The WordComplete application is like shorthand for your Palm connected organizer. This utility helps to speed text entry time and accuracy by offering a pop-up pick list of words once you have entered a few letters. To complete your word entry just tap on the word that you want and it is automatically entered where your cursor is. WordComplete's dictionary provides a quick and easy way to check the spelling of a word and can be customized so that frequently used words appear at the top of the pop-up list. Even better, WordComplete is compatible not only with CIC's Jot, but also with Graffiti and the built-in keyboard application. There's no doubt about it, WordComplete can greatly increase your speed in entering text into your Palm applications. It is highly recommended. US$24.99

InkSnap

If you ever find yourself running into situations where you need to make quick notes that don't require the handwriting recognition of Graffiti, InkSnap is what you want. With InkSnap you can take notes in your own handwriting. You can take up to three screens of notes. As you write, your words will be automatically re-sized and snapped to a grid so that you can keep writing and capturing your important notes without running out of screen space. The Jot or Graffiti systems are not used, your handwriting is stored as you enter it and simply snapped to one of three ruled columns. This gives you a very fast system for note taking when you don't require handwriting recognition. A complete set of tools for storing and viewing your notes is included. InkSnap is a pretty unique application, and one that works well. US$19.99

RecoEcho

CIC's RecoEcho enhances Graffiti by allowing you to input text on the full-screen and see your characters in ink as you write! RecoEcho will allow you to write bigger, faster and more comfortably - plus, RecoEcho will help you get better recognition accuracy by allowing you to see characters in ink as they are written. Functionally RecoEcho is similar, if not identical in operation, to products like TealEcho, from TealPoint Software, and Hackmaster extensions of this nature. RecoEcho is a fully supported commercial product and is a few dollars cheaper than TealEcho. US$9.99

Sign-On

CIC bills Sign-On as the first log-on/password security utility for Palm that uses signature verification to keep the data on your Palm safe. Using your signature, Sign-On will allow you and only you to gain access to the data on your Palm. Just sign your name and Sign-On will verify your signature to unlock your Palm and give you access. Setup is little more than simply signing your name a few times to provide Sign-On a template for recognizing it. Sign-On worked quite well - no one could fake my signature enough to fool it into unlocking. If you want more advanced security for your Palm, Sign-On is an excellent solution. Sign-On requires PalmOS 3.0 or higher and a Palm III, V, or VII series. US$19.99

Jot

As mentioned earlier, Jot is a replacement for the Graffiti text entry system. It uses a similar approach but has what many consider to be a more intuitive recognition system, plus it also recognizes most Graffiti characters as well. It also has the advantage of having a division that allows you to enter capital letters without the extra stroke. You can also write anywhere on the screen as well, you are not limited to the bottom section. There are many other text entry systems available now for the Palm. The one most like Jot would be TealScript from TealPoint Software. TealScript offers more configuration options and a much lower price than Jot, but it isn't quite as intuitive-especially when configuring it to your own characters and handwriting. In the end I still find that Graffiti works quite well for most everything, but if you find you need better character recognition and want complete ease of use, Jot is recommended. We find that Jot recognizes Graffiti just a little better than the built-in interpreter. US$39

QuickNotes

QuickNotes is the smaller cousin of InkSnap. It will allow you to enter short notes in your own handwriting. Notes are time and date stamped and can be categorized as well. If you don't need the complete detail that InkSnap provides in a handwriting entry system, then QuickNotes is what you will want. The price difference is so minor (less than a buck!) that you'll probably want to get InkSnap instead. US$19

Sign-It

Sign-It, a brand new product from CIC, is the big brother of Sign-On. Where Sign-On simply allows you to control access to your Palm, Sign-In provides a system for legally binding signature verification and entry. Sign-it is ideal for use with Adobe documents and standard business forms such as purchase orders, timecards, expense reports, and personnel evaluations. It allows the author of a form to insert multiple signature blocks and specify who is to sign each signature block and why they are signing. The name of each designated signee can be inserted into the appropriate signature block. The signatory information can also be locked so that it cannot be changed. Sign-It is available for license in various configurations. See CIC's web site for full information and expect to see many Sign-It enabled applications in the future.

If you want any three of these applications, (except Sign-It) you can buy them in a bundle for an amazing deal at just $39.99. All of CIC's products work with all Palm models, excluding the Pilot 1000 and 5000. www.cic.com 650-802-7735

-Kermit Woodall