> But it's always going to be a question of thresholds.  How much
> shadow is a  button press, and how much is a person walking between
> an outside light source and the device?  How fast a change is a
> button press, and how  fast is a hand-wave?  Was that a button
> press, or someone picking the  unit up?

The last question is a riddle.

> That's assuming a flat surface with the optical components under it.  If
> you really can allow a black tube with a light source at one end and a
> sensor at the other, and require the user to stick a finger in the 
> middle, that's great, but... it may not meet the user's expectations or
> usability criteria, especially compared to a plain old button.

> What are the main criteria that attract you to the optical button? 
> Cost, lifespan, environmental insulation, cool factor?

Mainly effortlessly fast pushing and releasing. I tested it yesterday
and it is an awesome feeling. Being classy is of second importance.

I want to compensate for the disadvantages.




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