FREE/SOURCE Included: Quick Note Utility, one key access, clipboard editing utility

[Mark Rejhon]

BlackBerryForums exclusive -- Free utility with source code.

PURPOSE: BlackBerry Application to permit one keypress access to typing notes. This application is useful for people who want to be able to start creating notes immediately upon one click, without any steps, faster than MemoPad. When this application is closed, the contents of the note is Copied & Pasted to the clipboard for future a Paste operation.

PHP Code:

/*
* QuickNote.java
* This is the Version 1.0 Source Code -- For Version 1.1 Source, download the .zip instead.
* _________________________________________________________________________________________________
* 
* PURPOSE: BlackBerry Application to permit one keypress access to typing notes. This application 
* is useful for people who want to be able to start creating notes immediately upon one click, 
* without any steps, faster than MemoPad. When this application is closed, the contents of 
* the note is Copied & Pasted to the clipboard for future a Paste operation..
* _________________________________________________________________________________________________
* 
* Written February 2006 by Mark Rejhon, on behalf of BlackBerryForums.com users.
* 
* LICENSING:
* This is free software. 
* BINARY and SOURCE released under the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE, VERSON 2, www.gnu.org
* If you need an original, proprietary licensed copy, please contact Mark Rejhon.
* If you need Mark Rejhon's resume, please contact Mark Rejhon at www.marky.com for the 
* latest copy of his resume.
* 
*/
import net.rim.device.api.ui.*;
import net.rim.device.api.ui.component.*;
import net.rim.device.api.ui.container.*;
import net.rim.device.api.ui.UiApplication;
import net.rim.device.api.system.Clipboard;
import net.rim.device.api.system.Characters;
// _________________________________________________________________________________________________
// Main startup class
public class QuickNote extends UiApplication
{
    // Program entry point.
    public static void main(String[] argv)
    {
        QuickNote c = new QuickNote();
        try
        {
            c.enterEventDispatcher();
        }
        catch(Exception e)
        {
            final String msg = e.getMessage();
            net.rim.device.api.ui.component.Dialog.alert("Error Starting Application:\n" + msg);
        }
    }
    // Displays the screen
    public QuickNote()
    {
        pushScreen(new QuickNoteScreen());
    }
}
 
// _________________________________________________________________________________________________
// Note textbox class
final class QuickNoteScreen extends MainScreen
{
    AutoTextEditField     QuickNoteText = null;
 
    // Create Screen
    public QuickNoteScreen()
    {
        super(DEFAULT_MENU | DEFAULT_CLOSE);
 
        // Add a title
        setTitle(new LabelField("Quick Note", LabelField.ELLIPSIS | LabelField.USE_ALL_WIDTH));
        // Add a blank textbox
        QuickNoteText = new AutoTextEditField();
        add(QuickNoteText);
    }
    // Close Handler
    public boolean onClose()
    {
        // Upon close, copy text contents into clipboard for Copy and Paste operations
        Clipboard.getClipboard().put(QuickNoteText.getText());
        System.exit(0);
        return true;
    }
} 


Source code and BlackBerry desktop installable version is below. The hotkey is "Q". Hitting Esc closes QuickNote with the text automatically copied to the Clipboard, for pasting. I've created a custom icon that roughly resembles a post-it note with an exclamation mark on it.

It is also very useful for editing your clipboard too: You can reopen QuickNote, paste, edit the pasted text, and close QuickNote.

This code was created upon a request by a BlackBerryForums user, and also because I have a personal need for this utility. Also, including the QuickCompose email app too as well:



MarkyBerryUtils Wireless Download:

Download Quick Note Via BlackBerry:
www.marky.com/files/bb/QuickNote.jad
PURPOSE: One hotkey access to immediately jotting down notes that is automatically copied to the clipboard. Requires BlackBerryOS 3.6 or later.

Download Quick Compose Via BlackBerry:
www.marky.com/files/bb/QuickCompose.jad
PURPOSE: One hotkey access to immediately composing a blank new email message. Requires BlackBerryOS 4.1 or later. This readds the missing Compose icon from earlier BlackBerryOS software, while using the new convenient New Email interface of OS 4.1.



MarkyBerryUtils Desktop Download + Source:

[Mark Rejhon]

This utility was inspired by this thread:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/aftermarket-software/25158-simple-notepad-utility-bb.html

[Micpip]

Mark,

will quick notes work with the 7100i??? (does the shorting keyboard mess with the settings)

[Mark Rejhon]

Yes, QuickNote works on the 7100i but I don't think you will have the hotkey.
If there is a side 'convenience key' on the 7100i like there is on the 8700, you can use that instead.

