Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!crdgw1!uunet!microsoft!alonzo
From: alonzo@microsoft.UUCP (Alonzo GARIEPY)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds
Subject: re: Microsoft Pen Windows
Keywords: go microsoft stylus notebook windows
Message-ID: <71390@microsoft.UUCP>
Date: 19 Mar 91 13:01:35 GMT
Organization: Microsoft Corp., Redmond WA
Lines: 36

[from one message]
> But, since Pen Windows isn't out yet, there is one comparison
> nobody can make yet.

It should be noted that Microsoft's Pen Windows is as available as 
GO's PenPoint.  In both cases preliminary releases have been given 
to software developers and hardware manufacturers.

[from another message]
> From what I have read, Pen Windows will not include any handwriting 
> recognition software, forcing programmers to write their own.

What you read was incorrect.  Microsoft has recognition software that was 
openly described and demonstrated long before the article in question.  
Three or four other companies have also announced their intention to 
provide handwriting recognition modules for Microsoft Pen Windows, and
one has already demonstrated a prototyope.

Personally, I am really keen on the idea of a pen-driven handheld.  The
size of computers is limited by the keyboard, and the smallest machines
typically have poor keyboards.  Typing on a proper keyboard is still the
method of choice for inputting large amounts of textual information, but
I think handwriting is better than hunting and pecking on a calculator 
or pocket organizer.

Imagine a pocket calculator or computer that is all display with no keyboard.
You just write data and commands with a stylus or use it to manipulate popup
menus.  You decide how much of the screen to devote to softkeys.  A folding
format would give you twice the screen area and a natural place to store the
pen (inside the hinge).  Screen real-estate and bulk are the real problems 
with handheld computers, and the way to deal with them is by eliminating 
keyboards.  Attempts to do that with membrane keypads have been poorly 
received; handwriting and voice recognition are natural solutions.

Alonzo Gariepy		// The opinions here are mine and do not in any 
alonzo@microsoft	// way represent those of Microsoft Corporation.