C H A P T E R 7

Routing and Communications

Figure 7-7An Action picker can include two kinds of actions

Actions that

 

 

 

involve transports

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other actions—

 

 

Separator line

 

 

handled by the

 

 

 

 

application

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note that the first action listed in an Action picker has the name of the target item appended to it (for example, “Print Note”). Other actions listed in the same picker do not have the name of the target item appended.

A Newton device has certain transports built in; the exact configuration depends on the capabilities of the device. For example, an Apple MessagePad 120 comes with transports for printing, faxing, e-mailing, and beaming. Users can install additional transports at any time.

Building an Action Picker

The system builds every Action picker dynamically, at the time a user taps an Action button. This allows all applications to take advantage of new transports that might be installed in the Newton device at any time. Because the system is responsible for building an Action picker, an application need not know anything about the available transports. Likewise, transports can be removed from the system without any effects on applications. The Newton system matches the transports to the data being routed, creating the Action picker on demand.

Instead of naming an individual transport, any action listed in an Action picker may name a group of related transports. For example, there might be several different e-mail transports listed as a group under the single action “Mail.” After picking the Mail action, a user would have an opportunity to select one of the available e-mail transports, as described in “Transport Picker” on page 7-18.

Routing Outgoing Items

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Apple 2 manual Building an Action Picker, 7An Action picker can include two kinds of actions

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.