Is Enso for you on Windows? I think ideally- yes. But should you download it today? Probably not. I think Enso may be a little limited now. I say give it a little time to bring forth a few more "packages" in addition to "Enso Words" so that you might be able to get abit more flexibility. Also it's using about 20-30MB of memory when it's idle. I'm used to other launchers (winkey is my favorite) that aren't so heavy when the aren't doing anything at all.
You mentioned uninterrupted workflow- I think the spellchecker isn't done well in this regard. I mentioned it odd for just checking a single word. To check a word- you have to highlight it, capslock + "spellcheck" then wait for the window to draw and load the text. Then select the word... if it's highlighted, its spelled wrong. You hold left click (this is quasimode too) and release the button when it's over the correct spelling. Finally, you hold caps lock again and type "done" and your back in action.
That was WAY to intrusive for me. I can see that when pulling up an entire document or something, but the cost was too great.. there was too much interruption to my workflow.
You're right- not having used QS/OSX doesn't cause this to be a bit more difficult.... my responses are based on the general consensus I get reading these posts here that everyone seems to think that the three or four combinations of (take your pick):
OSS app launcher
and shortcuts
batch files
google toolbars
hidden folders with shortcuts used in conjuction with the Windows key
... or just plain 'ol CLI of preference)
...seem to mean that all of these things can't come together more easily. That reminds me a lot of the itunes/iPod experience. Sure you can listen to your music on a DAP but Apple nails the whole experience and does it better IMO which is why I choose them. I didn't think it was too far of a stretch when you just look at "the user experience" -not the devices or technology of DAP or iTunes whatever. Slashdot (based on the other comments I've read) doesn't seemed too concerned with user experience as opposed to tweaking customizing, etc... which is fine being slashdot and all I enjoy seeing the many different ways of doing work. But Enso is just another one. If it matches your way of working, then it might be better than all the above...but maybe it's not. I have a lot of interest and respect for the views of Raskin/Humanized et.all, so I'm willing to give them more than a passing glance and give them a benefit of doubt.
So...based purely on what I'm reading alone, OSX and the built in services and QS et all appear to do a better job and achieve all the integration and consistent UI objectives and extensibility that I think we can expect of Enso. I have no idea, but since I'm on Windows and I'm still not satisfied with it, I wouldn't think that you would be even if it was in 100% perfect condition. So (again) I would say stick with what tools work best for you. Enso probably isn't your cup of tea.
Well IMO, this represent a step towards better marriage of CLI and GUI. The typical convention is "either or" but this put the CLI into the GUI.... it's not all the way there yet, and sure there's tons of ways to do the stuff that Enso already does, but still.
And as I've said elsewhere, the bigger idea is to bring all the common commands you do in an interface under Enso/Archy/Humane Interface so that you don't have to relearn them in every application you install.
-Well then don't friggin' use it! Good grief- I don't know what else to say to you... other than: "hey! there doesn't only have to be *one* form of every piece of software in the world!"
-I already said in my first post that use windows and wasn't familiar with the QS/Mac side of things.
-For the third or fourth time (to you alone) Enso isn't a spellchecker. It takes common things like app launching, spellchecking, thesaurus,and.. I'm thinking of things off the top of my head now: copy paste, print preview, File Save/As, Open Document, Window management, Search, import,... in other words- things that would be universal across applications. The point is to abstract out having to learn commands and shortcuts for every application and only have to learn them once. Whether Enso achieves this in an fashion is another argument altogether (I'd say no), but that's what makes this system noteworthy.
-I just like to try different pieces of software.... Hey, guess what! I use the Opera web browser because I like the user experience. Somethings are better than Firefox, some things are worse. I tried it and I like it.. I don't know what else to say.
-I'm very happy that you are statisfied with your spellchecker and I'm going to look into it and Quicksilver and everything else OSX related when I get a Mac (soon). I say if it doesn't match the way you think & work or you don't like the way it does X or you like your current way of working better, then "good on ya mate!" -I'm pleased you have tools that work.
Well an application *and* spellchecker integrated into the same application. that's what I was referring to....and again- from what I understand of Jef Raskin's "Humane Interface" and the work at the Raskin Inst. that Enso isn't going to be limited to just an application launcher and spellchecker........and again again, I'm not saying that other applications *aren't* fluid/smooth user experiences, just that this is what Enso is trying to do. As I mentioned elsewhere, I'm not sold 100% yet on this so I'm writing down all the recommendations from slashdotters.
