WhyNot?

dual scroll bars

Category: Software
Responses: 6 (5 in support, 0 neutral, 1 in opposition)
Number of views: 1032
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I can't believe I never thought of this before. Why do windows and dialog boxes have only a single scroll bar on the right? Sometimes you approach from the left, and a left-hand scroll bar would be convenient.

Even if you only want one scroll bar, maybe it should be on the left, more convenient for left-handed people.

So, how about an OS feature that allows right, left or both options for scroll bars? Or it could be implemented within individual apps of course. Are there any that have this feature?

GaborKiss, Jan 30 2004

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Comments from other members:

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I think this would have been a nice feature before the middle mouse button scrolling was added, i rarely use the scroll bar when the middle-button-scrolling works - but the idea is really nice

shady, Feb 22 2004

I like the 'smart-scrolling' on MACs which places the up and down arrows above each other, not a window pain (intended) away. I think MAC will be the first (as usual) to allow dragging the scroll bar to your preferred location.

Kim_P, Feb 28 2004

The new version of Microsoft windows OS due out in 2005/2006 timeframe will allow you to add a scroll bar where ever you want. The user interface must be defined using WinFX aka (Windows Framework) or Avalon. It will use XAML (XML Application Markup Language) and books/articles are available about it now. I can't wait. :)

weatherguru, Apr 06 2004

Openlook did this in the 80's. Motif too I think (so Linux already has it.) It's just mickeysoft that doesn't do it.

shrhoads, Apr 19 2004

I hate scrollbars. How about ditching them altogether. The Windows GUI hasn't changed much since the concept was developed by Xerox in the 70's. Even then it was just a concept. Microsoft doesn't know the first thing about "innovation"

spacedeers, Jun 17 2004

In opposition for normal desktop computing: scroll wheels have dominated.Scrollpads have also emerged in the notebook sector.

Interesting though for: left handed people on touchscreen displays.

passionartlife, Jan 10 2007