FIGURE B

You can configure the function keys to launch applications or perform actions.

The best new feature is the ability to press Command+Alt plus the first letter of any button on the screen. This is great for applications like the Memo Pad. The Memo Pad requires that you tap the New button to create a new record. Now, pressing Command+Alt+N opens a blank memo. Of course, the keyboard also takes advantage of some of Palm's built-in shortcuts as well. For example, you can also create new records in the Memo Pad by just beginning to type, as you would if you were writing Graffiti.

Performing a HotSync from the GoType! Pro is simple, though it requires a few extra steps. With your Palm unit in its cradle and the HotSync cable attached to your computer, press Shift+F3 to initiate a HotSync action. A screen appears, instructing you to move the slider switch below the cradle to HotSync mode within five seconds. Then a regular serial HotSync operation commences.

My wish list
As nifty and useful as the GoType! Pro is, I have only one general complaint that will affect some users, and a few things that I'd wish for in an ideal GoType! keyboard.

Size matters
The complaint is a simple one: keyboard size. The keyboard is smaller than a full-size standard keyboard, which can be difficult for people like me with larger fingers. It's not an impossible limitation. I've found, after using GoType! Keyboards for awhile now, that my hands have adapted. However, I know that this can be an important factor for people who may have to do more typing than I generally do. If you think you may be uncomfortable with a smaller-sized keyboard, go to a computer store and spend time trying it out.

As for my wish list, I realize that some things may be out of the scope of the device. That's why I want to make it clear that these are things I would like to see in an ideal keyboard, and they're not necessarily any drawbacks on the part of the GoType! developers.

The old switcheroo
It would be nice to have a better method for switching between typing and performing a HotSync. I'd love to be able to just hit a HotSync shortcut and have it work without having to manually throw a switch.

Serial would be killer
Since the first model, I've wanted a Palm-style serial port that would allow me to plug in a modem (or other devices if need be), and use it and the keyboard simultaneously.

An arrow would hit the mark
I wish I could use the arrow keys to switch between items in a list. Perhaps this is a more realistic goal. The point of having a keyboard is that I don't want to have to use my stylus. With a regular computer, it's not much of a hassle to move one hand away from the keyboard to use the mouse. However, with my Palm unit, I have to pick up my stylus and tap at an awkward angle if I have to do things onscreen that the keyboard won't do.

Menu mania
I also want a Menu key that would bring up the onscreen menu. Then I'd like to move among its items using the arrow keys. Sure, I can access menu commands if shortcuts are assigned to them, but who has all the shortcuts memorized or even set up? One of the nice things about Microsoft Windows is that you can do nearly everything from the keyboard. It would be great to have that functionality on the Palm device.