In part 1, I explained why Windows Tablet PC users don't have a very user friendly experience when inputting text into Java Swing applications. I presented a prototype solution to the issue that had some problems. Since then, I've:

• worked out some bugs
• added support for JTextAreas
• come up with a way to enable floating TIP on all JTextComponents in a Swing application
• updated the demo application
• decided to release some source code in case anyone want's to critically review it

I became a Tablet PC user this past summer when I acquired a TabletKiosk i7210 eo (an Ultra Mobile PC) running Windows XP Tablet Edition. My primary job is as a Java developer and I have done a fair amount of development using Java's Swing windowing toolkit.

I very quickly learned that apps written using this windowing toolkit don't work like regular windows apps on a tablet PC. They don't offer access to the floating text entry window (Floating TIP) forcing the user to enter text via the text input panel at the bottom of the screen, a more cumbersome method of entry.

If you're somewhat tech savvy, you may periodically look into the long list of processes that is running on your Windows PC. Google them by their "image name" or the name of the executable that's running and you often can find entries in windows process databases like this one, this one, this one, this one, etc. that describe the process as

   It is a legitimate program, but it isn't required.

After receiving my replacement eo from TabletKiosk recently to correct an issue with the usability of the TouchStyk I found that it had a whole bunch of processes running that I didn't recognize. One of them, igfxpers.exe, was described as "legitimate, but not required." So in an effort to reclaim resources that "unnecessary" background programs are using, I removed the string entry for it it from my registry's

   \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

key without much thought. Only after about half a day, I discovered that it really was doing something useful and should be running.

In the UMPC realm, a number of people have commented about their wifi connections periodically disconnecting. Apparently, owners of the Asus R2H and some owners of Samsung Q1s have had a lot of problems with their wireless connections periodically dropping. I've had my TabletKiosk eo i7210 for almost 4 months now and have noticed occasionally that the wifi connection would drop and reconnect occasionally. It never seemed to cause any inconveniences to me, so I ignored it. But when I read DanDar3's story on the issue and how he upgraded the Intel drivers in his UMPC and improved his situation, I decided to look into the issue further.

Original Project Date: February 2006

Project Summary: I show how I installed a permanent CB antenna and radio in the H2.

CB are a commonly used to communicate with others on the trail. They're fairly inexpensive and don't require a license to use. Since I really only plan to use it recreationally, I opted for a lower priced all-in-one/handheld CB model from Midland, 75-822. I can wire this to the vehicle antenna most of the time. But if necessary remove it and use it with AA batteries and a with a removable stubby antenna if I need to use it outside of the truck.

I haven't updated the site lately. If you've been wondering why, it's because I've been in the middle of a crazy move. That move is just about complete. I'm sitting amongst boxes, but am ready to get back at things that aren't absolutely mandatory.

I recently mounted a TabletKiosk eo i7210 in my Hummer H2. I quickly realized that when using it at night, it would be very handy when I'm not actively using it to turn off the display without turning the machine off or putting it in standby/hibernate. With the screen dimmed all the way, it is still bright enough to reduce visibility out on the road and is also annoying to anyone who might be trying to sleep in back like my son.