Please, enough with "Vista looks just like OSX"!!

I think they are, and the "dashboard/expose´ desktop" as it were, dashboard is just where you see them. In Linux, and stuff you can have multiple desktops open, and view them each individually. And I think this is much the same thing, I think expse´ just automates some functions onto other transparent desktops. That makes three dash/exopse´ 'desktops' if you count, and one regular desktop. So there is 4 already. And soon in OSX 10.5 there will be an extra four desktops available to you in 'Spaces' so that makes 8 desktops that you are using. 1 Main, 3 transparent automated, and 4 custom, or 'smart desktops'. Which makes for a total of 8 desktops.

It provides structured organizational approach to having multiple desktops in a single user environment. Thus making it more accessible to people who don't quite get it. Along with 'Core Animation' this will only get better.

For some reason I sort of assumed that the widgets were a Java type program and not a standard App per-se.

EDIT: From Apple

Based on Web Kit technologies, Dashboard Widgets are created using a mix of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

So they are not really stand alone Apps.

I see them as an evolution of the Desktop accessories from the old MacOS, but I still don't think one can honestly claim Apple invented widgets.

Ok, am i missing something in the description of what a "desktop ornament" is, vs what a "Widget" is.

the 'ornament' page

Bud smiled. "You'd want tiny apps that were good at a specific, limited function that complements the main application. Like a little calculator, for example, that looked like a real calculator. Or maybe an alarm clock, or a notepad for jotting down text. Since the entire screen is supposed to be a metaphorical desktop, the little programs are desk ornaments, adorning the desktop with useful features."

"Well, ornaments have to fit into the world of the main application", Bud responded, "but not the other way around. The main application owns the menu bar, for example, but maybe the ornaments can have a menu when they're active. The main application would still run its event loop, but it would occasionally pass events to the little guys. And of course you can cut and paste between them"

Click to expand...

compared to the widget page

Widgets are perfect for working with small amounts of data or interacting with other applications, both on your desktop and across the web. And they provide an excellent way to add functionality to an existing application.

Click to expand...

I think it's really a matter of the experience, and the purpose of the application, as opposed to weather it's stand alone or not. Most people don't give two hoots over weather it's stand alone. I mean it doesn't really matter what the codes name is, program=program either way you cut it.

And that how it comes out in the desktop environment.

Your looking at it from a user perspective, I'm looking at it from a more technical perspective. The idea and use is very similar, but the implementation is completely different.

I see your point, I just disagree with the statement that Apple "invented" widgets.

cherry said:

I think for many people who know little about both OS's look at vista and see that the graphics are finally starting to look more vibrant, like in OSX. That coupled with the widgets, they feel like it's enough to say someone's copying, but it's obviously a more complicated situation.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I agree. I think there is way more into it. I dont think its JUST a case you can call "copying".

Wouldnt it be wonderful if everyone knew no different than MAC!

Well, Vista looks just like OSX, ya know.

baggss said:

Your looking at it from a user perspective, I'm looking at it from a more technical perspective. The idea and use is very similar, but the implementation is completely different.

I see your point, I just disagree with the statement that Apple "invented" widgets.

Click to expand...

You could say apple invented the concept of a widget...

bottom line, programmers steal code from other programmers. Why re-invent the wheel? Besides it really doesnt matter what you "see" its whats inside that counts......pardon the pun, but it seemed to make sense.