This package replaces the built-in alphanumeric keyboard with one that doesn't ask to "Add this word to word list?" whenever it discovers a new word.  You can tap the small  icon on the left side of the keyboard to get to the original built-in keyboard.  If you have Graffiti from Palm Computing installed, you can tap the small G button to get the Graffiti window. The replacement keyboard is active from everywhere on the Newton.  You get the replacement when you double tap on text fields, the notepad or if you tap the keyboard icon in the notepad.

This version of the keyboard is a bit larger than the built-in keyboard and the original version of Otherkey.  I personally find this version much easier to use and I'm willing to sacrifice the extra screen real-estate to get bigger buttons.  Other than the size difference this replacement keyboard is the same as the smaller version of Otherkey.

The package containing the replacement keyboard is an auto-part (that means there is no icon in the extras drawer) and it can be installed either internally or on a card.  If the replacement keyboard is open when you eject the card you will get a dialog that says:

"The Newton still needs the card you removed.  Please insert it now, or information on the card may be damaged."

To get rid of the dialog, put the card back in, close the switch, and wait for the card dialog.  At this point the keyboard is closed and then you can remove the card (as long as other programs on the card cooperate).  If you close the replacement keyboard before you remove the card, you won't see the message.

If you tap on the replacement keyboard's small keyboard button, the built-in keyboard pops up and performs its normal functions including asking to add words to the word list.  If you want to go back to the replacement keyboard, close the built-in keyboard and then open the keyboard again.  Every time you open the alphanumeric keyboard you will get the replacement keyboard.

If you have Graffiti installed on your Newton, you get another button to the left of the small keyboard button.  If you tap on the small G Graffiti button, the Graffiti window pops up and works normally.  If you open the replacement keyboard again and tap the small G button while Graffit is open, the Graffiti Window is closed.  If Graffiti is minimized when you tap on the Graffiti button then the window is opened.

The replacement keyboard does not just patch the built-in keyboard, but is a complete stand-alone keyboard.  The package is about 5 Kbytes installed and takes about 750 bytes of heap when installed.

If you can think of additional features that you would like for this keyboard let me know, I'll consider adding them.  I could also do other keyboards if someone wants to tell me what they might find useful.

Revision History:

7/18/95 - Added the Graffiti Button
7/14/95 - Initial Version

This package is free but Copyright 1995 Jim Bailey.

This Package can be freely redistributed to electronic sites as long as it is posted in its entirety, including this README.  It can't be sold as a standalone package or as part of commercial package without my written permission.

-- 
Jim Bailey          Software Consulting Services for Mobile Computing
Internet: jdb@tiac.net      NewtonMail: jdb (jdb@eworld.com)