lefei
21st February 2004, 11:15 AM
Overview
Thumbtype v1.1[/url], Jot (http://www.shopcic.com/product_details/jot_details.asp), Fitaly (http://fitaly.com/palm/palmfitaly.htm) and Tealscript (http://www.tealpoint.com/softscrp.htm) just to name a few. But today, I'm up with the heavy task to review Silkyboard (SB) and ThumbType (TT) respectively. </FONT>
The review is divided into a these categories:
Overview
Specifications
Physical outlook
Installation
Recognition Engine
Speed
Accuracy
Pros and Cons
Conclusion
Graffiti experts will swear that they are "fast" enough to churn out large volumes of character per minute but newbies NOW can take up the challenge with them with these babies. So, challenge them in the upcoming SPUG meeting? With these babies, one can easily hit 25 words/min and up to 50 words/min. As for me, I'm only able to hit 30 words/min ;( .
Specifications
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width=750 borderColorLight=#000000 border=1><TBODY><TR bgColor=#cccccc><TD></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>SilkyBoard</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>ThumbType</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Hardware supported</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">PalmPilot Personal / Professional
Palm III series
Palm VII Palm V / Vx
IBM 30x
IBM Workpad
Visor( from March 15 2000 onwards)</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">PalmPilot Personal / Professional
Palm III series
Palm VII Palm V / Vx
IBM 30x (English and Japanese OS)
IBM Workpad (English and Japanese OS)</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Software</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">Only basic installation file (but still works well with hacks installed) v1.1</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">Basic installation file & hackmaster file (to preserve compatibility) v1.2</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>RAM requirement</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">28k</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">20k</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Battery Operated</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">No</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">No</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Price</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">S$74 for 12 pcs @ siliconhorizon.com (http://www.siliconhorizon.com/cgi-bin/e-store/e-store.cgi?page=pdapiiiperi.html&cart_id=2940352_15771) or direct from silkyboard.com (http://www.silkyboard.com/)
</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">S$139.90 @ doml.com.sg
(http://www.doml.com.sg/hardsearch.cfm?searchfield=thumbtype)1 per package</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Vendor</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">Softava (http://softava.com/silkyboard/)</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">Okaya Systemware (http://www.thumbtype.com/)
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Software compatibility list for Silkyboard
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width=750 borderColorLight=#000000 border=1><TBODY><TR bgColor=#cccccc><TD>Software</TD><TD>Compatibility</TD><TD>Details</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>Jot!</TD><TD align=middle>-</TD><TD>Compatibility is impossible. By the way, the Silkyboard software will be updated with on-screen writing feature.</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>FlashPro</TD><TD align=middle>+ / -</TD><TD>Compatible. Just do not move Silkyboard to flash ROM.</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>Silk buttons Hacks (SwitchHack,...)</TD><TD align=middle>+</TD><TD>Compatible.</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>MagicText</TD><TD align=middle>-</TD><TD>MagicText disables the "shifted" silkyboard characters that coincide with the location of silkscreen buttons.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Physical Outlook
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=10 width=752 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=405>
Thumbtype. Nice layout and conceived with in-depth research
</TD><TD width=343>
Silkyboard. Where do you want to tap and graffiti today?
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Installation
Installation for both of them is a breeze even for newbies. Both vendors advise the end-user to clean the surface of the palm very thoroughly before installing it. Dust and particles will impair the accuracy of TT/SB. The SB package consists of 12 pieces of the transparent film and an applicator. The applicator is supposed to assists you in installing it with "a precision of a jeweler" but I have no problem installing with my bare hands ;-) . As for TT, it comes with one and only piece. So guys, when it's lost that's it. But who can lose it when it's stuck onto the Palm, unless he loses his Palm, of course!
Calibration features are provided by both of them. This is to ensure that when you input Q, W will not appear instead. The process it fairly simple too. Just follow the on screen instructions, tap a few keys and you can start using these babies.
