C H A P T E R 3

Controls

Large Buttons

If a user needs to be able to tap some text buttons or picture buttons in your application with a finger instead of a pen, you can use large buttons. If your large buttons won’t fit at the bottom of a view, it’s OK to put them along one side of the view. Put them only on one side, but be sure the user can choose whether they appear on the right or left. A user’s left hand would block the whole screen while tapping large buttons along the right edge of the screen, so left-handed users need to be able to set an option that shifts large buttons from the right side to the left side of the screen. If your application includes large buttons and you want them to work when a user rotates the display (with the Extras Drawer), your application needs to be able to adjust the position of the large buttons for regular or sideways orientation of the display.

Close Boxes

The Close box and large Close box are both picture buttons that contain the picture of a cross shaped like an ✕. Both buttons work in the same way. Tapping a Close box or a large Close box closes the container view in which the button appears.

The differences between the Close box and large Close box are purely cosmetic. The large Close box is the same height as standard text and picture buttons. The frame around the ✕ is not part of the large Close box’s picture. The Close box is slightly smaller than the large Close box, and

its picture includes the frame around the ✕. Figure 3-14 compares the Close box and the large Close box.

Figure 3-14A Close box compared to a large Close box

Close box

Large Close box

3-14

Close Boxes

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Apple 2 manual Close Boxes, Large Buttons
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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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