Hi,
I've asked several comp stores but they have all given me different
answers. I wanted to know can you use the stylus pen as an input into any
program that you want ? E.g. when I fill out the form to sign up for hotmail,
instead of typing in the data can i just write into it or write into an excel
worksheet or write into this msg box ?

In message <BD0DCFF7-7549-4659-8B77-CAA97C126EDB@microsoft.com>, Dan
<Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
>Hi,
> I've asked several comp stores but they have all given me different
>answers. I wanted to know can you use the stylus pen as an input into any
>program that you want ? E.g. when I fill out the form to sign up for hotmail,
>instead of typing in the data can i just write into it or write into an excel
>worksheet or write into this msg box ?
Yes - and No

Yes in that for any program that uses text input, you write into a panel
(TIP-Text Input Panel) that appears when you put the cursor into the
input box. The panel translates your handwriting to text and then
inserts the text into the waiting program.

YES in that some programs understand and can deal with the inked
handwriting directly (One Note is the best example I know)

NO in that only programs that have been designed to deal with
handwriting directly can deal with the ink, the others need the TIP to
do the translation.

For your three examples , the TIP will work fine to fill out the Hotmail
form, or fill in the message box. It does work with Excel but using a
spreadsheet with the TIP is probably the worst experience on a Tablet
that I know.

Regards
--
Peter R Cook

Thanks for reply Peter. What is the best tablet out there for this usage. I
work with IE and Excel alot, I need something that can do it fast, very fast.
Time is of the essence in my work so I'm wandering if its worth the effort to
get a tablet ? I'm thinking that with a tablet I can navigate IE faster as i
don't need to move the cursor from one place to another, since I can just
point and click. I like the Fujitsu ST5112 but its U processor does concern
me.

"Invalid" wrote:

> In message <BD0DCFF7-7549-4659-8B77-CAA97C126EDB@microsoft.com>, Dan
> <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
> >Hi,
> > I've asked several comp stores but they have all given me different
> >answers. I wanted to know can you use the stylus pen as an input into any
> >program that you want ? E.g. when I fill out the form to sign up for hotmail,
> >instead of typing in the data can i just write into it or write into an excel
> >worksheet or write into this msg box ?
> Yes - and No
>
> Yes in that for any program that uses text input, you write into a panel
> (TIP-Text Input Panel) that appears when you put the cursor into the
> input box. The panel translates your handwriting to text and then
> inserts the text into the waiting program.
>
> YES in that some programs understand and can deal with the inked
> handwriting directly (One Note is the best example I know)
>
> NO in that only programs that have been designed to deal with
> handwriting directly can deal with the ink, the others need the TIP to
> do the translation.
>
> For your three examples , the TIP will work fine to fill out the Hotmail
> form, or fill in the message box. It does work with Excel but using a
> spreadsheet with the TIP is probably the worst experience on a Tablet
> that I know.
>
> Regards
> --
> Peter R Cook
>

>> I need something that can do it fast, very fast. <<

Would help to know some specifics about your need... i.e. new worksheets
or modifying existings ones... what type of work, insurance adjusting,
accident reporting, etc, what type of entries... numbers, check boxes,
words and the percentages of each, etc, etc, ...the more info the better.

>> What is the best... <<

Two thoughts on that... first, the user experience level will have a
major impact on speed. If you can take the time to practice, you should
be able to approach or meet keyboard speed.

The tablet may not be the best. In my mobile experience, a pocketpc has
normally been a better input device for several reasons... it includes
pocket excel and pocket internet explorer (PIE), five default stylus
input options and most current models offer a thumb keyboard.

The ppc compromises include lack of full pc power, the need to sync or
transmit the data to a host and a small screen, but offsets that with
small size, ease of handheld use and ruggedness compared to a tablet. A
key question here is if the data needs to be processed in the field or not.

>> excel <<

I'm not a power excel user, but a couple of thoughts.

The "floating tip" should be avoided here... you can tap any cell, then
immediately use the docked tip to input... for editing, you do need the
stylus for the insert point. I have found that the "number pad" on the
tip is essential for numeric input.