Recognition Engine
TT
Its concept is based on the HP200LX, a pioneer in PDA and the detachable sheet-type keyboard consisting of 31 full keys arranged in 6mm pitch (approx.) each. Large resources are poured into the ergonomics of the keyboard - every part ,such as keystroke, key-top shape, elasticity of sponge and key layout reflects the research results. Basically, it works like any ATM machines, when you give it a push, the small bulge (for precision's sake) will apply pressure on the designated Graffiti area of the palm and an output will be produced after the interfacing software process the data inputted by the end user. Simple right!
The keyboard layout is quite sophisticated in design, keys are divided into two portions. The top consists of numbers and symbols(!@#%$) while the lower portion consists of alphabets. Press shift once to input top column characters and press twice to have uppercase characters. Caps lock and Number lock are also available to ease text input. This shows that the designers really look onto every aspect of TT and emulating the keyboard up to every little detail and porting it onto this miniature extremely portable keyboard by using just your pair of thumbs!
To access the silkscreen icons on the graffiti area, press the function key (fn) + another character. For example, if you want to access the find icon, You are required to press (fn) + F etc . Besides that you can also jump between fields by pressing a combination of buttons. I can assure that there's not more than 2 pressings of a button are required for each command!
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="12%"></TD><TD width="9%"></TD><TD width="54%">
</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD width="12%">These 31 small bulges are molded with utmost precision</TD><TD width="9%">Shift me over to Mars</TD><TD width="54%">Graffiti, Spacebar and function conveniently located. Simultaneous application of pressure to these buttons will result in self-detonation.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="48%">
</TD><TD vAlign=top width="52%">If you are really lost, you can always call up the Graffiti area. It will appear exactly above TT and I believe this function is to provide users a common platform for text input if they really have any problems using it. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
SB
As for this baby, it's just a transparent film with a layout of a keyboard and doubles up as a screen protector. The hardcore Graffiti user will know that this portion of the screen receives the most sliding and battering of the stylus ;-). Also noticed that the layer of ink seems to be a little thicker than usual. It didn't inhibit the performance but it would be better if we could live without those bumps. It's just like riding on the PIE with humps here and there.
The silkyboard recognition system allows graffiti writing and keyboarding at the same time. The system automatically determine whether you are "Graffiting" or using the keyboard. If the stroke covers more than one key, it will quickly recognise it as a Graffiti and if you just tap or slide less than an area of a key, it will assume that you are tapping like a keyboard. The message that I wanted to get across is this baby complements a Graffitist. It comes in extremely handy when you forget those symbols or punctuation marks that we rarely.
Basically, the layout of the keyboard is the same as TT. To input data, one can Graffiti all the way without caring if SB is there or not. Just remember that the left and right portion of the Graffiti area belongs to alphabets and numbers respectively. Like the original Graffiti screen, division marks are included to separate these two important areas. Uppercase letters can be input by holding onto the specified letter on the keyboard or you can Graffiti as you normally do. This holding time can be set to optimise the time frame that is required. Too short will just make it too sensitive and too long will make it very sloppy.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="44%">
</TD><TD width="56%">As for the silk buttons, you can gain access to it by circling or sliding at the four corners. Usability is preserved because SB's developer sees that these four buttons are accessed quite often. For example, Application button (upper left corner of the Graffiti area) now corresponds to the Silkyboard button </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Speed
TT is really faster than SB considering the fact that
less stress is applied when you are inputting text using the thumbs due to the good ergonomic design as opposed to SB that requires one to hold the stylus and provide pressure-sliding and tapping.
large-volume data entry is more suited
in character recognition system (Graffiti), character input speed will not be expected to exceed a certain level.
To make full use of TT, one must use it for large amount of text input for mobile data collection, real time correspondence and emailing .
But, if you look it at another angle (whereby most of us are using it for), SB's design and concept is much closer to average Joe like us.
A typical scenario:
Board a . Take out the Palm. Start organising the day using [i]Datebook, switch to To Do List, switch back to Datebook, read news through Avantgo & play Chor Dai Di. SB rules when you need to switch programs repeatedly, do small volume of text input or even play games . TT is not suitable because one need to use the thumbs to tap Ctrl-H as opposed to SB( circling APPS ) and at the same time it requires one to press a combination of keys just to go to previous/next field in Address Book etc.
