VarioUltra
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Version 5, March 1, 2015
Thank you for your interest in VarioUltra, the new smart braille display from BAUM Retec. If you
have a question that is not covered in this document, please send your question to us at
varioultra@baumusa.com. In addition to answering your question, we may include it in a future
version of this document.
1. Is VarioUltra a braille display or a braille notetaker?
VarioUltra is both, which is one of the reasons it is described as a smart braille display.
There is a switch on the left side of VarioUltra that allows you to switch between Braille
Display Mode and Braille Notetaker Mode. The Braille Display Mode is what you select
when you want to use VarioUltra with your computer or a mobile device. The Braille
Notetaker Mode is what you select to access a suite of productivity applications in
VarioUltra, including a word processor, a spreadsheet viewer, a PDF document viewer,
and a scientific calculator.
2. What types of devices can VarioUltra connect with?
VarioUltra is compatible with Windows and Macintosh computers, with mobile devices
running iOS or Android operating system, and with Linux.
3. How many devices can I connect to VarioUltra?
VarioUltra supports simultaneous connectivity with up to 5 devices. Connections are
possible via a single USB connection, or via four channels of Bluetooth. If using
Bluetooth, pairing is accomplished via the Settings in Braille Notetaker Mode. Thereafter,
connections are activated inside the Braille Display Mode. Switching between connected
devices is achieved through the press of a button on the braille keyboard while in Braille
Display Mode.
4. What screen reading programs are supported?
VarioUltra is compatible with all popular screen reading applications, including COBRA,
WindowEyes, VoiceOver, NVDA, and JAWS.
5. Does VarioUltra have speech output?
No, there is no speech output option with VarioUltra; it is a braille-only device. While
there is a tone option for alarms and confirmation sounds, there is a user-selectable
Vibrate feature for quieter operation, and/or for use by people who are deaf and blind.
6. Can I play MP3 audio files on VarioUltra?
No, the playback of audio files is not supported on VarioUltra.
7. How do I transfer files to and from VarioUltra?
There are two options for copying files to and from VarioUltra.
The first option is to connect a standard USB memory stick. When this is done, you will
see “Stick” listed as a save or open location.
The second option is to connect VarioUltra to a Windows computer using the supplied
micro USB to standard USB cable. Once connected and recognized, VarioUltra will
appear as an external storage device in Windows Explorer. You can then copy and
paste documents and folders to and from VarioUltra.
8. How much internal storage space does VarioUltra have?
VarioUltra includes 32 GB of flash storage.
9. Does VarioUltra have an SD card slot?
No, there is no SD card slot in VarioUltra. You can access SD cards by using a
commercially available SD card to USB adaptor. There are many options available for
purchase online that cost around $10.
10. Does VarioUltra have Wi-Fi capability?
No, there is no Wi-Fi on VarioUltra. To access the internet or email, you would first
connect to a computer or mobile device that has Wi-Fi or cellular access, and use the
applications those devices have for accessing web-based information or services.
11. Can I read Braille files with VarioUltra?
Yes, files saved in Braille Ready Format (BRF) can be created, edited, and saved with
VarioUltra.
12. What file formats are supported with VarioUltra?
The Word Processor application allows you to open and edit text (TXT), Rich Text
Format (RTF) documents, and Word documents, which includes documents with the file
extension .DOC, or .DOCX. Note that if you edit Word documents, they can only be
saved in Rich Text Format (RTF).
When creating documents you get to decide at the beginning whether your document
will be a text or braille based document. Text documents are saved as Rich Text Format
(RTF) and braille files are saved as Braille Ready Format (BRF).
The Spreadsheet Viewer application allows you to open and read Excel documents,
which means documents with the file extension .XLS or .XLSX.
The PDF Document Viewer application allows you to open and read PDF documents.
A PowerPoint Viewer application is being developed and once available as a free update
for existing customers, will allow the reading of PowerPoint documents, which means
documents with the file extension .PPT or .PPTX.
13. Does VarioUltra support Unified English Braille (UEB)?
This is on our list of development priorities, and will become available during the course
of 2015 as a free update for existing customers. Once available, all new VarioUltra
devices sold in the USA will include this braille table.
14. What is the Device Lock switch for on VarioUltra?
If you are traveling and plan to place VarioUltra in your pocket or a bag, set the Device
Lock switch to the Locked position to prevent accidental use of the device.
15. Is it possible to copy content from one connected device and paste it into another
connected device, using VarioUltra?
This is not presently possible, though it is on our list of development priorities. We hope
to make such a feature available in the future.
16. I have heard that VarioUltra software updates are free. How are updates installed?
Correct, software and firmware updates for VarioUltra are free of charge. The update is
made available as an archived ZIP file, which you download from the support pages of
our web site at www.baumusa.com. Once downloaded, copy the file to the flashdisk of
VarioUltra and then enter the keyboard command to activate the update process. The
update typically takes 1 to 2 minutes to complete.
