Re: [NTLK] PDF

From: Laurent Domenech (laurent_at_opalis.com)
Date: Sat Sep 01 2001 - 10:25:39 EDT


Hello all,

OK, I guess we need a poll. I'm outlining here the 2 proposed solutions, I
don't really mind which one to do because both are interesting projects...

Solution 1 "All Newt":
----------------------
A Newton program that reads a PDF and/or translate it to another standard
tool or format. An option would offer to delete the PDF once it's been
converted.

Pros: Newton-only solution.
Cons: Storage space. Compatibility with old Newts.

My opinion: I like this one because it would mean pure Newton programming
but the storage factor seems a big minus for me. I don't want to buy more
storage space for this and I don't expect others to do so.

Solution 2 "Desktop Conversion":
--------------------------------
A desktop program that would convert a PDF to a Newton package (most likely
a NewtonBook), ready to be transferred with NCU. It would accept drag'n
drop, monitor a specific folder and would perform the conversion
automatically using your prefs so that you only need to either drag the PDF
or save it from your favorite browser to the location you want and it would
generate the file without asking you anything and save it where you want
(preferably the default NCU folder for selecting files to send to the
Newton).
I would do a Mac OS _and_ a Windows version, probably starting with the Mac
(carbon)...

Pros: Storage would be minimal on the Newton.
Cons: Desktop solution.

My opinion: I like this one too. This is closer to the way I'm using my
Newton.

Notes:
------
For both solutions, the app would only display text at first and maybe
graphics later. Of course, it would be free.

To send your vote:
------------------
Email me at ldomenech_at_opalis.com (not laurent_at_opalis.com, preferably with
"Newton PDF poll" in the subject). I'll wait for votes during say 2 weeks
and will update you on the results...

> From: Alex Enkerli <aenkerli_at_indiana.edu>
> Vas-y Laurent! Nous sommes derri=E8re toi sur toute la ligne!

LOL. Thanks, it's nice to work on a project when you have such enthousiastic
support...

> From: Eric Schneck <eschneck_at_mindspring.com>
> I would prefer a reader that would work with Newtscape on the
> Newt to read a PDF. A few times I have been traveling and tried to get a
> train/bus schedule from a web site only to find out that the
> schedule is a PDF and I cannot read it.

That's a valid point. I guess it depends on everyone's habit. When traveling
I use my Newt for email not web surfing so I didn't think of that.

> From: mici_at_mac.com
> exactly. the point is, anything that requires desktop
> computer for conversion is _not_ handeld solution (another
> reason why Acrobat Reader for Palm sucks). if you need to
> get to your desktop, you may as well use some existing
> solution as access.adobe.com, Acrobat 5 to RTF to Newton
> book conversion or alike...

Well, as described in point 2, the solution would be as simple as drag'n
drop the PDF then transfer the resulting package using NCU. Personaly I
don't like solutions that require multiple manual tools. If it has to be
used often and involves multiple conversions, it's useless IMHO. In other
words, if I do something like this it will involve the minimal number of
steps considering what we have.

Thanks,
Laurent

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