11-27-2003, 08:00 AM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,060
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PhatWare Upgrades Calligrapher
Whenever I get a new Pocket PC or rebuild one after a hard reset, one of the very first applications I install is PhatWare's Calligrapher handwriting recognition program. We've debated ad nauseum about which of the various input methods is best, but for me handwriting recognition can't be beat. With a recent upgrade to v7.0, Calligrapher may become just as indispensible to you.
Along with its time-tested recognition capabilities, v7.0 includes:
� New Configuration Manager for multiple user configurations.
� Customizable, 24-button Soft Keyboard.
� New Customizable Toolbar.
� Improved Correction Window.
� Full On-Screen Keyboard.
� European language support.
� 40-Color Ink Palette.
� Improved Ink Speed and Recognition Quality.
With all of the additional customization that v7.0 offers, this looks really appealing. You can download a free demo or buy the full version for $29.95 from Handango.
One thing bothers me, though. PhatWare has historically given free upgrades to registered users of Calligrapher, but now only users who purchased v6.x AFTER September 1, 2003 are eligible. Everybody else must pay a $19.99 upgrade fee. I'm not saying that the enhancements aren't valuable, but for me the upgrade doesn't warrant an additional $19.99 fee. I MIGHT be willing to chip in a few bucks for this kind of maintenance upgrade, but the requested fee leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
In any event, give the upgrade a try, and let me know what you think...And whether you feel it's worth an extra 20 bucks.
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11-27-2003, 10:25 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 93
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how does this differ to Transcriber?
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11-27-2003, 12:29 PM
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Mystic
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,639
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I always wanted to use handwriting recognition but Transcriber and Calligrapher never quite worked for me and I would go back to Fitoily.
I installed the beta of Version 7 a while ago and have been doing really well with it.
Since I had never bought Calligrapher before and there is a discount for beta testers, it was an easy decision to buy it.
The only downside to me is that Calligrapher gestures don't work in Textmaker. I'm hoping that the two companies get together to correct this.
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11-27-2003, 02:08 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 159
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by dh
I always wanted to use handwriting recognition but Transcriber and Calligrapher never quite worked for me and I would go back to Fitoily.
I installed the beta of Version 7 a while ago and have been doing really well with it.
Since I had never bought Calligrapher before and there is a discount for beta testers, it was an easy decision to buy it.
The only downside to me is that Calligrapher gestures don't work in Textmaker. I'm hoping that the two companies get together to correct this.
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We are checking the interoperability at this very moment.
Martin Kotulla
SoftMaker Software GmbH
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11-27-2003, 02:52 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 20
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Quote:
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PhatWare has historically given free upgrades to registered users of Calligrapher
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One thing to keep in mind is that version 6 was released in July of 2001, and there have been at least 7 minor upgrades since then, so if you have owned it since July of 2001 it is probably time to charge for an upgrade. Your statement regarding enhancements and are they valuable current to owners is the real question. One important item to note is that scratchpad was removed from v7. Phatware's Phatpad offers this capability plus a lot more, but it is now an add-on.
Regards,
DaveR
Tips: As a die hard calligrapher user myself, gestures become extremely useful. Here are some of my favorites:
1) Quick correct. If you mispell a word, double tap on the word to select it, then stroke down and up quickly. This will give you a lookup of words to choose from.
2) Undo. A quick stroke up and down will undo your last change.
3) Keyboard pop-up. If nothing is selected, a quick down and up stroke will pop-up a keyboard. In the pop-up box, click on the keyboard icon and a keyboard appears. This is great for numbers, characters you have problems writing, etc...also, click on the pin if you want to anchor the window for multiple characters.
There are a lot more, these are just some of the more useful ones 
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11-27-2003, 03:03 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 93
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Still, what difference is there between this and transcriber.
Ive got really poor handwriting. I was either gonna become a doctor or get into computing with my handwriting.
It it faster than transcriber? more accurate? Settings wise it looks the same.
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11-27-2003, 03:46 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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So all Windows Mobile 2003 users (either new devices or upgrades) that have device lockups because they own Calligrapher 6.x that purchased it before September 2003 have to buy the upgrade to fix their device?
Bah. I'd be uninstalling all day long and using Transcriber. :bad-words:
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11-27-2003, 04:03 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 93
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Now theres a situation. Will they say
1. "Your right, our product dosnt work, heres an upgrade to version 7 sir"
2. "Your right, our product dosnt work, here an upgrade that makes v6 work"
3. "Thats your fault for upgrading, we suggest buying the new version"
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11-27-2003, 05:07 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 49
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i AGREE!
Its a very bad buisness idea to charge for an update that fixes such a large problem such as lock-up.
where did they get their customer support advise from....toshiba??
I think enough is enough with Phatware and I shall be switching back to transcriber.
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11-27-2003, 07:51 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 298
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I have to agree. After paying $30 to upgrade to Calligrapher last Spring, I find it incredibly distasteful that 8 months later I have to pay ANOTHER $20 to upgrade to version 7. I would pay $5 or maybe $10, but now Phatware will just lose another customer.
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Linear Mode
