Quote:
Originally Posted by Katsunami
You didn't even give me the chance to actually add the screenshot. Booh 
It's there 
I have pared mine down also (I also use all 3 menu locations).
I personally think the default Calibre menu/options layout is confusing and too large (literally: huge icons). I think my screenshot shows a much more usable layout, especially if the plugins are taken out.
When starting out, most people only need things like these:
- Create/Switch library
- Add books
- Remove books
- Metadata editing
- Book conversion
- Send to device
- Save to disk
- Copy to library
- Preferences
I.e., the basic "file management stuff," so they can use their books as if they were files, without being distracted by Calibre's latent power. It would be good to provide a short description on where to find and enable additional features, how to add plugins, point to the manual, and/or even point to MobileRead's Calibre forum.
An extremely basic user interface containing only the basic options is enough. Many people won't use more, but if someone gets to the point "I wish I could...," he or she will start looking, and come to the conclusion that they can achieve it.
I have set up a few Calibre installs using the same layout as I show above, but without the plugins and editing features. Calibre exposes very few capabilities to these users, but the ones it does provide, are enough to get people to organize their books, convert them and get them onto the e-reader.
All of those people have been using Calibre for some time now, without any complaints. If they want something that's not immediately obvious or out of their league, they contact me. I'll point them to the correct options or settings using some short instructions, and off they go for another 6-12 months. |
If the Optional Menu could be easily hidden/revealed - I suggest via a left bottom corner button with shift/alt/? shortcut - then one could put not often used things into it. If that could be done then I'd also suggest an option be provided to position the Optional Toolbar under the main one rather than the bottom. That might also sidestep Katsunami's hiccup with the Favourites PI.
BR