Same for IE, learning to use the stylus just to set the insert point,
then the docked tip to input.

Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]

In message <7C6FE7CA-7CE2-4E39-A801-6AC14036B0CD@microsoft.com>, Dan
<Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
>Thanks for reply Peter. What is the best tablet out there for this usage. I
>work with IE and Excel alot, I need something that can do it fast, very fast.
>Time is of the essence in my work so I'm wandering if its worth the effort to
>get a tablet ? I'm thinking that with a tablet I can navigate IE faster as i
>don't need to move the cursor from one place to another, since I can just
>point and click. I like the Fujitsu ST5112 but its U processor does concern
>me.
>
>"Invalid" wrote:
>
>> In message <BD0DCFF7-7549-4659-8B77-CAA97C126EDB@microsoft.com>, Dan
>> <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
>> >Hi,
>> > I've asked several comp stores but they have all given me different
>> >answers. I wanted to know can you use the stylus pen as an input into any
>> >program that you want ? E.g. when I fill out the form to sign up for
>> >hotmail,
>> >instead of typing in the data can i just write into it or write into
>> >excel
>> >worksheet or write into this msg box ?
>> Yes - and No
>>
>> Yes in that for any program that uses text input, you write into a panel
>> (TIP-Text Input Panel) that appears when you put the cursor into the
>> input box. The panel translates your handwriting to text and then
>> inserts the text into the waiting program.
>>
>> YES in that some programs understand and can deal with the inked
>> handwriting directly (One Note is the best example I know)
>>
>> NO in that only programs that have been designed to deal with
>> handwriting directly can deal with the ink, the others need the TIP to
>> do the translation.
>>
>> For your three examples , the TIP will work fine to fill out the Hotmail
>> form, or fill in the message box. It does work with Excel but using a
>> spreadsheet with the TIP is probably the worst experience on a Tablet
>> that I know.
>>
>> Regards
>> --
>> Peter R Cook
>>
If speed (either your input or the processor) is the key, stick to a
conventional PC with a keyboard - ESPECIALLY with Excel. The Tablet TIP
attempts to turn what you write into text, it is/can be context
sensitive so that it will, for example, avoid trying to parse an URL
into English. Excel does not seem to set the context - so it tries to
interpret formulae written in the TIP as written English and mangles
them. It's not a lot better with numbers! You end up entering formulae
and data one letter/number at a time. (there is a cheap shareware TIP
extension (TipX) for Excel that can help with the data entry, it makes
it feel a bit like writing numbers into cells - but its far from ideal).

A tablet with its stylus excels (pun intended!) at several things but if
you are sitting at a desk using Excel, or inputting significant text
(i.e. writing) I would always use a keyboard and a mouse.

The Tablet does excel at

1) Mobility, a tablet is easier to hold and easier to use with one hand
than a laptop when standing, walking about. Hold the tablet in the crook
of one arm and write with the other.

2) Reading (especially portrait format) documents. The ability to rotate
the display into portrait mode, and sit back in an easy chair reading
one page at a time like a regular magazine without the keyboard sticking
in your chest or balancing it all on your knee is brilliant. You can
also annotate the documents with the stylus just as you would with a
pen/highlighter.

3) Taking notes in meetings. The ability to lay the tablet flat on the
desk and write on it with a pen means you can interact with your
customer/patient/colleague without looking at them over the top of a 12
inch high (usually black!) blank wall formed by the laptop's display.

4) As a presentation tool. The ability to show a customer or colleague a
presentation on the tablet while sitting opposite them, and without
sticking the keyboard in their face to do so is a great advantage.

5) Browsing the web when sitting anywhere other than at a desk. The
stylus's ability to point and click using the display area instead of
needing a separate space for the mouse is a real advantage.

6) Sketching and drawing. The ink and paint appear where your fingers
put the pen, hand eye co-ordination is much easier than using a mouse to
sketch.

7) As a "smart board" when teaching. Connect the tablet to an
e-projector, and the students can see what you write, see your
annotations on the slides etc.

