15 Things Apple Should Change in Mac OS X

[Proteo]

Some of them are arguably matter of taste. What do you think?

 

http://www.computerworld.com/action/articl...ticleId=9006104

[bluedragon1971]

One of the user peeves is just plain wrong. #2 states "Renaming Isn't Easy. The process of renaming files is highly mouse-centric on the Mac. There's no F2 option (as there is on Windows) that lets you select the file and press F2 to expose the filename-editing mode. The mouse process requires very precisely timed mouse clicks. Anyone who has ever been forced to rename a long list of files under both Windows and Mac operating systems will likely agree that the Windows way is easier." While technically he is correct that is only because the key isn't F2 on the Mac, it's the Enter key. I guess he's never tried it.

 

As for the rest of them, it seems as if most of them are simply the author wanting OS X to work more like Windows, even in cases where the OS X way is better (or at least no worse).

 

edit: reading through the comments on the article, it seems that people have pretty much slayed the person who wrote the comment about renaming files. LOL As I said before, it just seems that this list was compiled by a disgruntled Windows user who wants OS X to act exactly the same way that Windows does, without even researching alternative ways to do the same things in OS X.

Edited December 15, 2006 by bluedragon1971

[Urbz]

I disagree with every single one of those, or I like it the "Mac" way better.

Even the whole delete/bakspace thing on notebooks. I like my iBook better than any other laptop ever, and i think Apple really thought out their keyboard layout, and I honestly believe it makes the best use of space in any notebook. The fn + delete doesn't bother me one bit. I like it better than a seperate key because it leaves more space on the keyboard. Plus I really don't think it's too much work for my left hand, which is on the left side of the keyboard, to quickly hold fn.

Bah, wtv. It's all opinions!

[trav1085]

#15. Your right there isn't. Use linux, as it has a good clock and calendar on the toolbar "Fri Dec 15, 3:23 PM" all the info you need. Click on it and you get a calendar.

 

#14. Where have you been? Everyone knows you can place widgets on the desktop. Just enable debug and voila

 

#7. Who cares! It's just a UI anyway. Besides, you can change it easily in Xcode. If your too lazy to do that then I have created Safari Aqua for you (just search the forum, unless your too lazy ;-)

 

Peeves

 

#2. Click and hold the name. It's not hard to rename. (No rhyme intended)

 

#3. Control click. It's not very hard to do that. You'll see the little box by the pointer.

[Lostgame]

I totally agree with the UI thing.

 

I like Mail's the best, personally.

[br0adband]

I have to say I agree with all of 'em, actually.

 

And as for the "enable debug mode" thing one poster just said, that's ridiculous.

 

That's the whole point of the article: they are things that should be changed in the next version of OS X so they're basically the user defaults instead of needing to do some arcane Terminal command to enable programmer modes not meant for the casual or everyday OS X user/owner.

 

I agree quite strongly with the window resizing one also; coming from a primarily Windows background and then using OS X for the past 1-1.5 years or so that is most definitely one of the most irritating things about the OS X interface for me.

 

The rest are worthy changes that would help more people that are new to Macs get more situated with them because if they're new to Macs they're most likely coming from a background of Windows, just like me. Making it easier on them to "switch" only increases the likelihood they'll remain Mac owners.

 

Screw 'em over and not listen to them and they'll "switch" right back to a regular PC and Vista, something they're inherently comfortable with based on experience.

 

Just my $.02...

 

bb

[Proteo]

I agree quite strongly with the window resizing one also; coming from a primarily Windows background and then using OS X for the past 1-1.5 years or so that is most definitely one of the most irritating things about the OS X interface for me.

 

That's pretty much what others are saying is the wrong approach. Why should Apple care about the uses and customs of Windows users? Apple has "built" their own user experience.

 

But I repeat: "OTHERS are saying", not me. Personally, and having some background in usability design, I think Apple is wrong about ignoring well tested standards or at least widely accepted and used usability trends. It has nothing to do with Windows, but with ease of use. For me, the most clear example are window buttons located at the top-left corner. In class we discussed the issue of having to cross the screen with the mouse pointer because people tend to "park" the pointer over the right side of the screen when is not using it (mainly right handed people, but as well because we western people read from left to right, so the right side is the "end" of the area you are focusing). Therefore, clicking the buttons on the top-right corner of the windows is much easier and requires less stress and attention to perform (that's the reason of all widgets -scroll bars, etc.- being located to the right side of the items they control).

Edited December 16, 2006 by Proteo

[Timyang]

I agree quite strongly with the window resizing one also; coming from a primarily Windows background and then using OS X for the past 1-1.5 years or so that is most definitely one of the most irritating things about the OS X interface for me.

I have to agree with Proteo, you find it irritating probably only because it's different from what you are used to. Besides, I have to say the way OS X did it make more sense. The resize square is larger than the 1-2 pixel border you have to grab on Windows, a much bigger target, easier to get to.

 

By placing it only at the lower right corner it eliminates possible user errors. I remember many times I accidentally resized window on Windows when I'm trying to drag the title bar, but rarely find the need to resize a window from top or left edge. Same problem with placing scroll bar and resizable edge so close together at the right/buttom of the window. I think the disadvantage out weights the advantage on Windows.

Edited December 16, 2006 by Timyang

[macmaniac]

I'd like to be able to right click on the name, to be able to rename. It would fit right in with make alias, etc.

 

Or is there a terminal command that will enable this?