[phillryu]

In iStorm's next version, we are trying to polish up the interface for compliance to Apple's HIG. Most importantly, we are including a standard cocoa toolbar. However, here is an issue where I am not sure what the best decision is.

iTunes 4, iMovie 3, iDVD 2, and Safari all sport 'plastic' buttons, with a cel-shaded look. Rumors say that Mac OS 10.3 (aka Panther) is going to support this look, and I feel that these plastic buttons are now becoming standard for metal applications.

So, the question is.. what style for iStorm? And, if you participate in the poll, why?



Edit: Also, I'd like to point out that if we were to stick with the old style buttons, they would also be resized to be smaller.

[Gatorzx2]

Its a tough choice but I think I may be parcial to the plastic look. Its new and fresh.

[zachs]

I'd go with Plastic, simply because this is the direction Apple seems to be going in, at least with brushed metal apps.

[ambush]

None of them are good, IMHO.

Also, you better offer something that could compete with Hydra's "freewareness"

[phillryu]

Hydra doesn't support RTF files, (aka picture, font formatting), chat, TeX, and other collaboration tools like a sketchpad and voice messages. Yes, it's freeware, but iStorm has its obvious advantages.

We are considering releasing a barebones version of iStorm with RTF sharing and chat for free, but that is just under consideration.

[phillryu]

For all of you who complained about iStorm's metal interface, 2.5 will allow you to switch between Aqua/Metal interfaces, so you might have that to look forward to. (And it will be a complete switch, with separate looks and icons.)

[invisibleX]

Here's a tip: a quality GUI is not judged by how much uneeded screen-space it takes up!. Your program, while nice, isn't worth the price.

[phillryu]

InvisibleX, we are implementing a "Pro" view, which minimizes the button to a single line, along with the necessary status text, at the bottom of the window.

And the fact is, iStorm really isn't worth the $20 for people who don't need it. But for people who want to collaborate over a network, of course it is! Just like how people will pay 50 dollars for a computer game they want.

EDIT:

We have decided that iStorm 2.5 will let users switch between aqua/metal, and also novice/pro, with metal/novice being default. Along with the cocoa toolbar, this update will address the three main GUI complaints, which were:

No standard cocoa toolbar
Metal interface
Button takes up too much room

Finally, plastic buttons will be used for metal, and gel buttons used for aqua. Thank you for participating in the poll, and giving feedback.

[ambush]

Originally posted by phillryu:
Hydra doesn't support RTF files, (aka picture, font formatting), chat, TeX, and other collaboration tools like a sketchpad and voice messages. Yes, it's freeware, but iStorm has its obvious advantages.

We are considering releasing a barebones version of iStorm with RTF sharing and chat for free, but that is just under consideration.

Yeah well even if I you gave me iStorm for free, I'd prolly choose Hydra because of

- Programmer plugins
- Code colour formatting
- HIG Compliant UI
- Nice-in-the-dock icon
- Free
- I don't care about the layout/colour/font of text when I coedit it.
- The fact that it can replace BBEdit lite most of the time (as a simple text editor)
Yeah the iChalk/TeX things are cool, but I don't need them at all.

[phillryu]

True, iStorm was never meant for programming. iStorm's primary user group is students and teachers. Hydra's group is programmers.

[invisibleX]

Originally posted by phillryu:
InvisibleX, we are implementing a "Pro" view, which minimizes the button to a single line, along with the necessary status text, at the bottom of the window.

And the fact is, iStorm really isn't worth the $20 for people who don't need it. But for people who want to collaborate over a network, of course it is! Just like how people will pay 50 dollars for a computer game they want.

EDIT:

We have decided that iStorm 2.5 will let users switch between aqua/metal, and also novice/pro, with metal/novice being default. Along with the cocoa toolbar, this update will address the three main GUI complaints, which were:

No standard cocoa toolbar
Metal interface
Button takes up too much room

Finally, plastic buttons will be used for metal, and gel buttons used for aqua. Thank you for participating in the poll, and giving feedback.

Actually I'd buy a game and use Hydra

Umm, don't you think it would be wiser to use plastic w/metal and gel (a proper aqua button, mind you) with aqua?

[phillryu]

InivisibleX, read my post above yours again, that's exactly what we are planning to do. (Plastic for metal, gel for aqua.)