You can tell I'm not sold on it because I didn't use the spellchecker to proof this post because it gets in the way too much (as I said in OP):)
No you're not missing anything. Use whatever tools work best for you. Enso is simply another tool. Another take on existing ideas. An attempt to create a "system" that's focused on the user experience and doesn't have to use two different pieces of software. Enso is also a starting point. Archy, The Humane Interface and Jef Raksin's ideas are the basis of Enso, and they are farther reaching than an application launcher and spellchecker.
But you're not missing anything. Just like there are all kinds of OSs, browsers, word processors, websites, etc.. there can be differing kinds of application launchers. Use whatever workds best for you.
(I'm not sold on Enso BTW, so I'm writing down all these slashdot recommendations as well)
Alright pedant... I agree I'm not sure why it's a WSJ artcile, but just because somethings "been done" doesn't mean it can't be done better.
Try reading up on Archy, the Humane Interface, and some of the long term goals of Enso and you'll see it's potential.
But even as it is, who's to say that this isn't a better implementation of what's already been done? Should we not create any more attempts of existing software?
(BTW- I'm not saying it's better or not- I just get frustrated with all the "been done already" comments)
Apart from the fact that I excluded Mac in the first couple sentences, I think the other aspect is tight integration and a fluid user experience. Although the analogy is poor, I view these statements as similar as saying "Well, I can listen to mp3s on my Zune... I don't see anything with iTunes/iPod that MS can't already do..."...when it's about looking at the entire user experience system. That said I'm very intersted in checking out Quicksilver and all the other apps that are similar.
Ive been beta testing it for a handful of days. Ive never heard of quicksilver, and all that (PC user) so Im not sure what to make of the comparison- but Ill say the following things:
The quasimodal activation is what they wanted to emphasis, but it takes some getting used to. The caps lock key is the key in question quasi-modal means you have to hold it down while typing (like shift) long commands which requires some interesting hand movements. Further- for long commands like open with internet explorer (since its not a default browser on my system) then you have tab to complete the command like other CLIs but since youre already holding the caps key down, its really strange IMO . They do have a mode lock, but they discourage use.
-I sent some feedback during the beta about the memory usage 23-35MB at any given time seems a bit high for a launcher, but a)its beta , b) YMMV and c)You may not care about that.
-Actual usage is great. I like the learn where you can make shortcuts that dont clutter up your file system, it has a real-time list of applications/docs/etc that gets filtered out as you type your command and you can tab-complete or just arrow down if you want.
-Spellcheck, which is a much touted initial proof of concept feature of Enso, seems odd when you only want to spell check single word the spell check interface takes a second to load up (on both of my admittedly older & slower machines) and takes up the whole screen with a giant text box which seems like overkill. You can use the define command I think and get a did you mean prompt which is nice.
-Getting quick access to commonly worded applications (like internet explorer) requires a shortcut (I used ie obviously) but you cant combine that with the open with command. open ie opens up IE, but the open with ie gives me an is not a command error message.
Also Id like to say the best part of this interface is the subtle messaging/feedback system they have. Feedback is large and unmistakable and clear, yet still manage to stay out of your way.
My final thought is that the WSJ article misses the point of spellcheck. Although I agree that its a bit clumsy at times, its point is to break apart the notion of a different spellcheck with a different dictionary for every single application on your system. You have to learn the shortcut key for each one and build/add/ignore dictionaries for all as well.
Enso (thankfully) seeks to a put a single spellcheck interface that is universal in all applications.
I should hire you to be my speech writer (err forum poster). I just end up going around and around explaining the same things over and over again when this sums it up quite nicely.
Who said I was blaming Apple? You should read the other 10 posts or so I have throughout here where I express the need for an Open Standard and how that has nothing to do with my opinion of Apple's solution.
But... I agree with you, and the point of this article. There shouldn't be DRM, I should be able to play my music on whatever player I want.
My original post (if I recall- I don't want to backtrack and I've had many in this thread) was just saying that even if Apple didn't have DRM on the files, I would still choose their system. My original post came out wrong as I admitted to somewhere else. I meant for the "don't force me..." to go with the "use your system" and not with the "buy your music" -if that clears anything up.
