03-31-2005, 12:30 PM
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Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
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Darn Young Whippersnappers With Their Tiny Print!
"You don't have to be old to find it a struggle to read the tiny type on your iPod, PDA or cell phone, but aging doesn't help matters. Yet despite the much-ballyhooed graying of America, tech gadgets seem to be going in a direction that's bound to make the situation worse, with tiny keyboards and dimly lit screens."
An interesting article here poses many questions about the prevailing view that older Americans are not as interested in technology as younger. While some companies embrace larger print, easy setup instructions, and more, others believe their appeal lies in competitive pricing and innovative features. Our survey today seeks to find an answer among our community on the size of our PPC's fonts. Are they too small, too large, or just right? And if you believe your voting choice might change in 20 years when your eye sight isn't as great as it is today? Drop us a post and let us know!
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Dr. Jon Westfall, MCSE, MS-MVP
Executive Editor - Android Thoughts
News Editor - Windows Phone Thoughts
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03-31-2005, 01:27 PM
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Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
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My two main computer monitors are set at a resolution of 1920x1440 (standard) and 1920x1200 (widescreen). I'm a glutton for high resolutions, which also makes me a glutton for small fonts (and no, I refuse to increase the DPI settings).
So I think little thought is required on my feelings for Windows Mobile font sizes. Guess which one I voted? 
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03-31-2005, 01:39 PM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 866
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I have a XDA II Mini, which has the standard 240x320 res, but on a 2.8" screen. The fonts are perfectly readable, and could go slightly lower. I have it set on the standard setting, not the oneup default.
I would love a VGA screen, and would probably run it in true vga with a hack about 95% of the time. I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 with a 15.4" 1680x1050 display, which has small but perfectly readable fonts. I wish I had gone for the 1920x1200!!!!
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03-31-2005, 01:52 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 185
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Good question and I'm amongst the few who would enjoy a bit larger font size... Yep, it has changed over the last couple of years and I don't deny that age is the reason behind it. Years ago I never had any problems with the tiny letters you find in so many computer magazines - now I just don't read the small parts anymore because I find it too annoying... THE BIG 5... :roll:
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03-31-2005, 02:24 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,208
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i have 3 monitors and very funny resolutions:
12" laptop with xga
17" desktop again with xga
21" desktop with 1600x1200 resolution
i have an alergy to small fonts but i realy like the print on my laptop, maybe because of clear font and lcd screen
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03-31-2005, 02:31 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 135
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What I really hate are the grey text printed on grey backgrounds in tiny print. That has be be done to discourage you from reading the damn stuff!
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03-31-2005, 02:46 PM
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2000 Posts And This is All I Get?
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
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I want to see as much as possible on my screen, so yes, the fontsize on today's pocket PCs are just fine with me.
But of course that might change 20-30 years from now =)
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03-31-2005, 04:00 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 181
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I would like to have the font size more configurable than they currently are. I am fortunate to have very good vision and greatly benefit from the smallest fonts that most screens can handle. My Toshiba E805 was perfect when running MyVGA in real VGA format and I wish I could have a PPC phone like that. My Treo 650 can also be used alot like this and this works perfectly for me. Heck, my laptop has a 15.4" screen with 1920x1200 resolution and sometimes I wouldn't mind it being just a little better...but in 10-20 years I admit, I might not feel the same way. There should be more options for configuring these devices for each user since we are not all the same!
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03-31-2005, 05:25 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 92
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pushing 50...
... and small print is starting to be a problem. Not yet with any of my computer displays (then again, I think they're all 1024x768). No problem with my PPC font either - I use a slightly-smaller than standard on Pocket Breeze and can read it fine. I think it's a function of brightness - reading the display on my iPod and Dell DJ is sometimes a struggle in low light.
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03-31-2005, 06:30 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 75
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I enjoy the smaller fonts on my QVGA PocketPC. I am 50, and wear bifocals, and the glasses must be a good fit because reading small print feels very natural. Even cruising the web on Thunderhawk with my CDMA data account, is quite comfortable, although people around me have commented on the small size of the fonts.
I'm happy. If I ever move up to VGA (on a converged device) then I'll want the ability to scale to a true VGA, rather than havinga cleaner display.
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iPhone GS 16 Gb
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Linear Mode
