If you are using TextPad, then I assume you are on windows. Personaly, I haven't really found any other editor on that platform that works better - as good, yes, but not better. It is more of a matter of taste (although since I use emacs + cperl-mode on linux, I probably should do that on windows too).

There are several editors geared more towards programming available, I guess - for one thing you have Komodo available from ActiveState. When I tried it though, it was slow as syrup - but that was a while ago. It is probably worth a new try, if you want something specialized for perl.

In all reality, I think that the final choice of editor matters little - they all have their advantages. What you want to do is to pick one you are comfortable with and learn it really well instead. That will gain you much more in both short and long term, than trying to find the perfect editor.

I also think that you should not find an editor that is specially geared towards perl, but rather find one that is good with a lot of things. TextPad still fits that bill, as do a lot others. Unless you are sure you will do only perl, and nothing else, for ever and eons, of course. :) I'd like to think that I am, and will be a bit broader than that...

Nothing wrong with mastering several tools, and using the best tool for each job, but if you can fit most jobs into a multipurpose tool, your toolbox is lots easier to transport and carry with you. As long as you can get by with any other tool when needs be, of course.

---

You have moved into a dark place.
It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.