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pragnanzer · 09-02-06, 12:22 PM

I never used Phatnotes, but I use Phatpad almost everyday to jot down thoughts and to sketch out ideas. The benefit of Phatpad is that it is the quickest way to jot down an idea that comes to you mind before the idea evaporates. But different from other ink-centric pads that I surveyed 6 months ago, this one has all the other functions that allow you to add and correct your inked ideas. In case there are some Phatware people who collect ideas from this forum, here are my suggestions to perfect Phatpad:

1. Add an insert page function: Phadpad has a very quick and intuitive mechanism (by pressing the right button) to insert a page if users are already at the end of the stack. However, if you are in page #3 of 10, there is not a quick way to insert #4. The get-around mechanism is to duplicate page#3, then "select all", then "clear." It is not an elegant solution comparing with other elegant solutions in Phatpad.

2. Phatpad has a nice "page order" view that allows users to look at 9 thumbnail sized pages simultaneously. This view also allows users to rearrange the page number (pretty much like what users can do in Powerpoint). My suggestion is to allow a "drag-and-drop" pen gesture instead of the current use of the "Up" and "Down" icons--which is quite inefficient.

3. Implement a "drag-screen" function when a page is displayed. Because the Phatpad has a great zoom-in/out function, it is possible that the current view does not show everything. Yes, users can use the 4-way rocker to move around. However, Phatpad has come up with a wonderful use of 4-way (as an option) for zoom-in/out and previous page/next page. So if I map the 4-way with this option, to move around I have to touch the scroll-bars. A drag-screen function (like what has been done in some browsers and plug-ins) will be very useful. My suggestion is to allow users to press-and-hold the center key, during which the pen movement is interpreted as "drag screen" (instead of inking).

4. When a page is displayed, the screen should somehow display the current page number and the title of the file (if it has been renamed as something meaningful).

5. Allow users to remap all the Pocket PC buttons (not just the 4-way, but the Calender, Contact, Mail, Today, Volume up, down) when Phatpad is displayed.

09-02-06, 12:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
pragnanzer Aximsite Minor League Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 109 Device: Treo 650 (Palm) Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I never used Phatnotes, but I use Phatpad almost everyday to jot down thoughts and to sketch out ideas. The benefit of Phatpad is that it is the quickest way to jot down an idea that comes to you mind before the idea evaporates. But different from other ink-centric pads that I surveyed 6 months ago, this one has all the other functions that allow you to add and correct your inked ideas. In case there are some Phatware people who collect ideas from this forum, here are my suggestions to perfect Phatpad: 1. Add an insert page function: Phadpad has a very quick and intuitive mechanism (by pressing the right button) to insert a page if users are already at the end of the stack. However, if you are in page #3 of 10, there is not a quick way to insert #4. The get-around mechanism is to duplicate page#3, then "select all", then "clear." It is not an elegant solution comparing with other elegant solutions in Phatpad. 2. Phatpad has a nice "page order" view that allows users to look at 9 thumbnail sized pages simultaneously. This view also allows users to rearrange the page number (pretty much like what users can do in Powerpoint). My suggestion is to allow a "drag-and-drop" pen gesture instead of the current use of the "Up" and "Down" icons--which is quite inefficient. 3. Implement a "drag-screen" function when a page is displayed. Because the Phatpad has a great zoom-in/out function, it is possible that the current view does not show everything. Yes, users can use the 4-way rocker to move around. However, Phatpad has come up with a wonderful use of 4-way (as an option) for zoom-in/out and previous page/next page. So if I map the 4-way with this option, to move around I have to touch the scroll-bars. A drag-screen function (like what has been done in some browsers and plug-ins) will be very useful. My suggestion is to allow users to press-and-hold the center key, during which the pen movement is interpreted as "drag screen" (instead of inking). 4. When a page is displayed, the screen should somehow display the current page number and the title of the file (if it has been renamed as something meaningful). 5. Allow users to remap all the Pocket PC buttons (not just the 4-way, but the Calender, Contact, Mail, Today, Volume up, down) when Phatpad is displayed.