Data Entry
Miniature Keyboard
A variation on the keyboard theme is the miniature keyboard or
“thumb” board.
These devices fit over or attach to the bottom of the Palm OS device
and provide small buttons laid out in a standard typewriter pattern.
You press these buttons with your thumbs or fingertips.
While speed is reduced from that of a keyboard—most persons have
eight fingers but only two thumbs—portability is increased.
With practice, most people can reach about 10 words per minute with
Graffiti, about 25 words per minute with a miniature keyboard, and
about 60 words per minute with a standard keyboard.
Unlike a keyboard, a miniature keyboard does not require a flat surface; and miniature keyboards of some designs do not need to be removed to put the Palm OS device away. The miniature keyboard, like the keyboard, does not replace the ability to point at the screen; however, unlike the keyboard, a miniature keyboard can be used while you hold a stylus for pointing operations.
Overall, a miniature keyboard might be regarded as an adaptation of the keyboard idea to the size and usage patterns of a palmtop device. Miniature keyboards also tend to cost approximately the same as a good stylus, and so are substantially cheaper than keyboards, another point in their favor.
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Copyright © 2002 Brian Hetrick
Page last updated 15 July 2003.