Yeah- but my point is that I wouldn't bother to spend that 100 dollars again. I'm find with starting over, and the tracks I do want to keep, as slashdot has triumphantly declared throughout all these threads, I'll burn to CD and import back or find another means of doing it.
I wouldn't spend a full 100 dollars to get everything back... I'd take the effort to burn over about 30% or so of the stuff I think is worth the effort (it may be all 100%, I'm not really sure, it depends how much more my time is worth to me over the value of the song at the time) and just part with the rest. That leave a loss of 60 dollars or so.. I've spend more on a family dinner and didn't get nearly as much use out of that than the four years of having that music around.... and yes slashdot logic guys, I *am* saying that a song I'd listen to on a regular basis, I would be willing ot part with.
I don't worship music... if it's there, fine, if it's not, fine. I'll find a way to preserve or import over stuff that is *really* important to me.
I could also: -intercept the audio going to my speakers. -get a tape recorder and record the sound from my speakers. -record it off the radio! -record a cover band singing it...
But you can play vinyl albums in any phonograph? You can play any CD in a CD Player? Why can't you play any digital audio file in any digital audio player?
Fair enough... my sentence should have been worded where the "force me to do it" was attached to the "trust in your system" instead of the "purchase your music" aspect.
My point was to answer someone's question: "Why is this a problem...I don't understand...etc."
But since you choose to pick me to represent a)the parent post I answered, and b) the entire point of TFA, I'll answer... Open Standards are important.
Open standards for differing digital media should be different that different physical media.
Woud you then say that web technologies should also be locked into the browser that renders them?
Or word processing files? I can understand a *limited* expectation of behavior (using Lynx for web, or Notepad for text files) but to completely prevent usage seems odd.
I happen to like Apple's closed system though, and I'd continue to use it regardless of DRM- but that doesn't mean open standards aren't important.
Slashdot Mirror
Sounds like (according to you) Sony needs to do some usability studies instead of market research.
Is Enso for you on Windows? I think ideally- yes. But should you download it today? Probably not. I think Enso may be a little limited now. I say give it a little time to bring forth a few more "packages" in addition to "Enso Words" so that you might be able to get abit more flexibility. Also it's using about 20-30MB of memory when it's idle. I'm used to other launchers (winkey is my favorite) that aren't so heavy when the aren't doing anything at all. You mentioned uninterrupted workflow- I think the spellchecker isn't done well in this regard. I mentioned it odd for just checking a single word. To check a word- you have to highlight it, capslock + "spellcheck" then wait for the window to draw and load the text. Then select the word... if it's highlighted, its spelled wrong. You hold left click (this is quasimode too) and release the button when it's over the correct spelling. Finally, you hold caps lock again and type "done" and your back in action. That was WAY to intrusive for me. I can see that when pulling up an entire document or something, but the cost was too great.. there was too much interruption to my workflow.
dangit- "...*does* cause this..."
You're right- not having used QS/OSX doesn't cause this to be a bit more difficult.... my responses are based on the general consensus I get reading these posts here that everyone seems to think that the three or four combinations of (take your pick):
...seem to mean that all of these things can't come together more easily. That reminds me a lot of the itunes/iPod experience. Sure you can listen to your music on a DAP but Apple nails the whole experience and does it better IMO which is why I choose them. I didn't think it was too far of a stretch when you just look at "the user experience" -not the devices or technology of DAP or iTunes whatever. Slashdot (based on the other comments I've read) doesn't seemed too concerned with user experience as opposed to tweaking customizing, etc... which is fine being slashdot and all I enjoy seeing the many different ways of doing work. But Enso is just another one. If it matches your way of working, then it might be better than all the above...but maybe it's not. I have a lot of interest and respect for the views of Raskin/Humanized et.all, so I'm willing to give them more than a passing glance and give them a benefit of doubt.
So...based purely on what I'm reading alone, OSX and the built in services and QS et all appear to do a better job and achieve all the integration and consistent UI objectives and extensibility that I think we can expect of Enso. I have no idea, but since I'm on Windows and I'm still not satisfied with it, I wouldn't think that you would be even if it was in 100% perfect condition. So (again) I would say stick with what tools work best for you. Enso probably isn't your cup of tea.
