A single application (like Outlook or Evolution) that does all the basic tasks we use the computer for: web access, email, simple document (eg memos), more powerful documents (eg reports) including sound and vision, tables (small scale spreadsheets) and presentations (webpages or powerpoint type).
All the text processing is based on a screen display structure (rather than the printed page and scrolling). The text is displayed in a panel defined by the author. If the text can't fit in the panel, it is paged using a single key. It can have other screen control like making a particular point the top of the page. If the font size changes it doesn't effect the display, just the amount of text that will fit in the panel. In addition there is a panel showing the section titles which can be use to jump to the section. The input control (currently keyboard/mouse) becomes part of the application.
To make it convenient and usable on the move and in your armchair it needs a better input. The keyboard is basically fixed keys (characters), for commands the mouse is used as a pointer to buttons. Keys are the easiest input method but the difficulty is identifying which key to press. The solution is the zonepad. The zonepad uses a method that easily identifies on the screen which key to press. 'mouse buttons' have an icon added that show which key to use. In addition the zonepad is embossed in such a way that the key can also be found by feel without having to look at it, so the user is immediately touchtyping. The zonepad uses a number of 'zonepages' prompted on the screen which change dynamically depending on the context.
The application is independent of the Operating System using whatever screen is available including the tv or a PC or a network monitor. The zonepad becomes part of the application or program rather than part of the Operating System. Each key selects a routine or command within the application. So, in fact, the application becomes part of the zonepad.
The zonepad will include the hardware and software for the application and be able to access the network (and hence the web). It uses any screen available (tv, PC or network monitor) to which it will send text documents as well sound and picture formats. Documents can be store on a network or using the onboard memory card.
It can't get a virus, spyware or trojan, or become a zombie because it doesn't store or run other programs. It could also help with spam problems. When more powerful applications are needed it becomes the input for them (on a PC or over the network/web) with the user having greater control of the way they work because they can set up the zonepages to do the tasks they require.
Once connected to the tv it becomes the remote control but in a more intuitive way, channels are selected by name, ceefax is navigated using the index rather than numbers, the users set up their favourite pages and access them quickly using the zonepad. It can also be the remote control for the hifi, video, DVD etc and anything else in the home, office or factory.
This is not a big project, apart from the zonepad it uses common features from current programs. But once completed it has the potential of replacing all computer keyboards, remote controls and reducing the number of PCs necessary. It can make the web part of the tv or mobile phone. It will need much less power and give users much more control of how they do things. In the third world it will allow entry into the digital domain at a very low cost.
It could be standalone - independent of the Operating System using any available screen.
It could be an RSI Alternative 'keyboard' replacing the keyboard and mouse.
