Is the pen mightier than the keyboard?

The authors investigate whether pen-based interfaces are acceptable for general business applications in terms of user performance and user preferences. In six experiments novice and experienced subjects compared a pen-based interface to a keyboard across four general business applications: text editing, spreadsheet, graphics, and disk management. The study found that subjects executed most of the tasks more slowly with a pen-based interface than with the keyboard. Subjects reported that the handwriting recognition component of the pen-based interface was too inaccurate, too slow, and too demanding for user attention. However, they responded well to the touch-button software navigation and screen position control components, suggesting potential for future use.<
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