Q: I'm just starting to get into computing. Do I have to learn to type?

A: With most currently available computers, not knowing how to type will be a severe handicap because the keyboard is the primary input device for today's standard computers. That's why school districts are still adding mandatory typing to their curricula.

You don't need to know how to type to use a personal digital assistant (PDAs). These devices feature handwriting recognition software, which is becoming better with each successive generation of PDA. PDAs fit in your hand, usually don't come with a keyboard, and have small screens -- making them less than optimal for tasks such as spreadsheet manipulation and word processing, but great for holding your calendar and contacts, and OK for receiving your e-mail. Most people who use PDAs don't use them as their primary systems. They use them when they can't be at their desktop systems and when portability is extremely important.

Luckily things also are changing for standard desktop and laptop computers. Microsoft is now shipping Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, a version of Windows that allows you to write on the screen with an electronic stylus, like using an electronic memo pad and pen.

This version of Windows runs on a special type of notebook computer, known as a Tablet PC. Tablet PCs have already hit the market. The one that I tested is made by Toshiba and can be found at your local retailer for about $2,000. That Toshiba includes a keyboard for traditionalists; but similar systems come without a keyboard.

Using the Tablet PC is remarkably easy. A quick tap on the screen with your stylus is like a left click. A longer tap is a right click. Depending on circumstance, your stylus will either act as a pointer that can select images on your screen, a pen using "digital ink" or a standard cursor. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition comes with such helpful tools as an on-screen keyboard, a journal application that organizes your digitally inked documents and a snipping tool that allows you to select a region of your screen to copy and paste as an image.

If you're a fast typist, the character recognition may not be fast enough to win the race against your own typing. It does a pretty good job recognizing the characters correctly, but it's not perfect. So you'll also have to schedule some extra time and effort to proofread carefully. For novice typists, the Tablet PC will eliminate most of the need to learn to type.

If you often find yourself taking notes in meetings and away from your desk, you'll find the included Windows Journal application helpful as you jot down your information on the screen, so it is already in your computer, ready to be turned into a word-processing document, e-mail message or task list. Plus it saves on physical file space by eliminating your paper notes. Microsoft also plans to release a stand-alone application called OneNote that goes beyond the capabilities of the Windows Journal.

Like the regular Windows XP editions, the Table PC Edition comes standard with voice recognition, too. Like character recognition, voice recognition is imperfect, but getting better with each version -- especially as computers get faster making it easier for them to do the conversions from voice to typewritten words. It too may help you avoid typing. I think it will still be a few years before we all feel comfortable enough to discard the keyboard altogether. But don't be surprised to see people using digital ink as their main computer input now -- especially for specialty applications.