[maemo-developers] [maemo-developers] Re: neat device

[From: Ted Zlatanov]

On 31 Mar 2006, kalle.vahlman at gmail.com wrote:

On 30 Mar 2006 13:05:41 -0500, Ted Zlatanov <tzz at lifelogs.com> wrote:
>> http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/08/cebit-web-site-shows-origami-ui/
>
> Looks horribly painful to use, just take your keyboard in your hand
> like that and try to move you thumb in an arc. It's doable, but only
> after letting got the firm grip on the device. Now, given that
> origamis are relatively huge, it probably would slip from your hands
> if you try to use two thumbs. 

I'm specifically talking in the 770 context.  I type with my thumb all
the time, rather than pulling the stylus out, if it's a short word.
With a heavier device, that would be much harder.

Fitts' law has to do with distance and efficiency (see the URL posted
earlier).  I think the 770 does a good job with some things already
according to that law - for example, the web browser icon is in the
top left corner, and it's what people use the most.  The on-screen
keyboard, unfortunately, has uniformly sized keys in a grid layout -
essentially, that's what I propose is that problem that needs to be
addressed.

> Also the keyboard is most likely useless the moment you put it into
> a stand or on the table...

I think that's subjective.

> Not to mention the elevated risk of RSI.

You're right that RSI should be a concern, but I'm not sure it would
elevate the risk.  Holding the stylus, due to its small size, is also
problematic for people with larger hands.  You end up with an awkward
grip and cramped fingers (speaking from experience).  

The hardware buttons on the top of the 770 are OK, but the cursor keys
on the left are difficult to push with large fingers.  I still do it
while reading web pages, for example, because holding the stylus is
more awkward.  I wish the 770 used the cursor rocker from my old Nokia
3650 phone.  That key had the right elevation and softness for daily
use and even playing games.

I hope someone from Nokia looks at this :)

> Would be interesting to try though. Anyone up to hacking one of those
> for maemo?-)

Are there any scripting tools to do GUIs on the 770, like the Tk
toolkit for example?

Ted