As long as your input to output ratio is low (a few characters or
words/minute input and lots of reading) then a tablet is brilliant. If
you are doing ANY volume of input - use a keyboard. If you want to do
both, then a convertible tablet is good - just a bit heavier when you
use it as a tablet.

I personally use a slate tablet when sitting reading/browsing or when
out and about. I carry a separate folding USB keyboard that can be
pressed into service in emergencies in my briefcase.

When writing at home, I use a real desktop machine (big display, real
keyboard) although a separate keyboard and desk stand work reasonably
well.

For anything the tablet is really useful for, the U processor should be
fine, and plenty fast enough. I have two slates with 1Ghz and 1.5Ghz
Pentium M processors. They are fine. The real problem is the slow
5400rpm disks. Lost of memory is good. However if what you want is a
powerful desktop replacement - number crunching, modelling etc., then
my advice would probably be to go a different route - tablets are
expensive as computing machines.

Hope this helps.


--
Peter R Cook

Hi Beverly,
My excel usuage is very simple, I just need to enter some data into some
cells that's already contained formulas in them, they are simple formulas.
But my IE usage is abit more since i need to constantly login of accounts
(could be solved with the fingerprint login) I'm happy with my current
arrangement, it just that its annoying sometime when you in a rush and the
mouse does not behave as you wanted it to so I thought it be easier if I
point and click.

"Beverly Howard [Ms-MVP/MobileDev]" wrote:

> >> I need something that can do it fast, very fast. <<
>
> Would help to know some specifics about your need... i.e. new worksheets
> or modifying existings ones... what type of work, insurance adjusting,
> accident reporting, etc, what type of entries... numbers, check boxes,
> words and the percentages of each, etc, etc, ...the more info the better.
>
> >> What is the best... <<
>
> Two thoughts on that... first, the user experience level will have a
> major impact on speed. If you can take the time to practice, you should
> be able to approach or meet keyboard speed.
>
> The tablet may not be the best. In my mobile experience, a pocketpc has
> normally been a better input device for several reasons... it includes
> pocket excel and pocket internet explorer (PIE), five default stylus
> input options and most current models offer a thumb keyboard.
>
> The ppc compromises include lack of full pc power, the need to sync or
> transmit the data to a host and a small screen, but offsets that with
> small size, ease of handheld use and ruggedness compared to a tablet. A
> key question here is if the data needs to be processed in the field or not.
>
> >> excel <<
>
> I'm not a power excel user, but a couple of thoughts.
>
> The "floating tip" should be avoided here... you can tap any cell, then
> immediately use the docked tip to input... for editing, you do need the
> stylus for the insert point. I have found that the "number pad" on the
> tip is essential for numeric input.
>
> Same for IE, learning to use the stylus just to set the insert point,
> then the docked tip to input.
>
> Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]
>
>
>
>

"Invalid" wrote:

