Jason and Dave's ThoughtCast - October 21, 2005

[Dave Conger]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/thoughtcasts/jasondave10212005.mp3' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/tho...ave10212005.mp3</a><br /><br /></div>Jason Dunn and I are back with a new ThoughtCast. This time we continue where we left off last time and talk more about Windows Mobile 5.0 and devices like the Dell Axim X51.<br /><br />Show notes:<br />• Dell Axim X51 with Windows Mobile 5.0<br />• Soft Keys in WM5<br />• Close vs. Minimize<br /><br />Direct Link to this show: <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/thoughtcasts/jasondave10212005.mp3">Download</a><br />RSS Feed: <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/xml/thoughtcast.xml">PPCT ThoughtCast Feed</a><br />Support the Show: <a href="http://www.podcastalley.com/podcast_details.php?pod_id=8303">Vote @ Podcast Alley</a><br /><br />Talk back to us about this ThoughtCast or your other thoughts. Skype users can simply place a call to <a href="callto://thoughtcast">thoughtcast</a>. If you don't have Skype, your phone works as well, just call: (425) 296-2462.

[tritan]

can i see some pics of these smart keys??? I listen to the podcast but wasn't following what a softkey was.

[Darius Wey]

can i see some pics of these smart keys??? I listen to the podcast but wasn't following what a softkey was.

Here's an example:

Note the i-mate K-JAM which includes hardware soft key support (highlighted red) for use with the on-screen soft keys (highlighted green).

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/wey/2005/WSK.jpg

Next, note the Dell Axim X51v which fails to include hardware soft key support (highlighted red) for use with the on-screen soft keys (highlighted green).

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/wey/2005/WOSK.jpg

You can actually use the Buttons settings in Windows Mobile 5.0 to assign the left and right soft key functions to existing hardware buttons, but then you lose the potential function of those two buttons (usually for launching the Calendar, Contacts, Messaging, etc.).

[gregmills]

Sorry, but I just found this thread and I think the term "hardware soft key" is hilarious. Is that what it's really called or did you make that up?

I can see the usefulness of it if you don't have a touch screen (take my mobile phone for instance). Why would the lack of "hardware soft key" support on a device like the x51v be considered a "failure?" I would consider it to be a bit redundant.

[Darius Wey]

Sorry, but I just found this thread and I think the term "hardware soft key" is hilarious. Is that what it's really called or did you make that up?

I think it's a good enough term to differentiate between the soft keys on the screen and the soft keys as an actual button. Just calling it soft keys can go two ways.

I can see the usefulness of it if you don't have a touch screen (take my mobile phone for instance). Why would the lack of "hardware soft key" support on a device like the x51v be considered a "failure?" I would consider it to be a bit redundant.

There's a different feel to it. Tapping the screen with your thumb has zero tactile feedback - quite unlike the case if you had dedicated buttons for the soft keys. Some people prefer that feedback, and I'm one of them (for various reasons). The other reason is that these buttons tend to be placed closer to the D-pad than the screen is. If you constantly use the D-pad and soft keys to navigate your way through Windows Mobile 5.0, it's much easier reaching for the buttons when placed closer to the D-pad than having to go that little bit further to touch the screen. Again, you might ask, what's an extra centimetre going to do? As you use it, you'll know there's a difference, no matter how small it may seem.