App for writing on the touchpad??

[Cheechwhiz]

I'm puzzled that I don't know of any app that would let me use the touchpad on my laptop as a handwriting input area.
I'd like to be able to try to use handwriting with MSOneNote.
I've got a graphics pad, but that's just one more thing hanging off the lapper.
My DELL 5150 won't respond to a fingernail or pen tip/stylus;only the pad of the finger.
Any knowledge why? Anybody? Any apps out there?

[zackepceo]

Touchpads work by the heat of your body againt the pad. They're not very high resolution, and pretty stupid in general. I'll just let you off with a no, and even if you could you wouldn't want to (at least not after seeing the results).

[Cheechwhiz]

Ack......
seemed like such a no brainer.
Mebbe if I hooked a heating coil up to the stylus......????

[zackepceo]

That's also no. What I meant by low resolution is that almost all trackpads require something no smaller than a finger to move it.

[SamuraiCatJB]

There are three types of touch screen technology:

* Resistive: A resistive touch screen panel is coated with a thin metallic electrically conductive and resistive layer that causes a change in the electrical current which is registered as a touch event and sent to the controller for processing. Resistive touch screen panels are generally more affordable but offer only 75% clarity and the layer can be damaged by sharp objects. Resistive touch screen panels are not affected by outside elements such as dust or water.
* Surface wave: Surface wave technology uses ultrasonic waves that pass over the touch screen panel. When the panel is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed. This change in the ultrasonic waves registers the position of the touch event and sends this information to the controller for processing. Surface wave touch screen panels are the most advanced of the three types, but they can be damaged by outside elements.
* Capacitive: A capacitive touch screen panel is coated with a material that stores electrical charges. When the panel is touched, a small amount of charge is drawn to the point of contact. Circuits located at each corner of the panel measure the charge and send the information to the controller for processing. Capacitive touch screen panels must be touched with a finger unlike resistive and surface wave panels that can use fingers and stylus. Capacitive touch screens are not affected by outside elements and have high clarity.