[Micpip]

that's what i did

Thanks

[Mark Rejhon]

Another method is to use PocketDay (third party software) to allow you to assign phone keypad hotkeys to applications. (If you do, then you'd have to press the phone button before dialing, but this would be another solution to the problem of hotkeys)

[stevew]

Just downloaded both utilities...the C & the Q...sweet...works great in fact! Thanks Mark!

Edit: Got one for SMS by chance?

[Mark Rejhon]

I couldn't find an API to launch an SMS Message compose interface. HOWEVER, the easiest way is that you can use the existing "A"ddressbook hotkey already on BlackBerry. Select a name, then click "Compose SMS". I don't think there's a way to make this any simpler, unfortunately...

[stevew]

I installed both APPS, right away after the install, my BB is locking up to the point where I have to remove/reinstall the battery to get it back. Wondering if one of these apps could be the issue since it has never happened in the 3 months I have had it...

[Mark Rejhon]

Do you have the old Compose utility installed by chance? I am wondering if having both the Ramble and my version installed at the same time, causes any problems if both are installed at the same time?

Next time your BlackBerry locks up, try this: Hold ALT and hit Esc. Does this allow you switch away from the locked application? Which application is locked? Switch to each application until you find the nonresponding one, and report back -- I'd like to know if it's mine or someone elses'

Anyone else experiencing any problems? I have had no lockup problems on my 8700R (upgraded to OS 4.1.0.206 released December 19th, 2006)

[stevew]

No...I uninstalled it 1st...and when it locked up...nothing would work...now I've uninstalled the Quick Note to see if the problem is that app, the combination of the two...or the Quick Compose...I'll keep you posted...BTW...I'm also at the same OS version as you are.

[stevew]

I uninstalled the Quick Note utility and the device continued to experience the same lock up problems. I then uninstalled the Quick Compose utility and installed Rambler's corrected verison and have not yet had issue...I don't know if anyone else has been having the same problem or not...I don't have other software installed and am running the latest OS from Robbers Wireless...

[Mark Rejhon]

I found the problem. I have fixed QuickCompose to Version 1.02

A System.exit(0) needed to be added, which Ramble verison's did not have. So in attempting to fix a bug that Ramble's version had, I added a different bug. Whoops! Now all known bugs have been eliminated.

Edited original message again -- download again.

[stevew]

Was about to do the OTA but noticed the version at 0.0?

[stevew]

I loaded the .ZIP from the desktop...same version (0.0) appears in the app, but now it seems that the problem has gone away! Great and thanks Mark!

[fungusmud]

Mark... Not sure if you were aware of this, but the QuickCompose on a 7250 running the Telstra 4.1.0.268 spawns a compose for SMS, not e-mail. I've confirmed this with both your and Ramble's OTA code as of 2/8/06

If you would like me to test new code on the 7250, send me a link.

--Dan

[KonTiki]

Originally Posted by fungusmud

Mark... Not sure if you were aware of this, but the QuickCompose on a 7250 running the Telstra 4.1.0.268 spawns a compose for SMS, not e-mail. I've confirmed this with both your and Ramble's OTA code as of 2/8/06

If you would like me to test new code on the 7250, send me a link.

--Dan

Same thing happened to me, I am only using the Quick Notes at the moment and that is a great app.

[Mark Rejhon]

Hi,

I have updated QuickNote to Version 1.1 with an "Options" screen. Configurable font sizes (From super small to super size) and automatic paste on startup. Still only about 100 lines including all these new features. Source code download is also updated too. Go and download again.

.

.

[aphr0deity]

Hi Mark,

I've tried to utilize the Options to change the font sizes, but to no avail. I've downloaded it via the OTA file twice; should I try it via the Desktop Manager?

Thanks!

[q6q8]

thank so much！

[Green Cart]

Compose Email by both SRA and Mark when brought up on my BB 7250 shows SMS mode on my BB7 250, not the e-mail.

[Mark Rejhon]

Originally Posted by Green Cart

Compose Email by both SRA and Mark when brought up on my BB 7250 shows SMS mode on my BB7 250, not the e-mail.

