This tablet pc Input Panel stinks. I totally disagree with Jeff Van West’s
article Oct 21, 2004 about “Using the input panel�. My Toshiba M200 had an
OK input panel before, Now it is destroyed.
Before:
1) I was able to have input panel open all the time. This allowed me to
highlight text I wanted to change and change it without having to open the
input panel each time.
2) I was able, through Accessibility Options, to have an onscreen keyboard
open along with the input panel.
3) I was able to put them both on one side of the screen and work on a
document on the other.
4) I was able to size both my input panel and onscreen keyboard so they did
not overlap the document I was working on.
5) I was even able to have a third input panel open with symbols so that I
did not have to hit shift on the onscreen keyboard to get to them.

Now:
1) The input panel or onscreen key board is stretched out at the bottom or
top of the screen. This does not work.
2) The floating Option does not stay open. Every edit it seems like you
need 3-4 strokes to get your edit done.
3) There is no longer an option the have an onscreen keyboard open at the
same time as the input panel. The is no symbol option you can open.
4) There is no way to size the onscreen keyboard or input panel so that it
dose not over lap with the document you are trying to edit.

Anyone who has to take notes or edit word documents I think would agree.
This new Tablet input option is far worse that then old. I appreciate some
of the functionality that Microsoft tried to add (extra lines, word
recognition etc) however the functionality that one has to give up is far
greater that what one is getting. Does anyone know how to get around these
problems? How can I get rid of Service Pack 2 and get back to at least my
old functionality?

You can uninstall SP2, but that will also remove all the security updates
that came with it, leaving your computer very vulnerable.

One thing that might help, check your Tablet Input Panel options and see if
it's set to automatically insert text. If it is, change it, then you'll be
able to do your editing right in the TIP. It's not going to solve all your
complaints, but it may help enough that you start to see other options.

--
Terri Stratton
Editor / Owner
http://thetabletpc.net
http://themediacenterpc.net
Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC

"Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:61400D80-C1D9-4FEF-8366-935CB3E21F54@microsoft.com...
> This tablet pc Input Panel stinks. I totally disagree with Jeff Van West’s
> article Oct 21, 2004 about “Using the input panel�. My Toshiba M200 had
> an
> OK input panel before, Now it is destroyed.
> Before:
> 1) I was able to have input panel open all the time. This allowed me to
> highlight text I wanted to change and change it without having to open the
> input panel each time.
> 2) I was able, through Accessibility Options, to have an onscreen keyboard
> open along with the input panel.
> 3) I was able to put them both on one side of the screen and work on a
> document on the other.
> 4) I was able to size both my input panel and onscreen keyboard so they
> did
> not overlap the document I was working on.
> 5) I was even able to have a third input panel open with symbols so that I
> did not have to hit shift on the onscreen keyboard to get to them.
>
> Now:
> 1) The input panel or onscreen key board is stretched out at the bottom or
> top of the screen. This does not work.
> 2) The floating Option does not stay open. Every edit it seems like you
> need 3-4 strokes to get your edit done.
> 3) There is no longer an option the have an onscreen keyboard open at the
> same time as the input panel. The is no symbol option you can open.
> 4) There is no way to size the onscreen keyboard or input panel so that it
> dose not over lap with the document you are trying to edit.
>
> Anyone who has to take notes or edit word documents I think would agree.
> This new Tablet input option is far worse that then old. I appreciate
> some
> of the functionality that Microsoft tried to add (extra lines, word
> recognition etc) however the functionality that one has to give up is far
> greater that what one is getting. Does anyone know how to get around
> these
> problems? How can I get rid of Service Pack 2 and get back to at least my
> old functionality?
>

I would have to agree to an extent. I too can see that some improvement
still needs to be made on TIP. I mean, I do like the new TIP but beamy able
to have a floating TIP is a must. I was just using a support chat room that
used java and the TIP would not automatically open so I was stuck using the
tip at the very bottom of the screen.What a pain. Just give me the option of
keeping the floating TIP open and I'll be happy.

