My department is migrating from Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007. I am
piloting 2007 and am struggling with categories.

We use many categories for our shared mailbox. Every incoming mail
item is categorized using one or more categories. Because of the large
number of categories and how often they change, most of us are used to
just typing them into the text entry box. For instance, a mail item
may be categorized as "parts, chrysler, z01112008," the z-number
indicating a delivery date. That's what we type in the text box.

Once categorized, management can then filter by category to see how
many items were received for parts, of for that delivery date, etc.

In Outlook 2007 there is no text box. Trying to use categories that
don't exist is cumbersome, and, once defined, even clicking categories
from a hundred or so choices is more work than just typing them in.

Is there a solution to use text box entry? Or do I need to write VBA
code and forms?

-Laurens de Jong, from Detroit, MI.