Computers, Are UMPC Dialkeys Too Small And Fiddly?
One of the problems inherent to UMPCs is the issue of trying to type without a keyboard. The touch screen makes it easy to tap out your emails with your fingers or with the provided stylus. However, we will certainly find some negatives. The screens are only seven inches on a typical UMPC, and this means that there is very limited space if you are looking to add a keyboard.
The space limitations will be an Achilles' heel. The software designers could either focus on a keyboard utility that covers up the screen underneath, making it hard to see what you are actually doing, or can design a keyboard utility that does not hide the screen but which can be hard to use because of the small size of each of the keys.
Since the brilliant designers at Microsoft know that no one really likes to have to use a stylus when using a computer (even their tiny computer), DialKeys is a standard installation on UMPCs. This program was created by a company called Fortune Fountain Ltd. It is an overlay program with a split keyboard that is designed to allow the UMPC user to type with their thumbs.
Using thumbs only to type on a standard QWERTY keyboard layout is odd enough. However, the DialKeys application takes it one step farther by revamping the keyboard shape. The application displays as two quarter-circles, one in each lower corner of the screen, allowing you to type with your thumbs without having to make uncomfortable twists and turns of the hand. This allows you to type without changing the way that you hold the device. Older methods of typing might soon become redundant given this.
Unfortunately for many, especially many men, the DialKey application might be problematic in the case of large fingers, just like many typing solutions. The unique layout of the keyboard on the screen also makes it a little bit harder to use a stylus, which can be bothersome if you are trying to type in a hurry. If your fingers hit the keys well, however, the DialKeys program has plenty of options and features to help you get even more use out of it.
One of the great things about DialKeys is that it is, to some extent, customizable. For example, you can change the color of the DialKeys application from black to white and back again. Interestingly, this is not just to have an image change. Switch back and forth to help alleviate the twin troubles of dark screens at night and glare from the sun during the day. Switching back and forth means that you could eliminate both the problems.
One way of customizing DialKeys for your UMPC is to change the opacity of the keyboard on the UMPC's display. This allows you to see what is going on under the keyboard, and while it can be distracting for some people, it the feature is great for others.
An interesting characteristic of DialKeys is that there are no multi-function keys for which you would normally use the Shift key to change the meaning. Instead there are three different sets of keys, including the normal letters keypad, the numbers keypad, and a special punctuation keypad with lots of extra symbols and bits of punctuation to help you express yourself perfectly.
It might take some time to get used to the keyboard layout for DialKeys, but when you do get comfortable with it, you realize that it is one of the quicker and better onscreen keyboards available as long as you do not need to use the number, punctuation, or command features too often. For those who need more than the basics to hand when typing, however, it can be a pain to switch between the screens in order to get the symbols that they need.
Getting the DialKeys set up to your standards is vital when you want the maximum gains. If the color or opacity are not working for you, then you will not get the best experience out of your UMPC and will find the DialKeys application harder to use and harder to appreciate. The DialKeys application may be a bit of a challenge when you first start using it, but it is much quicker than learning how to type in the first place, and worth learning. For some people it is even possible to touch-type with the DialKeys application, meaning that the opacity can be turned way down. Despite the obvious problems, the DialKeys application is a functional one.
There are many types of Keyboards and Input devices. Find out about Content protection. Visit now!
Related Tags: keyboards, input devices, content protection
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Fix Printer, Keyboard, Speaker and Monitor Cables With Funky Organizers
There are different types of cables that are used when you have a desktop computer at home. Most of - The Growing Trend of Asterisk Phone Systems
Truly, businesses are doing everything they can in the economy and competitive world of today to rem - The Future of Business Intelligence: Innovations in Location Intelligence
In the coming years, many business analysts are predicting that Business Intelligence (BI) will play - Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition and What Happened to the Unlock Codes
Adobe has long been known as a star in the digital image editing world and the Adobe Photoshop Album - Choosing the Best Computer For Graphic Design
In the 1980s, desktop publishing came out and graphic designers began to utilize computers for all k - Versatility of Pocket HD Camcorders
In the era of the do-everything handheld gadget, high def camcorders family seems almost passee. The - Contemporary Office Furniture
When considering Contemporary Office Furniture there are a few things that you really should conside - Professional Web Design, Professional Web Designer
There is a lot to consider if you are looking for a Professional Web Design. So let's get to it. Fir - Cell Phone Protection and Safety For Kids
If your like the millions of parents giving your children a cell phone for safety when their away fr - Looking For That Smart Pc Workstation And Desk
Do you need a work area at home. Maybe it is just for doing bills. It may be for a community work ar
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Voip Residential Comparison Guide: Evaluating Packet8, Lingo, And Vonage
Voice over internet protocol [internet telephony] is a rapidly growing technological alternative to - What's The Difference In The Ionic Breeze Quadra?
The Ionic Breeze Quadra is the newer line of ionic breeze units offered by The Sharper Image. These - Selling World of Warcraft Accounts
Everybody knows that WoW is one of the most exciting MMORPGs ever created. This makes selling WoW ac - Film Cameras
Film cameras are simple cameras, which could be used by all easily. People prefer to use film camera - Salesboom SLA-MS Competition
Oh, the irony. Online CRM Services shy away from offering customers a Service Level Agreement. Why t - How To Improve Your Computer Speed Almost Instantly
Probably your computer, even though you bought it last year its no longer that much fast. Like any o - The Mosquito Ringtone - The Tone Adults Can't Hear
Without a doubt, the mosquito ringtone is one of the most popular ringtones ever. Good luck trying - Auto Navigation Systems And Gps Technology While Traveling
If you have managed to do any research on auto navigation systems I'm sure you've come across countl - Do Cheap iPods Really Exist?
If you know anything about music trends, you know that iPods are the hottest portable music device t - Online Mobile Phone Offers: Take 10 Minutes To Save £360 On Your Next Mobile Phone Contract
Cash Is Falling Out Of Your Pocket If you live in the UK, you're probably paying line rental on a m