The message that I'm trying to convey is that one needs to buy the product to suit his needs.There's no point in getting a 1000Mhz CPU for IRCing ! A 1000Mhz CPU coupled with a GeForce is more suitable for a Quake 3 Arena/Unreal Tournament FPS player.
Accuracy
Considering the fact these two products are miniature devices, there are bound to be inaccuracies and thus, skills are required to achieve high WPM (Words Per Min). I believe that "practice makes perfect".
Both products are on the same level here.
As for SB, if you are in a dim area (you can't tap), you can always do Graffiti but for TT, you need to remove it after you disable TT which is a little inconvenience.
But,
Q: When is it the time that you need to input large volume of text in a dim area?
A: Serving NS in the Brunei Tropicals?
Pros and Cons
TT Pros:
Able to input large volume of data with just the size of a palm-nothing else
Good details provided on the manual
Less stress when doing large text input - very thorough research on the ergonomics of the product
6 months warranty
Supports Japanese - can't comment because I don't use it
High speed and accuracy when you had honed the skill of thudthumping- oops I mean thumbtyping
Double up as screen protectors
TT Cons:
High learning curve and need to get use to!
Big thumbs seems to be quite difficult type (but the developer's opinions differs)
Doing everyday routine seems to be difficult (i.e. to do lists, expense, date book- switching programs and editing at the same time)
Expensive considering go-type keyboard can be obtain for approximately the same price
Mastering and adapting to it takes time. But once you master it, the speed of text input is way much faster than silkyboard
SB Pros
Able to use graffiti and tapping at the same time. No more learning of symbols
Exceptionally good for everyday use.
Complements Graffiti
Moderate learning curve- able to use it after reading the manual but still need time to perfect the skill
Mastering and adapting to it is quick too.
C&G( Cheap and Good - approx. S$6 for each piece )
Double up as screen protectors
SB Cons
Not suitable for large text input
Does not support Japanese
Speed
Conclusion
It really boils down to what you really want from a product and the costs involved. If cost is of concern, go for the Silkyboard. If you are required to input large stress and portability is your concern, thumbtype's your choice.
Review by Andrew Ng (csc123@singnet.com.sg)
4 June 2000
Thumbtype v1.1[/url], Jot (http://www.shopcic.com/product_details/jot_details.asp), Fitaly (http://fitaly.com/palm/palmfitaly.htm) and Tealscript (http://www.tealpoint.com/softscrp.htm) just to name a few. But today, I'm up with the heavy task to review Silkyboard (SB) and ThumbType (TT) respectively. </FONT>
The review is divided into a these categories:
Overview
Specifications
Physical outlook
Installation
Recognition Engine
Speed
Accuracy
Pros and Cons
Conclusion
Graffiti experts will swear that they are "fast" enough to churn out large volumes of character per minute but newbies NOW can take up the challenge with them with these babies. So, challenge them in the upcoming SPUG meeting? With these babies, one can easily hit 25 words/min and up to 50 words/min. As for me, I'm only able to hit 30 words/min ;( .
Specifications
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width=750 borderColorLight=#000000 border=1><TBODY><TR bgColor=#cccccc><TD></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>SilkyBoard</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>ThumbType</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Hardware supported</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">PalmPilot Personal / Professional
Palm III series
Palm VII Palm V / Vx
IBM 30x
IBM Workpad
Visor( from March 15 2000 onwards)</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">PalmPilot Personal / Professional
Palm III series
Palm VII Palm V / Vx
IBM 30x (English and Japanese OS)
IBM Workpad (English and Japanese OS)</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Software</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">Only basic installation file (but still works well with hacks installed) v1.1</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">Basic installation file & hackmaster file (to preserve compatibility) v1.2</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>RAM requirement</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">28k</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">20k</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Battery Operated</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">No</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">No</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Price</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">S$74 for 12 pcs @ siliconhorizon.com (http://www.siliconhorizon.com/cgi-bin/e-store/e-store.cgi?page=pdapiiiperi.html&cart_id=2940352_15771) or direct from silkyboard.com (http://www.silkyboard.com/)
</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">S$139.90 @ doml.com.sg
(http://www.doml.com.sg/hardsearch.cfm?searchfield=thumbtype)1 per package</TD></TR><TR><TD width="19%" bgColor=#999900>Vendor</TD><TD vAlign=top width="41%">Softava (http://softava.com/silkyboard/)</TD><TD vAlign=top width="40%">Okaya Systemware (http://www.thumbtype.com/)
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Software compatibility list for Silkyboard
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width=750 borderColorLight=#000000 border=1><TBODY><TR bgColor=#cccccc><TD>Software</TD><TD>Compatibility</TD><TD>Details</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>Jot!</TD><TD align=middle>-</TD><TD>Compatibility is impossible. By the way, the Silkyboard software will be updated with on-screen writing feature.</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>FlashPro</TD><TD align=middle>+ / -</TD><TD>Compatible. Just do not move Silkyboard to flash ROM.</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>Silk buttons Hacks (SwitchHack,...)</TD><TD align=middle>+</TD><TD>Compatible.</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#999900>MagicText</TD><TD align=middle>-</TD><TD>MagicText disables the "shifted" silkyboard characters that coincide with the location of silkscreen buttons.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Physical Outlook
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=10 width=752 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=405>
Thumbtype. Nice layout and conceived with in-depth research
</TD><TD width=343>
Silkyboard. Where do you want to tap and graffiti today?