> In message <7C6FE7CA-7CE2-4E39-A801-6AC14036B0CD@microsoft.com>, Dan
> <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
> >Thanks for reply Peter. What is the best tablet out there for this usage. I
> >work with IE and Excel alot, I need something that can do it fast, very fast.
> >Time is of the essence in my work so I'm wandering if its worth the effort to
> >get a tablet ? I'm thinking that with a tablet I can navigate IE faster as i
> >don't need to move the cursor from one place to another, since I can just
> >point and click. I like the Fujitsu ST5112 but its U processor does concern
> >me.
> >
> >"Invalid" wrote:
> >
> >> In message <BD0DCFF7-7549-4659-8B77-CAA97C126EDB@microsoft.com>, Dan
> >> <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
> >> >Hi,
> >> > I've asked several comp stores but they have all given me different
> >> >answers. I wanted to know can you use the stylus pen as an input into any
> >> >program that you want ? E.g. when I fill out the form to sign up for
> >> >hotmail,
> >> >instead of typing in the data can i just write into it or write into
> >> >excel
> >> >worksheet or write into this msg box ?
> >> Yes - and No
> >>
> >> Yes in that for any program that uses text input, you write into a panel
> >> (TIP-Text Input Panel) that appears when you put the cursor into the
> >> input box. The panel translates your handwriting to text and then
> >> inserts the text into the waiting program.
> >>
> >> YES in that some programs understand and can deal with the inked
> >> handwriting directly (One Note is the best example I know)
> >>
> >> NO in that only programs that have been designed to deal with
> >> handwriting directly can deal with the ink, the others need the TIP to
> >> do the translation.
> >>
> >> For your three examples , the TIP will work fine to fill out the Hotmail
> >> form, or fill in the message box. It does work with Excel but using a
> >> spreadsheet with the TIP is probably the worst experience on a Tablet
> >> that I know.
> >>
> >> Regards
> >> --
> >> Peter R Cook
> >>
> If speed (either your input or the processor) is the key, stick to a
> conventional PC with a keyboard - ESPECIALLY with Excel. The Tablet TIP
> attempts to turn what you write into text, it is/can be context
> sensitive so that it will, for example, avoid trying to parse an URL
> into English. Excel does not seem to set the context - so it tries to
> interpret formulae written in the TIP as written English and mangles
> them. It's not a lot better with numbers! You end up entering formulae
> and data one letter/number at a time. (there is a cheap shareware TIP
> extension (TipX) for Excel that can help with the data entry, it makes
> it feel a bit like writing numbers into cells - but its far from ideal).
>
> A tablet with its stylus excels (pun intended!) at several things but if
> you are sitting at a desk using Excel, or inputting significant text
> (i.e. writing) I would always use a keyboard and a mouse.
>
> The Tablet does excel at
>
> 1) Mobility, a tablet is easier to hold and easier to use with one hand
> than a laptop when standing, walking about. Hold the tablet in the crook
> of one arm and write with the other.
>
> 2) Reading (especially portrait format) documents. The ability to rotate
> the display into portrait mode, and sit back in an easy chair reading
> one page at a time like a regular magazine without the keyboard sticking
> in your chest or balancing it all on your knee is brilliant. You can
> also annotate the documents with the stylus just as you would with a
> pen/highlighter.
>
> 3) Taking notes in meetings. The ability to lay the tablet flat on the
> desk and write on it with a pen means you can interact with your
> customer/patient/colleague without looking at them over the top of a 12
> inch high (usually black!) blank wall formed by the laptop's display.
>
> 4) As a presentation tool. The ability to show a customer or colleague a
> presentation on the tablet while sitting opposite them, and without
> sticking the keyboard in their face to do so is a great advantage.
>
> 5) Browsing the web when sitting anywhere other than at a desk. The
> stylus's ability to point and click using the display area instead of
> needing a separate space for the mouse is a real advantage.
>
> 6) Sketching and drawing. The ink and paint appear where your fingers
> put the pen, hand eye co-ordination is much easier than using a mouse to
> sketch.
>
> 7) As a "smart board" when teaching. Connect the tablet to an
> e-projector, and the students can see what you write, see your
> annotations on the slides etc.
>
> As long as your input to output ratio is low (a few characters or
> words/minute input and lots of reading) then a tablet is brilliant. If
> you are doing ANY volume of input - use a keyboard. If you want to do
> both, then a convertible tablet is good - just a bit heavier when you
> use it as a tablet.
>
> I personally use a slate tablet when sitting reading/browsing or when
> out and about. I carry a separate folding USB keyboard that can be
> pressed into service in emergencies in my briefcase.
>
> When writing at home, I use a real desktop machine (big display, real
> keyboard) although a separate keyboard and desk stand work reasonably
> well.
>
> For anything the tablet is really useful for, the U processor should be
> fine, and plenty fast enough. I have two slates with 1Ghz and 1.5Ghz
> Pentium M processors. They are fine. The real problem is the slow
> 5400rpm disks. Lost of memory is good. However if what you want is a
> powerful desktop replacement - number crunching, modelling etc., then
> my advice would probably be to go a different route - tablets are
> expensive as computing machines.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
>
> --
> Peter R Cook
>

You know its interesting how Ms is pushing all this tablet stuff but it
won't even work properly in its own program. My input is very small, few
numbers at a time and no formulas but i do need to do it fast and accurate. I
don't know how people like to read stuff on the comp screen, I usually just
print it off and read it as it won't strain my eyes. Anyway, thanks for the
information, appreciated!! :)

