C H A P T E R 6

Data Input

You don’t need to do anything in your application to handle ordinary recog- nition. The Newton system’s input interface elements handle recognition of writing and drawing, including a method for users to correct misrecognized words. For example, when a user writes a word on a labeled input line, that interface element automatically passes the pen strokes to the system’s text recognizer, accepts the recognized word back, and displays the typeset word. If the recognizer misreads a word, the user can double-tap the word to bring up a list of other possible matches for it, or to use the on-screen keyboard or Corrector view to correct it.

User Control of Recognition

Recognition is modeless. That is, users do not need to put the system in a special mode or do all their writing and drawing in a special slip. Users can write in any text-input area and draw in any shape-input area. They can also write text and draw shapes in any general-input area.

An application that has general-input areas needs to allow users to designate whether to use the text recognizer or the shapes recognizer. In addition, users should be able to temporarily disable the text recognizer or the shape recognizer as appropriate for the type of input area. The customary way to provide control over recognition is with a Recognizer button and picker, as shown in Figure 6-14.

Figure 6-14The Recognizer button and picker give users control over recognition

Recognize as text

Defer recognition

Recognize as shapes

No recognition

Recognizer picker for

Recognizer picker for

Recognizer picker for

Recognizer button

writing and drawing

writing only

drawing only

identifies the recognition

 

 

 

in effect

6-16

Writing, Drawing, and Editing

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Apple 2 manual User Control of Recognition
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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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