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gecko · 02-11-2011, 11:16 AM

Thanks, all - the offset-writing problem was definitely because I'd done the calibration holding the pen vertically. Holding it at a more natural angle or, rather, a more natural angles (which are different at the top and the bottom of the screen) pretty much solves the problem. Is that what the "calibration" is all about? There should be a sentence or so explaning that in the set-up instructions.

Current related problem is that the tip of the style wiggles a little bit, an annoyance if you're trying what someone described here as the Buddhist-monk-writing-on-a-grain-of-rice technique. Do the other brands of stylus also have slightly wiggling tips? That last question sounds vaguely improper, somehow.

'nuther query, or maybe a feature request: It'd be nice if we could set the lcd screen timeout to be different depending on whether the thing is powered from the battery or from the wall. Is there a way to do this?

On traditional technology - it can be fun although, as I said, fountain pens are new-fangled gadgets, since I use dip pens at home. I especially like old technologies that are cheap; the dip pens cost a couple of bucks for the holders, nibs are maybe 20 for $10 (I buy NOS = New Old Stock, mostly made in the 1st half of the 20th century; modern nibs are designed for artists rather then everyday writers, and they require a lot more pressure, since people are used to ball-point pens these days), plus an ink well (easy to get gov't surplus for $15 or $20 each; the US gov't used them up through the 1950s). Plus ink.

Other old technologies I find fun - straight razors ($10-$15 at flea markets; but you have to have stones to hone them on. I use a straight razor pretty much every day). Hand-cranked coffee grinders (which help me wake up even before I've had my morning coffee). Unfortunately, had to get rid of the old car, which was a 68 Plymouth Valiant. It ran well, but the mechanic, who stockpiled parts, retired, so we thought it best to get another car before some emergency came up, so now have a new-fangled modern contraption, a 91 Honda Civic, that we bought for $10 from a friend who never got the hang of driving a manual transmission. But we live in New York, anyway, and only drive out of the city.

02-11-2011, 11:16 AM	#7
gecko Edge User	Thanks, all - the offset-writing problem was definitely because I'd done the calibration holding the pen vertically. Holding it at a more natural angle or, rather, a more natural angles (which are different at the top and the bottom of the screen) pretty much solves the problem. Is that what the "calibration" is all about? There should be a sentence or so explaning that in the set-up instructions. Current related problem is that the tip of the style wiggles a little bit, an annoyance if you're trying what someone described here as the Buddhist-monk-writing-on-a-grain-of-rice technique. Do the other brands of stylus also have slightly wiggling tips? That last question sounds vaguely improper, somehow. 'nuther query, or maybe a feature request: It'd be nice if we could set the lcd screen timeout to be different depending on whether the thing is powered from the battery or from the wall. Is there a way to do this? On traditional technology - it can be fun although, as I said, fountain pens are new-fangled gadgets, since I use dip pens at home. I especially like old technologies that are cheap; the dip pens cost a couple of bucks for the holders, nibs are maybe 20 for $10 (I buy NOS = New Old Stock, mostly made in the 1st half of the 20th century; modern nibs are designed for artists rather then everyday writers, and they require a lot more pressure, since people are used to ball-point pens these days), plus an ink well (easy to get gov't surplus for $15 or $20 each; the US gov't used them up through the 1950s). Plus ink. Other old technologies I find fun - straight razors ($10-$15 at flea markets; but you have to have stones to hone them on. I use a straight razor pretty much every day). Hand-cranked coffee grinders (which help me wake up even before I've had my morning coffee). Unfortunately, had to get rid of the old car, which was a 68 Plymouth Valiant. It ran well, but the mechanic, who stockpiled parts, retired, so we thought it best to get another car before some emergency came up, so now have a new-fangled modern contraption, a 91 Honda Civic, that we bought for $10 from a friend who never got the hang of driving a manual transmission. But we live in New York, anyway, and only drive out of the city.