CompuServe Messages

>> I still think that the user interface leaves something to be desired. Tony, The interface is awkward at first. Many times I wondered WHY is this done this way? But after working with it, I realize that everything is done for a reason, and the interface starts to make sense. This doesn't mean that it does not need work…it does. Impulse is starting to make chamges, and will continue to do so towards the ease of use direction. >> I especially hate the attributes dialog box (in 2.0 at least, if you uncheck one of the parameters it does not remove the attribute from the rendering – it just disables the editing of it- or am I missing something? << The attrubute requestor is used to edit the surface attributes of an object, or a selected set of faces. When you edit the colors, the box is checked. When you leave the Attributes requestor the colors take effect. If you were to Uncheck the color box before you left the requestor, the changes would not take effect. It is basically a selective-undo while in the attributes requestor. To remove transparency, specularity, hardness, the sliders must be moved to zero. >> Hitting enter after everything drives me nuts. Yeah, I kinda like hitting ENTER to move to a new numeric field than using the TAB key as most programs use, especially since the enter key is on the numeric keypad. But that's just me. <g> >> Also have to use a boot disk to load this program, which is a drag. I don't use a boot disk. I use my normal startup files under DOS 6.2, and I use both HIMEM.SYS and EMM386. If you are using them, and no 3rd party memory manager let me know….I'll send you my startup files to use as examples. >> Being DOS based, I'm also concerned about future compatibility with Windows 4.0. Impulse has stated that Imagine will do Windows 4.0. Impulse will also make Imagine DPMI compliant, which is the reason why it currently does not run under windows, or has difficulty with 3rd party memory managers. >> One final point, do you have any comments on the disadvantages of purely spline based modeling of programs like Animation Master? Can Imagine also model using spline instead of polygons? << I really cannot comment. I tried Playmation several months ago, and only for an hour or so which is not ample time to experience any piece of software. I found the interface cumbersome…especially the lack of a multi-view window setup. It was also difficult to picture what the object would like while editing it…since all you saw were a few splines. I do recognize the need for a Spline editor though. It makes making organic shapes easier. I believe Impulse sees this also…since they added many spline based deformation tools in Imagine 3.0…as well as their development of a full spline editor for Imagine. As of now, Imagine only does polygons for objects. It's current spline editor works with only 2D spline objects….primarily used to Import PostScript Type 1 fonts for manipulating, extruding, and beveling. -GreG P.S. Mike Halvorson sent you a message here, but addressed it to David Hoffman…be sure to read it.