Having discussed Input/Output systems over the years, I often run into recurring misconceptions. One tendency is to assume that "a good keyboard would really improve data entry." Well, sometimes a keyboard, or a better keyboard really does help, but the value can be overestimated. Take for example the records of an address file. One might expect that having a full size keyboard makes it possible to breeze through data entry while handwriting or small keyboards slow you down to a crawl. Realistically, the thing that I've found that slows down data entry for address file records is fields and how the fields are addressed. A lot of my time is spent making sure that I typed the right information in the right field, and that I got the spelling and any necessary punctuation right. That can take much more time than actually hitting the keys.
I haven't developed a good benchmark test for this yet, but I know
from experience that for "real world" data entry, include pauses
between records (sipping coffee), thinking time and mental lapses,
and generally working at a leisurely pace, it's not unusual for me
to take around 8 - 16 minutes per record on an address database.
I'll put that another way. Despite my roughly 80 WPM copy typing
speed, I generally enter 4 to 6 records in an hour. Trying to work
faster just causes more mistakes, and despite the effort, doesn't
usually get the work done any faster. The nature of the input
device -- pen/screen, full size keyboard, miniature keyboard, really
doesn't make that much difference. Having fewer fields (like having
a single combined field for a person's name rather than individual
first name, middle name, last name fields) makes data entry much
faster, but also makes it less versatile for use later.
[1997/03/04]
Aug. 19, 1997, Jewelers' Circular-Keystone reports that PenWare 1500
is a low cost signature capture point of sale system.
[1997/08/22]
Feb. 20, 1997, BusinessWire reports that TwinBridge Software Corp. will
be distributing their Chinese handwriting recognition system "WisdomPen"
in Canada and the US. The system uses a Motorola digitizing tablet
and electronic pen, attaching through the serial port of a Windows 3.1
or Windows 95 computer. Price is estimated at $199.00 US.
TwinBridge (800) 894-6114
[1997/02/25]
Feb. 19, 1997, Business Wire reports that Motorola's "WisdomPen"
Chinese handwriting recognition system which runs on Windows 3.1
and Windows 95 systems, will be available in the People's Republic
of China through Tsinghua Wintone Information Technology Co. and
Shenzhen Liming Network Systems Co., Ltd.
[1997/02/25]