By Jeffrey A. Sullivan
This is the first article I've written that wasn't typed into my Macintosh. Thanks to Communication Intelligence Corporation's MacHandwriter, a pen-and-tablet input device, I'm free to cast off the shackles of my keyboard whenever the mood hits me (or whenever the pain hits my aching wrists).
In addition to text entry, MacHandwriter supports a set of pen gestures that make editing a breeze. Although the gesture set is analogous to that in the Newton, the gestures themselves are completely different, which may prove frustrating to owners of both.
In addition to desk ink, the MacHandwriter pen has a button on its side which allows for keyboard shortcuts. Holding in the button and writing a letter is the same as hitting that Command key (write an "S" for Save, or "O" for Open).
For the hard-core wired artist, a pressure-sensitive drawing stylus can be added to the MacHandwriter system for US$99.
Although this piece was handwritten, my experience has shown that the best use for MacHandwriter is brief messages and, especially, editing. But for those with repetitive stress injuries, MacHandwriter is a blessing.
MacHandwriter: US$399. Communication Intelligence Corporation: (800) 888 9242, +1 (415) 802 7888.
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