iTablet (all Versions) Thread
 

Ok.

Since a bunch of versions came out in the last days, I think it makes sense to start a thread where all Versions can be Discussed (even if it makes sense to stick to the actuall version *g).

So I've downloaded an installed the Version 0.08 Experimental Alpha on my Nokia 770 with OS2006 and python 2.5.

The most pain in the *** was to get python after reflashing from os2007HE back to 2006.

I've read the post on "Random Musings of A Useless Geek" about what should become of itablet.

And I like the ideas!

So let's continue...

The next feature I'd like to see in 0.0.9 or 0.1 would be:
naming the Buttons (at least in the Configuration-menu).

:)

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

*smack face* Why didn't I think of that -_-

That's a great idea (naming the buttons). Hmmm, I'm gonna be a nitpicky bastard for a secon and point out the the I in iTablet is lowercase and the T is uppercase :D

Will work on the button naming

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

Hi, I've posted some comments on Tyler's blog, but I think here it can be better discussed if any one is interested:

The app has a lot of potential, but if you want it to be useful and actually used by other people here is some suggestion that you can put somewhere in the app's roadmap:

* Integrate it with the home screen (as you mentioned). You can make a desktop plugin with iTablet embedeed, I believe it is not hard to do. You can get an idea of how to do it here http://maemo.org/maemowiki/HildonDesktopPluginHowto and http://blogs.gnome.org/lucasr/2007/0...ildon-desktop/

* Do not make the app show in fullscreen (this is a pre-requisite for the home screen I guess)

* I don't known how the actual iTablet launchers work today, but it should work with .desktop files, following the specification of freedesktop.org (http://standards.freedesktop.org/des...est/apa.html);

* As user interaction method, I suggest the following:
- One tap lanch the application;
- double-tap edit the launcher;
- drag-and-drop move the launcher;
- some sort of scrool (not a gtk scrollbar) to roll trough the launchers when there is not enough room for all of them;

Take a look at this images/mockups to have an idea of what I'm talking about

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9...ionattadv2.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8...ionattaul1.jpg

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/MobileAndEmbedded/UserInterface
I hope it helps.

Keep up the good work.

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

1. Python desktop plugins are not available yet, he was using the experimental ones from Sardine

2. Freedesktop standards link does not work

3. It'll be fullscreen by default because I intend it to replace the desktop, not go on it ;)

4. Drag n' drop it a great idea, I just have no idea how to implement it ^^'''

5. Double tap edit would be great, too... Hm! That is interesting...

Thanks a lot, much appreciated :D

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

Glad to see it is still moving toward a "front-end". This will have more appeal, IMHO, than anything else.

To that end, K I S S is the best bet.

One button one app launched...
If you want the time, it launches the desktop clock widget, centered on the screen with the surrounding screen blacked out. The same goes for RSS reader, FM radio, Internet radio, simple launcher, etc.

You could allow each app to be reduced and run in the background but if this is implemented (music playing while in clock display for instance) you may have to limit the amount of apps open.

Also, allowing multiple buttons to launch the browser to specific URL's may add to the programs appeal as well.

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

I've been using iTablet for about a week now, and I'm really starting to like it. I was skeptical at 1st, but now I'm beginning to think that it could really turn into one of the apps that sells ITs, like maemo-mapper. I have some suggestions for its growth path that I'll submit for comment. I only have a few apps that I use regularly, so I only need one page of icons.

I'd suggest --
-a single 4x5 matrix of buttons.
-one tap to launch the app.
-Tap and hold to edit the button.
-Text label, icon, or both displayed in the button postion

Also, I noticed that source isn't avalable for download on maemo.garage.
Is that because the python code is stored in ASCII instead of being tokenized. like Basic? (I haven't checked)

regards,
Leon

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

I agree it would be ideal to have iTablet as a resizable applet. That way you could have iTablet take up the whole screen, or share space with other applets. Of course you'd want to edit desktop.conf to eliminate the existing task navigator. But as Aisu mentioned, unfortunately Maemo doesn't support Python applets.

It should have the option of running full-screen, and I think many people would use it this way. I love that it launches apps in full-screen mode.

I think this is the link you meant to use:
http://standards.freedesktop.org/des...atest/apa.html

I like the idea of having finger-scrolling, but I wonder if it would just be easier to have a separately-launched application for editing the iTablet layout.

Very cool. I like just about everything I see, but the Hildon Panel looks pretty useless. Would it be possible to get rid of it? It does not look finger-friendly, and it takes up space. It would be better to replace it with regular desktop applets. If you really like it, you could create an applet that looks just like the Hildon panel.

To be able to select from all possible applications, (basically replace the application menu), I think there should be a separate full-screen application that allows you to browse all applications. People could write their own applications to do this in whatever ways seem best.
This application could be launched by the physical button that launches the application menu now.

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

Physical button bring up the app menu is a great idea!!! Oh dear god perfect! *smacks head* I can't believe I didn't think of that.

The sources are here at the garage for browsing: https://garage.maemo.org/plugins/scm.../?root=itablet

And the editing on right-click (hold) is definitely a great idea, I just need to figure out how to recognize one in python ;)

Finger scrolling may come, but doubtful...

I'll be getting back to iTablet soon, but have another project in the works, look forward to it ;)

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

That version of hildon-desktop is in Chinook, and therefore OS2008, isn't it?

Re: Itablet (all Versions) Thread
 

Really? That's awesome, I'll have to look into that, Andrew. Much appreciated :D (Although I don't have anything that can run 2008, yet)