could not survive without mine.