11-19-2002, 04:00 PM
|
|
Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
|
|
Text Entry Methods?
Since starting to use an XDA on the trusty Fido network, I'm doing a lot more text entry on my Pocket PC. I wish it had an integrated keyboard a la Treo - I agreed with that part of Walt Mossbergs assessment at least. The add on ones look ok, but I've always found the "bottom loader" keyboards a bit clunky (the "snap over" Jornada keyboard was a thing of beauty). But back to the subject at hand - I'm looking for a new method of text entry because the hunt and peck keyboard is starting to drive me insane. I've looked at Fitaly in the past, and found it too confusing, but I didn't give it a fair chance. I'm also looking at WordLogic. I'm willing to put in the training time needed to get up to speed with a solid interface. Any suggestions?
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 04:20 PM
|
|
Sage
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 717
|
|
While pecking is a very user friendly menthod of doing text, it is not a very efficient one if you are on the go - like driving for example. It is very accurate but slow. I persnally have been more than happy with SPB Full Screen Keyboard. It works great for me and for doing a lot of text it is quite efficient. You can also do it with one hand and if you have to keep your eyes on the road the letters are big enough to find them easily. SPB does it for me - until I find something better like a decent speech to text software.
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 04:22 PM
|
|
Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
|
|
FITALY! :lol:
I was like you. I tried FITALY in the fall of 1999 with my Nino and gave up on it. Gave me headaches trying to find letters. When I got my iPAQ I found myself using it more and more and Character Recognizer wasn't (and still isn't) as good as JOT was. So I tried FITALY again and stuck with it. Now, I am in the 40wpm range and the benefit of having shortcuts, macros and so many symbols one click away are enormous.
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 04:23 PM
|
|
Sage
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 813
|
|
Still never given Fitaly a run after reading about the learning curve required. I have been using Wordlogic for months now and it really does take the standard soft keyboard forward a few steps. If you don't want to spend the time getting to grips with a complex entry method, Wordlogic seems like the best of the soft keyboards in my eyes.
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 04:50 PM
|
|
Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 22
|
|
FITALY really is the way...
The real power is in the shortcuts. You may be familiar with the idea of dragging up from a key on the soft keyboard to capitalize the letter. Imagine that on steroids and you'll start to get the idea.
Personally, I have drag macros defined for my email (drag right from the "e"), my company name (drag right from the "v"), my full name (drag right from the "t"), my short name (drag left from the "t"), the phrase "Pocket PC" (drag right from "p") you get the idea...
Using the macros, FITALY is undeniably the fastest input method I've used, and I highly recommend it. The learning curve was MUCH less than I expected once I relaxed and just went with it. I type at around 95wpm so typing on a QWERTY keyboard with one finger is mind numbing anyway.
The BEST solution would be something like the Zaurus, but they probably have that patented and have some religiously fanatic view against Pocket PC so we'll probably never see the slide-n-hide style keyboard until Sharp comes to their senses.
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 04:56 PM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 78
|
|
I tried (and quite liked) Scott Seligman's KeyStrokeCE (the main reason for stopping using it was I use my iPaq on the train and the ride isn't smooth enough for any soft entry system I've found to be particularly usable :? ).
However, you *must* have a screen protector if you use it a lot. I have a nice little mark now where the central point was because I didn't. I do now though...
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 05:03 PM
|
|
Intellectual
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 141
|
|
Besides using an snap-on keyboard, which most of the time I don't carry or forget to carry  ops: , I end up using SPB Full Screen Keyboard. I wrote a review of it here if it helps. It like any input method takes some getting used to and has a slight learning curve.
Another great way is the pocketop keyboard I got a review of that too here it is cool in that it is wireless (IR) and can be used with just about any pda out there. Their new drivers are big improvement over the ones that shipped with it, in that it allows for on the fly screen rotation, but requires a soft reset like NYDITOT when switching to landscape,sound feedback, macros,and brightness control in a cool toolbar that wasn't available before. They also a COMDEX promotion Until November 24, the keyboard will be only $79. If you got a spare pocket this device is great!
That's my 2cents with 3 cents change...
Hope it helps!! 
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 05:13 PM
|
|
Pupil
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 31
|
|
quikwrite
I am not sure how many people have heard of this one, but its pretty nifty. http://mrl.nyu.edu/projects/quikwriting/ The drawback its is great for short stuff and you can do it fast, but for a whole page, nothing beats a keyboard. Its pretty different than anything I have seen, but that's why it works IMO.
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 05:14 PM
|
|
Pupil
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 11
|
|
I find using Access Panel Platinum enhances whatever data entry method I choose. The program is particularly useful when I have to document time, respond to e-mail, or enter large amounts of repetitive data. The pre-pocket pc version had a phone dialer, too, but they were not able to include it in the latest version due to programming difficulties.
When I know I have to enter a ton of data, I also carry my Zaurus for good measure. The word processor is of better quality than Pocket Word and the keyboard comes in handy. When the meeting gets boring, I play Asteroids on the Zaurus.
|
| |
|
|
|
11-19-2002, 05:15 PM
|
|
Ponderer
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 51
|
|
I personally use fitaly. It's worth the effort. On the topic of the Pocketop - it doesn't work with the XDA. I have one, and I'm waiting for the drivers. I hope they're making them!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
