Creating Special Characters Using <CHAR> and <ALT>

Create a special character using the CHAR key by pressing and releasing <CHAR> once, and then pressing the desired keyboard key (see Figure 1 on the next page to see which keyboard keys produce special characters).

 Create a special character using the ALT key by holding down <ALT> and entering a 2- or 3-number character code. (See Figure on the next page for the complete HP 95LX Character Set and code numbers. Note that any of the 95LX's characters can be created using the ALT method.)

 Creating a special character using <CHAR> is faster than using an <ALT>-key combination. The CHAR key, located just to the left of the Space Bar, is a "sticky" key. Like the Shift keys, once you press it, it is activated. You don't need to hold it while you press the next key. In addition, using the CHAR key to create a special character requires fewer key strokes.

 EXAMPLE 1: Using CHAR To Create, The Copyright Symbol

  1. 1. Go into MEMO.
  2. 2. Place the cursor where you want the symbol to go.

    3.  

 (From User's Guide, page E3)
 
 

  1. 3. Press <CHAR> down and lift up.
  2. 4. Press <123>.
  3. 5. You should now see the copyright symbol.

    4.  

     
     
     
     
     

EXAMPLE 2: Using ALT To Create the German letter for .
 
 
  1. 1. Place the cursor where you want the symbol to go.
  2. 2. Hold down <ALT> and press 1 4 2 on the numeric keypad.
  3. 3. Let up on <ALT>.
  4. 4. You should now see the letter --.

    5.  

     
     
     
     
     

EXAMPLE 3: Creating any accented letter you want using CHAR.

 The 95LX allows you to generate a character with almost any type of accent using <CHAR> and the R, T, Y, U, and I keys. Look at Figure 1 and you'll notice an accent symbol above each one of these keys (R=', T=`, Y=^, U=", I=~) When you press <CHAR> and any one of these keys, it prepares the 95LX to generate the corresponding accent above the next key you pressed.

Example 3A: we could also create the -- we generated above by pressing <CHAR> u (to prepare for the accent mark) and A to create the .

 Example 3B: we could create the accented D in the French word "D'achat" by pressing <CHAR> r (to prepare for the accent mark) and D to create the accented D'.

 The numbers 1, 2, and 3 on the numeric keypad do triple duty. Press <Shift> first, and they produce the <, >, and ? symbols. Press <CHAR> first and they produce <<, >>, and . Hold down <Shift>, and press <CHAR> first and they produce the superscripted numbers 1, 2, and 3. These smaller numbers are ideal for footnote numbers, but it only works with the numbers 1, 2, and 3.

 Even if you don't think you'll ever need these special characters, you should do some experimenting with them anyway. You owe it to yourself to open up a MEMO file and just fool around with creating several characters, using both the CHAR key and the ALT--key combinations. You never know just when you might need those !%#*&@ characters!

 [Bil. Alvernaz has been working with palmtop computers for over two years. He has picked the HP 95LX as his preferred choice because he feels the 95LX sets the standard for palmtop computers. During the past decade Bil. has written about computers for USA TODAY, PC Magazine, United Feature Syndicate, and other publications. Bil. specializes in desktop publishing, as well as writing, media relations, and helping people get the most out of using computers. You can reach him at (209) 394-8188, MCI MAIL #2078825, or FAX: 209.394.8918.]