This happens on some BlackBerries. I think it has to do with service books and ordering of items in it, but I am not 100% sure. Unfortunately, there wasn't an easy way to override this behaviour (using older 4.0 API's anyway). There may be other API's, especially with newer OS's, that allow forcing which compose screen to be displayed.

On most other Blackberries, it shows as a Compose Mail screen.

[white8785]

i notice with the 8703 it's defaulting to an SMS screen, if you type an email address, and hit enter it asks you if you want SMS or Email. If you choose email it continues as an SMS.

Is there any way to fix that, cause I used your compose, and quick note with my 7520 and love 'em.

[Mark Rejhon]

Unfortunately, it is a known bug with CDMA devices running OS 4.1 -- it might work if upgrading to OS 4.2.... (which is not yet available for many BlackBerry devices).

There is a way to specify SMS/Email in OS 4.2, if someone wants to update QuickCompose to support this method. Basically the use of MessageArguments.ARG_NEW_SMS versus MessageArguments.ARG_NEW but there's no way to differentiate between the two under OS 4.0 and 4.1 ...

PHP Code:

// Attempts to invoke the blank Message Compose screen built into the BlackBerry
// Unfortunately, this does not work properly on CDMA BlackBerry models which insist
// on composing an SMS message, on BlackBerryOS 4.1 devices (bug on 4.1 CDMA devices)
// Future versions of this code for BlackBerryOS 4.2 could select between email and SMS, 
// based on the information at:
// http://www.blackberry.com/developers/journal/sep_2006/invoke.shtml?CPID=OTC-devdec06-14
// NOTICE: This is a SIGNED API CALL
Invoke.invokeApplication(Invoke.APP_TYPE_MESSAGES, 
                        new MessageArguments(MessageArguments.ARG_NEW)); 


[Mark Rejhon]

Updated QuickNote to Version 1.2:

- Enable/disable font antialiasing
- Add ability to easily increase/decrease font size using trackwheel. Hold right SHIFT key while spinning trackwheel to instantly change font size. Also accessible in the menus too. This is useful if I am typing notes for somebody else in person (sight impared) and I need to enlarge font size for them to read from my BlackBerry screen.

[masterra]

Mark:

This might not be the right thread to talk about it, but i want to ask you something.

I recently (read: yesterday) updated to a 7130e from a 7250. As i'm sure you know, the 7100 line does not have the full keyboard. And apparently, they also do not support many shortcut keys from the home screen. You also cannot turn off the Dial From Home Screen feature, like you can on the 7200.

I can kinda get around this by using the theme BB Dimension-Zen, which has a little application launcher that it automatically links with the soft key, however i don't much care for this theme, and not everything i would like to work works.

So.. What i would like to do is write a small program that is just an application launcher. That is, i would map my soft key to it, and once it loads i could hit any key and it would start a built-in application based on what i hit.

Looking at your code for the QuickNote utility, it looks like writing a small app is pretty simple (and i do have some Java experience). My question is, will it be hard to find how to open each of the built-in apps, and maybe some other installed apps? I'll do my best to read through the API tonight, but i thought you might have some insight right away.

The lack of good shortcut keys is driving me nuts!

Thanks in advance!

Ra

[rivviepop]

Heya Mark,

I took a peek at the 4.2 API, specifically BlackBerryMemo. Would I be correct in assuming there's no way to create and save a new memo without signing the code? (the obvious idea here was to add saving the clipboard as a new memo on exit)

here's what I was poking a stick at:
RIM Device Java Library: Interface BlackBerryMemo

[jtdarden]

Mark,

First of all, let me say. . . you are the freaking man!!!!

QuickNotes is one of the simplest and best apps that I use hourly.

Here is my sob story now:
Recently, my BES Admin pushed out the Enterprise Messenger, which works just like Office Communicator, but on the Blackberry (another really HUGE application). The downside to this application is that the default quick launch key that the app takes control of is, you guessed it, the letter 'q' .

What are the chances of being able to edit this. I am not a developer/code guy, so I wouldn't know where to start. The last time I checked, no applications are using the 'z' key as the shortcut.

Thanks.

[zerofill]

Mark,

Thanks so much for the source and even more so for your documentation in it. This will really help as I learn how to develop new programs. I took a few java courses in university and now it's a good time to start brushing up again

One quick question though, could you help me point out the area where you set C and Q for your hotkeys? I want to try to develop an app that you can assign hotkeys just like PocketDay.

Thanks!

[BBFlunkie]

QuickNote.
Very cool.

Thanks