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Installation
Installation for both of them is a breeze even for newbies. Both vendors advise the end-user to clean the surface of the palm very thoroughly before installing it. Dust and particles will impair the accuracy of TT/SB. The SB package consists of 12 pieces of the transparent film and an applicator. The applicator is supposed to assists you in installing it with "a precision of a jeweler" but I have no problem installing with my bare hands ;-) . As for TT, it comes with one and only piece. So guys, when it's lost that's it. But who can lose it when it's stuck onto the Palm, unless he loses his Palm, of course!
Calibration features are provided by both of them. This is to ensure that when you input Q, W will not appear instead. The process it fairly simple too. Just follow the on screen instructions, tap a few keys and you can start using these babies.
Recognition Engine
TT
Its concept is based on the HP200LX, a pioneer in PDA and the detachable sheet-type keyboard consisting of 31 full keys arranged in 6mm pitch (approx.) each. Large resources are poured into the ergonomics of the keyboard - every part ,such as keystroke, key-top shape, elasticity of sponge and key layout reflects the research results. Basically, it works like any ATM machines, when you give it a push, the small bulge (for precision's sake) will apply pressure on the designated Graffiti area of the palm and an output will be produced after the interfacing software process the data inputted by the end user. Simple right!
The keyboard layout is quite sophisticated in design, keys are divided into two portions. The top consists of numbers and symbols(!@#%$) while the lower portion consists of alphabets. Press shift once to input top column characters and press twice to have uppercase characters. Caps lock and Number lock are also available to ease text input. This shows that the designers really look onto every aspect of TT and emulating the keyboard up to every little detail and porting it onto this miniature extremely portable keyboard by using just your pair of thumbs!
To access the silkscreen icons on the graffiti area, press the function key (fn) + another character. For example, if you want to access the find icon, You are required to press (fn) + F etc . Besides that you can also jump between fields by pressing a combination of buttons. I can assure that there's not more than 2 pressings of a button are required for each command!
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="12%"></TD><TD width="9%"></TD><TD width="54%">
</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD width="12%">These 31 small bulges are molded with utmost precision</TD><TD width="9%">Shift me over to Mars</TD><TD width="54%">Graffiti, Spacebar and function conveniently located. Simultaneous application of pressure to these buttons will result in self-detonation.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="48%">
</TD><TD vAlign=top width="52%">If you are really lost, you can always call up the Graffiti area. It will appear exactly above TT and I believe this function is to provide users a common platform for text input if they really have any problems using it. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
SB
As for this baby, it's just a transparent film with a layout of a keyboard and doubles up as a screen protector. The hardcore Graffiti user will know that this portion of the screen receives the most sliding and battering of the stylus ;-). Also noticed that the layer of ink seems to be a little thicker than usual. It didn't inhibit the performance but it would be better if we could live without those bumps. It's just like riding on the PIE with humps here and there.
