Palm Zire, Handbook

Page: 34 / 208

Chapter 3 Entering Data in Your Handheld
24
Using Graffiti writing to enter data
Chapter 2 introduced Graffiti writing and briefly described how to use it to enter
text in your applications. In this section, you learn the procedures for creating
letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols, as well as some Graffiti tips and tricks.
Writing Graffiti characters
Most people find they can enter text quickly and accurately with only minutes of
practice. Graffiti writing includes any character you can type on a standard
keyboard. The Graffiti strokes closely resemble the uppercase letters of the regular
alphabet, which makes Graffiti writing easy to learn.
There are four basic concepts for success with Graffiti writing:
■
If you draw the character shape exactly as shown in the tables later in this
chapter (like the shapes shown in the following diagram), you achieve 100%
accuracy.
■
The heavy dot on each shape shows where to begin the stroke. Certain
characters have similar shapes, but different beginning and end points. Always
begin the stroke at the heavy dot (you should not create the heavy dot; it is only
there to show you where to begin the stroke).
■
Most characters require only a single stroke. When you lift the stylus from the
Graffiti writing area, your handheld recognizes and displays the text character
immediately. To accomplish single strokes, some Graffiti strokes are portions of
the regular alphabet equivalents.
■
The Graffiti writing area is divided into two parts: one for writing the letters of
the alphabet and one for writing numbers. The small marks at the top and
bottom of the Graffiti writing area indicate the two areas.
Write letters here
Write numbers here
Division marks