4. The Pen Is Mightier: The Tablet PC Input Panel

The main feature of Windows XP Tablet PC enables users to enter text with a pen and then converts that handwritten text into typed text.

To make this process as convenient as possible, the input panel on the Tablet PC offers several text-entry features:

Write Anywhere : This feature lets you use the entire screen as a writing surface. Writing Pad : The Writing Pad is a one- or two-line text field at the bottom of the screen in which you can write text with the pen. The software converts the handwritten text to typed text and transfers it to any application you want. Character Recognizer : This feature is similar to the Writing Pad, but, like the software on many PDAs, it interprets written shorthand symbols instead of written text. On-Screen Keyboard : This can be used to enter text in any application where a standard keyboard can be used, and it looks like a standard keyboard. The user taps the keys with a digital pen to key in text.

Windows automatically converts the text written in the input panel to typed text and then inserts it into the active application with an adjustable time lag.

Sticky Notes For Quick Thinking

The Sticky Notes program was included for situations where you have to quickly write down a name or task during a telephone call, for example. Sticky Notes are the digital version of Post-It notes and, like their paper predecessors, can be 'stuck' to the Windows desktop. You can also write a comment on the notes.