Data Entry > Typing/Writing
     
 

Typing/Writing

 
     

If you're using TOTAL for Tablet PC on an Ultra Mobile PC, tablet, or other type of mobile computer, it's likely that your computer provides several types of input. In particular, if your mobile PC includes a "pen" input tool, you have the ability to type or write to enter data into a field. The exact process you use to do this may vary based on the Windows version on your mobile device. There are three basic types of input you can use with TOTAL for Tablet PC:

As needed you can toggle between these items using the built in functions in Windows. To do so:

  1. Click the keyboard icon next to the Start menu.
  2. When the pop-up window appears, choose one of the three options to the left.
    • The top option selects handwriting - Just write whatever you want to insert into a field in the provided yellow box and Windows will convert it into text for you. Then choose Insert to insert it into the field.
           
        Hint: If you are not comfortable trying to fully write out a long response like the Neighborhood Description, you can write basic notes into the field and expand on it with a traditional keyboard once you return to the office.  
           

    • The middle option selects block writing - Block writing works just like regular handwriting except there are slots provided for each character you write. Just write each letter, number, or symbol between the markers that designate a space and Windows will convert it into text for you. Then choose Insert to insert it into the field.
    • The bottom option selects typing - Typing works just as it does with a keyboard except it offers an on-screen keyboard instead of a physical one. Of course, if your mobile device provides a USB port, you can always attach a USB keyboard to it and type directly into the field without using this interface at all.
  3. When finished, click the close button in the upper right corner to return to full screen mode.

     
  Hint: Windows Vista and Windows 7-based mobile PCs can progressively improve their understanding of your handwriting. Just click Start, Control Panel. Then, click Mobile PC, Tablet PC Settings and click the Handwriting Recognition tab. Now just make sure that Use the personalized recognizer and Use automatic learning are both checked and click OK. If you're using Windows XP, it cannot improve its understanding of your handwriting. Instead, see this article for tips on how to write in a way that it can understand better.