I am making myself use OneNote as often as possible. For my last 2 meetings, I had the agenda in Word before hand. So I used the “Send to OneNote” tool from the Education Pack, to put the file into the program. Once there, I could write all over the agenda like I do when it is on paper. Very nice!

Still, I know very little about using OneNote. So since I have some time, I am going to spend an hour watching a few of the tutorials I linked to a few days ago. While I’d like to be able to dedicate an hour a day to learning it, I am not sure I can.

But today, at least I am heading in the right direction.

I mentioned that as I noticed things about the 4010 that endear/bug me, I’d mention it.

Well, here’s one. In Tablet mode, there is no scrolling tool. It would have been so nice if Fujitsu had added a small wheel or 2 buttons to the side of the screen for scrolling up or down. The unit does have programmable “function” buttons to the side of the screen, but they just aren’t convenient to use (and offer less conrtol that a wheel). When I am reading an e-Book, PDF or long web article I want to just move my thumb to scroll, not move my hand up to tap a button.

This is going on my list of things to consider for the next unit we purchase. Seems that so often it is the little touches that can make all the difference.

For my 4010, I had 3 options of screen:
Indoor - wide viewing angle
Indoor/Outdoor - ditto
Indoor with high-resolution

I chose the high-resolution because I felt I would be doing graphic design work and wanted to be able to show that work on a nice screen. That was a bad call. Definitely should have opted for the wide-viewing screen. I am quite often flipping the screen around to show a table of peers, and they just can’t all see it clearly. Nuts!

So, now I think a nice soluition would be to have a smallish projector I can hook to my Tablet and project the screen on a wall. Ideally, the projector would use wireless or bluetooth to grab a video output from the Tablet. And the smaller the better.

I will be searching the Forums and Google for such a device. If I do find something, I’ll jot it down here.

I have a problem. I like bags. I like them a lot!

Ever since my Trapper Keeper, I’ve always had a thing for organized containers. Be it a book bag, a backpack, briefcase or camera bag - the more zippers and pockets it has, the more I want it! (must be why I liked my parachute pants so much)

These days, I am hyper-focused on finding the perfect carrying case for my Tablet PC. I ordered it with the “Executive Leather Portfolio” which I sort of like. I say sort of, because the 4010 looks nice inside. The problem is that togehter they are very heavy / bulky to carry too far (where I work, I do a lot of walking). I really need something to sling over my shoulder or a case with a handle.

You see, though, a case with a handle is pretty much a purse. I can’t go there (reminds me of Seinfeld and his european male carry-all). So that leaves me with a smallish briefcase with optional shoulder strap, or a messenger-style bag. If Indiana Jones can wear one, so can I.

So, I’d like to know what YOU use to carry your tablet around. Be it a case, bag, backpack or whatever.

Feel free to post this topic on your own site and direct the answers here. I bet we’d all like to see what people use!

…and another…

Messed around in Alias Sketchbook Pro 2. I discovered I do not like drawing semi-realistic mouths. This area needs more practice. Harrumph!

I think it is going to take some time to get used to drawing on a Tablet as opposed to paper. There is less resistance, so I tend to make my strokes too wild and flowing. I need to get better control on the Tablet.

I’ve downloaded the 15-day trial of Alias SketchBook Pro 2. While I really like the free ArtRage (and the Experience Pack’s Ink Art -nearly identical), there is a small thing that bugs me. I can’t get as much response from the pressure I put on the stylus as I do on paper. There is also a matter of thin and thick strokes which I can’t seem to control in ArtRage.

So, this is just a preview of what I am considering while evaluating these two fine programs. I can’t promise a full, concise review or comparison of the two, but hopefully I can hit some highlights next week. Expect some sketches before that though.

I actually hope I don’t like SketchBook pro too much, at a retail price of $179 I have no idea how I’d afford it.

“Will skecth for cash????”

As mentioned last post, here are a few links to programs I plan to try. They key is to not junk up the Tablet so much with freeware that it grinds to a halt.

Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition - Woah, this is a lot of programs. I have no idea where to begin!

AutoHotkey - A free, open-source program that can automate keystrokes and mouse clicks. Found via Paul’s Imaginary Friend.

Konfabulator - Previously a for-pay software, now for-free! Thanks to Yahoo!’s purchase of the company. Love these Widgets!!!

Scott Hanselman’s 2005 Ultimate Developer and Power Users Tool List - OK, I am not a developer. But I think developer or not, you can find something in this list that will get your inner-Geek excited. Plus, there is a Tablet PC section!

TrayIt - Minimize ANY program to the system tray in Windows. I love this because i have having my mail program take up space in my Taskbar. Oh, it is free also. If you like transparency, check out PowerMenu.

RSS Bandit - My RSS reader, very outlook-ish and very free. I like that you can store you list of “reads” on your FTP site and download it on into another installation of RSS Bandit anywhere.

A post at Josh’s blog caught my eye. It is about a program called “Virtual Click!” and I am going to give it a try.

That post also led me to TabletPCorner.net (in French) site that had a great list of Tablet PC programs, many of which I’ve not yet discovered (English translation via Google). Such as:

Centrino Hardware Control - Ooh, a tweaking program!

StrokeIt - A mouse gesture program which, oddly, I use on the desktop but never thought to put on the Tablet PC until I read this post by Craig Pringle.

Microsoft Partner Pack for Windows XP - Not Tablet PC apps, but free and cool and look like they would be great for a Tablet.

ClickAids - Not sure what this does, even after reading about it. Just gonna have to try it.

Maxathon Browser - I have always used NetCaptor (which has mouse gestures), but this seems to be more Tablet friendly. Worth a look.

Next post: More apps I’ve found!

So I had a little more time, thus, a little more art.

OneNote.

OneNote. OneNote. OneNote.

All I hear is how wonderful OneNote and that makes me crazy. The problem is that after 4 months with the 4010, I have yet to devote any time to learning OneNote. I am sure it is great, but I’ve found it is SO powerful that you just can’t begin using it cold turkey. I mean, I can start up OneNote and write, but I don’t get how to organize things, shove things into it and get the most out of it.

Hopefully I will organize my time so that I can get into this program and start getting things done in a more productive manner.

OneNote Links I Need To Read/Watch:
Overview of Tablet PC & OneNote 2003
OneNote 2003 Demos and Tour
Demo: OneNote tips and tricks
Blink.nu - ONENOTE records lectures, highlightes and organizes with flexibility
Blink.nu - OneNote makes tablet sing
Note-Taking with Microsoft Office OneNote 2003
MS OneNote Education Links Page
Microsoft Quiz: OneNote Basics
MS Office Assistance OneNote page
MS Office 2003 OneNote page
MS OneNote Community
MS OneNote Demo
OneNoteAnswers.com
Chris Pratley’s OneNote WebLog
Channel9 video: Owen Braun and Chris Pratley - Talking about OneNote