Input Methods
There are a many ways to enter data into your PDA. Apart from sending it by cable from your desktop machine, the commonest methods are with simple writing techniques or with an on-screen keyboard. These are both available on the Palm OS and PocketPC devices. However, with PocketPCs there is somewhat more flexibility.
Character Recognition with Jot
Jot is very similar to Graffiti - a few of the letter shapes are different but the principle is largely the same. Jot does pop-up a best guess word completion, 'palm springs' in this case, as to what the user next intends to write. This can speed things up quite a bit - it seems to guess quite intelligently.
With the latest PocketPCs in 2002, you also have the option of using Block Recognizer, which uses exactly the same set of letter shapes as Palm Graffiti - this makes it easier for former Palm users to switch. It also provides word completion.
On-screen Keyboard
Tapping out keys on an on-screen keyboard is almost twice as fast under testing conditions, compared to written letters. However, this feels awkward to many users and is less popular, despite being quicker.
The on-screen keyboard is also available on the Palm OS devices but impinges more onto screen real estate in the upper viewable area.
Handwriting Recognition
These devices can also recognise contiguous cursive script. This is quite amazing to watch but is less accurate and less speedy. This is available on both platforms but is included with the base PocketPC package.
Custom keyboards
Human interface design has produced some interesting keyboard layouts customised for tapping with a pen. This odd 'Fitaly' layout is engineered for maximum efficiency - speed records of up to 76wpm have been recorded with this layout. See their web site for more information.
Voice Input
True voice recognition is still in the experimental stages on PocketPC devices. However, they can record sound files - some users find that this is a good replacement for a "digital Dictaphone", simply emailing their dictation to a secretary for transcription, using the built-in email application. They can also handle basic simple voice command recognition. Here is an example of the PocketPC notepad, with text, drawings and a sound file all being recorded into the same notepad. (There is now a nice little third party application available that enhances this greatly - go to the Library and look for RemindMe.)
The Handspring Visor platform can also handle sound files, with an additional card in the Springboard slot. This works well but is a bit expensive for casual use.
The new HandEra 330, which runs on the Palm OS platform, also supports sound files. This is built-in to the device and does not require any add-on hardware.