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headbirth · Sep 8, 2003, 01:45 PM

Hi, I've looked at a few of the window managers out there and was wondering if someone would be interested in implementing something more like this:

http://home.earthlink.net/~headbirth...spaceDOCK1.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~headbirth...spaceDOCK2.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~headbirth...spaceDOCK3.jpg

It's kind of MIP meets a window manager.

blackbird_1.0 · Sep 8, 2003, 11:57 PM

that look pretty cool actually...like shuffling through groups of paper on a desk

MacGorilla · Sep 9, 2003, 08:05 AM

Interesting!

ckohler · Sep 9, 2003, 11:13 AM

So what happens when you have more than 20 windows in a set?

headbirth · Sep 9, 2003, 12:32 PM

Maybe have them listed in the CM or a widget next to the set name that could list all windows in the set ... many possibilities, but are you serious about having 20 windows in a set? I can see maybe 8-10 for myself.

blackbird_1.0 · Sep 9, 2003, 01:56 PM

Someone get on developing this idea!

mitchell_pgh · Sep 9, 2003, 02:46 PM

I think it would be great if everyone using the OS was an advanced user, but 90%+ wouldn't understand what was going on...

I know everyone I work with wouldn't

boardsurfer · Sep 9, 2003, 05:32 PM

Piles anyone?

Although this looks much cooler.

SupahCoolX · Sep 9, 2003, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by boardsurfer:
Piles anyone?

It seems more like Piles (file management) + Expos� (window management).
I'm curious as to how usable this actually is. It seems cool, but it could be a hassle if you have several similar looking tiny windows in a group together. You'd have to try each one, or mouse over (to get the names, like the dock) to find what you're looking for. It could also probably use some sort of "backing" like LaunchBar or the Dock to keep the windows separate from icons on the desktop. Definitely an interesting concept, though, and I've love to see it in action.

benb · Sep 9, 2003, 09:09 PM

This is the most original idea in GUI design in a long time. I like it a lot. I don't know if I would use it much though. I hardly use Expos� as it is.

Catfish_Man · Sep 9, 2003, 09:32 PM

I would completely be willing to pay for a shareware app that did this. I love expose, and use it whenever possible (although I'd like it to show window names all the time rather than just on mouseover). This looks similarly useful.

WJMoore · Sep 9, 2003, 11:17 PM

What you are describing here is more or less virtual desktops. Try out Workspaces: It works now, no development required� (I should sell that to them

).

biscuit · Sep 10, 2003, 04:30 AM

As I recall, the actual patent/white paper thingy that describes Piles implies that it should be used for windows rather than icons. This came up a while back after all the Piles-in-Panther hoo-ha.

So what you've got there is basically the most accurate implementation of Piles I've seen. Also, I'm yet to try it out but it does look as though Workspaces does exactly what you're asking.

biscuit

headbirth · Sep 10, 2003, 11:41 AM

This concept was just a quick thought ... it would definitely need more consideration as to it's functionality if someone was interested in implementing it.

No, you can't please everyone. We all have different methods of working, so this solution isn't for everyone. Probably one of the reasons Apple leaves so many features out of its OS ... to avoid setting up rigid working environments and leave holes for developers to fill.

I was actually thinking of sending a request to the author of Workspaces for these features, but I'm not sure how responsive he/she would be. A really talented programmer is needed with lean code and a keen-eye for what the enduser REALLY needs ... not one that throws in features willy-nilly. Eric Cole of Balance Software comes to mind, but he seems to loose interest easily or has to many other obligations.