Comments by user "mikeschinkel"
Registered since: December 25, 2009
Delete a File by Pressing Delete Key
@ebaur - You missed my point, sorry if it wasn't clear. I do actually understand what you want and why. I've even had the thought myself that it would a smidgen easier to be able to delete a file with one keystroke*. What I'm teasing you about is that you make it sounds like it's a huge deal.
What you are hearing is my frustration with the general Mac zealot for whom everything about the Mac is perfect and for whom no constructive criticism can be valid. I'd say 1/2 of Mac users I meet in person and more than 1/2 I meet online have this attitude. It's not helpful.
I *want* to like the Mac, but currently there are lots of little annoyances. To be honest, the delete key is a tiny one compared to some others (like the inability to cut/copy a path in Finder and then to be able to paste the path for path selection into Finder or an open dialog, or the lack of ability to delete, move, or rename files in an open dialog. Those are *huge* annoyances.)
@ebaur - To me a power user is someone who runs Linux, Mac OS X and Windows and switches between them.....
And there you go; "The world according to *you*." In your world a power user is by your definition. My definition is different; it is someone who has the skills to learn how to do everything but want to streamline everything as much as possible. At least that's what I come up with on short notice.
I accept your definition as it applies to you if you'll accept my definition as it applies to me.
@ebaur - Do you really think that having to hit two keys to delete a file significantly increases your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes.
@ebaur - How many keys do you hit on a daily basis and what percentage of them are involved in deleting files?
You are fixating on the specifics instead of looking at the larger complaint; having to press multiple keys for many things is an annoyance. But it is a much smaller annoyance than the things I mentioned above.
@ebaur - This is blatant and useless exaggeration.
Again, from your perspective. The fact you are not willing to consider another perspective is telling.
Let me guess; you are under 30, right? I ask because if you are then carpal tunnel is less likely to be a concern.
@ebaur - Oops.. my mistake. The feature is only available for Cocoa apps (ie: Mac OS X "native"). It doesn't work for Carbon apps, either. Sorry for misleading people there, I should have known better.
I appreciate you acknowledging.
@ebaur - have you counted recently how many keys you have to hit on Windows to delete a file? "You just have to hit the del key" I hear you object, "and Windows doesn't insult you by assuming you'll make a mistake, Mac OS X treats you like an idiot!" And then, after hitting the Del key, a dialog pops up: "Are you sure you want to send '...' to the Recycle Bin?" with a "Yes" and "No" button. Hm... maybe I'm not enough of a Windows power user to be able to do this trick w/out two keystrokes - or a trip to the mouse, which is less efficient, so let's not go there.
I didn't say Windows is perfect; far from it. So let's not switch the subject to Windows thus saying that two wrongs make a right. Just because Windows has aspects that suck doesn't mean the aspects of the Mac that suck are okay.
@ebaur - Maybe they've changed things... I'm using Windows XP. And I'll admit that I haven't dug around to see if there is a way to get rid of that dialog, but if there isn't a way, then the keystroke count is the same between the two OSes and this entire thread is completely pointless.
Wow, that's like me coming on here and complaining about the Mac while using System 7. Contrary to the negative press Vista is much better than Win XP (assuming you turn off Aero and UAC) and Win 7 is supposed to be a lot better still (though I've not used it as I bought a MacBook Pro and upgraded to Snow Leopard; somewhat wishing I had waiting for Win 7 instead.)
Delete a File by Pressing Delete Key
@ebaur - We're talking about hitting Command-Backspace compared to hitting the Delete key, right? Is this really a block to you being a self-described "power user"?
Yes, power users like to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome as much as the next guy; more so actually.
@ebaur - BTW, Mac OS X *does* have the ability to remap any keyboard command from any application, which is a very powerful feature that Windows does not have. It also has the ability to swap out the various modified keys - which is useful for using a Windows keyboard on a Mac. Try doing the reverse, it's very difficult to setup and required third party software.
Never said the Mac doesn't have some great things. BTW, that keyboard remapping doesn't work on all apps; just had it not work yesterday on a Java-based app I'm using.
@ebaur - Look, I get it.. it annoys you having to press two keys. Fine. Don't try and pull this "power user" crap, though... it just make you look silly.
No, it makes you look silly to not be able to consider another person's perspective that doesn't agree with your own.
Installed applications manager
Bravo @jasper!
Dialog windows lack keyboard shortcuts and tabbing (by default)
How about CONSISTENCY? The fact that there isn't a really well specified standard means that each apps does it it's own stupid way. At least on Windows it's almost always consistent between apps whereas on Mac it's almost never consistent between apps.
So which O/S is more usable now?!?
"delete" & "rename" option during "open" & "save as" dialogs!
I AGREE!!! This is my HUGELY frustrating that you cannot do this. Probably my #2 complaint about the Mac.
Yes, some will say that it shouldn't because beginning users might accidentally rename or delete. Okay, make it an advanced user option but don't shackle me to having to do things the same way to keep the numbnuts from hurting themselves!
Copy file path location
This is BY FAR my biggest complaint about the Mac. Finder needs an option to allow me to see, cut and paste the path (w/o having to revert to a 4 finger salute) AND file dialogs need the same.
I know some don't want this so make it an advanced option that an advanced user much first turn on.
Resize windows from all edges
AGREE!!!!! The fact this is missing makes the Mac much more tedious to use.
@topper "Destroy usability?" Destroy is awfully strong language for a statement made with no supporting evidence.
Double-click in Safari's download list
@dehetepappie Then give power users an option. The Mac constantly asserts that it knows better than me when in fact it's usually wrong. Let me control the Mac the way I want to without all the attitude from the O/S.
Comment edited on December 25, 2009, 9:37am
Improve printer settings usability
Oh, I soooo agree with this. I almost always print a certain way and that way requires I click numerous drops downs. This print dialog is a disaster.
Delete a File by Pressing Delete Key
+1 - Accidental deletion is not a valid concern because there is a trash can. But, make this an advanced option that can be turned on my people who are past beginning user stage and don't want their computer to constantly get in their way like the Mac seems to do.
Mac really needs some advanced user options so that the Mac is more usable by power users. As is, the Mac is hobbled to ensure that beginners don't do something stupid thus never really letting users advance.
Why cede the power user space to Windows?
Delete Individual Items in Trash
+1 (I don't prescribe to the short-sighted view of @carlosefonseca and others I've heard say the same thing.) I often delete files en mass because I'm 99% sure I don't need them but want to keep them around for the 1% chance I was wrong. Whenever I end up with a huge file (like an mp4) that I want to delete to clear up space I don't want to have to empty the entire thing.
Delete a File by Pressing Delete Key
Wrote on December 30, 2009, 2:01am
@ebaur - At this point I'd realized you have far more time on your hands to debate this issue than I do. It seems you'd rather spend time debating against what other people need than worrying about how to be productive yourself. I get that. You are convinced your perspective is more applicable than mine; how will anything I say change that? So I've wasted far too much valuable time on this issue, I will leave you to your own devices. Goodbye.