C H A P T E R 7

Routing and Communications

Action Button and Picker

Users can send items from any application that has an Action button, which is a picture button that looks like the back of an envelope. To send the currently selected data item, a user picks a routing action from the Action picker that pops up when the user taps an Action button. The Action picker lists all transports capable of sending the currently selected data item, and it may list other actions provided by the application. Figure 7-4 shows a sample Action button and picker.

Figure 7-4An Action picker lists the transports available for sending

Transports capable of sending this item

Other actions provided by the application

Action button

Action picker

The routing action that a user chooses from an Action picker applies to the data in the view that contains the Action button. If the view contains multiple data items that can be individually selected, such as the items listed in an overview, then the routing action picked by the user applies to the currently selected items.

If there is nothing to route when a user taps an Action button (for example, if the user taps the Action button in an overview without first selecting any items), the system displays a notification alert containing the message “Nothing is selected.” The warning message does not appear in an application that defines its own Action-picker items unless the application removes those items when there is nothing to act on. Your application can include actions that can function without a target item; in this case your application should not disable those actions, and the warning message will not appear.

7-8

Routing Outgoing Items

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Apple 2 manual Action Button and Picker, 4An Action picker lists the transports available for sending
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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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