Welcome to the Christmas issue of New Product Guide. We like to think we're a friendly team at RNIB and to that point, we want to help take the stress away when it comes to Christmas shopping. You need go no further than the comfort of your own home, for not only inspiring yourself for gift ideas but to also keep up to date with RNIB's shiny new products at the same time.
If you find this guide useful to you, why not recommend it to a friend? It's still free of charge and a great way to stay on top of what's new from RNIB throughout the year. You could also pass this copy on to someone else, after you've read it. Maybe even with a sneaky little marker on, for those favoured things. You never know, Santa may be kind to you as a result!
Great news too as an existing subscriber, you'll receive the December edition of NPG in November; a whole month early. It will be fully loaded and themed around switching on to technology, including some low cost solutions! Learn just how easy some of our technology is to use and how it could make a big difference to your daily life.
Television
TVonics talking Freeview+ HD recorder (TV06): Never miss all you want to watch over the festive period with the TVonics set top box. You can independently watch and record your favourite digital TV and radio programmes, at the touch of a button. All on-screen information, including programme guides, menus and your library of recorded programmes are read out in a synthetic female voice. Remote control raised buttons are well spaced out and there is a dedicated audio description button. Price £179.95
Want to keep up with what programmes are on over the festive period?
You can order the braille Television Guide or the braille Radio Guide for the Christmas and New Year weeks from 6 December. Call our Helpline for more information and prices.
If audio is your preferred format, why not consider subscribing to our DAISY audio CD for your weekly TV or Radio listings? Recorded in our high quality synthetic voice (IVONA) and delivered to your door in plenty of time to plan the week ahead. Listings can be read using a DAISY audio player or with DAISY player software on a PC. Priced just over £1.00 a week per issue they offer exceptional value for money.
Big Print Newspaper & TV/Radio Guide: Enjoy 16 pages of national and international news in big 16 point print. Enjoy puzzles, news, horoscopes and more. TV and radio supplement is included weekly so you don't miss out on your favourite shows. Now is a great time to sign up to a subscription ready for those Christmas programmes. Price £65.00 for 12 months, £32.50 for 6 months or £16.25 per quarter.
Practical gift ideas
This section has things useful to everyone! Telephones, watches, lighting and other great gift ideas.
Telephones
Here's two phones we know you'll like - our latest landline and mobile additions:
Powertel 710 talking cordless telephone (DH350): This phone talks you through every touch of each button and function so great for giving confidence in who you are ringing and who's ringing you! Hear the numbers announced as you dial, phonebook entries and menu options are in a clear female English voice. With a big button keypad, this cordless DECT phone sits securely in the base unit to charge. It's also hearing aid compatible so a real support if you need that extra sound boost. Price £83.32 and £99.98
Doro PhoneEasy 612 (HM42): This easy-to-use clamshell phone is brilliant if you'd prefer to have larger sized letters both on the keypad and screen; especially beneficial for texting. There's four different colour themes too for your text colours which can work much better with lower levels of vision. With a 2 megapixel camera, you can take and store those special photos, capturing memories whilst out and about. Dedicated one button access to multimedia (MMS) and text (SMS) messages and camera. You can also use this phone on the go as it has Bluetooth compatible. Price £108.33 and £130.00.
Watches
Remember that on Saturday 27 October, we'll all be putting our watches back an hour before we go to bed, as European Summer time comes to an end. If you haven't already - why not consider switching to a radio controlled (atomic) clock and/or watch and let it do the work for you? It automatically updates the time as it receives a special radio signal.
So first on our Christmas list is the Talking atomic digital watch (CW180) Price £29.95 and £35.94. This chunky black and yellow design sports watch is radio controlled and features a backlit screen, alarm and RNIB's natural male voice; the same as featured on our best selling Communiclock radio controlled calendar clock (CC53).
