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Hand writing recognition for the palm depends on your ability to be consistent in your writing style, though the various software packages will cope with some variation. They will not however cope with large inconsistencies that may occur when writing for long periods, in poor light or when tired. It may not be the most appropriate text entry method if you have poor visual motor skills, possibly due to Dysgraphia or a manual dexterity problem. However, for those who find the tactile nature of writing aids their ability to create narrative, handwriting recognition is as useful option.
It should be noted that the quality and accuracy of the recognition of cursive style handwriting in Palm recognition software does not at present appear to compare favourably to that of the Pocket PC transcriber software.
Jot Handwriting recognition (Shareware)
This handwriting recognition package allows the user to learn more natural ways to write the characters, it has variable recognition speeds (the slower the more accurate).Unlike Graffiti, text input can occur anywhere on the screen. As the text is written on the screen, the outline of the letter appears, which can encourage clearer script over time. This has the potential to actually improve a users single letter writing skills but still requires a degree of accuracy.
A review of Jot by The gadgeteer .com
A review of Jot by Palmpower .com
TealScript is a highly customisable handwriting recognition package that allows you to edit the way letters are recognized, setting the minimum match percentage required before TealScript will select that pattern as a match and the likelihood that the pattern would be selected as a match over other patterns etc. The training and tinkering to improve the recognition accuracy can take some time to perfect. This package allows the user to write more naturally using capital letters and the program would be suitable for those who like handwriting recognition but cannot get to grips with Graffiti. This is often the problem for those with specific learning difficulties who may have mastered the alphabet but do not wish to learn new letter combinations.
A review of Tealscript by Palmpower .com
This handwriting recognition program allows the user to print capitalized characters. The training package offers four different ways to write the letters and numbers so this software could be useful for those who are able to print capitals but need to be able to use their best match rather than a set code.The screen accepts the letter printing from left to right and is receptive to minor mistakes unlike some Graffiti samples.
The Pocket PC 2002 operating system includes an onscreen Qwerty keyboard, a letter recognition package and 'block text' recogniser plus 'Transcriber'. This program allows the user to write anywhere on screen in cursive script and the software will attempt to print the result.
The true handwriting recognition software used by the Pocket PC is powerful and can cope with most relatively neat cursive script. There is the option to change the colour and width of the digital ink which echo's the handwriting. This helps those with some visual acuity problems.
The Pocket PC's onscreen Qwerty keyboard has two options for the key size. This also helps those with minor visual problems as does the sound output on each tap.
The various text input methods can be brought up in any application that allows you to enter text. An icon appears in the bottom right of the screen indicating the option to use the keyboard.By selecting this icon a pop-up menu appears giving you access to the other available keyboards and an option choice to specify your preferences for each input method.
There are a few additional handwriting recognition programs that have been designed to improve on the native versions of Pocket PC, but they only change the properties of the user interface and do not appear to improve on its functionality (with the exception of Calligrapher which is the Microsoft upgrade to Transcriber). Though one interesting method for onscreen text entry is described below:
Dasher (Freeware)
This is a prototype text editor that allows you to enter text using an unusual moving display controlled by the stylus. There is a large vertical line dividing the screen in two, and above this there is a text field displaying the text you are entering. On the far right is a very colourful display of interlocking coloured squares each with a letter of the alphabet on the right leading edge. Text is entered by moving the stylus from the vertical line toward the letters, as the stylus moves so do the coloured squares. The idea is to move the stylus (without lifting) over each square, which represents the letter you are trying to choose. The squares get larger are they come closer to the stylus pointer making selection easier. The program tries to predict which letter you will choose next by placing the most likely letters nearest the user's stylus point. However, the letters are very small, and hard to see and the highly visual interface may cause problems for those with visual impairment or specific learning difficulties. The program also requires good dexterity and a very good sense of spatial awareness.
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