The silkyboard recognition system allows graffiti writing and keyboarding at the same time. The system automatically determine whether you are "Graffiting" or using the keyboard. If the stroke covers more than one key, it will quickly recognise it as a Graffiti and if you just tap or slide less than an area of a key, it will assume that you are tapping like a keyboard. The message that I wanted to get across is this baby complements a Graffitist. It comes in extremely handy when you forget those symbols or punctuation marks that we rarely.
Basically, the layout of the keyboard is the same as TT. To input data, one can Graffiti all the way without caring if SB is there or not. Just remember that the left and right portion of the Graffiti area belongs to alphabets and numbers respectively. Like the original Graffiti screen, division marks are included to separate these two important areas. Uppercase letters can be input by holding onto the specified letter on the keyboard or you can Graffiti as you normally do. This holding time can be set to optimise the time frame that is required. Too short will just make it too sensitive and too long will make it very sloppy.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="44%">
</TD><TD width="56%">As for the silk buttons, you can gain access to it by circling or sliding at the four corners. Usability is preserved because SB's developer sees that these four buttons are accessed quite often. For example, Application button (upper left corner of the Graffiti area) now corresponds to the Silkyboard button </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Speed
TT is really faster than SB considering the fact that
less stress is applied when you are inputting text using the thumbs due to the good ergonomic design as opposed to SB that requires one to hold the stylus and provide pressure-sliding and tapping.
large-volume data entry is more suited
in character recognition system (Graffiti), character input speed will not be expected to exceed a certain level.
To make full use of TT, one must use it for large amount of text input for mobile data collection, real time correspondence and emailing .
But, if you look it at another angle (whereby most of us are using it for), SB's design and concept is much closer to average Joe like us.
A typical scenario:
Board a . Take out the Palm. Start organising the day using [i]Datebook, switch to To Do List, switch back to Datebook, read news through Avantgo & play Chor Dai Di. SB rules when you need to switch programs repeatedly, do small volume of text input or even play games . TT is not suitable because one need to use the thumbs to tap Ctrl-H as opposed to SB( circling APPS ) and at the same time it requires one to press a combination of keys just to go to previous/next field in Address Book etc.
The message that I'm trying to convey is that one needs to buy the product to suit his needs.There's no point in getting a 1000Mhz CPU for IRCing ! A 1000Mhz CPU coupled with a GeForce is more suitable for a Quake 3 Arena/Unreal Tournament FPS player.
Accuracy
Considering the fact these two products are miniature devices, there are bound to be inaccuracies and thus, skills are required to achieve high WPM (Words Per Min). I believe that "practice makes perfect".
Both products are on the same level here.
As for SB, if you are in a dim area (you can't tap), you can always do Graffiti but for TT, you need to remove it after you disable TT which is a little inconvenience.
But,
Q: When is it the time that you need to input large volume of text in a dim area?
A: Serving NS in the Brunei Tropicals?
Pros and Cons
TT Pros:
Able to input large volume of data with just the size of a palm-nothing else
Good details provided on the manual
Less stress when doing large text input - very thorough research on the ergonomics of the product
6 months warranty
Supports Japanese - can't comment because I don't use it
High speed and accuracy when you had honed the skill of thudthumping- oops I mean thumbtyping
Double up as screen protectors
TT Cons:
High learning curve and need to get use to!
Big thumbs seems to be quite difficult type (but the developer's opinions differs)
Doing everyday routine seems to be difficult (i.e. to do lists, expense, date book- switching programs and editing at the same time)
Expensive considering go-type keyboard can be obtain for approximately the same price
Mastering and adapting to it takes time. But once you master it, the speed of text input is way much faster than silkyboard
SB Pros
Able to use graffiti and tapping at the same time. No more learning of symbols
Exceptionally good for everyday use.
Complements Graffiti
Moderate learning curve- able to use it after reading the manual but still need time to perfect the skill
Mastering and adapting to it is quick too.
C&G( Cheap and Good - approx. S$6 for each piece )
Double up as screen protectors
SB Cons
Not suitable for large text input
Does not support Japanese
Speed
Conclusion
It really boils down to what you really want from a product and the costs involved. If cost is of concern, go for the Silkyboard. If you are required to input large stress and portability is your concern, thumbtype's your choice.
Review by Andrew Ng (csc123@singnet.com.sg)
4 June 2000