New additions to our easy-to-see watch range, all feature bold black hands and numbers on a white face. If you prefer lighter colour leather straps on your watch, then why not go for white or pink? Our Jumbo chrome easy-to-see watch is splash proof - although not suitable for use while swimming, bathing or in the shower. CW68WHITE, CW68PINK and also still available a black strap (CW68). Price £11.99 and £14.39
How about a Water resistant gold-coloured easy-to-see watch with white leather strap (CW151WHITE) or brown synthetic strap (CW151). This watch is suitable for use in the shower, the bath or swimming, but not for diving or deep swimming. Price £14.99 and £17.99
Some advance news. We have a range of exclusive RNIB tactile watches available from November offering great quality with a great price to match. Silver-coloured face with gold-coloured case and 3 o'clock opening. Price £24.99 and £29.99. Ask our Helpline for more information.
Make the most of lighting
Our three new lights, all exclusive to RNIB; two desk lights and an LED portable light:
RNIB folding LED portable light (DH337): This brilliant well designed light is small enough to fit in your bag and can last for up to 8 hours when fully charged, using the supplied USB cable. It concertinas out to full height, with the base being surprisingly sturdy for such a portable light. Two brightness settings too. Price £29.95
RNIB lightweight table light with flexi-arm (DH338): A black, mains operated light with a sturdy circular base, flexible light arm - great for getting the light exactly where you want it for any close up work. This version's our very own, with a contrasting white on/off switch and a 13 watt Daylight bulb that's super energy efficient and lasts up to 10,000 hours. Price £36.95
RNIB 27 watt desk light (DH336): If you're after something brighter, then this black desk light is the brightest in our range. It's mains operated and comes fitted with a 27 watt energy efficient bulb that lasts up to 8,000 hours, a nine and a half inch oval weighted base and an easily located contrasting colour on/off switch. Price £42.95
Culinary gifts for keen cooks
With so many of us who enjoy cooking and entertaining at home more these days, here's some brilliant talking kitchen gadgets and recipe books for some great menu planning.
RNIB Vocal talking kitchen scale (DK131) - Christmas offer: Between 1 October and 17 December, we're offering our Talking kitchen scale at a reduced price of £19.95 and £23.99, instead of the original price of £29.95 and £35.94. So you can either treat yourself or buy as a Christmas gift for a friend. Weight is announced in RNIB's natural male voice in either grams or ounces and also displayed in numbers 1.4cm high.
Talking food thermometer (DK27): Make sure your turkey, or nut loaf is cooked to the right temperature with this great gadget. For details on cooking temperatures, refer to Food Standards Agency guidelines. Price £19.95 and £23.94
Recipe books:
We have a great selection of cookbooks available including Maxine Turkington's Cooking for VIPs recipe book. Available in Large print (TC21366), braille (2256130) and DAISY audio CD (802646). Price £12.95
There are many more recipe books available, including celebrity chefs: Jamie Oliver, Nigella, Delia and Rick Stein. Call our Helpline or browse online for more details.
Board games
Tactile Backgammon (GB94): A brilliant Christmas gift idea, this two-player game board is divided into four tables with tactile ridges separating each point. The set also includes tactile dice and tactile markings on the darker set of playing pieces, so inclusive for everyone who loves a game that pushes you to think. Price £29.95 and £35.94
Anyone for Large print Scrabble? (GB92) This popular game has been updated and is still the bestselling word game for two to four players. With the raised pegs to keep tiles secure on the clear print board and 20 point letters and number tiles, this is another key game to have for the family. Price: £29.00 and £34.80
Getting organised for 2013: Diaries and calendars
Another great stocking filler idea - what about a calendar or diary for a friend or family member, or just to treat yourself? We pride ourselves on using high quality paper to help keep braille fresh and in good condition throughout the year.
Our braille stationery
Braille pocket date calendar (BB10) £3.75 and £4.50
Braille desk diary (BB08) £8.49 and £10.19
There's also a Braille desk diary refill (BB08R)Braille pocket organiser (BB11) both priced £5.99 and £7.19
Big Print
Our 2013 Big Print diaries and calendars are out now. Each page has plenty of space for all your notes and reminders and with high quality paper to avoid ink showing through. The pocket diary features a handy plastic pocket to store receipts and notes.
