iCal 5.0 - washed out dates unreadable

Is anybody at Apple reading these posts?

This problem has persisted for months and makes iCal virtually unusable. I'm on OSX 10.7.2 and still no relief.

This should be a simple fix since it only involves text, borders and dates. It's not like there is a big calculation or database to change.

The best fix would be to let the us (the user) choose his/her own colors. However, that IS probably a big thing to change. In the mean time I just want to be able to read my calendar.

Yes, I've been following this discussion. A somewhat solution, not the best but something, I did as follows:

System preferences>universal access>seeing>display>enhance contrast>normal [ as far to the left as possible ]

This gives some improved view but still not great and not what it should be.

You're right that this should be an easy fix. Don't know why it hasn't happened yet.

Tzipora

I have had similar issues with iCal and I'm very disappointed with its design. Using light gray lines and numerals on a white background demonstrates a total lack of understanding in what makes print readable. This application needs "eye friendly" contrast to make it a useful tool. I would recommend that Apple provide an update to correct this blatant design error.

I agree entirely. To my mind, not like Apple at all to make such a glaring error.

Tzipora

I've known for some time that the "designers" at Apple make many mistakes which are obvious to anyone with half a brain. The problem stems from Apple's culture of arrogance. Steve Jobs believed that we, as users, know nothing - so why should Apple bother to design with common sense, accessibility, and intuitive use in mind? The sad thing is, the company made its name on intuitive use of computers. Somewhere along way, utility has fallen by the wayside, in favour of coolness. Our computers are no longer designed with productivity in mind, either for consumers, small business, or corporate users.

Someone really needs to come along and return us to the days of ease of use. Google, are you listening?

This thread started Jul 23, 2011! On Jul 27 Rob Hague "spoke to the nice man at AppleCare - he says that fixing this is on their feature request list for 10.7.1 which is due out in the next couple of weeks" -- we now have 10.7.2 and still no improvement. Is there any way to communicate directly w/Apple?

Hi Rob,

I called Apple Support (after hours) and have been assigned a case number and will talk to a technical support advisor tomorrow. I'm not optomistic about getting an answer, but I will feel better for having "gotten in their face." I'll let you know what I find out.

Al

Hi Rob

BusyCal overcomes all the probelms with iCal and it syncs with iCal in iCloud

Stuart

I can't believe more users haven't complained about this problem. Apple is becoming the new Microsoft with its growing number of user-unfriendly features and its unwillingness to offer any options in preferences.

I won't be forced to spend more money on a new calendar, but at the same time I find it irritating to squint at a program in order to read text. Doesn't Apple realize that the enormous customer base they've managed to acquire had to do with respect for the user -- and that dictatorial decisons only servce to drive those customers away?

What respect? "Respect" would imply that they listen to us (and don't try to force poorly thought-out features on us). My experience has been that this company is so arrogant (thanks to Steve Jobs) that it is really due for a fall. My particular experience is been an extremely bad one, in which I struggled with Filemaker for several years. I eventually hired a Filemaker developer, who did not do his **** job. So, I'm now working in Bento, and finding that it has limitations. Apple seems unwilling to provide what SMALL business needs to be functional, productive and profitable. I now tell all potential Mac users to stick with Windows if they're comfortable with it.

The one bright spot might be the Apple Store staff, although I doubt that the company listens to feedback from them either.

I never posted a response to Rob re: my call to Seth at Apple Support. He suggested using a Google Calendar!!! And I am! I thought that was a poor way for a business to address a consumer's issue. He also sent a form I completed but never heard anything; in fact they stated "We read all feedback carefully, but please note that we cannot respond to the comments you submit."

I gone over this with the MacStore as well as my Apple Fanatic friends and no one can come up with a viable fix.

I spent 30 years on PC's and went to apple because everyone bragged about the fact there weren't bugs in the os.

Well they were wrong. I spent about 15,000 dollars on the conversion and mainly satisfied, but this display of incompetenc by Apple developers is amazing.

It is worse for people that have vision problems. It's a shame as one of my goals were to go 100% apple, but this doesn't look like a viable option for me.

'

Thanks for your post - I couldnot believe that Apple have let this problem with ical - illegible dates - drag on for months! Incredible that such a professional company cannot get the basics right - who would buy a diary in which they can hardly read the dates. Have just changed to Lion March 2012 and now realise these problems have been ongoing since August 2011. Your solution is the best I can find - but it should not be necessary. The scrolling problems drove me mad too. GET YOU ACT TOGETHER APPLE!