"terri" <support@thetabletpc.net> wrote in message
news:udNeKhFyEHA.3376@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> You can uninstall SP2, but that will also remove all the security updates
> that came with it, leaving your computer very vulnerable.
>
> One thing that might help, check your Tablet Input Panel options and see
> if it's set to automatically insert text. If it is, change it, then
> you'll be able to do your editing right in the TIP. It's not going to
> solve all your complaints, but it may help enough that you start to see
> other options.
>
> --
> Terri Stratton
> Editor / Owner
> http://thetabletpc.net
> http://themediacenterpc.net
> Microsoft Windows MVP / Tablet PC
>
> "Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:61400D80-C1D9-4FEF-8366-935CB3E21F54@microsoft.com...
>> This tablet pc Input Panel stinks. I totally disagree with Jeff Van West's
>> article Oct 21, 2004 about "Using the input panel". My Toshiba M200 had
>> an
>> OK input panel before, Now it is destroyed.
>> Before:
>> 1) I was able to have input panel open all the time. This allowed me to
>> highlight text I wanted to change and change it without having to open
>> the
>> input panel each time.
>> 2) I was able, through Accessibility Options, to have an onscreen
>> keyboard
>> open along with the input panel.
>> 3) I was able to put them both on one side of the screen and work on a
>> document on the other.
>> 4) I was able to size both my input panel and onscreen keyboard so they
>> did
>> not overlap the document I was working on.
>> 5) I was even able to have a third input panel open with symbols so that
>> I
>> did not have to hit shift on the onscreen keyboard to get to them.
>>
>> Now:
>> 1) The input panel or onscreen key board is stretched out at the bottom
>> or
>> top of the screen. This does not work.
>> 2) The floating Option does not stay open. Every edit it seems like you
>> need 3-4 strokes to get your edit done.
>> 3) There is no longer an option the have an onscreen keyboard open at the
>> same time as the input panel. The is no symbol option you can open.
>> 4) There is no way to size the onscreen keyboard or input panel so that
>> it
>> dose not over lap with the document you are trying to edit.
>>
>> Anyone who has to take notes or edit word documents I think would agree.
>> This new Tablet input option is far worse that then old. I appreciate
>> some
>> of the functionality that Microsoft tried to add (extra lines, word
>> recognition etc) however the functionality that one has to give up is far
>> greater that what one is getting. Does anyone know how to get around
>> these
>> problems? How can I get rid of Service Pack 2 and get back to at least
>> my
>> old functionality?
>>
>

The reason you weren't able to use the TIP is the program in which you were
attempting to use it is not written with context tagging to allow the TIP to
know it will accept input from Ink. It is not the TIP that isn't aware of
the input area, but the program not making the correct "here I am"
connection.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Steve Martin" <stevenmartin********.com> wrote in message
news:ePJnPvxyEHA.2788@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>I would have to agree to an extent. I too can see that some improvement
>still needs to be made on TIP. I mean, I do like the new TIP but beamy able
>to have a floating TIP is a must. I was just using a support chat room that
>used java and the TIP would not automatically open so I was stuck using the
>tip at the very bottom of the screen.What a pain. Just give me the option
>of keeping the floating TIP open and I'll be happy.

"Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
news:%232HI9QyyEHA.2316@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> The reason you weren't able to use the TIP is the program in which you
> were attempting to use it is not written with context tagging to allow the
> TIP to know it will accept input from Ink. It is not the TIP that isn't
> aware of the input area, but the program not making the correct "here I
> am" connection.
> --

Chris, we have been there... and it doesn't help...

what does help in these situations: use the osk (or On Screen Keyboard), it
will stay a flowed no problem. Just hook osk.exe up to one of the
programmable button (or put it on the quickstart toolbar) and voila.

(I know, what would really help is a undocked floating everywhere TIP that
doesn't need a 'here I am' as Chris calls it)

Alfred

I believe we're talking about the same thing, just in different terminology.
The option probably should be available for user selection of whether they
want to "anchor" the Tablet Input Panel anywhere on the desktop or not.

