mpogue@dg.dg.com (Mike Pogue) (01/27/89)
X windows and Sunview (among others) do not, in general, handle graphics primitives in a resolution independent way. However, it is certainly possible to do one of two things: 1) use a device independent package like GKS, PHIGS, etc to cover up hardware differences (taking a performance hit), or 2) make the application smart enough to handle the problem itself, with maybe the assistance of the Resource Database (on X) or resolution inquiry functions, etc. My question is: Sure it's POSSIBLE to do these things, but how many software packages really handle this? Of course, that immediately begs more questions: Does anybody know of software packages that APPEAR THE SAME (or maybe "are equally usable") on devices ranging from 640x480 all the way up to 1280x1024 or greater? How useful is xterm, or Framemaker, or whatever, running on a 640x480 tube? What is the minimum resolution that the X terminal folks can use such that most software "works" (whatever "works" means, and I am referring specifically to X running on the Acer X terminal, or maybe a VGA display -- is it useful?)? It seems to me that these questions are not as simple as they sound, and that the answer probably involves user-perception (come on you neuro-physiologists!) more than a discussion of software techniques (which are pretty well-known). What do people think? -mike pogue P.S. This is my first posting, so be gentle!