PDA Data Entry

T

here are a number of ways to enter text data into the PDA, and most devices have several ways as standard. Some users use their PDA to enter a lot of data, some use their PDA to simply read data whereas others balance a medium between the two.

Character Recognition

Character Recognition simply means that the user must enter in individual characters, and that the device recognises your input one character at a time. Character recognises can either use “ordinary” characters or a stylised version. There are a number of stylised languages available, with Graffiti and Jot being the two most popular. Graffiti, and now Graffiti 2, are used on PalmOS devices, although note that PocketPC 2002 has the Graffiti recognition system, too.

The advantage of character recognition is that the hardware and software requirements in order to recognise individual characters are quite low.

The disadvantages of this method are that the user may have to learn a new language, although since this is typically based on “Western” characters this may not be a big problem. The other disadvantage is that there are a large number of special features and characters, and that many individual characters require two strokes, rather than one.

Handwriting Recognition

The key difference between character and handwriting recognition is that handwriting recognition is designed for the user to write on the PDA as he or she would on paper. This has the advantage that there should be no learning curve - the PDA interprets what you write. However, there are some technical difficulties with this. The first is that everybody has unique handwriting with some common ground, and so the software must be sufficiently powerful enough to work with a huge number of different styles. This is, of course, demanding on the hardware and can make the system slow to respond.

Many handwriting recognition solutions need to be “trained” to work best with an individual user, and the more you use the system, the more accurate it gets.

On Screen Keyboard

An on-screen keyboard is arguably the most space efficient way of entering text. All keyboard-less PDAs that I’ve seen and used have some kind of on-screen keyboard, and there is just about no learning curve, either. Whilst the default keyboard for PalmOS and PocketPC uses the “QWERTY” layout, you can upgrade this with others such as the Fitaly keyboard, which claims to have an optimised format and so can enhance productivity.

Keyboard

A full sized keyboard is the quickest and most efficient way to enter large amounts of data into the PDA, and some devices have or can use smaller keyboards (sometimes called “Thumboards” since the user types using their thumbs). Keyboard designs vary immensely. For those devices that do not ship with a keyboard, you can buy a number of aftermarket add-on keyboards that connect to the PDA via either a physical connection, or perhaps via a wireless method (currently this means infrared, although I’m sure Bluetooth keyboards are in the making).

The main advantage of using a keyboard is that there is usually a shallow learning curve. A proficient typist will be able to touch-type on the larger keyboards in a reasonably small space of time. Thumboards are not quite so quick, but with practice, they are versatile and nimble. Most keyboards also encompass a number of function keys that can be used to launch applications or similar, further enhancing their functionality.

The disadvantages can sometimes be in the compromise between size and functionality. A larger integrated keyboard means that you will have a larger device, or you will have very small buttons on the unit. An attachable folding keyboard means you have to bring along another device. One other disadvantage is the higher power consumption of either having to drive the serial or infrared connection to the keyboard, or of the backlight on the keys.

Via another computer

The final way of getting information onto your PDA is to simply import or synchronise it from another device (be this another PDA, a “conventional” computer or a cell ‘phone). There are some users out there who very rarely enter data into their PDA, but instead use it as an information storage device.

It’s a personal thing as to what is the best and most effective way to enter data into your PDA. Myself, I use a combination of Graffiti and a portable keyboard for my PalmOS devices (note that at the time of writing, I don’t yet have a keyboard for the Palm m515 and m130, but I am making arrangements for one). My Palm spends almost all of its day within a few feet of me and this means that when I have an idea, I can jot my thoughts down into the device. However, if I know I’m going to be writing a fair bit, and I have the luxury of space, I’ll bring along my portable foldable keyboard.