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From: bruceb@amiga.UUCP (Bruce Barrett)
Newsgroups: net.micro.mac,net.micro.amiga
Subject: Re: Portable User Interface Library Update
Message-ID: <553@amiga.amiga.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 15-Jan-86 23:52:56 EST
Article-I.D.: amiga.553
Posted: Wed Jan 15 23:52:56 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 17-Jan-86 06:44:17 EST
References: <1115@osu-eddie.UUCP>
Reply-To: bruceb@hunter.UUCP (Bruce Barrett)
Organization: Commodore-Amiga Inc., 983 University Ave #D, Los Gatos CA 95030
Lines: 36
Xref: watmath net.micro.mac:4113 net.micro.amiga:1568

In article <1115@osu-eddie.UUCP> elwell@osu-eddie.UUCP (Clayton M. Elwell) 
writes:
	(... lots of nice observations on windows, conclusion is
	a window pane solution...)

Although not a general purpose solution (expandable to all multi-tasking 
window environments, or even applications) the Amiga does have a nice 
feature/solution for this kind of problem.   Use custom screens.

Advantages:
	1) Any number of sizeable, dragable, layerable windows may be 
	   used per given application.
	2) Different depth and color palattes can be made available
	   (1 bit plane for text editor, 6 for paint program,...)
	3) Very clear association of windows to task(s) running
	4) Quick access to any application by pushing the current
	   screen to back until the desired one is found.  (See  also
	   disadvantage #3)
	5) Each application can use the full screen (almost, see
	   disadvantage #3) and not interfere with any others.

Disadvantages:
	1) Might(!) cost more in terms of memory for display because the
	   workbench screen is not being "reused"
	2) Might(!) be less easy to get to each application if you don't
	   leave the screen front/back gadgets exposed.
	3) You need to leave the to screen gadgets in the upper right
	   hand corner of the screen exposed if you want very fast access
	   to all applications.
	4) Not all applications lend themselves to being on only one 
	   screen.  For example "Amiga BASIC" has you programming in a
	   2 bit plane screen, with your output (possibly) going to
	   another style screen.

Looking forward to other comments/ideas...
Bruce Barrett