Name: nt126004 Date: 07/31/2002


FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version "1.4.0_01"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.4.0_01-b03)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.4.0_01-b03, mixed mode)


FULL OPERATING SYSTEM VERSION :
Windows 2000
5.00.2195
Service Pack 2

ADDITIONAL OPERATING SYSTEMS :
Any OS running Java.


EXTRA RELEVANT SYSTEM CONFIGURATION :
This RFE is OS independant.


A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
I feel that the Java (Metal) Look And Feel (LAF) needs a
makeover. Given the state of new GUI themes like those
that come with Mac OS-X, Microsoft XP, KDE, and GNOME, I
feel the Java LAF is lagging behind. Though I don't feel
it should be quite as full of eyecandy as these other
examples, for performance reasons, I feel the Java LAF
could benefit from some ideas used in these themes.

I do understand that a custom or third party LAF can be
used with custom projects. I also understand that often a
custom or third party LAF can be used with third party
projects via the command line. However, I think these
options are not always ideal. First off, with the risk of
sounding like a whiner, these options can be a pain. More
importantly though, I think this sets a bad precident. I
feel that if the Java LAF were more "modern" looking,
developers would be less likely to feel that they needed to
use a custom or third party LAF. I know I would. Also,
though many strive to use the "native" LAFs so that users
cannot distinguish between native and Java applications, I
feel this would not be necessary if the Java LAF were more
advanced.

My main problem is with the pastel purple that is used so
often in the Java LAF. I just don't feel it fits the rest
of the LAF. Also, I haven't really seen any other theme in
any other GUI that has used such a type of color.
Personally, I feel a darker gray would look much more
professional.

There are many third party LAFs that utilize some aspects
of GUI design that I think would be appreciated if adopted
by the Java LAF. http://www.javootoo.com/ has many such
LAFs that could be used for ideas. An example of this is
the Kunststoff Look And Feel, which has some excellent,
subtle use of gradients on various components, including
buttons. The Skin Look And Feel has a great use of rounded
components rather than straight-edge components, as used in
their buttons and tabs. These are just a few examples.

I think studying some various other LAFs around the
internet could shed some light on good ideas for the Java
LAF. In particular, http://www.jgoodies.com/metamorphosis/
has a great (Web Start enabled) application showing how to
metamorphasize from the default Java LAF to a more
advanced, professional LAF. Many ideas uses from this
lesson could be well applied here.

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
1. Run the SwingSet2 demo.


EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
See a non-modern LAF.


ERROR MESSAGES/STACK TRACES THAT OCCUR :
None.


This bug can be reproduced always.

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None.

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CUSTOMER WORKAROUND :
Use a third party LAF, though as mentioned above this is
not optimal.
(Review ID: 153314)
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