PocketOpinion.Com
| Dedicated to the pursuit of rational expression. (Designed for Pocket & Palm PCs.) |
|
Links 
PocketPC Software l Applian Technologies
Other Links
Speculative Drama 
PalmSites
Pocket Places
ceLiberals
|
I have written my last two novels on a Pocket PC. More than a PDA, the Pocket PC is truly a personal computer. Only in this case, the Ipaq, Samsung, T-Moble or the like can actually be carried on your person. The 200 or 400 megahertz processor in the Pocket PC can play high fidelity MP3s, view huge graphic files, and enjoy movies in the palm of your hand. But the primary feature for the writer is the Pocket PC's ability to handle large text files quickly with supporting software and Internet sites to proof and edit your work. Pocket PC 2002 uses Pocket Word with a PWD extension. Pocket Word will bring up a large text file on your handheld quickly. This software also allows text files to be saved in TXT, DOC, or RTF formats, the later sacrificing a faster file save. For documents of 40,000 words or larger, I recommend Pocket Word (PWD) format. Pocket Word has a nominal spellchecker, so the final proof should be done on a desktop machine. Free handwriting recognition software allows writers to actually write on screen. A small on-screen keyboard comes with PC 2002; I use it in a pinch. But most handheld users can not adapt to pecking out words. A folding keyboard can be purchased for $90 as a speedier input device through MobilePlanet or TigerDirect.Com. Keyboards fold up as small as the handheld itself. This might be a surprise to many, but a Pocket PC is great for editing. I created my own thesaurus using a text version of Roget's and an E-book making program located through a Google.Com/IE search. In Microsoft Reader, I simply do a word search through my text thesaurus in MS Reader. MS Reader programs can be created from any text or html file to be used as a writer's resource. The E-books you create are for personal use, of course. Those of you not incline to make E-books, dictionary and thesaurus programs may be purchased through CyberRead.Com and Handigo. If users have a Pocket PC with an ethernet connection, there are also Internet dictionaries and thesauruses that come up quickly. Merriam-Webster at Www.M-W.Com/Palm.Htm is an online dictionary designed for PDAs and Pocket PCs. I often use reference links from Pocket PC sites such as PocketOpinions.Com. With the insurgence of mongrel cellphone/PC units, an entire group of Internet sites are being created for quick access--the "antichrist" to broadband, if you will. The use of internet sites assumes you are not on a Novell network; NT servers allow easy connection. The real kicker is that I use my Pocket PC to do audio edits. There are free text-to-speech programs out there, but I purchased Fonix text-to-speech software at Fonix.Com. Entire chapters can be captured and listened to. If you follow the text at the same time, this procedure is an excellent way to hear mistakes you may have missed after reading the same passages too many times. Authors know what I mean. I truly believe pocket computers will be used instead of desktop units. Place the handheld in the docking stations and use a keyboard and monitor for input and viewing. In fact, I do that now for most of my work. Blair Smith has been writing for six years with three completed novels. |