I've been evaluating PenCommander from PhatWare for a few weeks and if you're looking for a way to launch applications, insert text, and perform routine actions by scribbling a word or phrase this utility should be on your short list. Phatware has been a significant player in the Windows Mobile and Palm OS markets for quite some time and they "get" the pen interface better than most. PenCommander recognized my handwriting without incident and the input panel is well-behaved and does not interfere with the Tablet Input Panel for standard text entry in any way.

In conversations with a number of Tablet users while I've been evaluating PenCommander, I inevitably get asked how this tool is different from ActiveWords with the InkPad add-on. The short answer is "not very much". Both accomplish essentially the same thing. But deeper examination reveals a number differences including:

• Cost: PenCommander is $24.95 compared to $49.95 for ActiveWords Plus (required for the InkPad).

• Ink vs. keyboard: PenCommander can be used with the mouse, trackpad, or pointing stick but I found it awkward. Ink is the only input. ActiveWords can be used with ink and the keyboard.

• Extensibility: both programs provide the ability to create sophisticated scripts. I found ActiveWords scripting environment easier to use but neither is difficult for building simple scripts to launch applications or substitute text. There is a definite learning curve for either program if you want to get fancy.

• Functionality: PenCommander does what it was designed to well but ActiveWords has a far more extensible architecture. The Outlook and MSN Search Agent add-on applications for ActiveWords Plus have no counterpart in PenCommander (or any other automation tool I've seen).

(more on creating a new command and a summary after the jump)

PenCommander comes with a scripting application called Visual PenCommander and, as the name implies, it look quite a bit like Visual Studio’s IDE. You can examine and learn from the more than 50 commands PenCommander ships with and create new scripts in this environment.

As an example, here are the net commands PenCommander comes with:

These can be a huge timesaver when entering addresses into a browser with the pen and overcomes one of the big pbstacles when trying to use Firefox on a Tablet PC since that browser does not support the Tablet Input Panel and requires opening the docked ink are of the OS or fudging with very sketchy extensions that create a lot of problems for many users.

I especially like the fact that creating a new text-only PenCommand is as simple as writing “new” on the input panel. The input panel can be configured to accept a command after a predetermined idle time or require a confirmation stroke of the pen.

Here’s the process to create a new text command that inserts my e-mail signature into any text environment when I write “sig” in the input panel.

1. Write “new” in the input panel

2. Fill in the “Add Text-Only PenCommand” dialog with a name (what you write) and optional comment (explains what the command does) and the text to be inserted.

3. Click OK.

4. Write “sig” in the input panel to insert my signature anytime I need.

Couldn’t be easier. Here’s what the script looks like:

//insert Gmail signature
<#Type>— <*return>Marc Orchant<*return>mochant@gmail.com<*return>Blogs: <*return>http://office.weblogsinc.com (a blog about office and knowledge work)<*return>http://tabletpcs.weblogsinc.com (a blog about Tablet PCs)<*return>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com (The Unofficial Microsoft Weblog)<*return>http://blogs.officezealot.com/marc (Marc’s Outlook on Productivity)

PenCommander is a great value, consumes a modest amount of system resources, and is easy to use. That ease of use does not mean a lack of power though. The scripting language is pretty powerful and you can construct some very sophisticated automation. PenCommander is well worth a test drive to see how it can enhance your productivity and make working on your Tablet PC a more satisfying experience. Highly recommended.