I am a non-typist.  Is there a device that I can hand write my e-mails
and just press send?

I believe the FreedomWriter Pro would meet your needs nicely. Here's a
description of this clever device:

"FreedomWriter PRO-- the "all in one" PC input device that replaces
pen, mouse, and keyboard for Internet browsing, email messaging, and
net meeting applications.  Ideal for interactive Internet
applications, the "all in one" wireless FreedomWriter redefines the PC
input device. Hand-write text entries such as web addresses, search
words and email messages without a keyboard using FreedomWriter's
input pad and pen-stylus. Point and click using the input pad and
scroll effortlessly through Web pages with FreedomWriter's Office 97TM
-compatible navigation bar.  And streamline your web browsing
experience entirely--assigning shortcuts such as "Forward", "Back",
"Search," and "Mail" to FreedomWriter's eight-key personalize-able
keypad (Netscape and Internet Explorer browser profiles included)...
Incorporating Interlink Electronics' patented VersaPadTM input pad,
FreedomWriter supports hand written input via its pen-stylus or a
finger. PC users are free to draw directly in Windows documents and
even sign email messages. They can also hand-enter text using CIC's
popular JOTTM hand-writing recognition software (included), or
FreedomWriter's unique on-screen virtual keyboard."
 
Interlink Electronics
http://www.interlinkelec.com/media/trade/page42.htm

More information about the FreedomWriter Pro, and a downloadable color
brochure in .pdf file format, may be found here:

Multi-Media Solutions
http://www.m-media.com/products/remotes/interlink/freedomwriter/

The FreedomWriter Pro retails for $199. United Visual offers it for
$159.43:

United Visual
http://www.unitedvisual.com/eos/product.asp?dept_id=72&product_id=1394

(Note: The above site requires that you fill out a short form before
pricing is revealed. I did so, and put the FreedomWriter in my
shopping cart to make certain that the product is actually available,
which appears to be the case.)

Here you can buy the FreedomWriter Pro for $189:

Audio Visual Technologies Group
http://www.avtg.com/freedomwriter.htm

A similar device is the Acer Web Pad, which, like the FreedomWriter,
is a substitute for your keyboard and mouse, with built-in handwriting
recognition that can convert your hand-written entries into text:

Acer E-Life 2000
http://elife2.acer.com.tw/webpad.htm

If you have access to a Macintosh, this may interest you:

"Mac OS X version 10.2 features powerful pen input technology known as
Inkwell. Wacom's patented cordless and batteryless pen input systems
(USB) provide full support for this exciting technology. Inkwell
includes advanced handwriting recognition that is fully integrated
into the text system of the operating system making this pen
functionality a major feature of version 10.2. To take advantage of
Inkwell please be sure to use Wacom’s driver version 4.72-5 or later.
With Inkwell and a Wacom tablet, you can hand write text and have it
automatically convert to typed words. The words are then inserted into
your document at the location of your cursor. Like a keyboard, Inkwell
can be used with any application. "

Wacom
http://www.wacom.com/productinfo/inkwell.cfm

Here is a handwriting recognition program for Pocket PCs that is
multi-lingual, supporting 28 languages:

Penreader
http://www.penreader.com/PocketPC/PenReader.html

My Google search strategy:

"hand" + "write" + "pad"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22hand+write%22+pad

"handwriting recognition"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22handwriting+recognition

"freedomwriter"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=freedomwriter

I hope this helps. If you need anything further, or if any of the
links do not function, please request clarification before rating my
answer.

Best wishes,
pinkfreud

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Request for Answer Clarification by ghilaine-ga on 17 Oct 2002 10:44 PDT

When writing e-mails can you just write and press send?  Most of these
handwriting recognition devices require that you write your e-mail,
save it to a file, and then send as an attachment.

---

Clarification of Answer by pinkfreud-ga on 17 Oct 2002 14:31 PDT

The FreedomWriter Pro can function as if it were a keyboard; you write
on its pad, and the handwriting recognition software converts what
you've written into text within whatever program you're using. If you
are running a mail program on your computer while using the device,
the text would appear as the body of the email, and you would select
"send" onscreen using the FreedomWriter's pad as if it were a
point-and-click mouse. Most mail programs have the option to send a
file as an attachment if that is preferred, but this is selectable by
the user.

Since it is not a stand-alone device, but a computer periperal that
functions like a keyboard, you would need to have some sort of
email-generating software on your computer (something like Netscape
Mail or Outlook Express, to give two popular examples.) If you are
looking for a stand-alone email appliance, I can resume the search; I
may have misinterpreted your question.

~pinkfreud

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Clarification of Answer by pinkfreud-ga on 18 Oct 2002 08:52 PDT

Thank you very much for the five-star rating! I am still trying to get
more information on the Acer E-Life 2000 device, and its suitability
to your purpose. I'll post another clarification if I learn anything
further.

~pinkfreud

Thanks for your help.  Your answer to my clarification was right on the mark.