myKbd lets you use hex keyboards on your Palm for fast text entry. myKbd includes the easy-to-use ATOMIK layout. The basic ATOMIK layout was computer-optimized by IBM researchers for speed of typing in English (45 words per minute for a proficient user) and speed of learning. (The myKbd developer is not affiliated with IBM.)

myKbd requires a Palm T3, T5, T|X or LifeDrive and lets you switch between the ATOMIK keyboard and Graffiti in the input area (ATOMIK replaces the Palm's QWERTY keyboard).

myKbd also includes all of the input-area skinning features of mySkin, and is available for the highly discounted price of $5 to registered mySkin users.

There is a free 15-day trial of myKbd.

Advantages of the myKbd input system:

* Hexagonal keys: Maximize the space for easy tapping.

* Easy punctuation: All standard punctuation is available right on screen with no shifts. Accented keys are available by a "Cycle" key.

* Speed of typing: Research at IBM suggests a theoretical speed of 45 words per minute for proficient ATOMIK users (versus 34 for QWERTY and 41 for FITALY).

* Ease of learning: The ATOMIK layout is approximately alphabetical, which makes it easier for beginning users to find keys.

* Common words are easy: Common letter combinations are together. In fact, some common words like "the" are arranged so that a single pen stroke through several keys can generate them.

* Visual feedback: Unlike the keys of some competing products, these flash when tapped (except in T3 landscape mode).

* Looks great! Comes with light- and dark-colored variants. Can be re-colored by myKbd to any color you like.

* Home button support on T|X: Optionally replace search button with a home button on the Palm T|X statusbar that goes back to applications or, when held down, pops up a list of the last couple of applications as well as of favorite applications, Desk Accessories or preference panels. (Search is still accessible either from this list or by holding down menu button.)

* Skin loading: myKbd includes all of mySkin's sophisticated input-area skin loading functions. So you can also customize your Graffiti panels by inserting photos (T5, TX and LifeDrive only), re-coloring them, or by loading pre-made skins (several are included).

* Landscape and portrait: Both landscape and portrait modes are supported.

* Metropolis: The Metropolis keyboard layout with a striking vowel-star in the middle is also included. This keyboard is harder to learn than ATOMIK but theoretically faster for proficient users.

* QWERTY: A QWERTY keyboard is included. Its advantages over the Palm QWERTY input-area keyboard are the more convenient hexagonal keys, and the full complement of punctuation.

* Roll your own! Change the colors and layout of the keyboard with a free Keyboard Layout Generator.

* Macros: There is a sophisticated macro feature for entering boilerplate text, tapping on menu entries, launching applications and Desk Accessories, and much more. You can even assign macros to the four hardware keys.

* Free upgrades: registered myKbd users can upgrade to any newer myKbd version at any time.