On a tablet notebook, can OneNote be used to enter data into Acces

[Harry]

I will be surveying merchants in my town to evaluate a business opportuntity
and would like to purchase a tablet PC to make entering data easier while
interviewing. However; I can't get a straight anwser from Microsoft regarding
the compatibility of the two products and can't afford to buy a machine just
to find out.

By entering data I mean using a digitizer pen to click check boxes and
having handwritten information converted into text in text boxes.

If you have tried using a tablet PC to enter data into an Access database,
please tell me about it.

 

[Rob Parker]

Hi Harry,

I've just built an Access application which will be run on tablet PCs (used
for mobile entry via wireless network connections) as well as on
conventional machines. Although the final app isn't yet deployed, I've
tested it on a tablet PC as a stand-alone application during development,
and found no problems at all.

The tablet PC has MS Office 2003 installed (including Access 2003). I
simply copied my application to it and fired it up. The built-in stylus
text entry (can't remember the term for it, and the system is at work, not
here) works fine (doesn't need training to recognise my handwriting - which
can be pretty bad!), and it's a breeze. I was pleasantly surprised, as I
didn't need to do anything at all to get it to work in tablet mode. I was
expecting to maybee need to set up drivers, or teach it to recognise my
writing, or have to learn some "graffiti" style of characters for entry. No
worries about anything. The built-in text entry system can be used in
either character or word mode (your choice, and easy to change); using
check-boxes is a breeze - just tap them with the stylus!

The tablet PCs we will be using allow the tablet screen to be used in either
portrait or landscape orientation. You might consider this when you are
designing your input forms; it's pretty easy to make a portrait-format form
to mimic a paper-based system if you want to do that.

Good luck,

Rob

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

I use a Fujitsu hybrid TabletPC with Office 2003 on it and a wireless
connection to my server and network. I do not use my Access databases from
the server, to avoid corruption, instead I download them as necessary.
Combos, listboxes, and all controls, work as usual. Textboxes are typed
using either the keyboard or the tap panel keyboard. Free hand text cannot
be entered in a textbox, but you can enter it into the Journal or OneNote,
then convert it into text and insert it. I also use voice recognition
software to "write" data into textboxes (Just click into the textbox with
the stylus, and start talking) Of course you need to train the software, but
that isn't difficult at all. I use Dragon Naturally Speaking.

You may want to get a sturdier machine if you are using it outside. Mine
won't stand up to dropping. Also, make sure that you get a screen that can
handle a bright environment, if you use it outside. My machine sits in a
port replicator in my office, and quickly snaps out to go to the conference
room, or other offices without even shutting it off. My machine has the
fastest Centrino processor (1.8 GHz) and 1 GB of RAM. Don't get a machine
with less than 1 GB of RAM, 2 GB is better if you can afford it.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access

 

[Harry]

Hi Harry,

I've just built an Access application which will be run on tablet PCs (used
for mobile entry via wireless network connections) as well as on
conventional machines. Although the final app isn't yet deployed, I've
tested it on a tablet PC as a stand-alone application during development,
and found no problems at all.

The tablet PC has MS Office 2003 installed (including Access 2003). I
simply copied my application to it and fired it up. The built-in stylus
text entry (can't remember the term for it, and the system is at work, not
here) works fine (doesn't need training to recognise my handwriting - which
can be pretty bad!), and it's a breeze. I was pleasantly surprised, as I
didn't need to do anything at all to get it to work in tablet mode. I was
expecting to maybee need to set up drivers, or teach it to recognise my
writing, or have to learn some "graffiti" style of characters for entry. No
worries about anything. The built-in text entry system can be used in
either character or word mode (your choice, and easy to change); using
check-boxes is a breeze - just tap them with the stylus!

The tablet PCs we will be using allow the tablet screen to be used in either
portrait or landscape orientation. You might consider this when you are
designing your input forms; it's pretty easy to make a portrait-format form
to mimic a paper-based system if you want to do that.

Good luck,

Rob





Rob,

I found your response very helpful. So far I’ve received two replies to my
question and it appears the tablet PC brand/manufacturer will be a factor
too. Based on my past experience and a neighbor’s who builds computers, I’ve
been looking at IBM’s Lenovo ThinkPad X Series Tablet primarily due to
reliability and tech support. However, this machine would be a compromise on
speed and screen brightness—it doesn’t offer the latest processor or screen
technology.
What machine are you using, Rob? It sounds like you’ve found the right
combination of software and hardware.
Thanks for the detailed response.
Harry

 

[Harry]

I use a Fujitsu hybrid TabletPC with Office 2003 on it and a wireless
connection to my server and network. I do not use my Access databases from
the server, to avoid corruption, instead I download them as necessary.
Combos, listboxes, and all controls, work as usual. Textboxes are typed
using either the keyboard or the tap panel keyboard. Free hand text cannot
be entered in a textbox, but you can enter it into the Journal or OneNote,
then convert it into text and insert it. I also use voice recognition
software to "write" data into textboxes (Just click into the textbox with
the stylus, and start talking) Of course you need to train the software, but
that isn't difficult at all. I use Dragon Naturally Speaking.

