Second impression:
Qube has lots of an Eye-Candy feel for the interface. However,
as they say, when checking a book, do not check only its cover.
What got me so happy was NOT the implemented UI, or the (I admit)
lousy internet connectivity interface, or the fact that there was
no keyboard support.
It was the "engine".
The thing is practicly smooth. Much better then other interfaces
I tried so far. It ran quickly and didnt crash so far, and the
handling of the objects on the screen was very smooth. Almost like
in Windows. Thats what got me so happy.
Now, do not forget - this is a FIRST version. Being stuck on
hi-color is dumb indeed, when making a program for DOS. But
dont let the things that can be changed distract you from the
very good points of this program.
Also, the author requested our thoughts, not our flames. So
here:
The good points:
----------------
* Smooth control over objects (for example, mouse doesnt freeze
over a GUI button when its pressed)
* Runs quickly.
* Appears to be stable so far.
The bad points (plus suggestions)
---------------------------------
* Support for hi-color and above only.
[Support for 256 or even 16 colors should be included. Since
this program is seposed to be "multi-platform", you can never
know where it will end up. Especialy when DOS is used, which
is ran on various kinds of computers, new and old. ESPECIALY
when the program is offered for FreeDOS - which will, and allready
is, run on various of low-power embadded and mobile solutions.]
* Lack of GUI keyboard controls support. ("Keyboard short-cuts")
[This is very basic, and common in almost every GUI system. Even the
Mac. Mouse is good, but its not everything. Many users use
keyboard controls to quickly manuver in their enviroment. It is
very recommended to implement the Windows standard for keyboard
controls - simply because its the most common GUI keyboard control
in use today. (ALT-F4 for closing a window, CTRL-C for Copy,
CTRL-V for Paste, CTRL-X for Cut, CTRL-Z for Undo, etc.]
* Internet connectivity is really badly designed
[Is the connection using PAP/CHAP? Or some kind of a login
script? This info should be clearified. Basicly, support for
PAP/CHAP, Logon script, and manual terminal-window login should
be supported. I personally use the terminal option whenever
possible.]
* Although not tested, the internet applications are no where
to be seen, except for the mail composer. I'll take a chance
and guess that the apps appear once connectivity is reached.
[Nice, but not good. Users expect these apps to be availble
all the time, even when not connected. For example, when
wanting to read mail off-line, or reading an HTML document
from the hard drive...]
... thats it so far. And regarding the site - thats an entirly
other matter that should be directed to the webmaster.
And even if the programmer and the webmaster are the same person,
try not to shout. Remember. This guy is offering us a program and
is nice enough to listen to our suggestions. Also, his program
shows alot of work and time well spent. This fact alone should give
him respect.