The main issue the more vocal people complained about the TIP being in the
way on the original Tablet PC Edition, so the creation of the TIP Access
icon (floating TIP) became the means to solve the problem. I think it would
be dandy if the option were available for the user to select.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Smeenk, A.D." <alfreds@dbs-at-nospam-at-nl> wrote in message
news:udjqQj9yEHA.2200@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>
> "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
> news:%232HI9QyyEHA.2316@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>> The reason you weren't able to use the TIP is the program in which you
>> were attempting to use it is not written with context tagging to allow
>> the TIP to know it will accept input from Ink. It is not the TIP that
>> isn't aware of the input area, but the program not making the correct
>> "here I am" connection.
>> --
>
> Chris, we have been there... and it doesn't help...
>
> what does help in these situations: use the osk (or On Screen Keyboard),
> it will stay a flowed no problem. Just hook osk.exe up to one of the
> programmable button (or put it on the quickstart toolbar) and voila.
>
> (I know, what would really help is a undocked floating everywhere TIP that
> doesn't need a 'here I am' as Chris calls it)
>
> Alfred
>

I also think that the user should some space be able to program some buttons
in TIP to open certain programs such as the on screen keyboard or whatever
else someone might need. I loved having the buttons on the Old minimized TIP
where I could quickly get to the symbols section. I am still not too sure
why they had to take features away. That is something that I have always
been impressed by with Microsoft; they generally give you a bunch of
different ways to accomplish the very same thing so the user can then decide
how they want to do it. So just put "write anywhere" back, and allow the
floating TIP that doesn't always require the "here I am" thingy. Let me
force it to stay open if I want it to stay open. I wouldn't think that these
things would be all that difficult to implement especially since they are
features that used to be there anyway. The place where it is crucial is when
doing remote desktop and terminal service sessions (most of the time for
me). In situations like this, they have actually reduced the functionality
of my tablet. Anyway, enough of my rambling. I'm sure they've heard this all
before. I don't stop by the group as often as I used to. Got too busy.

Thanks,
Steve

"Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
news:uJF2jr%23yEHA.352@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>I believe we're talking about the same thing, just in different
>terminology. The option probably should be available for user selection of
>whether they want to "anchor" the Tablet Input Panel anywhere on the
>desktop or not.
>
> The main issue the more vocal people complained about the TIP being in the
> way on the original Tablet PC Edition, so the creation of the TIP Access
> icon (floating TIP) became the means to solve the problem. I think it
> would be dandy if the option were available for the user to select.
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Smeenk, A.D." <alfreds@dbs-at-nospam-at-nl> wrote in message
> news:udjqQj9yEHA.2200@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>>
>> "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
>> news:%232HI9QyyEHA.2316@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>>> The reason you weren't able to use the TIP is the program in which you
>>> were attempting to use it is not written with context tagging to allow
>>> the TIP to know it will accept input from Ink. It is not the TIP that
>>> isn't aware of the input area, but the program not making the correct
>>> "here I am" connection.
>>> --
>>
>> Chris, we have been there... and it doesn't help...
>>
>> what does help in these situations: use the osk (or On Screen Keyboard),
>> it will stay a flowed no problem. Just hook osk.exe up to one of the
>> programmable button (or put it on the quickstart toolbar) and voila.
>>
>> (I know, what would really help is a undocked floating everywhere TIP
>> that doesn't need a 'here I am' as Chris calls it)
>>
>> Alfred
>>
>
>

You can program your Tablet buttons for certain functions, Steve, including
Launch an Application in Control Panel/Tablet and Pen Settings/Tablet
Buttons tab.

The Tablet Input Panel in both Writing Pad and Character Pad mode has the
"Sym" button for your symbols.

