From: Stephen Kellett Date: 2005-04-02T04:14:44+09:00 Subject: Re: Respect and Disappointment In message <1171831547b8bb926e84d8f8c0ecb249@fhwang.net>, Francis Hwang writes >> To open a context menu with a one button mouse you need to two hands >>(one on the mouse, one to press the key on the keyboard that makes the >>context menu work, wow, thats good UI design), with a two button mouse >>you need one finger. Actually, a kind individual corrected me buy email. Apparently if you click and hold you get a context menu. Thats a fine work around, but is bad for people with RSI/WRULD as it introduces a static load on the finger holding for the pause. If you don't have RSI you won't know why that is an issue. If you do have RSI, as I do, you will know that its a very real issue. A good UI will reduce the likelihood of harm to its users. >Then buy a two-button mouse. The vast majority of OS X apps today I would, but that wasn't what I was arguing about. You shouldn't have to replace a fundamental component the instant you open the box. They could ship with a two button mouse with the right one disabled. Then it would be a configuration option. The reality is it is not about perceived ease of use, its a branding issue. It is part of what makes Apple different or cool, if you will. To hell with UI design, lets stand out from the crowd. I'm not going to argue this point, it just seems a logical marketing conclusion. By all means agree or disagree. If it was UI design and two buttons confuse - as some people claim, disabling one button gets you back to one button - the other button could be inert or pop up a helpful text bubble telling the beginning software user not to worry they can learn about this button later. >a lot of configuration to get any platform set up. Personally, I'd >rather buy a $15 two-button mouse for a Mac than learn how to get my >printer, external monitor, digital camera, three external hard drives, >and iPod to work with a Linux laptop. If I liked the Mac UI I might agree with you. When I next see the guy that introduced me to Python I'll ask him if he has an OS X box (he has most things, from an Apple II, III and a Lisa upwards) so I can take another look. >Or than learn how to make a Windows box secure. Blimey thats easy. Download ZoneAlarm (free). Install. Done. Machine is now invisible to the world. I'm not sure how secure an Apple or Linux box are, but if you don't have the same number of people battering on your door with security exploits you are basically relying on security through obscurity. >There are lots of good reasons *not* to buy Apple products. But I don't >understand this harping about the one-button mouse. With the options The mouse is such a fundamental part of todays UI and a single button mouse is like a one door car. Thats fine until the passenger wants to get out and has to climb over the driver. Apple seem to realise this as there have been recent press mutterings that the default may change to a 2 button mouse. Stephen -- Stephen Kellett Object Media Limited http://www.objmedia.demon.co.uk RSI Information: http://www.objmedia.demon.co.uk/rsi.html