Adapting to a Flexible Display Environment

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The mobile PC display provides great flexibility. Users can adapt their display environment to meet ergonomic, environmental, and task-based needs. Well-designed mobile PC applications detect changes in the display environment and adapt smoothly. Windows Vista introduces a number of features that make it easier for users to customize their display environments and to take advantage of display technologies, such as those for projectors.

Mobile PCs were among the first computers with the built-in ability to drive two monitors. In addition, mobile PCs have introduced other display innovations, such as pen and touch input, high-resolution screens, and the ability to switch to portrait orientation. Mobile PC users can choose from a variety of display configurations.

By designing your application to detect the display changes that can occur on mobile PCs and to adapt smoothly, you can help your users take full advantage of the flexibility of the mobile PC display environment.

Summary recommendations

  • Monitor system notifications for display changes and respond if necessary.
  • Do not assume that your application is operating on the primary display.
  • Adapt the user interface to account for dpi settings.
  • Consider how well your application manages typical task scenarios on mobile PC displays.

Topics in this section

Multiple Display Monitors

Detecting Screen Orientation and Screen Rotation in Tablet PC Applications

 

 

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Build date: 2/8/2011