New functionality for Equation support in OneNote 2010

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I've mentioned several times that we use persona testing to help define scenarios for OneNote testing. As an example of how that changes the product, I can point to some new behavior with OneNote's equation editing that changed between the Tech Preview release of OneNote and the Beta of OneNote 2010.

Specifically, you can now toggle equation support on and off while typing in an outline. That probably does not mean much, so let me describe. The Tech Preview would allow you to toggle equation support ON by typing ALT+=. You would get the familiar

clip_image001

You could enter your equation using the math autocorrect rules and hit ENTER to create a new line with equation support OFF.

This worked exactly as designed.

But now imagine you are a student and are typing while taking notes. You want to be able to insert an equation inline with what is being said, something like this:

It follows from clip_image002

And here you get stuck. You turned equation support ON with the ALT+=, but wanted to turn it OFF to type "that…" (notice how the font in that is Cambria and italicized. This means equation support is ON). You want to be able to continue the thought using regular text instead of math. Hitting ALT+= will now turn the equation support OFF without requiring a new line.

It follows from clip_image003

that the square root of the radius is directly proportional to a/pi, or (now I'll toggle equation support back on) clip_image004

Due to blog limitations, the images for the equations don't show inline above, but they do exist there in OneNote. 

 

While I admit this is not earth shattering, it is a change we made based on a student or teacher wanting to use OneNote in a specific way.

As always, let me know what you think.

Questions, comments, concerns and criticisms always welcome,

John