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How to optimize Thunderbird for Windows 8.1 tablet

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  • Last reply by Zenos

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I have installed Thunderbird on a Dell Venue Pro 11, which is an i5 based tablet using Windows 8.1. The default font sizes and other controls for Thunderbird are difficult to operate using only touch on the smaller screen. (Imagine Thunderbird running on an 1920 x 1080 screen resolution and a 10.8 inch screen. Everything is very small but legible, and I have fat fingers.) What I would like to know is if there's an add-in that optimizes Thunderbird for touch screens and increases the font sizes, etc., to make Thunderbird easier to use on a Windows tablet. The program itself runs fine if I'm at my desk, with a mouse and multiple monitors. It is much harder to use (but still runs fine) when I'm using it as a tablet.

If no add-in exists, what settings should I change to optimize the experience?

I have installed Thunderbird on a Dell Venue Pro 11, which is an i5 based tablet using Windows 8.1. The default font sizes and other controls for Thunderbird are difficult to operate using only touch on the smaller screen. (Imagine Thunderbird running on an 1920 x 1080 screen resolution and a 10.8 inch screen. Everything is very small but legible, and I have fat fingers.) What I would like to know is if there's an add-in that optimizes Thunderbird for touch screens and increases the font sizes, etc., to make Thunderbird easier to use on a Windows tablet. The program itself runs fine if I'm at my desk, with a mouse and multiple monitors. It is much harder to use (but still runs fine) when I'm using it as a tablet. If no add-in exists, what settings should I change to optimize the experience?

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I don't know of any particular add-on or set of adjustments to help with a smaller screen.

There is an add-on that may help by globally setting the fonts in the interface. There are other adjustments within Thunderbird for the message text. The following article discusses both of these:

http://www.ramsden.org.uk/9_Type_sizes.html

I think Thunderbird is rather poorly suited to a touch screen. There are some features which are only accessible by clicking on a small button, and a lot of it is accessible through right-clicks, which again may not be well suited to a touchscreen.