Get Help with the Online Tutorial

One way to learn more about the Tablet PC Input Panel is to use the online tutorial included with the application. As shown in Figure 8.16, you can view the tutorial by clicking the Tools button in the upper-left corner of the Input Panel, choosing Help, and then Tutorial.

Figure 8.16. The tutorial is another way to learn Input Panel basics.

The tutorial is a multimedia presentation that introduces several of the features I just told you about. It's not comprehensive, but it is useful for getting someone started using the Input Panel, and for reinforcing what I showed you here.

The Absolute Minimum

Here are the key points to take away from this chapter:

• Understand the differences between the Input Panel writing pad and keyboard, and the benefits of each.

• Use the text preview pane if you want to be able to edit the recognized text before inserting it into your application.

• Learn what style of writing works best for you with the handwriting recognizer.

• For maximum handwriting recognition, keep words separated, use lowercase letters predominantly, and use cursive.

• Use the Input Panel keyboard and/or the Symbols pad to insert just a few characters or symbols.