Well IMO, this represent a step towards better marriage of CLI and GUI. The typical convention is "either or" but this put the CLI into the GUI.... it's not all the way there yet, and sure there's tons of ways to do the stuff that Enso already does, but still.
And as I've said elsewhere, the bigger idea is to bring all the common commands you do in an interface under Enso/Archy/Humane Interface so that you don't have to relearn them in every application you install.
...and I'm sorry for blowing up the first bullet there....and I meant "application launcher *and* spellchecker" in the previous post.
-Well then don't friggin' use it! Good grief- I don't know what else to say to you... other than: "hey! there doesn't only have to be *one* form of every piece of software in the world!"
-I already said in my first post that use windows and wasn't familiar with the QS/Mac side of things.
-For the third or fourth time (to you alone) Enso isn't a spellchecker. It takes common things like app launching, spellchecking, thesaurus,and.. I'm thinking of things off the top of my head now: copy paste, print preview, File Save/As, Open Document, Window management, Search, import,... in other words- things that would be universal across applications. The point is to abstract out having to learn commands and shortcuts for every application and only have to learn them once. Whether Enso achieves this in an fashion is another argument altogether (I'd say no), but that's what makes this system noteworthy.
-I just like to try different pieces of software.... Hey, guess what! I use the Opera web browser because I like the user experience. Somethings are better than Firefox, some things are worse. I tried it and I like it.. I don't know what else to say.
-I'm very happy that you are statisfied with your spellchecker and I'm going to look into it and Quicksilver and everything else OSX related when I get a Mac (soon). I say if it doesn't match the way you think & work or you don't like the way it does X or you like your current way of working better, then "good on ya mate!" -I'm pleased you have tools that work.
:) Very nice... Quasimode
Well an application *and* spellchecker integrated into the same application. that's what I was referring to. ...and again- from what I understand of Jef Raskin's "Humane Interface" and the work at the Raskin Inst. that Enso isn't going to be limited to just an application launcher and spellchecker. .......and again again, I'm not saying that other applications *aren't* fluid/smooth user experiences, just that this is what Enso is trying to do. As I mentioned elsewhere, I'm not sold 100% yet on this so I'm writing down all the recommendations from slashdotters.
:)
You can tell I'm not sold on it because I didn't use the spellchecker to proof this post because it gets in the way too much (as I said in OP)
No you're not missing anything. Use whatever tools work best for you. Enso is simply another tool. Another take on existing ideas. An attempt to create a "system" that's focused on the user experience and doesn't have to use two different pieces of software. Enso is also a starting point. Archy, The Humane Interface and Jef Raksin's ideas are the basis of Enso, and they are farther reaching than an application launcher and spellchecker.
But you're not missing anything. Just like there are all kinds of OSs, browsers, word processors, websites, etc.. there can be differing kinds of application launchers. Use whatever workds best for you.
(I'm not sold on Enso BTW, so I'm writing down all these slashdot recommendations as well)
Alright pedant... I agree I'm not sure why it's a WSJ artcile, but just because somethings "been done" doesn't mean it can't be done better. Try reading up on Archy, the Humane Interface, and some of the long term goals of Enso and you'll see it's potential. But even as it is, who's to say that this isn't a better implementation of what's already been done? Should we not create any more attempts of existing software? (BTW- I'm not saying it's better or not- I just get frustrated with all the "been done already" comments)
Apart from the fact that I excluded Mac in the first couple sentences, I think the other aspect is tight integration and a fluid user experience. Although the analogy is poor, I view these statements as similar as saying "Well, I can listen to mp3s on my Zune... I don't see anything with iTunes/iPod that MS can't already do..." ...when it's about looking at the entire user experience system. That said I'm very intersted in checking out Quicksilver and all the other apps that are similar.
My thoughts:
Ive been beta testing it for a handful of days. Ive never heard of quicksilver, and all that (PC user) so Im not sure what to make of the comparison- but Ill say the following things:
The quasimodal activation is what they wanted to emphasis, but it takes some getting used to. The caps lock key is the key in question quasi-modal means you have to hold it down while typing (like shift) long commands which requires some interesting hand movements. Further- for long commands like open with internet explorer (since its not a default browser on my system) then you have tab to complete the command like other CLIs but since youre already holding the caps key down, its really strange IMO . They do have a mode lock, but they discourage use.
