[Pidgin] #2367: UI spaces wasted with duplicated information

[Pidgin]

#2367: UI spaces wasted with duplicated information
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Reporter:  andrixnet  |       Owner:  datallah                       
    Type:  defect     |      Status:  new                            
Priority:  minor      |   Component:  winpidgin (gtk)                
 Version:  2.1.0      |    Keywords:  duplicate information UI design
 Pending:  0          |  
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 The new Pidgin 2.1.0 shows a different arrangement of the conversation
 window.

 IMHO, it was a less inspired design choice.

 Let me explain, and refer to the attachement screenshot.

 - Area [1a] is the tab which displays the buddy name and an icon related
 to his/her availability. Perfect.
 - Area [1b] is a waste of screen area, repeating the exact same
 information as the tab button, with some (more or less needed/welcome)
 additions, that is the status text (which can be seen in the buddy list,
 and IMHO, it being displayed in the conversation window should be the job
 of a plugin) and the buddy icon, displayed very small.
 One thing that I liked about GAIM/PIDGIN was that the buddy icon was shown
 in it's full size in a very well designed place, no clutter in the
 conversation window. It was really good. Not any more in 2.1.0.

 - Area 2: the buddy icon. it is displayed small. too small. I can't make
 it be shown full size. (I do not count the tooltip that shows the image
 full size, since the tooltip is not permanently displayed).

 Also, related:
 - while hovering the mouse over the area [1b] (anywhere in it's width) I
 get a tooltip which shows, ... again ... the same information. Only the
 avatar is full size and the protocol icon is shown.
 - while hovering the mouse over the area [1b], the said tooltip is shown,
 BUT NOT if the mouse is right over the avatar image in the far right.

 Please, restore the Pidgin conversation window UI. The placement of the
 avatar, full size, on the side of the text entry area was a superb choice.

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Ticket URL: <http://developer.pidgin.im/ticket/2367>
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