C H A P T E R 6

Data Input

The Recognizer picker lists the type of recognition options that are appropriate for the type of input users can make. If users can only write text, the recognizer should only include text-recognition options—Text and Ink Text. If users can only draw shapes, the recognizer should only include shapes-recognition options—Shapes and Sketches. The Recognizer picker should include all recognition options if users can write text and draw shapes.

The last item in the Recognizer picker is always Preferences. Selecting it gives users quick access to the handwriting recognition section of the built-in Preferences application.

The Recognizer picker usually pops up from a Recognizer button on the left side of the status bar (next to the Info button). In addition, users may need to control recognition separately in slips. The Recognizer picker should also pop up from a Recognizer button in the lower left corner of a slip that allows users to input text or shapes if that slip covers the status bar and can’t be moved out of the way. A slip should also contain its own recognition control if it allows both text and shape input but the Recognizer picker on the status bar only offers text-recognition options. Figure 6-15 shows a shows a slip with its own recognition control.

Figure 6-15Users may need to control recognition separately in a slip

In this application, the Recognizer picker on the status bar only controls text recognition

Another Recognizer picker controls text and shapes recognition in a slip that allows writing and drawing

Writing, Drawing, and Editing

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Apple 2 manual 15Users may need to control recognition separately in a slip

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.