Hi,

Not sure if this quite answers your questions, but it may help.

1)
When using an external data entry method such as a usb keyboard or x11vnc you need to switch the input method. The following command will let you use the keyboard as expected.
And this will set it back to normal.
2)
Synergy can be a good way to enter data into the tablet. I have my tablet connected to my pc (either usbnet or wireless) then set up synergy so I can just move the mouse off the bottom edge of my screen and on to the tablet (worth setting up just to see peoples jaws drop). You can then just use the pc keyboard and mouse and copy and paste between Excel and Gnumeric.
Here are some instructions for configuring synergy:
http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...ead.php?t=9009

Good luck.
-John