-I sent some feedback during the beta about the memory usage 23-35MB at any given time seems a bit high for a launcher, but a)its beta , b) YMMV and c)You may not care about that.
-Actual usage is great. I like the learn where you can make shortcuts that dont clutter up your file system, it has a real-time list of applications/docs/etc that gets filtered out as you type your command and you can tab-complete or just arrow down if you want.
-Spellcheck, which is a much touted initial proof of concept feature of Enso, seems odd when you only want to spell check single word the spell check interface takes a second to load up (on both of my admittedly older & slower machines) and takes up the whole screen with a giant text box which seems like overkill. You can use the define command I think and get a did you mean prompt which is nice.
-Getting quick access to commonly worded applications (like internet explorer) requires a shortcut (I used ie obviously) but you cant combine that with the open with command. open ie opens up IE, but the open with ie gives me an is not a command error message.
Also Id like to say the best part of this interface is the subtle messaging/feedback system they have. Feedback is large and unmistakable and clear, yet still manage to stay out of your way.
My final thought is that the WSJ article misses the point of spellcheck. Although I agree that its a bit clumsy at times, its point is to break apart the notion of a different spellcheck with a different dictionary for every single application on your system. You have to learn the shortcut key for each one and build/add/ignore dictionaries for all as well.
Enso (thankfully) seeks to a put a single spellcheck interface that is universal in all applications.
I'm not sure if this is directed to me.. if it is, maybe you can look up my other ton of posts on this matter and find that you misunderstood me.
I should hire you to be my speech writer (err forum poster). I just end up going around and around explaining the same things over and over again when this sums it up quite nicely.
Who said I was blaming Apple? You should read the other 10 posts or so I have throughout here where I express the need for an Open Standard and how that has nothing to do with my opinion of Apple's solution.
But... I agree with you, and the point of this article. There shouldn't be DRM, I should be able to play my music on whatever player I want. My original post (if I recall- I don't want to backtrack and I've had many in this thread) was just saying that even if Apple didn't have DRM on the files, I would still choose their system. My original post came out wrong as I admitted to somewhere else. I meant for the "don't force me..." to go with the "use your system" and not with the "buy your music" -if that clears anything up.
Yeah- but my point is that I wouldn't bother to spend that 100 dollars again. I'm find with starting over, and the tracks I do want to keep, as slashdot has triumphantly declared throughout all these threads, I'll burn to CD and import back or find another means of doing it.
I wouldn't spend a full 100 dollars to get everything back... I'd take the effort to burn over about 30% or so of the stuff I think is worth the effort (it may be all 100%, I'm not really sure, it depends how much more my time is worth to me over the value of the song at the time) and just part with the rest. That leave a loss of 60 dollars or so.. I've spend more on a family dinner and didn't get nearly as much use out of that than the four years of having that music around.... and yes slashdot logic guys, I *am* saying that a song I'd listen to on a regular basis, I would be willing ot part with.
I don't worship music... if it's there, fine, if it's not, fine. I'll find a way to preserve or import over stuff that is *really* important to me.
I could also:
-intercept the audio going to my speakers.
-get a tape recorder and record the sound from my speakers.
-record it off the radio!
-record a cover band singing it...
But you can play vinyl albums in any phonograph? You can play any CD in a CD Player? Why can't you play any digital audio file in any digital audio player?
Fair enough... my sentence should have been worded where the "force me to do it" was attached to the "trust in your system" instead of the "purchase your music" aspect.
Apologies.
My point was to answer someone's question: "Why is this a problem...I don't understand...etc."
But since you choose to pick me to represent a)the parent post I answered, and b) the entire point of TFA, I'll answer... Open Standards are important.
Correction- the exotic dancing thing is actually cheaper for me (free) than the rental Sucker.
So does:
Netflix, Blockbuster video, Las Vegas, the movie industry, exotic dancers....
Open standards for differing digital media should be different that different physical media.
Woud you then say that web technologies should also be locked into the browser that renders them?
Or word processing files? I can understand a *limited* expectation of behavior (using Lynx for web, or Notepad for text files) but to completely prevent usage seems odd.
I happen to like Apple's closed system though, and I'd continue to use it regardless of DRM- but that doesn't mean open standards aren't important.