You may want to check out PhraseExpress. It does more what ActiveWords does, it's free and it is even much easier to use.

http://www.phraseexpress.com

It's freeware....

Sekin

Thanks for that Sekin.

On first look, it looks like it lacks the scripting ability of ActiveWords, (which I find very useful).

Also, it looks like its designed to reduce keyboard usage and maximise the mouse. In my case, I prefer the other way around!

No, PhraseExpress also includes powerful scripting: http://manual.phraseexpress.com#macors

Thus, it also allows minimizing mouse use. You can type "wrd" to launch Word, etc. Just like in ActiveWords but for free and easier to use.

Colt (from Mallorca, Spain)

Oops, typo in the link:

http://manual.phraseexpress.com#macros

Thanks Colt - I'll have a serious look at it :)

Try this.. Here is one simple tweak that will help a lot:

Right click on the ActiveWords monitor, go to options, go to confirmation options, and then enable the spacebar/spacebar box at the top 1/3 of screen.

This way you don't have to reach for the F8 key, and can just use the space bar to trigger ActiveWords.


I will look also at phraseexpress...

haven't heard about it. Also, look at the agents we have built, i.e. http://www.activewords.com/plusapplications.html

Buzz
buzz@activewords.com

Just looked at phraseexpress...it only does a fraction of what ActiveWords does, seems to be pretty much of a text expander, with a little scripting.

Take a look at our vision, i.e. http://www.activewords.com/vision.html

I think we have a much bigger idea, but who knows!

Buzz, it indeeds depend what you want from ActiveWords but the text replacement compartment is much better done in the Freeware PhraseExpress:

* It allows assigning the same Autotext or hotkey to multiple text snippets. The phrase selection then appears right next to the mouse cursor. This is really handy.

* It has an open XML file format and a nice client server architecture

* The memory footprint is much smaller and it is really easy to use

Last but not least, it's free for personal use. And even the commercial version cost a fraction of ActiveWords.

And your vision is nice. What counts however, it today. ;-)

Colt

Colt, I've had a look at that page of macros and intend to download Phrase Express to give it a try.

Tell me though...
I use 2 monitors at work, but just my laptop at home. When I get to work and plug in the large monitor, it's on the left side of my laptop, whereas Windows XP naturally sets it up on the right side. I have managed to use ActiveWord scripting to adjust the screen but can't, at this point, see how Phrase Express would do so. Can you advise?
Thanks
Paul

Paul, I am not affiliated with PhraseExpress bout suggest to contact them. They provide excellent support.

For a text utility, your task is QUITE specific and would overstretch the requirements I would have for a text utility.

Your task is really like "can Photoshop reduce the speaker volume if I color my photo red.". ;-)

If I got ActiveWords correct, its major function/feature is to make certain actions triggered by keyboard input or to replace short text to longer phrases. And this particular function is much better done in PhraseExpress.

I do not think that your specific task should be part of a text utility feature list. I rather prefer tight and compact programs which do what they suppose to do.

Regarding your multimonitor issue you may want to check www.ultramon.com which is the Kaiser in multi-monitoring. Even PhraseExpress AND Ultramon together are still an inexpensive duet.

Well, just my 2 cents.