FIGURE C

The new TapPad V overlay fits on a Palm Vx. Click picture for a larger image.

Figure D, meanwhile, shows a TapPad III being used on a Handspring Visor.

FIGURE D

The new TapPad III works with the Handspring Visor. Click picture for a larger image.

The revision, which is available now, allows you to "tap and hold " the number pad numbers to insert frequently used characters and commonly used punctuation (for example, tap and hold on 5 and get a $ sign). Another enhancement lets you select a word or text and automatically insert quotes.

The only thing that could be improved about TapPad is that the popup symbol menu could be made to be customizable. For example, as a lawyer, I need to use the § character frequently, but it's not in the menu. This is planned for a future release.

TapPad is a "must have" for anyone who needs fast and accurate number and character input. The program costs $19.95 and can be found at http://www.tapad.com.

Product availability and resources For more information on TapPad, visit http://www.tapad.com. For more information on Hackmaster, visit http://www.daggerware.com. For more information on ThoughtMill, visit http://www.handshigh.com/html/thoughtmill.html. For more information on BrainForest, visit http://www.aportis.com/products/BrainForest/benefits.html. For more information about Palm computers, visit http://www.palm.com. Bulk reprints Bulk reprints of this article (in quantities of 100 or more) are available for a fee from Reprint Services, a ZATZ business partner. Contact them at reprints@zatz.com or by calling 1-800-217-7874.

Richard Cartwright is a lawyer and Palm user in Covington, TN who is the author of "Cartwright's Palm Laws," of which the first is, "Taking notes with your Palm in a meeting will get you named secretary every time."