Microsoft is well aware of the remote session issues, and last I heard are
working on them. However, the behavior apparently needs to be fixed not on
"our" side, but in the various setups where we remote into "there."
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Steve Martin" <stevenmartin********.com> wrote in message
news:%23DwoMSS0EHA.1392@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>I also think that the user should some space be able to program some
>buttons in TIP to open certain programs such as the on screen keyboard or
>whatever else someone might need. I loved having the buttons on the Old
>minimized TIP where I could quickly get to the symbols section. I am still
>not too sure why they had to take features away. That is something that I
>have always been impressed by with Microsoft; they generally give you a
>bunch of different ways to accomplish the very same thing so the user can
>then decide how they want to do it. So just put "write anywhere" back, and
>allow the floating TIP that doesn't always require the "here I am" thingy.
>Let me force it to stay open if I want it to stay open. I wouldn't think
>that these things would be all that difficult to implement especially since
>they are features that used to be there anyway. The place where it is
>crucial is when doing remote desktop and terminal service sessions (most of
>the time for me). In situations like this, they have actually reduced the
>functionality of my tablet. Anyway, enough of my rambling. I'm sure they've
>heard this all before. I don't stop by the group as often as I used to. Got
>too busy.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve
>
> "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
> news:uJF2jr%23yEHA.352@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
>>I believe we're talking about the same thing, just in different
>>terminology. The option probably should be available for user selection of
>>whether they want to "anchor" the Tablet Input Panel anywhere on the
>>desktop or not.
>>
>> The main issue the more vocal people complained about the TIP being in
>> the way on the original Tablet PC Edition, so the creation of the TIP
>> Access icon (floating TIP) became the means to solve the problem. I
>> think it would be dandy if the option were available for the user to
>> select.
>> --
>> Chris H.
>> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
>> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
>> Associate Expert
>> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>>
>>
>> "Smeenk, A.D." <alfreds@dbs-at-nospam-at-nl> wrote in message
>> news:udjqQj9yEHA.2200@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
>>>
>>> "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
>>> news:%232HI9QyyEHA.2316@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>>>> The reason you weren't able to use the TIP is the program in which you
>>>> were attempting to use it is not written with context tagging to allow
>>>> the TIP to know it will accept input from Ink. It is not the TIP that
>>>> isn't aware of the input area, but the program not making the correct
>>>> "here I am" connection.
>>>> --
>>>
>>> Chris, we have been there... and it doesn't help...
>>>
>>> what does help in these situations: use the osk (or On Screen Keyboard),
>>> it will stay a flowed no problem. Just hook osk.exe up to one of the
>>> programmable button (or put it on the quickstart toolbar) and voila.
>>>
>>> (I know, what would really help is a undocked floating everywhere TIP
>>> that doesn't need a 'here I am' as Chris calls it)
>>>
>>> Alfred
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

I know this is an old thread, but I would like to echo the concern regarding
remote desktop connection/terminal services. We have just purchased tablet
pcs to use in our patient examination rooms. Unfortunately for us, we did
not think that the latest version of tablet PC would force us to use a fixed
docked postition. It is so cumbersome to have to resize windows just to be
able to use the input area that we are giving up on the idea until there is a
reasonble fix. Shelf the slate pcs and unpack the old notebooks.

Is there no way to get the TIP to work in Office applictions on terminal
services/remote desktop connection?

"Chris H." wrote:

> You can program your Tablet buttons for certain functions, Steve, including
> Launch an Application in Control Panel/Tablet and Pen Settings/Tablet
> Buttons tab.
>
> The Tablet Input Panel in both Writing Pad and Character Pad mode has the
> "Sym" button for your symbols.
>
> Microsoft is well aware of the remote session issues, and last I heard are
> working on them. However, the behavior apparently needs to be fixed not on
> "our" side, but in the various setups where we remote into "there."
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Steve Martin" <stevenmartin********.com> wrote in message
> news:%23DwoMSS0EHA.1392@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> >I also think that the user should some space be able to program some
> >buttons in TIP to open certain programs such as the on screen keyboard or
> >whatever else someone might need. I loved having the buttons on the Old
> >minimized TIP where I could quickly get to the symbols section. I am still
> >not too sure why they had to take features away. That is something that I
> >have always been impressed by with Microsoft; they generally give you a
> >bunch of different ways to accomplish the very same thing so the user can
> >then decide how they want to do it. So just put "write anywhere" back, and
> >allow the floating TIP that doesn't always require the "here I am" thingy.
> >Let me force it to stay open if I want it to stay open. I wouldn't think
> >that these things would be all that difficult to implement especially since
> >they are features that used to be there anyway. The place where it is
> >crucial is when doing remote desktop and terminal service sessions (most of
> >the time for me). In situations like this, they have actually reduced the
> >functionality of my tablet. Anyway, enough of my rambling. I'm sure they've
> >heard this all before. I don't stop by the group as often as I used to. Got
> >too busy.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Steve
> >
> > "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
> > news:uJF2jr%23yEHA.352@TK2MSFTNGP14.phx.gbl...
> >>I believe we're talking about the same thing, just in different
> >>terminology. The option probably should be available for user selection of
> >>whether they want to "anchor" the Tablet Input Panel anywhere on the
> >>desktop or not.
> >>
> >> The main issue the more vocal people complained about the TIP being in
> >> the way on the original Tablet PC Edition, so the creation of the TIP
> >> Access icon (floating TIP) became the means to solve the problem. I
> >> think it would be dandy if the option were available for the user to
> >> select.
> >> --
> >> Chris H.
> >> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> >> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> >> Associate Expert
> >> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
> >>
> >>
> >> "Smeenk, A.D." <alfreds@dbs-at-nospam-at-nl> wrote in message
> >> news:udjqQj9yEHA.2200@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
> >>>
> >>> "Chris H." <winxpnews********.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:%232HI9QyyEHA.2316@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> >>>> The reason you weren't able to use the TIP is the program in which you
> >>>> were attempting to use it is not written with context tagging to allow
> >>>> the TIP to know it will accept input from Ink. It is not the TIP that
> >>>> isn't aware of the input area, but the program not making the correct
> >>>> "here I am" connection.
> >>>> --
> >>>
> >>> Chris, we have been there... and it doesn't help...
> >>>
> >>> what does help in these situations: use the osk (or On Screen Keyboard),
> >>> it will stay a flowed no problem. Just hook osk.exe up to one of the
> >>> programmable button (or put it on the quickstart toolbar) and voila.
> >>>
> >>> (I know, what would really help is a undocked floating everywhere TIP
> >>> that doesn't need a 'here I am' as Chris calls it)
> >>>
> >>> Alfred
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>
>

