One way to look at it may be to ask whether the user has/needs the ability
to type the information in and if the lookup value could return a lot of
data.
If the user is restricted to selecting a value that already exists and the
list can be kept to a reasonable length, I like the combo box as it visually
communicates the concept of a finite list of values to the user (I stay away
from the editable combo-boxes; just a personal preference). And with the
new AUTODROP setting, it can be set to open when the user hits the field
(thank you Dr. R>). My opinion is that this type of control is more
intuitive to end users in value selection.
If the user can/wants to type in the value, or if the user can input a new
value, or if the returned list can be unwieldy, then I think a text field
with a pop-up works well, as it can be set to prompt the user for some input
that can narrow the returned list.
$.02
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Ebert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "RBase Mailing List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 12:25 PM
Subject: Combo box vs pop up menu
> Is it only preference or is there a condition that determines when one
would
> use a combo box or a pop up menu to look up values in one table to place
in
> another (say customer number in a transaction table)?
>
> tia and sorry for such a basic question.
>
> Dave
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>
