Registered: Nov 1999
Location: venice, ca. USA
Posts: 32

Just received the Silkyboard integral screen protector and keyboard interface in the mail.
It does *not* protect the entire screen, just the graffiti pad.

I have not installed the software just yet to see how well it works. Details to follow.

f

Okay:

SILKYBOARD PERFORMANCE REPORT:

Silkyboard seems to work well and is compatible with Handspring even though it is essentially designed for Palm III and other models. You can write Graffiti or "type" on the Silkyboard on the fly without having to toggle back and forth between Graffiti and ABC, and never worry about the keyboard interfering with whatever else is on your screen.

Its calibration function seems precise, although the Shift button (mysteriously labeled "Tab" - perhaps by its (Russian? Have you actually *read* the Web site?) inventor)- is limited.

It allows .alt functions such as Apps, Menu, Calc, ABC and Find to be accessed from the keyboard, and provides alternate punctuation (: from the ; key, & from the 7 key, etc). These punctuation marks are not available on the ABC keyboard, and are a pain in the backside to emulate via Graffiti.

However, in Silkyboard, to capitalize letters, you have to use the Graffiti Upstroke, then a keystroke for the letter. A tiny tradeoff, particularly for someone who can't write the @ or $ symbols to save his life.

One drawback (which may be common to all screen protectors) is that you occasionally have to bear down a wee bit harder than usual to get Graffiti characters to register. This, however, is only an intermittent problem.

Overall, I like the product a great deal, and the fact that free upgrades are offered makes it particularly enticing to anyone whose Graffiti penmanship is lacking. Even for Graffiti experts, inputting via Silkyboard seems much faster and near-effortless.


------------------
factoid
venice, ca http://www.well.com/~factoid/


[This message has been edited by factoid (edited 01-04-2000).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 61

What are you warning us about? This is an excerpt from their web site "Silkyboard is more than just a convenient keyboard. It also provides the most efficient screen-protection for the heavily used Graffiti writing area of your PDA screen".



[This message has been edited by mg (edited 12-15-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Warren, OH, USA
Posts: 57

I looked at SIlboard ... and then found out about Keyb+Graffiti hack. It allows you to have the tap keyboard showing and use graffiti at the same time... you can use them both and improve your speed. The best part is that it's free. Also, the BEST graffiti protector, in my opinion, is 3M removable Scotch tape, 3/4 inch. It fits perfectly and a roll will last you well over a year or two.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: venice, ca. USA
Posts: 32

Okay, busted. I guess I'm warning you because I naively misread the Silkyboard site.

I will now slink away in shame.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 21

Scottp - where did you find the keyboard + graffiti hack? I've been looking in the usual places, but can seem to find it. Any help is appreciated.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Warren, OH, USA
Posts: 57

You can find KeyB+Graffiti at PalmGear HQ (http://www.palmgear.com/) and then do a search for KeyB+Graffiti. Please e-mail me if you have trouble finding it there and I will send you a copy. Scott

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 21

Thanks... I just had to find the right string to search for!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: San Diego
Posts: 9

sssshhhhhhhhhhhh dont tell 3m that we are using scotch tape to cover teh graphti area thy might jack up the price of a roaal of tape

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 82

another option that I use is silkypad(free) and graffiti...Just draw the keypad lines on your good old scotch tape and your in buisness..