C H A P T E R 3

Controls

A button can disappear and reappear with no visual effect or with a subtle visual effect such as zoom closed and zoom open. Generally, buttons should not flash as they appear. Visual effects that attract the eye virtually compel immediate action, as if they were shouting, “Tap me now!”

Button Placement

Text buttons and picture buttons are easiest to use at the bottom of the view that contains them. In that position a user’s hand won’t cover the view while tapping a button. Buttons that affect all items in a main view should go on a status bar at the bottom of the main view (see “Primary Controls and Status Bar” on page 2-11). The status bar is optional if the main view is small, like the main views of the built-in Connection, Card, and Time Zones applications. Buttons at the bottom of a slip or other auxiliary view are generally not on a status bar.

In a view that displays multiple items, each item is headed by a separator bar (see “Separator Bars” on page 2-11). Buttons that apply to only one item do not go at the bottom of the view. Instead, the buttons are attached to each item’s separator bar, and they scroll along with the item when a user scrolls the view. For example, a Filing button and an Action button go at the right end of each separator bar (see “Filing Button” on page 3-27 and “Action Button” on page 3-28). Other buttons can go on a button bar that floats near the end of an item. Figure 3-11 shows buttons on a separator bar, buttons on a floating button bar, and buttons on a status bar.

It’s possible for your application to add buttons to another application’s status bar. For example, your application could add a button to the backdrop application’s status bar so users could bring your application to the front without going through the Extras Drawer. This could be a boon or a nightmare depending on how crowded the status bar is in the backdrop application. If you want to add a button to another application, make sure users can disable the feature.

Buttons

3-11

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Apple 2 manual Button Placement
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2 specifications

The Apple II is a defining product in the history of personal computing, first introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer, Inc. Designed by Steve Wozniak, the Apple II was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products and played a significant role in bringing personal computers into homes and schools.

One of the Apple II's standout features was its color graphics capability. It was one of the first personal computers to provide color output, thanks to its built-in video interface. The initial model supported a resolution of 280x192 pixels with a palette of 6 colors, which allowed for vibrant visuals that set it apart from contemporaries like the monochrome Altair 8800.

The Apple II was notable for its open architecture. This design allowed users to expand the computer's capabilities easily through a series of expansion slots. Users could add floppy disk drives, additional memory, and various peripheral devices, making the system highly adaptable to individual needs. This encouraged a thriving ecosystem of third-party hardware and software, which contributed to its popularity.

Another significant feature was its use of the 6502 microprocessor. This 8-bit CPU was not only affordable but also powerful for its time, allowing the Apple II to run various applications efficiently. Along with a built-in keyboard and an innovative plastic case that housed its components, the design was user-friendly and appealing.

The Apple II also introduced the concept of “bootable software” through the use of floppy disks. The disk operating system (DOS) allowed users to store and run multiple programs without having to reload software manually, providing a level of convenience that had not been widely available before. Key software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, helped boost sales, showcasing the Apple II's utility in business and education environments.

The computer was also well-known for its early adoption of BASIC programming language. Apple provided an operating system that supported Applesoft BASIC, which enabled users, including students, to write their programs, further fostering a community of developers.

In summary, the Apple II's color graphics, open architecture, powerful 6502 processor, innovative use of floppy disks, and support for BASIC programming made it a revolutionary product in its time. Its legacy laid the groundwork for future personal computers and established Apple as a leader in the burgeoning tech industry. The Apple II remains an iconic symbol of the early personal computing era, reflecting a generation's transition into a digitally connected world.
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