One of the
interesting, and controversial things about the design of the Tablet PC
is that one of the key new features, handwriting recognition, is not trainable.
Unlike speech recognition, where the speech recognition software learns
about the way you speak, the handwriting recognition software doesn't
adapt to the way you write. So if you want to increase the handwriting
recognition accuracy of your Tablet PC, you need to change the way you
write.
We're not
talking about completely changing the way your write, but we are talking
about some simple changes you can make in your writing to greatly increase
recognition accuracy.
To get the
best handwriting recognition without a wholesale reworking of your own
writing style, keep these tips in mind:
Write
neater. Simply writing more neatly can often make a big improvement
in recognition accuracy. If you normally write in a checken-scratch
that even you can't read, what kind of luck do you think your Tablet
PC will have in deciphering what you wrote? Write neatly if you want
your handwriting to be recognized.
Write
larger. The smaller you write, the fewer data points the handwriting
recognition hardware and software have to work with. The fewer points,
the harder it is to recognize what you wrote. When writing in the Tablet
PC Input Panel, write as large as you can while keeping the words in
the writing area. When writing in Windows Journal, let the ruled lines
in the background guide you as to the size you should write. Write as
if you were writing on a lined piece of paper.
Write
cursively instead of printing. The handwriting recognizer works with
both printed and cursive handwriting, but for most people, it works
better with cursive writing. If your cursive writing is halfway decent,
you will likely get better recognition with it than with printing.
Write
capital letters much larger than lowercase letters. The handwriting
recognizer can have a problem with letters like C, where the uppercase
version of the letter is identical to the lowercase version, except
for size. If you write capital letters much larger than lowercase letters,
your Tablet PC should do a much better job of capitalizing your words.
Practice
your handwriting by playing the Writing Recognition Game. If you haven't
been doing a lot of handwriting recently, you may just need some practice.
The Writing Recognition Game is a Tablet PC Power Toy that you can use
to practice writing in a manner that your computer will recognize. See
last week's edition of the TabletPCBuzz newsletter for info on downloading
PowerToys.
Want
to know how to do everything with your Tablet PC? Here's the book
that shows you how.
"Ask
the Buzz"
Here
is this week's question for "Ask the Buzz":
David
Seavy: It is my understanding that the spec. for the Tablet PC OS
says: If you have the tablet connected to a network via a CAT5 cable and
you are logged into your server or internet with several windows/applications
open, you can pull the plug on the CAT5 cable and the system should automatically
switch to using the wireless network with no loss of connectivity. Is
that correct? Does it really work?
TPCBuzz: In theory this is correct. Unfortunately not every application
has the ability to do this, and it doesn't always work properly. So the
answer to your question is yes and no. Sometimes in some programs it will
work, and in some other programs it won't.
Got a question
about the Tablet PC OS? A specific Tablet PC? Wondering how to do something
with your Tablet PC? Whatever your question, send it to Ask the Buzz at
spg@tabletpcbuzz.com. Thanks!
Tablet
PC Buzz Poll
Q:
What factor is most important to you when choosing a Tablet PC?
"Instant
messaging (IM) got more spirited and savvy today with the worldwide availability
of a public preview program for MSN® Messenger 6. The launch ends the
era of "vanilla" instant messaging, when everyone's IM interface looked
the same; :-o was considered an expressive emoticon; and IM lovers had
to go elsewhere to play games or share live video. MSN Messenger 6, available
beginning today at 11 a.m. PDT from http://messenger.msn.com/download/v6preview.asp
, helps users create their own online identities through customized display
pictures, backgrounds and emoticons."
Speculation
seems to suggest that it will be a later release than the leaked version
circulating now, so even current users may consider upgrading. Ink support
in MSN Messenger 6 is much more advanced and polished than in the Windows
Messenger 5 beta, so if you IM a lot on your tablet, check it out.
(Editors
Update: The download is now available, click here
to visit the download site.)
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