Engineering Excellence Meets Durability
The 5th Generation of the Focus 40 Blue is a durable, lightweight Braille Display drop tested to MIL-STD-810G and designed to take on the challenges of every-day bumps and scrapes. This military-grade testing ensures the device can withstand the rigors of daily use, whether at work, school, or while traveling.
The construction reflects serious engineering: The new housing is an aluminum extrusion on a steel base. Each Braille cell is physically isolated from its neighbors. The housing incorporates bumpers that absorb shock when the unit is dropped or knocked against a wall or door.
Advanced Connectivity and Features
Multi-Device Bluetooth Support: You can have up to five Bluetooth connections so that you can easily connect to iOS and Android™ devices such as smartphones, iPads®, and tablets. This connectivity allows seamless switching between devices without re-pairing.
Enhanced Braille Experience:
- A single smooth cell cap covers the Braille, so you feel only the Braille pins, no seams
- The Braille pins have been retooled to provide a crisper, more uniform feel that you'll notice with your first reading
- 40 refreshable braille cells provide sufficient reading width for serious work
Built-in Independence: The new Scratchpad feature lets you take notes and read books even when you aren't connected, ensuring productivity regardless of connectivity status.
Navigation and Control Features
The Focus 40 Blue features multiple navigation methods:
- NAV Rockers used for easy navigation
- Mode button which cycles through the different navigation modes
- Eight keys similar to those on a Perkins-style braille keyboard
- Cursor router buttons above each braille cell
Integration with JAWS Screen Reader
When you combine the Focus 40 Blue with JAWS®, you have the ultimate in speech and Braille access to your computer. This combination provides:
- Seamless navigation commands
- Braille Study Mode for learning
- Comprehensive document access
- Web browsing capabilities
Professional and Educational Applications
The Focus 40 Blue serves multiple user groups:
- Students: Access to textbooks, research materials, and note-taking
- Professionals: Email, document creation, presentations, and data analysis
- General Users: Web browsing, social media, entertainment, and communication
Investment in Independence
At $3,748.50 USD, the Focus 40 Blue represents a significant investment. However, many users find it essential for educational and career advancement. Product Maintenance Agreements are available to extend warranty coverage.
Getting Support and Training
Freedom Scientific provides comprehensive support including:
- Technical support and training resources
- User guides and documentation
- Community forums and user groups
Sources:
