C H A P T E R 2

Container Views

Although modeless views give users more flexibility, modal views have the advantage of being less ambiguous. Nothing a user does in a modal view should take effect until the user taps a button to confirm the state of the modal view. A modal view avoids intermediate states that can occur with a modeless view, where a user’s changes take effect without the user being aware that this is happening.

You can use modal views when your application needs information before it can continue. A modal view is fairly simple to implement, but that doesn’t mean that you should use modal views too freely. You should rarely restrict the user’s actions by forcing the user into a mode.

View Position

When designing an application, you must decide where to position the application’s main view, ordinary slips, and palettes. The system takes care of positioning routing slips, status slips, notification alerts, and confirmation alerts. In making these decisions consider the type of view, its size in relation to the main view (or the screen), what other views you know will also be open, and how the view’s content relates to the other open views.

The positions at which views open affects the usability of your application and of the whole Newton device. Each view that opens may obscure part of the other views already open.

Equally important are users’ preferences. If a user moves a view, your application should maintain that position.

Position of a Main View

The initial position of a main view that fills the screen is obvious. Most smaller main views are centered horizontally but are off-center vertically. Usually there is about three times as much uncovered screen space below the view as above it. Some main views, such as the built-in Find and Assist views, are centered at the bottom edge of the visible screen area.

2-30

How Views Work

Page 73 Page 75
Page 74
Image 74
Apple 2 manual View Position, Position of a Main View
Page 73 Page 75

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.
Top Page Image Contents