Range includes:
A4 desk diary (DS07) £5.75 and £6.90
Pocket diary (DS04) £4.75 and £5.70
Desk diary (DS02) £6.75 and £8.10
Wall calendar (DS03) priced at £3.85
Foldaway calendar (DS05) priced £4.62.
Not sure what you want? Order a copy of our Everyday living catalogue or call our Helpline.
Christmas cards
Tactile and braille Christmas cards
If you're after good quality tactile and braille Christmas cards, you can do so at a great price of £1.95 and £2.34 per pack of six cards.
Single design card packs: Robin Redbreast (XC129), Reindeer (XC133), Dove (XC132), Peace (XC134), Joy (XC135), Festive Baubles (XC130), Christmas Bells (XC138), Christmas Tree (XC131), The Three Kings (XC137) and Penguins (XC136).
Multipacks are the same price and contain five card designs. Pack 1 (XC139) includes: Festival Baubles, Reindeer, Penguins, Joy and Christmas Bells. Pack 2 (XC140) contains: Robin Redbreast, Christmas Tree, Dove, Peace and The Three Kings.
Alternatively, what about 'charity' Christmas cards?
The range on offer, from National Talking Newspapers and Magazines (NTNM) has 12 designs available with something for all tastes from classic to contemporary, religious to secular. All come in same-design packs of ten and are priced between £3.75 and £3.95.
For your NTNM Christmas card catalogue and order form call NTNM on 01435 866102 or email info@tnauk.org.uk.
National Talking Newspapers and Magazines brings print to life by providing newspapers and magazines, for anyone who is unable to read print, in a wide range of accessible formats.
Letter from Santa
Do you know a blind or partially sighted child, who would like to write to Santa and receive a reply in their preferred reading format? During the festive season, the elves and fairies at RNIB will be offering their support to Santa by replying to children's letters.
Simply send in your letter to Santa Claus, RNIB, PO Box 173, Peterborough, PE2 6WS by Monday 3 December.
Children can also email Santa at santa@rnib.org.uk up until Monday, 17 December and receive an email reply from him.
Recordable devices
We have a growing range of recordable gadgets for use in the home - all for many uses and some here could also be brilliant for Christmas gifts, or to help you record a personal Christmas greeting in your own voice.
The Recordable greeting card (DC17) can add that personal touch to your card. A multipurpose card for birthdays or Christmas! Insert a photo into the clear sleeve cover of this blank car and record your 10 second message. A loved one will have a truly treasured gift to keep and listen to again and again. Price £4.96
Talking photo album (DX01). For the same benefits as all of the above, here's a photo album that records up to 100 minutes across 20 pages of photographs. Price £32.95
Recordable photo frame. Keep memories alive and share the joy of hearing that special voice with this frame that takes a six by four inch photo. Record up to a 10 second message with the choice of a black (DC16BLACK) or white (DC16WHITE) frame. The white frame is crying out for your own artwork to be put on it too; making it just that little bit more unique! Price £9.95
Audio sequencer (LC210). This is actually a long picture frame with six windows! Why not buy one of these for a family member and create a verbal picture story to work alongside some fabulous family pictures? Insert a picture or image into each of the six windows and record your 10 second message for each. Price £22.99
Sense and sound beacon (LC207). Grab people's attention with this small yellow plastic motion activated message announcer. Alternatively use as a memory jogger at home near the stairs, for important messages such as to check your doors are locked and lights are all switched off. Records up to 20 seconds. Price £16.99
Rainbow talking boxes - pack of six (LC209). Record a ten second message onto each of these mixed coloured boxes, then hear it played back each time you lift the lid.
