Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

Compare Keyboards

Introduction
Compare different types of keyboards for inputting information in personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other digital tools.

Directions
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Write your answers on a separate piece of paper, or key them into the spaces below. After you finish keying, check your work carefully and click Submit.

Inputting Information
The flow of information between you and your computer goes both ways. Output devices, such as monitors and printers, present information from the computer to you. Input devices , such as keyboards and microphones, deliver information from you into the computer.

Keyboards are the most common input devices. They let you enter text and data, as well as commands. You are already familiar with the keyboard on your desktop and laptop computers, but other types of digital technology also need input devices. Below are a few of the options that you might find.

Tablet Computers Tablet PCs combine the convenience of paper with the power of a desktop computer. They are as small as a paper notebook and allow you to write notes or draw directly on the screen. A digital pen can be used for all input, including the ability to write text or to tap on an on-screen keyboard. Like PDAs, a tablet computer can also be connected to a separate keyboard.

Handheld Computers PDAs, such as the Palm Treo and the Research in Motion Blackberry, use tiny QWERTY keyboards to enter data and commands, send messages, surf the Web, and even create documents. Other PDAs, such as a Palm Pilot, use a special stylus to enter data by writing on the screen or by tapping on a small onscreen keyboard. PDAs can also be connected to full-sized keyboards or even desktop computers.

Cell Phones Most cell phones allow you to enter text and commands with the phone's keypad. This can sometimes be a tedious and slow process. To make it easier, some new cell phone models come equipped with a tiny keyboard or use voice-activated commands. These new integrated “smart” phones are combined with PDAs to surf the Internet and send e-mail. They can also receive data from a desktop PC.

1			What does an input device do?
2			What is the most common type of input device?
3			What are two ways information is inputted into PDAs?
4			What is a digital pen used for in a tablet computer?
5			What is a “smart” phone?