Tablet PC MVP Charlie Russel just wrote an article on this subject:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...motedsktp.mspx
You'll find step-by-step instructions in his article.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"InfoMD" <InfoMD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:339BCAA6-39F2-42D0-A1C6-E7F267740C0B@microsoft.com...
>I know this is an old thread, but I would like to echo the concern
>regarding
> remote desktop connection/terminal services. We have just purchased
> tablet
> pcs to use in our patient examination rooms. Unfortunately for us, we did
> not think that the latest version of tablet PC would force us to use a
> fixed
> docked postition. It is so cumbersome to have to resize windows just to
> be
> able to use the input area that we are giving up on the idea until there
> is a
> reasonble fix. Shelf the slate pcs and unpack the old notebooks.
>
> Is there no way to get the TIP to work in Office applictions on terminal
> services/remote desktop connection?

I have tried his suggestions. Even though I open the inout panel docked to
the bottom the of screen, and then open the remote desktop connection to
terminal services, I have problems. We use Microsoft Office Infopath, and
the form needs to scroll up and down since so much desktop space is taken by
the input panel. The lower portion of the Infopath display is hidden behind
the input panel, and if I use the Infopath form scroll bar I get a series of
superimposed inout panels that cover the whole screen. I then have to close
and reopen the input panel to get the screen to refresh.

"Chris H." wrote:

> Tablet PC MVP Charlie Russel just wrote an article on this subject:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...motedsktp.mspx
> You'll find step-by-step instructions in his article.
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "InfoMD" <InfoMD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:339BCAA6-39F2-42D0-A1C6-E7F267740C0B@microsoft.com...
> >I know this is an old thread, but I would like to echo the concern
> >regarding
> > remote desktop connection/terminal services. We have just purchased
> > tablet
> > pcs to use in our patient examination rooms. Unfortunately for us, we did
> > not think that the latest version of tablet PC would force us to use a
> > fixed
> > docked postition. It is so cumbersome to have to resize windows just to
> > be
> > able to use the input area that we are giving up on the idea until there
> > is a
> > reasonble fix. Shelf the slate pcs and unpack the old notebooks.
> >
> > Is there no way to get the TIP to work in Office applictions on terminal
> > services/remote desktop connection?
>
>
>

Count me amoung those dissappointed Count me among those disappointed with
the new TIP.

1) One line of input appears to be supported, instead of several
2) As far as I can tell, the “write anywhere appears to have disappeared
3) The option to undock the TIP still appears in the menus, but doesn’t seem
to work.
4) The “automatically insert text� option doesn’t show text as it is being
written. Why is that?? (this makes this option _much_ less useful). Not sure
whether that behavior is new though…

IMO, the TIP is kind of the heart of the Tablet OS, at least from the user
experience. (Or at least one of the most important parts.)

