Helpful hints
Here are a few hints to help get you started with Transcriber:

• Remember to write large. Larger letters will increase your accuracy;

• Use the Letter Shape Selector utility to eliminate character shapes that you never use. After that, go back and start marking others as "Rarely" used. This will increase both speed and accuracy;

• Remember that everything is interpreted in its context. If you wish to correct a single letter or add punctuation, it's better to rewrite the letter preceding it as well, in order to provide a frame of reference;

• If punctuation characters are giving you a hard time, use the "push pin" in the top left corner of the Quick Correct Keyboard to leave it in constant view as you write;

• When using the gestures for Enter, Space, and Backspace, you may find it useful to overextend the horizontal line used in these gestures. By making the line a little longer, I was able to increase my success rate with these gestures.

Conclusion
In reference to Transcriber's ability to recognize even messy handwriting, Microsoft's download site states, "Chances are, you'll be pleasantly surprised." I certainly was. While not quite as effective or error-free as using a full keyboard, Transcriber is still much quicker and easier than either of the other Soft Input Panel options. I've found a new friend on my Pocket PC.

Jason Carter is a Senior Systems Analyst with a major Telecommunications OSS Software Provider in Plano, TX.