Virtual keyboards. (What's new: looking for higher-education and technology products and services? Start here.).In the past, the lack of a usable keyboard might have prevented administrators on the go from taking full advantage of their PDA's capabilities, such as word processing word processing, use of a computer program or a dedicated hardware and software package to write, edit, format, and print a document. Text is most commonly entered using a keyboard similar to a typewriter's, although handwritten input (see pen-based computer) and and spreadsheets. The technology of virtual keyboards (1) A representation of a keyboard displayed on a touch screen. Tapping the "virtual keys" with a stylus or finger is the same as pressing a real key on a keyboard. (2) A representation of a keyboard projected onto a flat surface such as a desktop. is changing that. Three companies, Virtual Devices, VKB VKB Virtual Keyboard VKB Vertical Knowledge Base , and Canesta, are offering these devices, which use lasers to project an image of a full-sized keyboard on a flat surface between the device and the user. If a tabletop isn't handy, users can even use the side of a briefcase. Sensors detect the user's finger movements, which are then translated into keystrokes on the PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). . Check them out at www.virtualdevices.net, www.vkb.co.il, and www.canesta.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] |
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