| Software Author: |
ParaGraph |
| Title: |
Calligrapher ver. 6.4 |
| Cost: |
$39.95 |
| Reviewed By: |
Matthew Miller |
| Storage: |
7.9MB download and 503kb on your Pocket PC |
| Rating: |
 |
After I posted my review of Symbol Commander, I was told by Pocket PC owners that the new versions of Calligrapher also had the ability to launch applications, enter text, and perform other macro functions. This aroused my curiosity and I was able to get a copy of Calligrapher 6.4 to review. I have heard many good things about the handwriting recognition of Calligrapher, but after I conducted my FITALY review, I was hooked on it as my default input method. I tried Transcriber initially when I bought my first Pocket PC, but spent too much time going back and making corrections. If Calligrapher was better at recognizing my handwriting and also could give me the ability to launch apps, etc. then it could save some money and memory.
This latest version of Calligrapher was released in July 2002 and is certified with a Designed for Windows Pocket PC logo. There are a 3 parts to Transcriber; the handwriting recognition program, the ScratchPad drawing program, and PenCommander. I wanted to give the handwriting program a fair shake and was quite surprised when I found it did an excellent job recognizing my cursive writing. It wasn't so accurate with my printing, but I don't connect my lines and my wife even complains about my printing. I primarily use some form of word processor in my daily life and rarely get to write anymore so I was actually happy to be able to spend more time writing on my Pocket PC. This is definitely faster than using an on-screen keyboard as long as it is accurate and doesn't require you to go back and make corrections.
There are a few options in the program and one toolbar on the bottom of your display. You have to tap the pen icon to launch Calligrapher and turn on Recognition mode. The bottom toolbar will then popup on your display (this option can be turned off in the options menu). The toolbar consists of the writing direction arrow, the mode selector (all caps, symbols, etc.), the pop-up keyboard launcher, word or all selector, PenCommander launcher, and menu icon. The menu allows you to choose Recognition or ScratchPad mode, select sound on, access the options screen, launch the shape selector or PenCommander, and access the help files. I kept the writing arrow straight up and found this allowed the program to recognize my writing most accurately. The arrow is supposed to be set perpendicular to you writing angle and you can easily move it around to see what works best for you.
Pocket Word with Calligrapher toolbars on the bottom
Mode select menu
Besides the highly accurate recognition I found in the program, I loved the ability to spell check in every program that uses text entry and not just Pocket Word. You simply tap the double arrow icon which will select all the text and open up the correction window. Calligrapher will underline the words that may be misspelled and you simple double tap on the word to see the possible choices of correct spelling. You can then add words to the dictionary, switch the case of the letter, or cancel. You can also switch the case of selected words to all caps, similar to the function in Word. They also have a handy function called RiteCalc that lets you write out simple calculations (addition, subtraction, multipication, and division) and end it with an equal sign to let Transcriber post the answer. You can calculate numbers with up to seven digits and up to 2 digits after the decimal point.
Launch the spell checker by circling the word Spell
Correction window
If you find that Transcriber still isn't recognizing every letter you write, you also have the option of using an on-screen keyboard. The keyboard can be moved anywhere you like up and down the screen. You may also activate the word prompting system on the keyboard that will present words in the top box as you start typing so you can select a word after only entering 2 or 3 letters. In order to help Transcriber recognize your input, it is a good idea to take the time to go through the letter shapes and selector menus to reduce the number of types of letters Transcriber will have to use to match your writing.
On-screen keyboard
Letter shapes and settings
Transciber also includes a ScratchPad program that lets you make drawings or just scratch out notes. This program is ok, but I did not really use it too much. There is no easy filing system with the program and you can't view thumbnails of the drawings or anything. You can simply open or close individual drawings. You can also have your writing recognized by tapping the R if you desire. My daughters liked using this module for drawing pictures, but I personally don't ever use it since I have other programs for capturing drawings and handwritten notes.
ScratchPad program and pen thickness options
The reason I even decided to try this program was because of its PenCommander module. With PenCommander you can write a word or letter(s) and circle it to launch an application, insert text (signature, date, etc), or perform a command (cut, copy, paste, etc.). I loved using this module and found it to speed up my text editing and program launching. There are quite a few macros already set up and you can easily customize, delete, or add your own using the script editor on the Pocket PC. Most of the built-in applications have shortcuts already and I added the other applications I commonly use using the script editor. I found the preset internet commands to be very cool. By simply circling the word "com", Calligrapher types in http://www. .com and puts cursor in between dots. The same thing happens with with org and edu. The text only mode commands are very easy to set up and do not require the sript editor.
PenCommander script editor
There is quite a selection of options that you can choose from to customize the program for your personal tastes. There are options for turning on the sound, showing icons, changing ink colors and widths, recognition speed and quality, changing language packs, etc. For those Pocket PC owners who can't use Transcriber because it only supports English, you will be happy to know that Calligrapher has language packs for French, German, and Spanish customers.
Options
The pdf manual that comes with the application download is very extensive and covers every aspect of the program. The help files installed on the Pocket PC are also very good for helping you with quick questions you may have as you start to use the program. Paragraph also has a decent FAQ on their site. Their technical support was also very responsive to my questions.
Pocket PC help file
I now have Calligrapher set as my default input method and am trying to use it exclusively for a longer period of time to see if I am ready to fully commit to a switch from FITALY. I think you will be impressed with its ability to accurately recognize your writing and recommend you give it a try. PenCommander alone is a wonderful program that allows you to quickly perform tasks, insert text and launch programs, but you will need Calligrapher selected as your input method to be able to use it. It is also a good idea to get a comfortable stylus if you are going to commit to using handwriting recognition to input text and I love my PDAPanache chrome stylus that fits in my 560's slot. I wish Calligrapher was installed on my device when I first bought it instead of Transcriber and think this program would have given new owners a better handwriting recognition experience that may have resulted in more people using this method.
You can purchase Calligrapher 6.4 from PocketGear.com. Language packs are also available for $14.95 each. You may also want to check out the Calligrapher/HPC Notes Litebundle for $49.95. Calligrapher 6.4 is a free upgrade for current owners of any version 6.0 or later. If you have an earlier version, then you may upgrade for $29.95. I recommend that you download the free fully functional 30-day trial to see if the program is for you. | 
