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.)

Available from http://www.zlthemes.com/Programs.php (preferred) or palmgear.com (http://www.palmgear.com/index.cfm?xyz=119441)

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.
• 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 slower for beginners than ATOMIK but theoretically faster for proficient users.
• Make 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.
• Free upgrades:registered myKbd users can upgrade to any newer myKbd version at any time.