Review: Humanware Maestro

In an article in the February 2006 Braille Monitor the NFB discussed the Trekker GPS option, a GPS solution from HumanWare. In this article I will take a look at the personal digital assistant with Maestro. I also add an update to the information provided in the Trekker article.

The Maestro option provides speech access to the functions of a PDA. It is available on several PDAs. Contact HumanWare or your reseller to find out the latest PDA available. There are only minor variations from one PDA to another, and each uses the same accessible keyboard and software program. The PDAs have an SD card slot for additional file storage, and some have a CompactFlash card slot for this type of storage card. For this article I used Maestro version 2.0.2 and Trekker Solo version 3.0.

The Maestro is a handheld PDA with a specially designed keyboard and fully accessible speech output software. A unique feature of the Maestro and Trekker keyboard is that it fits over the PDAs flat screen. It consists of buttons that, when pressed, touch the appropriate points on the flat screen to activate the desired functions. It fits around the PDA with an elastic strap to hold it in place. The keyboard can be removed to reset the unit or replace the battery. The keyboard is arranged with a set of Braille keys at the top. Arrow keys are arranged in a cross pattern for navigation, and function keys are located along each edge. A handy describer mode can be entered at any time to learn the function of any key. Entering Braille is slightly different because dots are entered one at a time, and each letter is verified with the press of a button. While this sounds cumbersome, Braille can be entered reasonably quickly with some practice. The system allows for the entry of contracted or uncontracted Braille.

The Maestro uses Eloquence speech, which is quite clear using the external speaker. The use of headphones or ear buds may enhance speech quality. Maestro has user settings for speech rate and volume to suit individual needs.

The menu system is familiar to those used to Windows menus on a PC. The key-describer mode is easy to use, and many functions may be toggled on and off by holding down keys. Hot-key functions are available for common tasks. For example, tab and shift-tab operate similarly to the way they function on a PC. There are an escape key and four function keys. Holding some keys down for several seconds provides additional functions.

Software installation is reasonably straightforward. The directions should be followed closely for best results. If the battery goes completely flat, the software must be installed again. Maestro comes with a program CD that includes the manual and quick reference guide. Print and Braille manuals are provided.

The Maestro main menu contains functions familiar to most PDA users including the calendar, contacts, email, media player, and more. You may synchronize with Outlook, which is especially handy when traveling. Calendar, contacts, and email entries can all be synchronized. In addition, text notes may be written in uncontracted or contracted Braille.
Continue to read this article on the NFB website