By reducing the functionality of the TIP in these ways, the usefulness of
the platform as a whole has been reduced. To the extent that the TabletPC
that I’m evaluating may go back to the vendor because inputting text is that
much less convenient than what is described in the demos and books..

What’s particularly disappointing is that the new/changed/reduced
functionality was introduced as part of a bug fix & security update. This is
of course one (of several) reasons that many users are reluctant to install
MS ‘service packs’. (But that probably isn’t news to this group :-)

I agree with the suggestion that at a minimum, the previous (more flexible)
functionality should be restored as an option.

Can anyone comment on whether a fix for this is planned? And if so, in what
timeframe or how it will be released? (separately, or as part of another
‘service pack’, etc.)

TIA for any additional info, rumors, etc. And of course, let me know if
I'm overlooking something(s) :-)


"Chris" wrote:

> This tablet pc Input Panel stinks. I totally disagree with Jeff Van West’s
> article Oct 21, 2004 about “Using the input panel�. My Toshiba M200 had an
> OK input panel before, Now it is destroyed.
> Before:
> 1) I was able to have input panel open all the time. This allowed me to
> highlight text I wanted to change and change it without having to open the
> input panel each time.
> 2) I was able, through Accessibility Options, to have an onscreen keyboard
> open along with the input panel.
> 3) I was able to put them both on one side of the screen and work on a
> document on the other.
> 4) I was able to size both my input panel and onscreen keyboard so they did
> not overlap the document I was working on.
> 5) I was even able to have a third input panel open with symbols so that I
> did not have to hit shift on the onscreen keyboard to get to them.
>
> Now:
> 1) The input panel or onscreen key board is stretched out at the bottom or
> top of the screen. This does not work.
> 2) The floating Option does not stay open. Every edit it seems like you
> need 3-4 strokes to get your edit done.
> 3) There is no longer an option the have an onscreen keyboard open at the
> same time as the input panel. The is no symbol option you can open.
> 4) There is no way to size the onscreen keyboard or input panel so that it
> dose not over lap with the document you are trying to edit.
>
> Anyone who has to take notes or edit word documents I think would agree.
> This new Tablet input option is far worse that then old. I appreciate some
> of the functionality that Microsoft tried to add (extra lines, word
> recognition etc) however the functionality that one has to give up is far
> greater that what one is getting. Does anyone know how to get around these
> problems? How can I get rid of Service Pack 2 and get back to at least my
> old functionality?
>

See my comments below, please (-->).

"FL Guy" <FL Guy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:7EF1AC7B-1ED5-4E12-B12D-E9BB023FB9E7@microsoft.com...
> Count me amoung those dissappointed Count me among those disappointed
> with
> the new TIP.
>
> 1) One line of input appears to be supported, instead of several
--> Use it in Undock mode and you will automatically add lines, even can
fill the whole screen if the TIP is near the top when you begin.

> 2) As far as I can tell, the "write anywhere appears to have disappeared
--> Correct.

> 3) The option to undock the TIP still appears in the menus, but doesn't
> seem
> to work.
--> The TIP access icon (floating TIP) works if you don't launch the TIP
from the Taskbar icon, and all three of these things are in place: (1) the
cursor is in a text input area, (2) the TIP is in Undock mode and (3) the
pen is within about 1/2 inch of the screen so the digitizer will recognize
the positioning.

> 4) The "automatically insert text" option doesn't show text as it is being
> written. Why is that?? (this makes this option _much_ less useful). Not
> sure
> whether that behavior is new though.
--> Because with auto insert selected, the assumption you are satisfied with
the word selection. The extra, individual word denoting only appears if you
are going to change the words prior to tapping Insert.

> IMO, the TIP is kind of the heart of the Tablet OS, at least from the user
> experience. (Or at least one of the most important parts.)
>
> By reducing the functionality of the TIP in these ways, the usefulness of
> the platform as a whole has been reduced. To the extent that the TabletPC
> that I'm evaluating may go back to the vendor because inputting text is
> that
> much less convenient than what is described in the demos and books..
--> After using the new TIP for about five days, I personally wouldn't want
to go back to the old one - even with not having Write Anywhere now. It is
just much better with the Tablet PC Edition 2005 recognition and the
additional context sensitive (http, www, etc) buttons.