"Dan" <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:7136FC09-0113-4A63-888B-C53930BD65C4@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Invalid" wrote:
>
>> In message <7C6FE7CA-7CE2-4E39-A801-6AC14036B0CD@microsoft.com>, Dan
>> <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
>> >Thanks for reply Peter. What is the best tablet out there for this
>> >usage. I
>> >work with IE and Excel alot, I need something that can do it fast, very
>> >fast.
>> >Time is of the essence in my work so I'm wandering if its worth the
>> >effort to
>> >get a tablet ? I'm thinking that with a tablet I can navigate IE faster
>> >as i
>> >don't need to move the cursor from one place to another, since I can
>> >just
>> >point and click. I like the Fujitsu ST5112 but its U processor does
>> >concern
>> >me.
>> >
>> >"Invalid" wrote:
>> >
>> >> In message <BD0DCFF7-7549-4659-8B77-CAA97C126EDB@microsoft.com>, Dan
>> >> <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> writes
>> >> >Hi,
>> >> > I've asked several comp stores but they have all given me different
>> >> >answers. I wanted to know can you use the stylus pen as an input into
>> >> >any
>> >> >program that you want ? E.g. when I fill out the form to sign up for
>> >> >hotmail,
>> >> >instead of typing in the data can i just write into it or write into
>> >> >excel
>> >> >worksheet or write into this msg box ?
>> >> Yes - and No
>> >>
>> >> Yes in that for any program that uses text input, you write into a
>> >> panel
>> >> (TIP-Text Input Panel) that appears when you put the cursor into the
>> >> input box. The panel translates your handwriting to text and then
>> >> inserts the text into the waiting program.
>> >>
>> >> YES in that some programs understand and can deal with the inked
>> >> handwriting directly (One Note is the best example I know)
>> >>
>> >> NO in that only programs that have been designed to deal with
>> >> handwriting directly can deal with the ink, the others need the TIP to
>> >> do the translation.
>> >>
>> >> For your three examples , the TIP will work fine to fill out the
>> >> Hotmail
>> >> form, or fill in the message box. It does work with Excel but using a
>> >> spreadsheet with the TIP is probably the worst experience on a Tablet
>> >> that I know.
>> >>
>> >> Regards
>> >> --
>> >> Peter R Cook
>> >>
>> If speed (either your input or the processor) is the key, stick to a
>> conventional PC with a keyboard - ESPECIALLY with Excel. The Tablet TIP
>> attempts to turn what you write into text, it is/can be context
>> sensitive so that it will, for example, avoid trying to parse an URL
>> into English. Excel does not seem to set the context - so it tries to
>> interpret formulae written in the TIP as written English and mangles
>> them. It's not a lot better with numbers! You end up entering formulae
>> and data one letter/number at a time. (there is a cheap shareware TIP
>> extension (TipX) for Excel that can help with the data entry, it makes
>> it feel a bit like writing numbers into cells - but its far from ideal).
>>
>> A tablet with its stylus excels (pun intended!) at several things but if
>> you are sitting at a desk using Excel, or inputting significant text
>> (i.e. writing) I would always use a keyboard and a mouse.
>>
>> The Tablet does excel at
>>
>> 1) Mobility, a tablet is easier to hold and easier to use with one hand
>> than a laptop when standing, walking about. Hold the tablet in the crook
>> of one arm and write with the other.
>>
>> 2) Reading (especially portrait format) documents. The ability to rotate
>> the display into portrait mode, and sit back in an easy chair reading
>> one page at a time like a regular magazine without the keyboard sticking
>> in your chest or balancing it all on your knee is brilliant. You can
>> also annotate the documents with the stylus just as you would with a
>> pen/highlighter.
>>
>> 3) Taking notes in meetings. The ability to lay the tablet flat on the
>> desk and write on it with a pen means you can interact with your
>> customer/patient/colleague without looking at them over the top of a 12
>> inch high (usually black!) blank wall formed by the laptop's display.
>>
>> 4) As a presentation tool. The ability to show a customer or colleague a
>> presentation on the tablet while sitting opposite them, and without
>> sticking the keyboard in their face to do so is a great advantage.
>>
>> 5) Browsing the web when sitting anywhere other than at a desk. The
>> stylus's ability to point and click using the display area instead of
>> needing a separate space for the mouse is a real advantage.
>>
>> 6) Sketching and drawing. The ink and paint appear where your fingers
>> put the pen, hand eye co-ordination is much easier than using a mouse to
>> sketch.
>>
>> 7) As a "smart board" when teaching. Connect the tablet to an
>> e-projector, and the students can see what you write, see your
>> annotations on the slides etc.
>>
>> As long as your input to output ratio is low (a few characters or
>> words/minute input and lots of reading) then a tablet is brilliant. If
>> you are doing ANY volume of input - use a keyboard. If you want to do
>> both, then a convertible tablet is good - just a bit heavier when you
>> use it as a tablet.
>>
>> I personally use a slate tablet when sitting reading/browsing or when
>> out and about. I carry a separate folding USB keyboard that can be
>> pressed into service in emergencies in my briefcase.
>>
>> When writing at home, I use a real desktop machine (big display, real
>> keyboard) although a separate keyboard and desk stand work reasonably
>> well.
>>
>> For anything the tablet is really useful for, the U processor should be
>> fine, and plenty fast enough. I have two slates with 1Ghz and 1.5Ghz
>> Pentium M processors. They are fine. The real problem is the slow
>> 5400rpm disks. Lost of memory is good. However if what you want is a
>> powerful desktop replacement - number crunching, modelling etc., then
>> my advice would probably be to go a different route - tablets are
>> expensive as computing machines.
>>
>> Hope this helps.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Peter R Cook
>>
>
> You know its interesting how Ms is pushing all this tablet stuff but it
> won't even work properly in its own program. My input is very small, few
> numbers at a time and no formulas but i do need to do it fast and
> accurate. I
> don't know how people like to read stuff on the comp screen, I usually
> just
> print it off and read it as it won't strain my eyes. Anyway, thanks for
> the
> information, appreciated!! :)

