Automated typing extension
iType 2.0
Creator: Script Software
Shareware: USD $20
If you write, and everyone using a computer does, you need tools to simplify and speed up your handling of all those words. Spellcheckers are a start, but some programs like iType combine a number of timesaving features. iType is a single background extension that:
Spellchecking. iType comes equipped with a dictionary of 150,000 words (English, with other language dictionaries available), and you can add entries as you type. You can also add words from entire text files by importing or dragging and dropping (including your custom Word files); iType parses the file so that only new words are added to the dictionary database.
It works in the background of all your applications but you can disable it on a case-by-case basis. The reviewer's opinion is that 'disabled' should be the default; it shouldn't be necessary to manually disable applications like QuickTime, installers, Chooser, the Finder, and so on.
Autocorrection. Do you repeatedly misspell some words? Just add them to iType's autocorrection database. For example, if you often type 'adn' when you mean 'and', iType automatically fixes your misspelling.
Autoexpansion. While you type, iType gathers information and adds it to your vocabulary (similar to the autocomplete feature for URLs in Internet Explorer). As your stored vocabulary grows, you'll find that you frequently can complete text entries without having to type the entire expression. Very handy, particularly if you frequently use lengthy medical or legal terms or words with finger-twisting diacritical marks.
Mnemonic expansion. iType enhances its autoexpansion feature with its mnemonic tool, similar to that used in TypeIt4Me (reviewed earlier). You assign abbreviations to frequently used words and text and let iType complete the entire typing job. As with autoexpansion, this can be a significant timesaver. And, if you have an existing TypeIt4Me database, you can import your mnemonic/word combinations into iType.
Type saving. You can tell iType to memorize all your typing each day (two-week maximum). If you should ever have a crash while working, you can reconstruct your work by editing the file.
Language translation. You can download additional dictionaries that enable translation between, for example, English-German, American English-British English, etc.
Macros. The program includes a number of macros that let you insert time, date, application name, and so on, by typing a two-letter abbreviation. For example, 'an' followed quickly by two spaces expands to 'Adobe GoLive 4.0.1'.
All operations and preferences (prefs example below) are accessed through iType's one control palette (left) which floats on top of your screen. The icons appear when you move your cursor to the palette so that only the upper rectangle is normally visible. It is in that white rectangle that you'll see all your typing (and database suggestions) appear while you work.
There is a negative to all the features that iType offers. Although iType comes with a 20-page manual, Mac newbies—and many not-so-newbies—can expect to spend time futzing around before it becomes truly useful. This is a clear case where illustrated documentation would make the program more user-friendly.
iType combines a number of typing enhancements into one reasonably priced package. And since it works independently as an extension, it can be used in all applications (and can be turned on or off in your Extension Manager).
Approximately 1.1 MB download. Paying the shareware fee removes several reminders. Requires: System 7 or later.
