Comment 145 for bug 527458

Another use-case where tooltips made the difference is the messaging menu.

I had evolution open on the background, when suddenly the icon of the messaging menu turns green. But what does this green color mean?

I can only assume it is because i recieved a new mail message, because the count behind my inbox is not 0, but I don't know for sure, as there was no context-sensitive explanation (read: tooltip, or smilar.)

however, looking from the other side of the coin (a.k.a. devils advocate)
Removing the tooltips and making all information previously found under the tooltip, accesable after opening a menu, enables Ubuntu to be used on touch-only devices (think iPad etc.)

Concluding: While ensuring all information enclosed in tooltips is also availble to non-tooltip-capable devices is a very good goal, and should be persued, we should not deprive tooltip-capable devices from the enhanced experience tooltips can offer.