Title: Hypertext and Pen Computing
Series: Technical Briefings
Author: Norman Meyrowitz
Book: Proceedings of ACM Hypertext'91
Date: 1991
Pages: 379
Copyright: (c) Copyright 1991 Association for Computing Machinery
Abstract: Some of the original goals of hypertext were accessibility,
seamlessness, and connectivity.  Yet most implementations of hypertext are
still bound to large, immobile workstations, are operated with keyboards
and mice and a reasonably complex interface, and are often focused on
standalone, rather than connected, tasks.
   With the advent of pen-computing, we are beginning to see linking as a
fundamental operating system and user interface component.  In GO's
PenPoint operating system, any selection in any notebook page can be linked
to a selection on another page through the means of a simple pen gesture. 
The ability to create and follow links with a mere gesture creates a new
level of accessibility to hypertext.
   Similarly, applications built on PenPoint are exploiting the pen
interface for new generations of electronic book technology, in which
browsing and search for information can be done without keyboard and mouse,
in which annotation can be done with computerized "ink" and in which
remote, wireless connectivity serves as a major new component.
   The demonstration will show each of these technologies and explain the
fundamental basis behind each of these technologies.