You may want to get a sturdier machine if you are using it outside. Mine
won't stand up to dropping. Also, make sure that you get a screen that can
handle a bright environment, if you use it outside. My machine sits in a
port replicator in my office, and quickly snaps out to go to the conference
room, or other offices without even shutting it off. My machine has the
fastest Centrino processor (1.8 GHz) and 1 GB of RAM. Don't get a machine
with less than 1 GB of RAM, 2 GB is better if you can afford it.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access




Hey Arvin,

Thanks for your help. You’re right. I’ve been considering all those
factors: screen brightness, ruggedness, speed, and memory. The IBM sales rep
(over the phone) told me OneNote would work seamlessly with Access on their
ThinkPad X Series Tablet to enter data without ANY problems or extra steps
but Microsoft couldn’t give me a definitive answer. Go figure. Any way, I
was also wondering if OneNote would enable the entry of notations in open
spaces on an Access form for later retrieval. For example, if I designed a
space on the form to scribble something with OneNote, could I display that
customer’s Access form later and read my handwritten message?

Thanks again, Arvin. I’m going to follow your suggestion and look into
voice recognition software.

Harry

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

Any way, I
was also wondering if OneNote would enable the entry of notations in open
spaces on an Access form for later retrieval. For example, if I designed a
space on the form to scribble something with OneNote, could I display that
customer's Access form later and read my handwritten message?

I'm not sure. I think so. Since I already have all the tools and the
machine, I'd be happy to try it for you and give you the results. Devise a
simple setup that won't take me too long to do, and I'll test it for you.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access

 

[Harry]

I'm not sure. I think so. Since I already have all the tools and the
machine, I'd be happy to try it for you and give you the results. Devise a
simple setup that won't take me too long to do, and I'll test it for you.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access


Arvin,

I'll send a modified copy of my database with an area to place OneNote notes
and send it to your "datastrat" address.

Once again, thanks for your help.

Harry

 

[Rob Parker]

Hi Harry,

The tablet PCs we are using are HP machines. I don't have the actual model
number in my head; I'll check tomorrow when I'm at work and let you know
then.

Rob

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

Unless I accidently deleted it, I haven't seen it yet. Try and get it to me
today as I have very little time during this coming week.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access

 

[Rob Parker]

Hello again Harry,

The tablet PCs are HP Compaq tc4200 machines.

Input in tablet mode is done using the stylus and some built-in software
called "Tablet PC Input Panel". I've not used any other tablet PC, but I'd
be very surprised if this isn't part of WindowsXP Tablet Version. It works
as follows:

When you tap in an entry field, or even hover the stylus just above the
field, a small icon appears on-screen. Tap that to enter the Input Panel,
which can be used in either character mode (you enter single characters into
spaces in a linear grid), writing pad mode (you write normally, and it
recognises characters, words, punctuation, etc) or keyboard mode (you tap
characters in an on-screen keyboard image). Your input is displayed in a
text-box within the Input Panel, so that you can correct any
mis-translations; when it's correct, tap an "Insert" button and it's put
into your textbox.

Your original question asked about using OneNote. I didn't recognise that
term, but I've since looked it up, and find that it's another you-beaut
all-singing all-dancing work-the-way-we-want-you-to Microsoft application.
You do not need it to run Access on a tablet PC; all you need is the
built-in Input Panel in the Tablet PC version of the Windows OS.

I notice that you mention re-reading your handwritten input (in the thread
from Arvin Meyer's response). As described above, for text input you don't
need to do so. If you wanted to draw pictures/sketches/diagrams, that may
be possible; however, I strongly suspect that if you wanted to store such
input directly in the database you would suffer from the "bloat" problem
that occurs when you put any image (or other OLE objects) directly into the
database, and it would be a non-goer for that reason.

Again, HTH,

Rob

 

[Harry]

Unless I accidently deleted it, I haven't seen it yet. Try and get it to me
today as I have very little time during this coming week.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access




Sent again. 5-1-06 5:40 PM Eastern time

 

[Harry]

Hello again Harry,

The tablet PCs are HP Compaq tc4200 machines.

Input in tablet mode is done using the stylus and some built-in software
called "Tablet PC Input Panel". I've not used any other tablet PC, but I'd
be very surprised if this isn't part of WindowsXP Tablet Version. It works
as follows:

When you tap in an entry field, or even hover the stylus just above the
field, a small icon appears on-screen. Tap that to enter the Input Panel,
which can be used in either character mode (you enter single characters into
spaces in a linear grid), writing pad mode (you write normally, and it
recognises characters, words, punctuation, etc) or keyboard mode (you tap
characters in an on-screen keyboard image). Your input is displayed in a
text-box within the Input Panel, so that you can correct any
mis-translations; when it's correct, tap an "Insert" button and it's put
into your textbox.

Your original question asked about using OneNote. I didn't recognise that
term, but I've since looked it up, and find that it's another you-beaut
all-singing all-dancing work-the-way-we-want-you-to Microsoft application.
You do not need it to run Access on a tablet PC; all you need is the
built-in Input Panel in the Tablet PC version of the Windows OS.

I notice that you mention re-reading your handwritten input (in the thread
from Arvin Meyer's response). As described above, for text input you don't
need to do so. If you wanted to draw pictures/sketches/diagrams, that may
be possible; however, I strongly suspect that if you wanted to store such
input directly in the database you would suffer from the "bloat" problem
that occurs when you put any image (or other OLE objects) directly into the
database, and it would be a non-goer for that reason.

Again, HTH,

Rob





Thanks again, Rob. You addressed a lot of my questions.

 

[Goldentree]

Entering data OK. My problem is importing K docs to journal so can be signed.