17. Can I print or emboss files that I have open in VarioUltra?
No, printing and embossing from VarioUltra is not supported at this time. It is on our list
of development priorities and may become available in the future.
18. Can the user replace the rechargeable battery?
No, the battery is not designed for removal or access by the end user. If replacement of
the battery is required, work should only be performed by a BAUM authorized service
technician.
19. What is the warranty for VarioUltra?
VarioUltra is covered by a 2-year factory warranty, which covers everything including the
battery and the included carry case.
20. Do you offer an extended warranty for VarioUltra?
Yes. An extended warranty is available at a cost of $399 per year for VarioUltra 20 and
at a cost of $499 per year for VarioUltra 40. Some restrictions apply in cases where a
product is not immediately covered at the conclusion of the factory warranty, including
our right to first inspect the device you wish to cover.
21. How do I obtain Technical Support?
We provide free technical support during our regular business hours, Monday through
Friday, excluding some national holidays. Technical Support can be reached via toll free
telephone (855) 620-7985, and via email to support@baumusa.com.
22. What do I do if VarioUltra needs to be repaired?
For customers in the USA, all requests for service and support are managed by BAUM
USA. The first thing to do is call us toll free at (855) 620-7985 and choose the option for
Technical Support. If we’re unable to fix an issue over the phone we may suggest
returning the device to BAUM USA. Note that if we determine that your VarioUltra
requires repair during the 2-year factory warranty period, or while covered by an
Extended Warranty, BAUM USA covers the cost of shipping the device to and from our
offices in Massachusetts.
23. What is included with the purchase of VarioUltra?
For customers in the USA, whether you choose the VarioUltra 20 or the VarioUltra 40,
your purchase includes:
a. The VarioUltra device
b. Micro USB to standard USB cable
c. USB plug adaptor for USA and other countries
d. Carry case and strap
e. User Guide on CD-ROM
f. Hardcopy braille Quick User Guide
We recommend that you keep the original packing materials in case you ever need to
ship VarioUltra back for service or repair.
24. What languages are supported with VarioUltra?
VarioUltra includes support for 17 languages. Besides English, support is available for
German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Croatian, Kurdish, Arabic, Russian,
Hebrew, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Polish, and Eurobraille.
25. What is the retail price?
In the USA, pricing for VarioUltra 20 is $2,395 and for VarioUltra 40 is $3,995. Note that
prices are exclusive of any applicable taxes and shipping. Please contact us at
varioultra@baumusa.com for a quotation, being sure to confirm your city and state of
residence.
26. I have heard there is a back order situation for VarioUltra. What is the latest news
about this?
As of this writing (March 2015) there is still a back order situation for VarioUltra.
However, the situation is improving quickly and we hope to have VarioUltra in stock for
immediate delivery very soon. Possibly as early as end of March 2015.
27. How do I order?
If you are a USA resident and wish to be added to our no-obligation order list, please
send an email to varioultra@baumusa.com complete with your full name, shipping
address, phone number, and your email address. Once we know your device is in
production, we will contact you again to confirm your intent to purchase. You can always
change your mind.
Note that VarioUltra is also available for purchase in some parts of the USA through an
authorized BAUM Retec reseller.
28. My state organization is paying for my VarioUltra. Are you an approved vendor in
my state? Is BAUM Retec, Inc. a sole source provider in my state?
BAUM Retec, Inc., is an authorized vendor in several states in the USA. In others, we
may have an authorized reseller who is an authorized or approved vendor to the state or
states where they are authorized to sell BAUM Retec products. In all other states where
BAUM Retec sells directly, we are a sole source vendor. In some cases we are an
approved vendor for the state or states in question.
29. What are your payment terms, and do you offer extended payment plans?
For individuals and any other organizations, payment is required before a device is
shipped to you. For credit card payment, which most customers choose, we generate an
invoice using PayPal. The invoice you receive includes a secure link to PayPal.com,
where you can enter your credit card number securely and pay the bill. PayPal.com also
gives you the option of applying for PayPal Credit. If approved, PayPal Credit provides
6-months financing with 0% interest and zero payments SO LONG AS YOU PAY THE
BALANCE IN FULL BY THE 6 MONTH ANNIVERSARY DATE.
For qualifying organizations such as state and federal government, school districts, etc.,
we accept purchase orders. Terms are 30-days from the date we ship your device.
30. What is your product return policy?
We genuinely want you to be happy with your purchase and will do virtually anything to
ensure your satisfaction. But in the extremely rare event that we or VarioUltra fail to
meet your expectations, you may return the device within 30-days for a refund. Note that
the VarioUltra should be returned in “as new” condition, with all accessories and in the
original packaging materials. If a device or any of the included accessories are missing
or damaged in any way, your refund may be less than the full purchase price to account
for any repair or replacement.
31. Do you accept my older braille device in trade in for a new VarioUltra?
No, we do not accept trade ins. The best thing to do is attempt to sell the older device on
the used market.