Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!van-bc!cynic!arkham!jaguar From: jaguar@arkham.wimsey.bc.ca (Jeremy Reimer) Newsgroups: comp.society.futures Subject: Re: the interface for the rest of us? Message-ID: Date: Fri, 03 May 91 03:41:21 PDT References: <9105021606.AA26962@lti2.lti.uucp> Organization: Chez Cthulhu +1 604 983 3546 "Caterers to the Elder Gods" reg@lti2.UUCP (Rick Genter x18) writes: > I recently read an article in the March '91 issue of MacUser that > reviews PenPoint, GO Corporation's pen-based operating system. The > user interface is (or can be) entirely pen-driven. PenPoint supports > an optional keyboard, but its use is discouraged. > > Is this really "the interface for the rest of us"? PenPoint 1.0 requires > that all written input be printed - no cursive writing. I assume that > this will be overcome in future releases (or with future technology), > but even so, a handwriting interface strikes me as, well, cumbersome. > > The "pen" also strikes me as cumbersome; it's one more thing I have to > worry about breaking/losing/maintaining/whatever. Some of the features > of PenPoint aside from character input ("flicking" to scroll or page > through a document, and "tapping" to press a button) are nice, but can > also be accomplished through a touch screen without the nuisance of a > pen. > > So what's the win? After reading the article, I concluded that PenPoint > will be good for a limited set of applications, usually revolving around > filling out forms in a non-time-critical environment. I can not see how > PenPoint would ever provide a comfortable environment for a "power" user, > or even for the everyday user. > > How do others feel? I think it will find a limited market in people who work in places where a computer would otherwise not be convenient - someone checking out cars for insurance purposes, or anyone who might normally carry around a clipboard and pen with them might do well with the PenPoint system instead - they would not have to do much writing, hopefully, as this is one of the main weaknesses of the unit. That and its high price. I know doctors who would love a way to enter in something on a pad computer and have the data instantly linked to a desktop PC without having a secretary type in tons of little numbers. I don't think you'll see too many of them, though, despite the press. Think about it: 1) The Clipboard: Cost: $1.95 Durability: Drop it, smash it, do anything to it,it will survive Compatability: Unlimited for anyone who speaks the same language Transportability: Excellent Expandability: as many sheets of paper as you want 2) The PenPoint system Cost: Around $6000 Durability: Drop it, the LCD screen cracks, and it's toast Compatability: Limited depending on software available Transportability: Good, but don't lose the pen Expandability: On-board memory limited Which would you rather have? . . . . . ._)_--_ \|/ . . . . / * ]\ -=*=- Look out! The black stuntship's about . . . =___ __| /|\ to crash into the sun! "---- ==================================== Jeremy Reimer, aka =====jaguar@arkham.wimsey.bc.ca===== Sunny Vancouver BC The Jaguar. The Car ==================================== Canada, where it's the Cat, the Lunatic George: What time is it? fun, fun, fun... -------------------- Edmund: Three o'clock in the afternoon ------------------ THE COMFY CHAIR?!?! George: Oh thank GOD for that I thought I'd overslept!