Dear Simon,
Yes, I see the same behavior you report for the shortcut keys: the
"Select the previous input source" shortcut only takes you back to
the previous (last) language input for each window, while the
shortcut to "Select the next input in the input menu" cycles forward
through the list of keyboard input languages in your Input Menu.
This may make more sense if you think about the way these keys are
used in Tiger, where you can have multiple document windows set to
different language inputs. If you start in your default language you
hold might hold down the option key and tap the space bar two or
three times in a row to get to your desired language input. But you
want to return to your previous language input as fast as possible,
in one step. In addition, if I have multiple TextEdit windows open,
because I'm working in different languages, I'd probably want to snap
back to the previous selection rather than cycling back a different
number of steps for each separate window.
I do still wonder why it's not possible to reactivate the Spotlight
shortcut in Leopard (after a system reboot), but I agree it's not
necessary to use Command-Space when using VO-keys+M (twice) will do
as well.
Cheers,
Esther
On Aug 24, 2008, at 6:31 PM, Simon Cavendish wrote:
Dear Anne and Esther,
You are right regarding the unchecking of the shortcut key for
Spotlight activation as there's an alternative key combiation to
use. I
Now regarding my attempts to change the command+spacebar shortcut
key to switch to previous input source have continued to be
unsuccessful. I have used all possible combinations suggested by
Esther and by you, Anne. I have finally resolved to give it up and,
having unchecked the command+spacebar for spotlight, I can use this
shortcut to choose previous input source. However, I just have one
more question before I give it a rest and you listers as well!
Smile! When using the shortcut key for switching to previous input
source as it is, commmand+spacebar, I get taken only one step back
rather than what I assumed, i.e. that I would be able to cycle back
through all my input sources. So if one has only two keyboards in
the menu list, that works fine because it would cycle you backwards
to the previous input source. But if you have let's say 3 input
sources, it would take you only one input source back, to the one
you had previously used rather than allow you to go through the
list backwards. I suppose it doesn't matter much provided your list
isn't very long. I have 5 keyboard layouts and therefore would find
it easier to be able to go backwards more than just one step.
Now what I wanted to know is whether you also have this experience
with the shortcut key for previous input source taking you just one
step back?
With best wishes, Simon
On 22 Aug 2008, at 22:36, Anne Robertson wrote:
Hello Simon,
I've found that unchecking the shortcut for Spotlight allows me to
switch input methods in both directions. I find there is no need
to use Command-Space bar for Spotlight as VO-M three times works
perfectly well.
Cheers,
Anne
On Aug 22, 2008, at 1:38 PM, Simon Cavendish wrote:
Dear Anne,
I have carried out the suggested actions but the result is I fear
the same: I cannopt change the coomand+space shortcut for
changing thep previous input source. On top of that, the check
box next to this item be comes unchecked when I try to change the
shortcut key to a new one. It is strange indeed. The only other
option is to try to do this with a sighted person. I haven't had
a chance to grab anybody yet. I will let you and Esther know what
happens if a sighted person attempts to change the shortcut using
the physical mouse. I have tried all comibinations: routing the
mouse to the voiceover cursor and linking the mouse to follow the
voiceover cursor via the Voiceover utility. Both have failed.
Many thanks for bearing with me in trying to solve this strange
behaviour.
With best wishes
Simon
On 21 Aug 2008, at 15:16, Anne Robertson wrote:
Hello Simon,
Your machine seems to be behaving oddly. Perhaps it would be a
good idea to zap the PRAM. To do this, shut down your computer,
then hold down the Command, Option, P and R keys and press the
power key. Keep the four keys held down until you've heard the
chime three times, then let them go and your machine will boot
normally.
After that, do Repair Disk Permissions. I can't promise that
this will help, but it's worth a try.
Cheers,
Anne