Ideal for matching and guessing games for children, or use as memory boxes for adults living with dementia. Price £26.99
Recordable pegs - pack of six (LC214). Label and identify food packets and boxes in your kitchen cupboard, label medicines or create memory joggers with this pack of six brightly coloured pegs. Each one will hold a voice recording up to 10 seconds. You can attach them to items using the clip or magnet on the back. Their large chunky size means they are great if you have limited dexterity or just smaller hands. Price £38.99
Last but by no means least...a festive reminder of our very own RNIB PenFriend. RNIB's award winning PenFriend audio labeller (DL76) is so simple to use and a great way to organise your own, or a friend's life! You can record your own self adhesive voice label on a wide range of items such as food, bills, medicine packets, music and film collections. Price £59.99 and £71.99.
We have also improved the memory to 4GB so it can now store up to 250 hours of recording. Our special laundry labels also help you to sort out your wardrobe - no more asking someone "what colour is this?" They can also go in the tumble dryer. Washable laundry labels (DL96-98) Price £13.99 and £16.79.
All things sporty
Following the excitement of the Paralympics our new Audible sports balls mean you can now have a go as well! So, alongside our established Goalball (GS08),
Introductory Goalball (GS13), Mitre Football
Mitre Football (GS05) and the
Red ball (GS03) the following really make up a great set of choice:
Samba soccer ball (GS14): White and grey ball with a blue design. Price £10.99 and £13.19
Star contrast soccer ball available in two colour options. Yellow (GS15Y) or White (GC15W): Price £12.99 and £15.59
Rockstar professional grade rugby ball (GS16): White ball with black and grey design. Price £12.99 and £15.59
Sprial mini ball (GS17): Small white multi-purpose recreation ball with a black print design. Price £5.99 and £7.19
Avid readers - stop here!
Everyone loves a good book for Christmas don't they? Whether it's a children's story book, biography, novel or gripping thriller, we can offer it all. DAISY box gift sets include more best selling titles from your favourite authors as well as other key titles available to help you enjoy Christmas:
Crime and Thriller
John Le Carré
The Karla Trilogy. A classic series of complex Cold War espionage thrillers in which British Intelligence agent George Smiley must match wits with his Soviet counterpart, the Russian master spy code named Karla. Includes Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Order No 803151. Price £16.95
Ellis Peters
Brother Cadfael Mysteries box set: Books 5-8. More tales from our favourite monastic sleuth, Brother Cadfael, as he investigates murder and intrigue in medieval Wales. Contains The Leper of Saint Giles, The Virgin in the ice, The Sanctuary Sparrow and The Devil's Novice. Order No. 803858. Price £19.95
Romance
Various authors
Mills and Boon brides of Penhally box set - Volume 2. Four novels set in the fictitious Cornish coastal town of Penhally Bay, following the relationships that blossom amidst the dramas of the local GP surgery. Contains Dr Devereux's proposal, Sheikh Surgeon claims his Bride, Single Dad seeks a wife, Nurse Bride, Bayside Wedding. Order No. 803853. Price £15.95
Children's fiction
Enid Blyton
The Famous Five box set - Volume 1. The first five tales of friendship, adventure and skulduggery featuring Julian, Dick, Anne, George and, of course, Timmy the Dog. Contains Five on a Treasure Island, Five go Adventuring Again, Five Run Away Together, Five go to Smuggler's Top and Five go off in a Caravan. Order No. 803692. Price £17.95
Lewis Carroll
The Lewis Carroll Collection. The classic tales following the adventures of Alice when she finds herself in amazing worlds with strange creatures. Contains Alice's adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Order No. 803235. Price £12.95.
Phillip Pullman
His Dark Materials Trilogy. This fantasy, for both adults and children, features Lyra and her animal-daemon Pantalaimon on a mission to a parallel world, where she learns about a substance which will lead to war. Contains Northern lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. Order No. 803456. Price £16.95.
We've also got the next 20 new titles for our DAISY audio books - made to order service listed at the back of this issue and will be there for all future issues for ease of finding.
If magazines and newspapers are what you're looking for...
