Spin Boxes
On Windows Mobile–based devices, use spin boxes to conserve space and as an alternative to list boxes and combo boxes. For more information, see List Boxes and Combo Boxes.
When you include spin boxes in your application, use the following guidelines:
- Spin boxes are useful when the range of values is continuous or predictable.
- Use a spin box when you want the user to select a value from a limited set of discrete, ordered input values that make up a circular loop. For example, a user can pick from different reminder times for a calendar appointment.
- The spin box control should include a label to communicate the purpose of the spin box.
State Attributes
The following illustrations show the spin box control states for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC and Smartphone devices.
Pocket PC
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Smartphone
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Development Considerations
Consider the following development conditions when you include spin box controls in an application:
- Spin boxes are not a standard control. You have to bind a vertical scroll bar to an editable text box.
- In Internet Explorer Mobile, there is focus around the spin box by default. Pressing Action on the spin box brings it in and out of edit mode.
- Spin boxes should only be used when the range of values is continuous or predictable because users cannot see what will be displayed when they tap or press the "up" or "down" parts of the control.
- Unless the contents of your spin box is inherently clear (for example, "Time"), a label should be included to indicate to users what they are setting.
- A limit of 26 non-bold characters is recommended for text within a spin box.
- A limit of 32 bold characters is recommended for spin box labels.
See Also
User Interface Control Guidelines | Combo Boxes | List Boxes
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