Okay, I've seen a lot of posts about using the T
Okay, I've seen a lot of posts about using the Tablet as a tool for students, for businesspeople, and for artists. What about writers? I'm a tech writer by trade, but a fiction writer the rest of the time. I LOVE my tablet for many reasons, but initially purchased it to aid in the editing process. Little did I know that it would revolutionize the way I create.
First, there's the mobility factor. It's smaller than my Vaio, which was my former machine of choice, and slate mode makes it welcome virtually anywhere -- even sitting in one of the comfy chairs at my favorite coffee house (the one with free wireless, natch!).
Second, I've found the TIP to be much easier to use than I had anticipated -- one tip I gleaned from this board is that when you encounter an unfamiliar word (or name) that continually is mistaken for another word, you can use the dictionary powertoy to add it to your dictionary, which, in most cases, completely solves the problem.
Third, there's still time when the keyboard rules -- so don't force the pen into every situation. For me, I generally use the keyboard when creating first drafts of new works. At that time, my thoughts are so rapid fire and unorganized that using the TIP is a bit distracting . But then, when it's time to edit, revise, rewrite -- it's TIP all the way!
Fourth, I've found using Word 2003 to edit the works of others in my writer's group is pure bliss. Using handwriting to insert standard editor's marks is so much nicer than either trying to use standard word annotating tools, or printing out the doc and writing on a hardcopy. This way, if a member misses a meeting, or I miss a meeting, I can e-mail my handwritten comments! Thankfully, earlier versions of Word support the handwritten annotations!
Okay, are there any other writers out there (or anyone else, for that matter) who wants to share their writng tips? Like what's the most practical procedure for dealing with PTFs - I find that bringing them in to Journal leaves a bit to be desired, as the text is broken and somewhat difficult to read. I know this has been answered elsewhere, but if you have a unique solution, share!
Thanks.
I use Dragon Naturally Speaking 7.3 with the TPC to enter large amounts of text. The ergonomics of sitting comfortably with the TPC in my lap, and using the pen to select the occasional word that needs correcting, then simply using the "corection" tool is very nice. (I understand that "Seize the Workday" was composed almost in its entirety in this manner). Medium amounts of text, such as this post, continue to be written by my somewhat less efficient hunt-and-peck typing style.
Thanks for the Dragon Naturally Speaking tip. I've never tried it, but I did spend a little time with the built-in voice recognition. And while I was impressed with my initial experience, I wasn't taken with it enough to buy a decent headset. I'm a keyboard jockey, and now a pen maven, so it would take some getting used to. I've read "Seize the Workday", and was really impressed with it. If he used voice recognition, man, that's definitely a shining recommendation.
Since I write during the day for my day job, I've found switching to the pen has been really good, as it allows me to use different hand muscles. As a writer, I'm always worried about carpal tunnel...
Thanks for the tip. Just may give it another shot!
FeralBoy,
The procedure you describe -- using the keyboard for early drafts when the ideas are flying, and then using the pen when refining the document -- perfectly characterizes how I currently use my laptop (non-tablet) and my literal ink. I've been anticipating that I would replace the literal ink with virtual ink in the way you describe. It's nice to hear you describe the process as being so satisfying. (I'll be ordering my tablet in the next few days.)
cdabel,
What you describe -- using the voice recognition in tandem with the pen -- sounds fabulous. I had never envisioned using the tablet in that manner, but I'm excited about trying it. I have the perfect task in mind, that of grading papers. Back in grad school, a colleague used to use a cassette deck and, while reading through the student paper, he'd make a point to "think out loud", thereby recording his thoughts for the student. He swore that this method allowed him to provide significantly more feedback, while taking less time. Of course, nowadays very few students even have cassette decks. But your procedure sounds perfect for replicating his strategy, but even more effectively. Thanks for the idea.
Congratulations on the new TPC. Man, I envy you the discovery process! One thing you'll probably experience is that you'll find yourself using the pen more and more as the weeks go on. You know, if Microsoft would pull some of the users on this board for their advertising campaign, they wouldn't be able to make these things fast enough!quote:Originally posted by Lex
FeralBoy,
The procedure you describe -- using the keyboard for early drafts when the ideas are flying, and then using the pen when refining the document -- perfectly characterizes how I currently use my laptop (non-tablet) and my literal ink. I've been anticipating that I would replace the literal ink with virtual ink in the way you describe. It's nice to hear you describe the process as being so satisfying. (I'll be ordering my tablet in the next few days.)
By the way, which TPC did you decide on?
FeralBoy,
I decided on the Toshiba M200 (giving me the flexibilty of notebook or tablet mode), but I'm waiting for Toshiba to set their new prices in connection with the Dothan chips. If they discount the Banias models, I may just go with the Banias 1.7 GHz; if price is comparable, I'll probably get the new chip for the slightly faster speed.
I've gained so much useful knowledge from reading this discussion forum that I quite anxious finally to get the tablet and start enjoying it.
Lex,
I hope they get the pricing and availability taken care of ASAP, so you won't be left hanging. I never understand why companies are so close-lipped. I'm an HP TC1100 user, but my second choice is the Toshiba. The higher resolution is sweet, as it replicated an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper much more closely than the TC1100, which seems a bit cramped.
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