Re: Apple IIGS still rules!

[Gabriel Morales <togega@concentric.net>]

"Michael J. Mahon" wrote:

> I think that the human interface has not progressed much for the same
> reason that the automobile human interface hasn't progressed much--too
> many people know how to use it!  It's the same reason that the slower
> QWERTY keyboard has not been replaced by something better.

	You may be right there. This may be one of the reasons.
> 
> On top of that fundamental conservatism affecting any widely used
> interface, there's the issue that no one seems to have any compelling
> idea about what a better interface would be!

	Problem is that not enough companies/people treat UIs in a scientific
manner. They either go with "the norm"- what's been established, or make
it artistic, but put little or no scientific research and principles.

> As a typical example, I note that talking to a computer sounds
> pretty neat until you actually try it.
>
> [snip]

	A verbal interface is a good idea, and can be very useful for many
different applications, but it should never replace a graphical
interface in most situations, simply complement it.

> Maybe 2GHz machines with an average of
> 512MB RAM will help, but I suspect there are still algorithm problems.

	Maybe dedicated microprocessors are a better option?

> Microsoft would like nothing better than a "killer interface" that
> would make 80% of the computer-using public go out and buy a new
> OS, so I don't think they have the brakes on.

	No, Microsoft has never been an innovator. Microsoft wouldn't risk the
the public's disapproval/ignorance. In fact, Microsoft profits off of
ignorance (for one). Nope- Microsoft would wait for another
company/individual to create this and then attempt to rip that off,
again succeeding in creating only a mediocre imitation.

	Microsoft does "have the brakes on". Microsoft is only interested in
making profit producing mediocre, bug infested software. Unfortunately,
a lot of other companies much better than Microsoft in principle and
programming, are held back right now by Microsoft's hold on the industry
(achieved through back stabbing, robbing, pirating, pressuring and buying).

	This, however, is bound to change- and indeed IS changing, due in large
part to the quality and adoption of Open source software (which Apple
has intelligently endorsed wholeheartedly)

> No I think it's just that we're still on the "plateau" awaiting
> the next breakthrough in human creativity that might usher in a
> new way of computing.  If you know what we all need, TELL us!

	I'm working on it!

Gabriel Morales