■ using the onscreen keyboard
■ using graffiti writing
■ using note pad
■ entering or importing data in palm desktop software and then synchronizing with your handheld
■ using an external keyboard
onscreen keyboard
when you create or edit a record in an application such as address book, you can open the onscreen alphabetic and numeric keyboards to enter data.
after a keyboard is open, you can tap to open any of the other keyboards, including the international keyboard. see "using the onscreen keyboard" in chapter 2 for more information.
you cannot enter graffiti characters while using the onscreen keyboard.
graffiti writing
your handheld includes graffiti writing software as the primary system for entering text and numbers. with graffiti writing, you write simple strokes with the stylus and they are instantly recognized as letters or numbers.
the palm desktop software cd-rom includes giraffe, a game you can install on your handheld to practice graffiti writing. see "installing and removing applications" in chapter 3 for installation instructions. the memo pad application is ideal for practicing graffiti writing. this section explains how to open memo pad and use it to practice graffiti writing.
to open memo pad:
1. tap the applications icon
.2. tap the memo pad icon
.3. tap new.
a blinking cursor appears on the first line of the new memo to indicate where new text will appear.
see "using graffiti writing to enter data" in chapter 2 for details.
note pad
the note pad application provides a place where you can write a quick note in your own handwriting directly on your handheld screen. think of note pad as a virtual "sticky pad" for short notes. later, you would transfer your "sticky" notes to a more permanent place by entering the information in the appropriate application, or throw them away by deleting them. see "note pad" in chapter 4 for more information and instructions.
using palm desktop software
if you have new records you want to add to your handheld and prefer to use the computer keyboard rather than graffiti writing or the onscreen keyboard, enter the data in palm desktop software or the pim you have installed to use with your handheld. for details on entering information in palm desktop software, refer to the online help in palm desktop software, the quick tour in palm desktop software (for windows users), and the palm desktop software for the macintosh user's guide on the palm desktop software cd-rom.
after the information is in palm desktop software, perform a hotsync operation to synchronize your handheld with your computer. see "exchanging and updating data: hotsync operations" in chapter 4 for more information.
importing data
if you already have data in a database on your computer, you can import it into palm desktop software. you can import data stored in computer applications such as spreadsheets and databases, or from another palm os handheld. when you import data, you transfer the records to your handheld without having to enter them manually. see "importing data" in chapter 2 for more information.
external keyboard
you can connect an optional keyboard accessory to the serial connector on your handheld so you can type data directly into your handheld. external keyboards are very helpful when you need to enter large amounts of data quickly while you are away from your computer. for additional information about this optional accessory, go to the web site: www.palm.com.