2 suggestions to improve the way the menus work

[tomsem]

Another way would be to have the Menu options cycle (at some reasonable rate) when you hold the menu key down for a second or so. When the one you want is highlighted, release and it would 'fire off'. Thumb only operation. Then you don't need to fumble for the keyboard or 5way (which my big fingers still fumble on once in awhile). When combined with VG, you would not need any visual feedback.

[TalkingBook]

I was flabbergasted upon discovering that DXG didn't have 'wrap-around menus'. Just another of the myriad experiences I've had with technological devices where I said to myself, "Obviously none of the people designing this actually sat down and used it for more than an hour."

Perhaps I'm being naive, but regardless of any marketing studies that might have been done, I can't believe that consumers, including Oprah-watching, romance-readers, could possibly be confused by this feature for more than approximately three seconds.

As for the second suggestion, I doubt I would use it much, as I don't tend to while using Windows or Windows apps either. However, I do use shortcuts fairly often and wouldn't be opposed to have a few more built in.

[AthenaAtDelphi]

Originally Posted by TalkingBook

As for the second suggestion, I doubt I would use it much, as I don't tend to while using Windows or Windows apps either. However, I do use shortcuts fairly often and wouldn't be opposed to have a few more built in.

But for navigating through your Windows apps (presumable on a PC/laptop/netbook) you probably use a mouse.
Since the Kindle doesn't have a mouse, shortcuts are very welcome.

[floriano]

I also thought about the advantages of having these two features. Isn't it possible for users to add them, since the OS of the kindle is given free for download?

[AthenaAtDelphi]

Originally Posted by floriano

Isn't it possible for users to add them, since the OS of the kindle is given free for download?

Perhaps.
But a modification of the firmware by Amazon is of course much more preferable.

[suecsi]

To me the wrap around menus do make sense, mainly because I often find myself automatically hitting the up key to move to the bottom from the top - when moving to the Experimental menu, and for a second, wondering why it won't work.

[Bill Lumburgh]

Originally Posted by suecsi

To me the wrap around menus do make sense, mainly because I often find myself automatically hitting the up key to move to the bottom from the top - when moving to the Experimental menu, and for a second, wondering why it won't work.

Same here. I suspect many people who regularly use different operating systems and/or platforms throughout the day, do it as well. I don't think I own any device (embedded OS, OSS OS, commercial OS, what have you) that doesn't support wrap around menus (computers, phones, DVRs, MP3 players, GPS, car entertainment system).

I guess they could even introduce a standard and an advanced mode. Standard gets you the settings menu as it is now. Advanced gets you a settings screen with a bunch of UI and usability options.