Take a look at TipX - Tablet Input Panel for Excel here:
<http://www.inkenable.com/tipx/Overview.aspx>
I haven't used this product but looks like it might meet your needs.

And for speedy access to web sites and much more check out Active Words:
<http://activewords.com/>
This is a great time saver that allows you to assign many different tasks
(accessing a web site) to a word or combination of letters. It is ink
enabled so on a tablet you can simply write the word and it will carry out
your task. On a desktop or laptop you simply press two keys and type in
your word. I can write G and it opens my browser to Google or I can write
SP and it opens my browser to a SharePoint site.

There appears to be trial version of both.

Is there a reason you can't use stored logins in IE?

If there is a security reason Mozilla/Firefox uses a master password
schema which allows stored logins, but protects all of them when you log
out of the master profile password.

In addition to that, I use macros for places where I need more
control... example;

tap into userid field
press hardware button assigned to launch macro menu
one or two taps to select login
macro types userid, then <tab>, then it types password plus <enter>

Details on the macro program I use at <http://bevhoward.com/WinTools.htm>

hth,
Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]

Engineering is a compromise... a full keyboard on a desk next to a
comfortable chair is always the ideal setup for input, but, a tablet or
ppc is there many times when a computer with a keyboard is not...

laptop on a desk, laptop on a lap, tablet on a lap, tablet on an arm,
pocketpc in hand... that's descending order of input desirability as
well as ascending order of mobile functionality and portability.

We humans adapt, and adapt pretty well... one of my favorites was a guy
who hung his laptop from his belt over his abdomen and could input as
well as at a desk... although he's likely to encounter back problems as
he ages ;-)

Input on a pocketpc is a pain, but, over the years I've gotten pretty
good at it.

The more I use a tablet (far less than I want to) the better I get at
leveraging it's input capabilities. Even so, if I had a mobile job
primarily entering values into excel and logging on to websites, a ppc
would be my choice in a heartbeat... no contest.

Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]