C H A P T E R 6

Data Input

A user can move the caret simply by tapping the screen at the desired location. Users always know and control exactly where their writing goes.

The caret is not displayed if a user turns off the “Insert new words at caret” option in the Handwriting Recognition section of the built-in Preferences application. In that case, a user can insert a new word by writing it on top of the word it should precede; the Newton system shifts the old word to the right and inserts the new word.

A user can input a punctuation mark or other special character by choosing it from the picker that pops up when the user taps the caret. In addition, the Caret picker allows a user to break a paragraph at the caret (moving the caret to the start of the new paragraph); delete the character to the left of the caret; or insert a blank space. Figure 6-24 shows the Caret picker.

Figure 6-24The Caret picker lists 14 hard-to-write characters and three actions

1. User taps caret

2. Picker pops up

3. User selects a

4. Selected character is

 

 

character

inserted

6-28

Writing, Drawing, and Editing

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Apple 2 manual User taps caret Picker pops up User selects a
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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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