> What's particularly disappointing is that the new/changed/reduced
> functionality was introduced as part of a bug fix & security update. This
> is
> of course one (of several) reasons that many users are reluctant to
> install
> MS 'service packs'. (But that probably isn't news to this group :-)
--> No, it wasn't introduced as part of Windows XP's Service Pack 2, it is
actually the Tablet PC Edition 2005 - the superset which rides on top of the
XP Pro operating system.

> I agree with the suggestion that at a minimum, the previous (more
> flexible)
> functionality should be restored as an option.
>
> Can anyone comment on whether a fix for this is planned? And if so, in
> what
> timeframe or how it will be released? (separately, or as part of another
> 'service pack', etc.)
--> Microsoft never talks about future plans. 8-)

> TIA for any additional info, rumors, etc. And of course, let me know if
> I'm overlooking something(s) :-)

--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone

Thanks for the quick reply, and the info and suggestions.

1. I see - this doesn't work while the TIP is docked at the bottom, but does
when it is docked at the top, or floating... Not obvious (I had it docked at
the bottom). An 'opportunity for a documentation upgrade' if I may suggest :-)

2. And Now I see why (kind of). I still would have liked to have the option.
At least now I know how to work with (around?) it.

3. OK, now I get it. The TIP just seems to disappear when this is selected.
For what it's worth (:-), IMO thi s is really "undock and display only when
needed". A message the first time that this mode is selected would have
avoided my confusion.

4. I understand , but disagree. One can't know when one agrees with the
automatic conversion until one sees it. The user experience of writing
without seeing the converted material, then later seeing the converted
material is (again, IMHO :-), poor. I still don't understand/agree with not
displaying the converted characters as they are being converted - just as
with the manual insertion mode. Too bad... It would be really nice if the
development team would/will consider displaying the text as you write, along
with maybe a 'pause auto insertion' button. This would provide much better
feedback while writing. That way one could at least pause and make
corrections. Oh well, one can hope (for better usability for the future :-)

(For what it's worth, I believe that this set of changes _was_ introduced on
my machine with the installation of SP2. This was an unexpected (and
unwelcome) change in behavior.. It cost me a morning while I looked for
features when are no longer present, and/or now behave differently.)

By the way, another feature which seams to have been removed is previously
entered text. Has that been replaced by something else?



"Chris H." wrote:

> See my comments below, please (-->).
>
> "FL Guy" <FL Guy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:7EF1AC7B-1ED5-4E12-B12D-E9BB023FB9E7@microsoft.com...
> > Count me amoung those dissappointed Count me among those disappointed
> > with
> > the new TIP.
> >
> > 1) One line of input appears to be supported, instead of several
> --> Use it in Undock mode and you will automatically add lines, even can
> fill the whole screen if the TIP is near the top when you begin.
>
> > 2) As far as I can tell, the "write anywhere appears to have disappeared
> --> Correct.
>
> > 3) The option to undock the TIP still appears in the menus, but doesn't
> > seem
> > to work.
> --> The TIP access icon (floating TIP) works if you don't launch the TIP
> from the Taskbar icon, and all three of these things are in place: (1) the
> cursor is in a text input area, (2) the TIP is in Undock mode and (3) the
> pen is within about 1/2 inch of the screen so the digitizer will recognize
> the positioning.
>
> > 4) The "automatically insert text" option doesn't show text as it is being
> > written. Why is that?? (this makes this option _much_ less useful). Not
> > sure
> > whether that behavior is new though.
> --> Because with auto insert selected, the assumption you are satisfied with
> the word selection. The extra, individual word denoting only appears if you
> are going to change the words prior to tapping Insert.
>
> > IMO, the TIP is kind of the heart of the Tablet OS, at least from the user
> > experience. (Or at least one of the most important parts.)
> >
> > By reducing the functionality of the TIP in these ways, the usefulness of
> > the platform as a whole has been reduced. To the extent that the TabletPC
> > that I'm evaluating may go back to the vendor because inputting text is
> > that
> > much less convenient than what is described in the demos and books..
> --> After using the new TIP for about five days, I personally wouldn't want
> to go back to the old one - even with not having Write Anywhere now. It is
> just much better with the Tablet PC Edition 2005 recognition and the
> additional context sensitive (http, www, etc) buttons.
>
> > What's particularly disappointing is that the new/changed/reduced
> > functionality was introduced as part of a bug fix & security update. This
> > is
> > of course one (of several) reasons that many users are reluctant to
> > install
> > MS 'service packs'. (But that probably isn't news to this group :-)
> --> No, it wasn't introduced as part of Windows XP's Service Pack 2, it is
> actually the Tablet PC Edition 2005 - the superset which rides on top of the
> XP Pro operating system.
>
> > I agree with the suggestion that at a minimum, the previous (more
> > flexible)
> > functionality should be restored as an option.
> >
> > Can anyone comment on whether a fix for this is planned? And if so, in
> > what
> > timeframe or how it will be released? (separately, or as part of another
> > 'service pack', etc.)
> --> Microsoft never talks about future plans. 8-)
>
> > TIA for any additional info, rumors, etc. And of course, let me know if
> > I'm overlooking something(s) :-)
>
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
>
>

