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by ranqet 4908 days ago
Hypothetically, if Apple were to allow the ability to run iOS/iPad apps within OS X, and put a touch screen on their laptops and desktops, would people use this?

This is basically what Windows has done with laptops and desktops with touch screens. I don't think I'm alone in feeling that it's weird and awkward.
2 comments
InclinedPlane 4908 days ago
Some degree of cross-pollination is desirable, at least in terms of usability for the average computer user. It would be a mistake to imagine that the particular limitations and constraints of either iOS or OS X as they exist today are global optimums.
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ranqet 4908 days ago
I agree, and we do see plenty iOS feature appear in OSX and vice-versa (notification center for instance).

But it should be kept in mind that we are dealing with separate paradigms. The way one uses a tablet is very different from the way a laptop used, and software should be designed along these lines.

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tjoff 4908 days ago
You are not supposed to use it on your desktop, not for the stuff you do on your desktop today anyway.

Hypothetically, if Apple were to allow the ability to run OS X apps within iOS and bundled a keyboard with their iPad, would people use it?

I would.

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ranqet 4908 days ago
Then what is the point of a touch screen on machines like the Dell XPS 27?

I think if given the choice between OSX versions of an app and iOS versions of an app, most would choose the OSX versions. For example, Tweetbot for iOS would be a pretty awkward experience compared to the OSX version.

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tjoff 4908 days ago
The point is that touch screens have a great reputation. Just as glossy displays, the only reason that they were conceived is just because they are cheaper to produce than matte displays. But that doesn't stop the mindless masses from buying premium prices for them just because it is the new thing. Or that 1080p has somehow gotten a better reputation than 1920x1200 for workstations. And how people actually believe that HDMI is, in any way, better than displayport because that's what TVs use.

Sorry, my "Hypothetically" wasn't a quote of yours.

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ranqet 4908 days ago
Then what you're saying is touch screens on non-tablet devices is a fad to lure in clueless consumers? We're in complete agreement then.
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