Think of an accessible newsagent and that's the National Talking Newspapers and Magazines service. Read titles on your CD or DAISY player or read electronic text on your smart phone or computer. Why not buy a year's subscription of your favourite high street magazine or national newspaper? Have access to some really great content from each published magazine. With over 200 magazines and newspapers available, titles include Reader's Digest, Cat World, Majesty, PC Advisor monthly, Esquire for Men, Chat, Yours, BBC Gardener, Cosmopolitan and much more. Order a copy of the 2012 NTNM catalogue (IP424) - available in print and audio CD.
There's also our braille leisure and special interest magazines written by our own editors at RNIB who write each magazine specifically for you. If you like music, health, finance, computing, current affairs, or just want to relax with a Cosmopolitan type read? We have magazines for children and teenagers too, as well as adults, and even titles to help you learn braille. Order a copy of our Braille product catalogue (IP422) to access all the titles available.
Christmas specials
Our 2013 Almanack, based on the famous Whittaker's Almanack, is packed with fascinating and useful information! It includes eclipses and sunrises, religious, legal and civil calendars, public and bank holidays, and other notable dates for 2013, UK affairs and sporting highlights from 2011/12. Available in braille (TC20243), audio CD (TC20244) and DAISY audio CD (TC20245). Price £4.75.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols helps you join in the traditional King's College, Cambridge Christmas Eve carol service broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Includes the order of service, readings, hymns and congregational directions. Available in braille (TC20251). Price £4.75. Available to order 6 December for dispatch mid December.
Talking Books: With RNIB's Talking Books service, you can choose from over 19,000 high quality unabridged audio books delivered to your door. Subscribe today or buy as a gift subscription, at just £82.00 per year, which includes the loan of a DAISY player. If you already have your own player, it's £50 per year. For further info, visit: rnib.org.uk/talkingbooks or call our Helpline.
DAISY audio books - made to order service:
Here's a list for September releases: Every month, 20 new titles are added to our DAISY collection. Each book is made to order, with no frills packaging and is priced according to length; £9.99 fitting on to one CD or £14.99 for those fitting on to two. All zero rated VAT. For a full listing visit our online shop
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Murder in Mesopotamia, Agatha Christie, £9.99 (803806)
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The Oxford book of English Ghost Stories, Michael Cox and RA Gilbert, £14.99 (803840)
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Doctor Who and the Genesis of the Daleks, Terrance Dicks, £9.99 (803459)
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Fall of Giants, Ken Follett, £14.99 (802953)
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Dragonfly in Amber, Diana Gabaldon, £14.99 (801375)
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Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons, £9.99 (803310)
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Star Signs, Linda Goodman, £9.99 (803810)
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The Shadows in the Street. Susan Hill, £9.99 (803842)
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New Optimum Nutrition Bible. Patrick Holford, £14.99 (803807)
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Fifty Shades of Grey, EL James, £9.99 (803571)
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Watermelon, Marian Keyes, £9.99 (801361)
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Dreamcatcher, Stephen King, £14.99 (803813)
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Along came a Spider, James Patterson £9.99 (800123)
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Hogfather, Terry Pratchett, £9.99, (803809)
General interest
Children's titles
How our volunteers can help you
The work of volunteers is vital to our success at RNIB. They can help you set up and use technology on a day to day basis including mobile phones, computers, install your digital set top box and much more. Our volunteers will visit you in the comfort of your home or community to assist you. If you could do with their help, call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
How to order
Call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999. Fax 01733 375001. Email shop@rnib.org.uk or visit our Online Shop. Alternatively write to us at RNIB, PO Box 173, Peterborough PE2 6WS.
Lines are open 8.45 am - 5.30 pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these times, leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Prices listed include VAT at 20 per cent, except where there are two prices given. In this case, the lower price excludes VAT and applies to visually impaired individuals, resident in the UK, who are exempt from paying VAT on products that have been solely designed or adapted for their use.
New Product Guide, October 2012. Editor: Caroline Woodward
Published free, UK only, in braille, large print, electronically, on DAISY audio and the web bi-monthly by RNIB. Available overseas £0.80 per issue. Registered Charity No. 226227.
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