Some quick answers below (see -->)

"FL Guy" <FLGuy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:AD731490-7352-48AC-B5D0-9BF9B127945E@microsoft.com...
>
> Thanks for the quick reply, and the info and suggestions.
>
> 1. I see - this doesn't work while the TIP is docked at the bottom, but
> does
> when it is docked at the top, or floating... Not obvious (I had it docked
> at
> the bottom). An 'opportunity for a documentation upgrade' if I may suggest
> :-)
--> Correct, that's why I mentioned how the behavior plays out. 8-)

> 2. And Now I see why (kind of). I still would have liked to have the
> option.
> At least now I know how to work with (around?) it.
--> This isn't a work-around, it is by design. Undock mode yields on the
TIP Access Icon (floating TIP) when the pen is in use and the cursor is in a
text input area, otherwise it doesn't appear. That's the way it is designed
to work.

> 3. OK, now I get it. The TIP just seems to disappear when this is
> selected.
> For what it's worth (:-), IMO thi s is really "undock and display only
> when
> needed". A message the first time that this mode is selected would have
> avoided my confusion.
--> I believe, without checking of course, but it is mentioned in the
tutorial. But some people don't download it or watch it all the way
through. If you haven't seen it, it is off All Programs/Tablet PC/Tablet PC
Tutorials. Not ideal placement, in my opinion. 8-)

> 4. I understand , but disagree. One can't know when one agrees with the
> automatic conversion until one sees it. The user experience of writing
> without seeing the converted material, then later seeing the converted
> material is (again, IMHO :-), poor. I still don't understand/agree with
> not
> displaying the converted characters as they are being converted - just as
> with the manual insertion mode. Too bad... It would be really nice if the
> development team would/will consider displaying the text as you write,
> along
> with maybe a 'pause auto insertion' button. This would provide much
> better
> feedback while writing. That way one could at least pause and make
> corrections. Oh well, one can hope (for better usability for the future
> :-)
-> However, if you don't want to make correction and are only taking quick
notes to be scanned over and edited later, you don't want the correcting
words showing up all the time. I don't personally use the automatic insert
because I want to look things over in advance, or if I'm using Windows
Journal, OneNote or GoBinder it doesn't matter because I'm in direct Ink
input anyway and will search/convert the Ink later if I want.

> (For what it's worth, I believe that this set of changes _was_ introduced
> on
> my machine with the installation of SP2. This was an unexpected (and
> unwelcome) change in behavior.. It cost me a morning while I looked for
> features when are no longer present, and/or now behave differently.)
--> It may "seem" that way because they were together in a package
download. And actually in that package was/is the Media Center Edition
update, too. They only download from Windows Update for the specific
hardware on your machine, in this case a Tablet PC and not an MCE machine.

> By the way, another feature which seams to have been removed is previously
> entered text. Has that been replaced by something else?
--> What is "previously entered text"? I don't understand what you're
saying.

--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -