Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Silicon Times Report Issue 0107
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original Online ST Magazine"
_______________________________
September 29, 1989 Vol III No.107
=======================================================================
ST Report Online Magazine ½
__________________________
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
** F-NET NODE 350 **
Our support BBS carries ALL issues of STReport
and
An International list of private BBS systems
carrying STReport for their users enjoyment
__________________________________________________________________
> Issue: #107 STReport¿ The Online Magazine of Choice!
-------------------
- The Editors' Podium - CPU REPORT
- EUROPE gets STACY FIRST! - POSTSCRIPT NOW PD!
- Mushrooms are Forever! - STOS Maestro, A Review
- ASTDA, Gains Momentum - EZ Draw 3.0 Overview
- WAACE, Clearly a Winner! - ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
---===*** PORTFOLIO DEVELOPER KIT A BARGAIN $700.00!! ***===---
-=* NEW VICE PRESIDENT and GENERAL MANAGER NAMED! *=-
=======================================================================
AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ BIX
=======================================================================
> The Editor's Podium¿
Criticisms, no matter where or from whom, are perhaps, the most
helpful of criteria an enterprise could possibly invite. We at STReport
value critiques for they; (a) vividly point out the issues a reader feels
are most important, (b) provide needed input to help in developing future
articles and investigative directions, (c) allow us an opportunity to see
entire topics from a completely different perspective. While it took us
some time to realize the true value of reader input in the form of
criticism, we now see this input along with the compliments as most
sincere and extremely helpful. Now, if only our favorite computer company
and it's corps of emotionally charged 'leaders' and their squires would
realize these perceptions and conduct themselves accordingly.
Since the grandiose revelations of the Dusseldorf Show, many issues
have popped up some of which need serious and detailed addressing by
Atari, instead we are witnessing further withdrawal from the release of
good solid information by it's online representation. This is truly a sad
turn of events, for example, the Technical Reps are NOT permitted to
discuss the 'technical' aspects of the newly released TT or STE.. we ask;
why? What is the problem? Is this a move to make sure the developers
have no chance to support these new products? Can it be that even Atari's
gurus don't have the bottom line yet for these new products and therefore,
exhibit some reluctance to reveal any technical info as it may be changed
from week to week? Time will tell..
Congratulations are in order for Developers across the nation who are
supporting Atari Corp., they are organizing themselves into a formal
Association. This is a good idea whose time has come. _ ASTDA - Atari ST
Developer Association _ Perhaps they among themselves and co-ordinated
with an Atari liaison person, will be able to create a more positive flow
of information pertaining to the products they are trying to support.
Anything is better than no support or the level of developer support
coming from the company at this time. Food for thought... It could be
very possible a National Atari Dealer's Association is next.
Thanks, for your support!
Ralph.....
"ATARI IS BACK?"
**********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type XJM11877,GEnie and hit RETURN.
The system will prompt you for your information.
THE GENIE ATARI ST ROUNDTABLE - AN OVERVIEW
___________________________________________
The Roundtable is an area of GEnie specifically set aside for owners and
users of Atari ST computers, although all are welcome to participate.
There are three main sections to the Roundtable: the Bulletin Board, the
Software Library and the Real Time Conference area.
The Bulletin Board contains messages from Roundtable members on a variety
of Topics, organized under several Categories. These messages are all
Open and available for all to read (GEnie Mail should be used for private
messages).
If you have a question, comment, hot rumor or an answer to someone else's
question, the Bulletin Board is the place to share it.
The Software Library is where we keep the Public Domain software files
that are available to all Roundtable members. You can 'download' any of
these files to your own computer system by using a Terminal Program which
uses the 'XMODEM' file-transfer method. You can also share your favorite
Public Domain programs and files with other Roundtable members by
'uploading' them to the Software Library. Uploading on GEnie is FREE, so
you are encouraged to participate and help your Roundtable grow.
The Real Time Conference is an area where two or more Roundtable members
may get together and 'talk' in 'real-time'. You can participate in
organized conferences with special guests, drop in on our weekly Open
COnference, or simply join in on an impromptu chat session. Unlike
posting messages or Mail for other members to read at some later time,
everyone in the Conference area can see what you type immediately, and can
respond to you right away, in an 'electronic conversation'.
**********************************************************************
> CPU REPORT ½
==========
Issue # 34
by Michael Arthur
Remember When....
In 1984, the $500.00 Sinclair QL (for Quantum Leap) laptop computer
was introduced, featuring a 7.5 MHZ 68000 chip, RS-232 and serial ports,
up to 640K of RAM, a full-sized keyboard, support for attaching 64
Sinclair QL's in a 100,000 baud Local Area Network, and a multitasking OS
called QDOS, all in a 3-pound case smaller than a 520 ST, and how its 100K
Micro-cassette drives, its Achilles Heel, caused it to be delegated to the
stereotype of a "toy machine"?
CPU INSIGHTS¿
=============
Atari's Future: The Hope of the Year for the Atari ST
------------------------------------------------------
While many things about Atari and its actions are debatable, one thing
that is certain is the quality of its computer systems. Both Atari's
Desktop STs (the 520 ST, 1040 ST, and (soon) STE systems), and its
Workstation Line (the Mega ST, ATW and the upcoming Atari TT), provide
levels of price/performance seldom seen in the computer industry. But
while the ST line's potential is great, there is a GREAT margin for error
in Atari's quest to revitalize the ST's position in the microcomputer
industry. As it may be the most critical part (besides a LOT of good
advertising for the Atari ST) of Atari's quest, there is a lot of interest
on what focus Atari will put on members of its product line. Therefore,
in order to figure out what it may be, here is a guide to some possible
ways that Atari's product line could be positioned for optimal results:
520 ST: Should be Focused on Educational Facilities
----------------------------------------------------
In 1985, when it was first introduced, the 520 ST was a paragon of
computing, with 512K of RAM, the GEM operating environment, and the
ability to access DOS disks, all in a package that truly provided "Power
Without the Price". However, now, with the 1040 ST, Mega ST, and STe
providing better capabilities at a comparable price, the 520 ST is
certainly outdated in the middle-end of the computer market. Therefore,
some avenue should be found to target the 520 ST at the low-end of the
market.
There is also a crisis in today's schools concerning computer
literacy. Statistics have shown that there is sometimes only 1 system
available for every 30-50 students in a school, and that the level of
educational software is often shabby, at best. Disturbingly, this results
in that elementary and high-school students get VERY little exposure to
the world of computing, and that what they DO get won't begin to help them
when they go out into today's increasingly computerized society. Also,
while tomorrow's software will run on graphical user interfaces, almost
none of the "computer literacy" programs have the equipment necessary to
explore this field....
Since the 520 ST is aimed at the low end of the market, and given the
needs of the Educational market, it seems that the 520 ST is a valid
possibility in this area. Let us explore how schools could benefit from
the 520 ST, and how Atari could benefit from selling the 520 ST primarily
to them:
With the severe lack of computer-related funding available to our
schools, many computer literacy programs haven't been able to buy the
number of computers necessary to fuel their students' desire for learning,
and have searched for the most economical alternative. Before, the only
choices were obsolete Apple IIs and PC Clones, which were, inadequate for
students' needs, to say the least. The 520 ST, interestingly, provides
FAR more capabilities than these machines, while actually having a lesser
cost.
Also, since most schools can't afford the cost of much educational
software out for the PC or Apple II, most "computer literacy" programs are
little more than courses in BASIC. And given that most programs in the
future will use graphical environments, BASIC won't help America's future
leaders compete in tomorrow's world. With the GEM environment, the 520 ST
provides a nearly custom-made tool for students to take advantage of this
growing field. Fortunately, Atari's Motto of "Power without the Price"
has translated into software affordable enough for most schools, and with
the depth and versatility of the ST's Educational software, schools would
readily be able to afford better tools. Which would definitely help the
ST Software Developers in this area. Interestingly enough, much of the
ST's productivity software, like WordWriter, Regent Word II, and the
upcoming OmniCard, would be very much useful to today's students....
Atari has expressed plans for discontinuing the 520 ST, in favor of
its newer systems, and has undertaken an effort, called the "Price Club",
to do this. The Price Club sells specially selected dealers 6 520 ST's
for a discounted price, in an attempt to "dump" the 520s out of Atari's
stockpile. While this is an interesting way of selling out the 520 ST, it
seems that, with the potential for Educational Sales of the Atari ST,
Atari should instead sell 520 ST's (and maybe 1040 ST's) to Schools and
Universities at a superbly discounted cost. This would help much of the
Educational Marketplace begin to forget some of the more idiotic and
thoughtless things that Atari has done towards them in the past, and would
open up a VERY big market for the ST.
But while Atari IS selling a big 10,000 ST's a year through an
existing Educational Plan, I respectfully submit that Atari should be
making this program sell AT LEAST 100,000 ST's a year, and that the above
comments are suggestions to help Atari step up its Educational Sales
commitment to the level which it SHOULD be at....
The 1040 ST: The Entry-Level Computer for the Rest of Us
---------------------------------------------------------
With Atari's upcoming STE line of computers, the 1040 ST seems at an
impasse. The STE provides many features, like 8-voice sound, an extended
color palette, SIMM RAMs for easy memory expansion, and 256K TOS ROMs,
that are sorely needed by the Desktop STs, but at a price that threatens
to push out the most venerable ST, the 1040. There are two solutions to
this problem: Either hike the STe's price to the Mega's level (which a
certain few at Atari have pushed for doing), or reposition the 1040 ST to
better fit the marketplace. The latter would sell more ST's in the long
run, do the 1040 great justice, and have many more advantages:
Many potential ST Users don't live near ST Dealers, and as such, don't
have many ways to get ST's. This not only loses Atari money, but is very
undesirable if one wants to have a large userbase. Mail order is one of
the easiest ways for these people to get computers, and in the past, a
substantial amount of the US ST Userbase became ST Owners through mail
order. But while it was VERY good for ST Owners, it almost crippled ST
dealer sales, since mail order vendors could afford to underprice them on
the 520/1040 ST's. Reacting quickly, Atari then decided to stop selling
ANY ST's to Mail Order companies. But this helped ST Dealers at a
terrible cost, both in Atari profits, and in the ST's availability to
potential buyers.
However, with the STE, Atari now gains an extremely good opportunity
to both sell the ST through Mail Order companies, and provide ST Dealers
with a competitive edge over mail order sales. Given the STE's superior
features and similar price ($1200 - $2000 price range), it seems not only
plausible, but reasonable that Atari aggressively sell the 1040 ST via
Mail Order companies, while selling the STE, Mega ST, and TT ONLY through
Atari ST Dealers. In this manner, potential ST Owners who didn't live
close enough to an ST Dealer could get an excellent machine, ST Dealers
wouldn't suffer from Mail Order ST sales, and Atari would gain another way
to increase the ST's Userbase....
Apple has said it will produce a low-end Macintosh by the End of 1990,
costing from $1500.00 - $2500.00. Many industry analysts have shown that,
when this low-end Mac is touted as a superior choice for Entry-level
computing than the IBM PC Industry's, that Apple may sell up to 1 million
of them in a year's time. Since the 1040 ST meets this criteria even
better than the upcoming low-end Mac, and can even emulate the PC and
Macintosh, it would seem reasonable that, if Atari could advertise and
market the 1040 ST aggressively in this area BEFORE the Summer of 1990,
that, let's say, 170,000 to 300,000 machines out of that potential market
could be 1040 ST and STEs....
And given that Atari has now sold 1.7 million ST's worldwide, that the
Mac was considered a BIG standard when it passed the 2.5 million mark, and
that all of the above could be accomplished with only a little needed ST
Advertising....
Mega ST: Not the Flagship, but still a Heavy Cruiser
-----------------------------------------------------
Out of the entire ST Line, maybe only the TT has a better place in the
ST Line than the Mega. With the 520 and 1040 ST's relegated out of the
mainstream of the computer marketplace, the Mega ST stands to gain the
most from these proposed changes. From the beginning, the Mega ST was
designed to fit a broader base of computing needs, such as Desktop
Publishing, small-businesses, and large-scale MIDI operations, than the
520 and 1040 ST.
But with the TT's introduction, many have worried that the Mega ST may
be obsolete, since it uses an industry standard bus architecture, and has
more capabilities than the Mega ST. However, it will also be too
expensive to meet ALL of the uses for a Mega ST. While a usable 4 Meg TT
system is likely to cost over $3200.00, too expensive for the needs of
small businesses, most Desktop Publishing applications, and others, the
Mega ST is better priced (and positioned) to serve the Middle-end of the
computer market. In fact, with the level of DTP software (like Calamus,
PageStream, and Migraph's TouchUp) now available, the Mega ST could easily
become a contender in the DTP market, if it were to be marketed more
aggressively in this area....
Also, the Mega ST could be positioned in a number of versatile ways,
without taking sales or potential from the TT or STE. While the 1040 and
STE will meet the needs of the low end of the market, the Mega ST fills a
vital niche between them and the high-end 68030 TT. Also, the Mega ST, if
properly priced, would be an extremely attractive option for 520/1040 ST
Owners who don't really need an STE, can't afford a TT, but want a
powerful, middle-level computer system. Implementing just a SMALL portion
of the above would result in GREATLY increased Mega ST sales. And
contrary to the beliefs of a substantial few of the US ST Userbase, many
in Atari Management are trying to take the steps necessary to do this....
Atari STE: MUST Complement, not eliminate the Megas....
--------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned before, the Atari STE has much potential. Having many
features that the original ST's lacked, at a comparable price, the STE
seems like the perfect replacement for the 520 and 1040 ST's. However,
while some at Atari have proposed replacing the Megas with the STE, some
in the ST Community think the STE is a waste, seeing the TT's capabilities
as the TRUE future of the ST line. Of course, while both of these
opinions have merits, both are also faulty.
First of all, the Mega ST provides extra memory capacity and greater
expansion capabilities, at a price the STE simply couldn't match. The
reason is that the STE, with all of its special features, doesn't have the
built-in memory capacity and expansion abilities of the Mega line. While
the SIMM RAMs necessary to upgrade an STE will cost PLENTY, a Mega 4 ST
provides a more convenient route for many ST Owners, who may need extra
memory more than the STE's special features. Also, the Mega ST would be a
cheaper option for such users. Secondly, the Mega ST's Expansion Slot
enables it to be used for MANY applications (like the Moniterm Viking
High-Res Monitor) that the STE won't be able to provide, for lack of an
expansion slot....
But the MAIN reason that the STE won't replace the Mega ST is that it
uses a Square Surface Mount version of the 68000 chip. Unlike the
ordinary version, this 68000 chip will NOT allow for hardware products
like Turbo 16 or PC Ditto II, which are installed by plugging them into
the CPU socket and putting the 68000 on top of it. Since many important
ST Upgrade products will use this method, this is a crippling disadvantage
for the STE....
However, the STE shows promise as the new low-end ST, as it has many
of the improvements that the old ST's always needed, and is priced right
for the low/middle end of the market. However, given that the 68030 TT is
a more desirable upgrade path for present Mega Users, and that the Mega ST
meets certain needs better, the ST Userbase's inevitable choices could end
up destroying the STE's chances of survival, but ONLY IF Atari markets it
incorrectly.
However, if Atari realizes that the STE is the long-term future of the
low-end ST line, it should survive. For if Atari forces the STE onto the
ST Userbase, ST Owners will simply reject it, either buying used Mega
ST's, or taking the plunge for a 68030 TT. But if Atari gently steers the
ST Userbase towards the STE line, by providing many alternatives for the
user (like making a Mega ST version of the STE that DOESN'T have the 68000
chip), the ST Userbase may not only come to accept the STE, but to embrace
it as well. And, as always, for this to be possible, it only requires
that Atari's upper-level management be just a tad bit more listening and
understanding towards the ST Userbase. And given Atari's wise actions
towards the Portfolio, the above seems reasonable....
68030 TT: A Flagship blazing the Path to the Future
----------------------------------------------------
VME Bus Architecture, 512K TOS ROMs, a 1280*960 graphics, 68882 math
chip support, SIMM RAMs, Ethernet, and a 68030. With all this and more,
the Atari TT is truly Atari's high-end ST. Aimed towards the workstation
market, it has great possibilities, for both Atari, the ST Userbase, and
the computer industry itself.
The TT will come in three varieties: The $2500.00 TT030/2, a 2 Meg
model of the TT, will be aimed towards the existing base of ST Owners who
wish to take advantage of the TT's capabilities. It won't have enough
memory to run Unix, but since the TT will use SIMM RAMs, for easy memory
expansion, Unix upgrades should be simplicity itself. The TT030/2 will
take over many of the more CPU-intensive tasks, like 3-D CAD operations,
high-end color DTP/typesetting, and information management, that the Mega
ST is currently targeted at. If marketed well enough, it could even
become a good contender in the 80286/80386 and Mac II-dominated areas of
the microcomputer world.
The TT030/4 (with 4 Megs), and the TT030/6, with 6 Megs of RAM, will
be Atari's entry into both the high-end microcomputer industry, and the
growing low-end Unix workstation market. The TT030/4, with the ability to
run Unix, but with a cost (around $3000.00 - $3500.00) which keeps it a
viable option for a TOS system, will be the mainstream member of Atari's
TT line. It has the most selling potential, going as either a High-End
TOS System, a Low-End Unix Workstation or Terminal, and a general-purpose
microcomputer (with the help of PC and Mac Emulators), the TT030/4 could
be many things to many people. But while the others will be mostly aimed
at the microcomputer world, the Atari TT030/6 will be targeted almost
exclusively as a low-end Unix workstation. With color graphics, a GUI for
Unix (Ixi's X.Desktop GUI, though OSF Motif and AT&T's Open Look are being
considered for the future), and other features found in Unix workstations
costing three times its $4500.00 price, the TT030/6 could run away with a
substantial part of the low-end of this market. If marketed properly, of
course....
In Part II of this Essay, the possible ways that Atari's ST Line could
be focused towards were discussed, both to see the capabilities inherent
in Atari's product line, and to get a clearer picture of what the STE and
TT mean for the current ST Userbase. In the future, the ATW's
possibilities will be discussed, as well as how Atari itself could help
fulfill the promise of the Year of the Atari ST....
But ponder, if you will, these questions:
1) How long would it take for the US ST Userbase to TRULY take notice of
Atari's actions if they were to be admirably wise?
2) Have few Mega Expansion cards been made because there isn't a market
for them, or is it that there isn't any market for Mega add-in Cards
because no third-party Mega expansion cards are available for the
userbase to buy?
3) Will the "Year of the Atari ST" end in December 31, 1989, or is it
simply a term for Atari's efforts to revitalize itself as a competent
and powerful force in the computer industry?
-------=======****=======--------
CPU REPORT CONFIDENTIAL¿
=======================
Scotts Valley, CA In an effort to unseat Lotus 1-2-3 version 3.0 from
----------------- the IBM Spreadsheet throne, Borland International has
introduced Quattro Professional, a new product which
can link multiple spreadsheets, and has 3-D graphs,
SQL Database support, Bitstream Fonts, plus minimal
and background recalculation for increased speed.
These are all features found in 123/3.0, but while it
needs 1 Meg of RAM and a 80286-level system, Quattro
Pro uses a new toolkit called VROOM (for Virtual Real-
time Object Oriented Memory Manager), to take up only
512K of RAM on any IBM PC. VROOM divides a program
into 2K data segments, and then uses virtual memory to
swap unneeded segments to disk. Given that Borland is
now refining it for licensing to other companies, will
VROOM give DOS another "lease-on-life"?
Mountain View, CA Adobe Systems has introduced the Adobe Type Manager,
----------------- a new Macintosh program which uses Adobe's Postscript
fonts to display fonts in any size, on any screen. It
will ship around Winter Comdex.
Given the number of Postscript fonts available, the
number of Mac DTP programs that use them, and that
Apple's plans for System 7.0's Outline Fonts depend on
Mac DTP Vendors giving up Postscript and backing a
completely new standard....
Norwood, MA Phoenix Technologies, the premier maker of PC ROM BIOS
----------- chips used in IBM Clones, has an EISA-compatible BIOS
which is made for Intel's 80486 chip. It includes
support for mice, disk caching, and the LIM EMS 4.0
Expanded Memory specification. The Phoenix BIOS is
necessary for the various EISA-compatible PC's now
being developed to work. Also, Phoenix has announced
that, while its revenues have increased from last
year, it may record a substantial loss for 1989....
Cupertino, CA Apple has announced the Mac IIci, a new Macintosh with
------------- a 25 MHZ 68030 and 68882 math chip, a built-in 8-bit
video chip supporting 256 color displays, and 1 Meg of
80 ns DRAM standard. The Mac IIci has the same casing
as the Mac IIcx, for 3 NuBus Expansion Slots, and uses
the 68030's burst-mode to read/write to blocks of
memory up to twice as fast as normal. Cost: $6969.00
w/40 Meg Hard Drive. Oddly enough, this is around what
a similarly configured Mac IIx costs....
The Mac IIci also introduces the Mac 512K ROMs. Its
new features are the Communications Toolbox, Virtual
Memory with 32-Bit Addressing, 32-Bit QuickDraw, the
new Outline Font/Line Layout routines, and many other
features of System 7.0. System 6.0.4 also comes
with the Mac IIci, to support the 512K ROMs....
Universal City, CA Apple also introduced their new Mac Laptop line with
------------------ the Mac IIci. The Mac Laptop line has 1 Meg of Static
RAM (or SRAM), an Active Matrix LCD, a lead-acid
battery pack, which can power it for 10 - 12 hours,
and a 16 MHZ Motorola CMOS 68000 chip, as standard. It
also has a trackball, an Expansion Card slot, and a
SuperDrive for using 1.44 Meg disks.
The Mac Laptop uses Static RAMs, instead of regular
DRAM, since they require little power. Apple uses
this for "sleep mode" (where the Laptop is off, but
all memory is preserved), for when it is low on
power. It also weighs 16 pounds, and is more like a
"transportable" than a true laptop. Cost: $5800.00
for a basic Mac Laptop, and $6500.00 for one with a
40 Meg Hard Drive. Given this, I think I'll wait a
few more weeks for Spectre GCR and the STacy to make
up my Mac Laptop....
________________________________________________________________
> POSTSCRIPT - PUBLIC DOMAIN! STR NewsPlus¿ Power Plays GALORE!
========================================
>Adobe Places Postscript In the Public Domain<
--------------------------------------------
After weeks of speculation about Apple's recent actions, in its
selling 16 percent of Adobe stock, rejecting Display Postscript, and
designing alternatives to Postscript into System 7.0, many wondered how
Apple would fulfill its promise of using a clone of Postscript's
interpreter in its LaserWriter printers. Microsoft ended this speculation
with its announcement of PMScript, a new Postscript Clone that it had
bought from Bauer Enterprises, at the Seybold Computer Publishing
Conference. At the Conference, Microsoft showed plans to license PMScript
to other companies, including Apple, as a lower-priced alternative to
Adobe's Postscript offering. This plan showed great promise, as Adobe had
charged exorbitant licensing fees for the technical specs on implementing
its Postscript interpreter technology in the past.
Realizing that Adobe could soon lose control over its creation, Adobe
President John Warnock announced at the Seybold Computer Publishing
Conference that portions of the technical specifications behind Postscript
would be placed in the Public Domain, as the actual Postscript page
description language had been in 1985. This was done in a counterstrike
designed to both make Postscript a more dominant printing standard, and to
establish the industry support necessary to maintain Adobe's firm guidance
over Postscript's development. Adobe also announced that it would buy
back 4.8 percent of its own stock, which fell from $25 to $15 a share
after Apple's stock sale.
But while losing the rights to Postscript crippled Adobe Systems,
since its Postscript licensing fees were the backbone of its revenue, John
Warnock's bold act may be a two-edged sword: Even when Adobe charged
exorbitant prices for it, Postscript was very popular, with over 50
companies licensing it for use in their products. Now that its Public
Domain status has given Postscript an irresistible virtue, it is certain
to become THE standard in printing and font scaling technology. Resulting
in that Display Postscript has an enviable chance to become the industry
standard imaging model. Interestingly enough, it isn't certain whether
Display Postscript was also put in the Public Domain....
This could be a death knell for Apple's Typographic Line Layout and
Outline Font technology, as many Mac DTP Companies endorse Postscript as
an industry-wide standard, and relegated Apple's offerings to the status
of a currently tolerated, but dying product.
But what is truly interesting is whether Apple will really license
Microsoft's Postscript Clone, now that Postscript itself is free for the
asking. In fact, Adobe's move may hurt Microsoft worst of all, not only
in its financial investment in PMscript, but also in the Legal Department,
as Adobe's lawyers commence contemplating the possibilities....
More importantly, this event signals both the end of Adobe's rapid
growth, as it becomes solely dependent on its software sales, and the
beginning of hard times for the company. But it may also serve as a
herald for the beginning of a new era in computing, both for Adobe, having
rescued itself from the jaws of defeat while maintaining a measure of
control over its invention, and for Postscript itself, which may have a
more dominant influence on the computer industry than it could have ever
had under Adobe's monopoly....
_____________________________________________________________
> AN OPEN LETTER STReport OnLine¿ A genuine display of honest concern.
==============================
Ctsy GEnie RT
-------------
Category 14, Topic 35
Message 280 Sun Sep 24, 1989
M.LEDFORD at 16:15 EDT
An Open Letter to Atari:
This letter is being written just to get a load off my mind, but I
hope, in a way, that will be taken as constructive.
First, just to let you know that I am not a non-Atarian, I bought my
first Atari ST (1040) back in '86, coming from a Radio Shack TRS 80. I now
own a MegaST2 upgraded to 4 megs, which I use for publishing a couple
different newsletters. I also own a DeskJet, Migraph hand scanner,
Touch-Up, a mono and a color monitor. I am the secretary of our local
Atari ST user group, and have been with this group since its inception.
I find, along with many, many other loyal Atarians, that I struggle
with a love/hate relationship with Atari. I don't think that many other
companies that make other types of computers have as loyal a following
(with the exception, I think, of Amiga owners) as you do. But it seems to
me that you, out of ignorance or otherwise, end up giving us the cold
shoulder. I am referring to the lack of support that I have seen, both
here on this BBS, and with my local dealer.
I know that you have said that this is going to change, and perhaps
you are making a sincere effort in this direction. But I am brought back
to reality when I read the on-line talk here in the support areas. What I
am referring to specifically is the total lack of news regarding the new
computers that were (so long in being) announced. Not only are there no
updates on the new machines, there doesn't seem to be ANY information
going out to any of the developers.
You kept us in suspense for many months with your policy of not
announcing anything before it was close to being shipped, then after
bringing out the new STE and TT, you clamped the lid on the whole news
outlet again! ( I am in agreement with you on waiting for products to be
close to shipping before making the announcements and whipping up the
fanfare, but to deliberately throw cold water on the new spark of interest
doesn't make sense to me.)
I watched with interest when the Stacy was announced, knowing that
this would be a knockout if gotten to the market. What with all those
people out there who wanted a laptop Macintosh, this would have made the
sales of that computer sweet indeed! But as of this point in time, there
still is no Stacy. Now I have seen the advertisements for the laptop
Macintosh, which will suck away sales from Stacy.
I am very interested in the TT because of the advances that it will
give to users, and the extreme competition it will bring to other computer
lines. But I am afraid that there will not be any soon release of this
machine. Too bad. It makes it hard to root for you. The ST/TT line of
machines are so good when compared to all the others on the market, but
the support for them just isn't there!
Please!! Please!! Get some people that can get the information out,
that can get machines into the hands of the developers, that can answer at
least some of the questions that come up here in this area (or are at
least allowed to answer).
For myself, I am considering upgrading to the TT, but the total lack
of information of how things are going is really depressing. Please cheer
us all up with some crumbs from your table!!
Sincerely,
_|_
Mike |
_____________________________________________________________
> Atari Stock ~ STReport¿
======================
THE TICKERTAPE
==============
by Glenn Gorman
Atari stock dropped 3/8 of a point on Monday and 1/4 on Tuesday. On
Wednesday, it rose 1/4 and 3/4 on Thursday. Friday, it dropped 3/8
points. Finishing up the week at 12 points. No change from our last
report.
Glenn Gorman
+---------------------+
| ATARI STOCK WATCH |
| Week 09-18 to 09-22 |
+=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+
| | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Sales | 1461 | 1331 | 1791 | 4043 | 2088 |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Last | 11 5/8 | 11 3/8 | 11 5/8 | 12 3/8 | 12 --- |
+-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
| Chg. | - 3/8 | - 1/4 | + 1/4 | + 3/4 | - 3/8 |
+=======+==========+===========+=============+============+=============+
| From > THE CAVE ST BBS <> 609-882-9195 <> 300/14400 HST <> F-NET #351 |
+=======================================================================+
______________________________________________________________________
> WHAT'S THE STORY HERE? STR SOUND OFF¿ THE MUSHROOM PATCH THRIVES!
====================================
MUSHROOMS ARE FOREVER!
=====================
by R.F. Mariano
The TT, STE, Stacy, Portfolio and Lynx have been released but what is
actually shipping in the USA? The Portfolio! And only the Portfolio. We
were given the benefit of the Roman Trumpets and hoopla for all the other
goods but where are they? Why is the Stacy shipping in the UK and not
here? Sure.. Atari UK and it's advertising agency are mistaken.
WRONG... this has been verified. Why is the US market continually fed a
line? The annoying part is Sam says one thing in the conferences and so
far, everything he promised would be a reality has either passed into the
sunset or been horribly late. We were given the impression that THIS YEAR
was to be the come back year for Atari, well, it's now time to say, SHOW
US. We've been jerked around enough!
Atari made a big deal of the Lynx, all sorts of "wowie zowie" noise
materialized touting this toy... much to the chagrin of many of the ST
owners and supporters and rightfully so. It became readily apparent that
the advertising bux were going out the window only for the toys, gimmicks
and hype. Thus, perpetuating the game machine image and nothing more.
Please remember though, Sam promised the userbase in the conferences one
thing, (for the second year in row), that Atari would begin a massive
advertising campaign in the US marketplace. Naturally, most of us
understood this to mean the ST series of computers would finally be
accorded the proper promotion and recognition. Little did we realize that
the 'good minds at Atari' had other 'wonderful' plans.
In other areas, the snide cute remarks directed at serious, business
minded developers online have returned. The indirect and mucho evasive
answers have returned. The release of new products and the reliably
predictable delays of shipment is still with us. (The Portfolio is the
_only_ new product shipping in the US). All, of which, gives the
impression that Atari's spokespersons and their management have a very
poor regard for it's Developers - Dealers - Users. "The more things
change, the more they remain the same".
The blame is squarely on the shoulders of those at the very top. When
Sam, are you going to take control and not permit what appears to be the
situation running the business? Better yet, when are you going to listen
to the majority of Atari's supporters and correct the pathetic conditions
between the Chef and the preponderance of the developers? Must the "rude
awakening" come all to late? Will you wait until there are no developers?
Will the effort come when Atari's credibility is virtually non-exsistant?
_____________________________________________________________
> Maestro STR Review¿ An in depth review of another STOS goodie!
==================
STOS Maestro
============
From Mandarin Software
by William Y. Baugh
Maestro is a great new entry into the STOS family for the ST. It is a
full featured sampling program and cartridge (which may be purchased
separately) that allows you to incorporate "real life" sounds and music
into your STOS programs. Examples of these types of sounds can be found
in quite a few games; especially recent releases. For example, Blood
Money (Psygnosis), Rick Dangerous (Rainbird) and Populous (EA), to name a
few, use digitized sounds for parts of their games. Digitized sounds send
games into a new dimension of realism and fun if they are used correctly.
The problem the ST has is that digitized sounds take up a considerable
amount of processing time, thus slowing a game down when ever used; not to
mention the memory used by these types of sounds (220K at 32kHz lasts only
7 seconds). Usually you'll only hear very short samples that occur when
not much is occurring. Other games have awesome intro's with digitized
music...get's old after you've heard it a few times, but impressive
nonetheless. Have you ever thought about sampling your own music? Do you
own STOS and tired of messing around with the ST's sound chip? If so,
read on.
Maestro is an 8-bit sampling program (CD's are 14-bit...) that you may
use, as stated above, with the Maestro Plus cartridge or with other
cartridges; namely ST Replay 4. When loaded, your first impression is
WOW! The main control screen is extremely sharp. You are presented with
a centrally displayed STOS Maestro logo with two spectrum analyzers
flanking this. Below is the sample display area which is directly above
the play and record area. This area is where all of your controls that
directly affect the sample display area. The controls are all displayed
as icons with the last row being a scrolling area that displays even more
icons they didn't have room to place on the main screen. When a sample is
loaded, it is displayed in the sample display area as one of three ways;
filled waveform, Envelope or waveform outline.
Using the magnify function, you may blow-up the sample to a maximum of
15 times or 320 bytes which ever comes first. There are two position
indicators controlled by the right and left mouse buttons that allow you
to enclose the entire sample or just a small part of it. There is a size
box above the display area that tells you how large the sample is that you
have enclosed. There is also a bar running the bottom of the display area
that shows how much of your systems memory the sample is using; another
handy feature. Playing the sample is just as easy as clicking on the play
button. You may play back a sample through the monitor speaker only, the
one RCA jack available is only for input. Replay speeds go from 1-22kHz
in 1kHz increments. You may sample up to 32kHz with Maestro. Remember
the faster the rate, the better the sample, but the more memory used. You
may add special effects to your sample like reverb, echo, hall and flip.
The manual goes into great detail on sampling and offers great hints on
making some wild effects. Editing the sample is just as easy as playing,
with a full range of features to assist you. To help out with the memory
crunch, Mandarin has included a Pack feature that compresses the sample to
save on memory (these guys thought of most everything!)
Now to the drawbacks. For starters, with only having one plug, you
may not play your samples through a stereo, thus the limitation of
playback speed. This won't matter for games, but if you're trying to
sample other things...it's a limitation. Also the top sampling speed is
32kHz; you need around 48kHz to approximate CD quality. This is why at
the beginning I mentioned ST Replay 4. Replay 4 has both input and output
plugs and can sample up to 50kHz and is fully Maestro compatible. Use
them both together, you have an unbeatable team! Even if you're not using
it for any STOS programs (Replay 4 handles GFA, Fast, and HiSoft BASICs).
Speaking of BASICS, Maestro adds 19 new commands which allow you to
painlessly incorporate digitized sounds into existing and new STOS
programs.
Included in the package is a demo program (great sounds), 50 small
samples, a drum machine (with code), a real-time digital delay program, a
phaser program (special effects) and a keyboard program. All this with a
fantastic manual at around $40 (without cartridge) is fantastic. If
you're interested in sampling, but want to check it out first...check out
STOS Maestro, it's well worth it.
____________________________________________________________
> ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL¿
======================
- Sunnyvale, CA. ******* ATARI NAMES NEW GM! ******
--------------
ATARI CORP. PRESS RELEASE
-------------------------
Sunnyvale, Ca.
Sub: New Official appointed at Atari
I am pleased to announce that H. Michael (Mike) Morand joined Atari on
September 25, 1989 as the President of Atari Computer (U.S.).
Mike will be responsible for all operational aspects of Atari Computer
sales, marketing, distribution and administration within the United
States. Mike joins us from AST Research, Inc., where he was Vice
President of Systems Marketing and was responsible for launching their
desktop computer products into the market.
In addition, Mike was in charge of AST's advertising, public
relations, and reseller development. Mike's background also includes
experience as a General Manager, and he has held several senior level
sales and marketing positions. Previous companies he has been with
include Xerox Corporation, Scientific Data Systems, Data Card Corporation,
MSI Data Corporation, and Litton Systems, representing over 25 years
experience in the computer industry. Please join me in welcoming Mike to
Atari.
Best Wishes,
Sam Tramiel
- Redwood City, CA. ***** THIN ICE IN CALIFORNIA? *****
I talked with a friend who WAS employed by EPYX until recently, he
said that they have layed off everyone except for 16 employees and that
they are mostly in top management.. they will NOT be producing hardware
for any computer systems. They are however, going to _TRY_ to keep the
doors open by producing software for the Lynx and for the Nintendo. Also,
they said they are going to try to continue generating software for the ST
but, they will be "Re-Marketing" it for others to sell..
- Princeton, N.J. **** CITIZEN RUMORED TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY! ****
---------------
Citizen, (it is rumored), is not inclined to become involved further
in the manufacture of LCD screens for use in any game machines or
otherwise, after the initial contracted amount is delivered. According to
our source, this all stems from past experiences in dealing with certain
corporate leaders.
- Tokyo, Japan **** CUSTOM CHIP MANUFACTURER HIKES PRICES! ****
------------
According to the industry grapevine, a certain custom chip
manufacturer (AIX) has TRIPLED the price of certain of it's chips. When
they learned a certain game machine was being made by other than those who
began it's manufacture.
- Sunnyvale, CA. **** PORTFOLIO DEV PAK A BARGAIN @ $700.00! ****
--------------
In a recent offering to entice NEW developers and re-enlist existing
developers to begin activities for the new Portfolio, Atari has sent out
an introductory notice detailing the offering.
The new kit would include:
o Portfolio Computer $399.95
o Smart Parallel Interface $ 49.00
o 128k Memory Card (2ea.) $399.90
o A.C. Adapter (117v,60Hz) $ 9.95
o Technical Reference Guide ------
o Emulator Software ------
o 1 yr Technical support ------
o 90 day Limited Warranty ------
o Shipping ------
RETAIL VALUE OF HARDWARE $859.75
Atari is offering the above package to developers for the amazing low
price of $700.00! Atari has in their infinite wisdom decided to allow
prospective developers the opportunity to develop software and hardware
products (support Atari) for the Portfolio, a $399.95 computer, for only
three hundred dollars more than the computer lists for. "Such a deal..."
- Ahaheim, CA. ***** COLOR LCD IS A FIRM REALITY! *****
------------
The first prototypes of a color electroluminescent screen (what a
breath!)will compete with color LCDs under development to be the first
commercial color flat-panel display. Planar Systems, based in Beaverton,
Oregon, recently shipped prototypes of its 6-inch electroluminscent
display to the U.S. Army's Electronic Technology and Devices Lab, in Fort
Monmouth, New Jersey. BYTE mag, in the Oct. issue, showed where Sharp
has a 14 inch, 16 color lcd screen destination... a portable of course,
the price $10,000. But it proves that color is just around the corner and
Atari could possibly release an upgrade for the STacy in the future.
Maybe? A sort of new flip-up? What Stacy needs is an internal GCR, a
T16 and PCDitto II for the ultimate laptop!!!
- LONDON, UK. ****** STACY IS SHIPPING IN EUROPE!! ******
-----------
This week sees the Personal Computer Show (formerly the PCW Show)
taking place at Earls Court in London. The show will open on Wednesday 27
September, and close at the weekend. Atari, however, has pre-announced
several of its new products. Atari will unveil a new range of 80286-based
PCs along with the 68030-based TT series of workstations announced late
last month in Dusseldorf, West Germany. In addition, Atari will begin
shipping its Stacy portable ST with 20MB hard disk at UKP 1,299-99.
(Press Contact)
Susan Turner, The Fitzroy Company
Tel 01-388-9871)
- Sunnyvale, CA. ****** LYNX TO SELL IN NYC AND LA ONLY! ******
--------------
According to the latest information available the highly touted Lynx,
from Atari Corp., will be on sale for the Christmas Season. But only in
two US cities! New York City and Los Angeles will have major toy outlets
selling the Lynx. Reportedly, the move in this direction was made to
allow the first 70,000 sales to reach the largest concentrated markets in
the US.
_____________________________________________________________________
> EZ DRAW 3.0 STReport InfoFile¿ EZ Draw 3.0 supports Bezier Curves
=============================
September 19, 1989
Easy-Draw Version 3.0 Special Release Notes
===========================================
This update file is divided into five sections:
1. Documentation Corrections
2. Enhancements
Main Easy-Draw mode
Spline Mode
3. Additional Tips and Hints
4. Technical Support
5. Compatibility with ST DTP Applications
************************* IMPORTANT ***************************
One of the most important features that was added at the last minute is
extremely important if you are running under the newer TOS 1.2 or 1.4
roms, and are loading your .GEM files into any of the Desktop Publishers
which are limited to 127 point polylines. SEE SECTION (2A) AND (5) FOR
DETAILS.
***************************************************************
1. ---- DOCUMENTATION CORRECTIONS: ----------------------------
Page 2-15 In the third paragraph, the last sentence: "removed"
should be "moved".
Page 2-16 First paragraph, selection [1], "F2" should be "F1" to
select Manual Mode.
In an effort to insure maximum product capability, as well as proper
printouts through OUTPRINT, the maximum Polyline limit (where the spline
is divided into separate polylines) is now 254 points! This is true
whether you create the polyline with the Sketch, Polyline or Spline tools.
2. ---- LATE BREAKING ENHANCEMENT NOTES: ----------------------
MAIN EASY-DRAW MODE:
(a) Limiting Polylines to 127 Points on TOS 1.2/1.4 systems....
Pressing the F5 key at the main level of Easy-Draw 3.0 as soon as you
enter the program, will display an alert box which will enable you to
select the lower 127 point limit for splines/polylines. This is necessary
in order to create and save filled splines/polylines for use in packages
that can not load 255 point polylines.
(b) Moniterm Monitor Support.....
This version has also been designed to work on the Moniterm "Viking"
Large Screen monitor. One of the visual changes is the pattern dialog box
which now appears right below the menu bar, centered on the current mouse
position.
SPLINE MODE:
In order to help determine at exactly which control point (curve endpoint)
the system limit of 127 or 255 polyline points has been crossed, the
following keyboard shortcut has been added.
Pressing <ALT C> Displays the following message:
______ Polyline Points used up to the selected point.
* If more than one point is selected on the same curve, then
Alt-C will have no effect.
* If you have one point selected on each of two or more
curves, the value reported will be valid for the point
located on the last curve which was entered.
For the above reasons, we recommend that you have only one point
selected when using this alert.
3. ---- TIPS AND HINTS ----------------------------------------
(a) Maximizing the printout quality of a 127 point polyline curve.
When you are designing a curved object that is symmetrical,
and are either running on a 127 point system, or are limited
by your Desktop Publishing package to 127 point polylines.
Use the following guide:
Rather then limiting 1/2 of a symmetrical object to 64 points
because you are going to mirror and join the two halves (as
we did in the "telephone" example), you can use the full
limit in each half, and then after mirroring the object,
simply group the two objects together as opposed to joining
them.
4. ---- TECHNICAL SUPPORT -------------------------------------
Problem:
Printouts through OUTPRINT of filled splines (Polylines) which contain
more than 127 polyline vertices are not correct.
Solution: The system being used to print out the .GEM files is
not running TOS version 1.2 or 1.4, and thereby limited
to filled polylines (splines) of 127 points.
or
The new META.SYS which came with Easy-Draw 3.0 was not
installed onto the system which was being used to save
the .GEM files. (The files still load correctly back
into Easy-Draw 3.0, because they are rebuilt from the
control points.)
or
The GDOS printer driver, and or OUTPRINT are not a
version 3.0 or higher.
5. ----- Using with Desktop Publishing Packages ---------------
The following list of products specifies whether you need to limit your
splines (which are saved as polylines in the .GEM file to 127 points).
This limit is true as of the version tested, even if you are running on a
machine with new roms (1.2 or 1.4). If you do save out a spline, which
when loaded as a polyline has over 127 points, the result is listed under
">127".
If the Publishing package you use is limited to 127 points, then use the
F5 key as described in 2A above to activate the 127 point limit while you
are working in Easy-Draw 3.0.
NOTE:
If you want to load your bezier designs into a friend's version of
Easy-Draw who has version 2.35 or less, then you will also need to use the
lower limit. This is due to the fact that older versions of Easy-Draw
will load the graphics as polylines, (with a 127 point limit).
PRODUCT VERSION PUBLISHER LOAD LIMIT >127
Calamus (ISD) 127 BLANK
Desktop Publisher ST 1.1 (Timeworks) 255 OK
Easy-Draw 2.35 (Migraph) 127 BOMB
The following two companies will support the enhanced polyline limit of
greater than 127 points with a near-term release:
PageStream 1.58 (SoftLogik) 255 Awaiting release
Fleet Street Publisher 3.0 (Michtron) 255 Awaiting release
------------------------------------------------------------------
(This version is not a normal retail distribution product, and is
registered directly to the licensee of this diskette.)
Migraph, Inc.
200 S. 333rd. St. (220)
Federal Way, WA 98003
(206)838-4677
_________________________________________________________________
> WAACE ATARI FEST STR NewsPlus¿ Usergroups helping Atari and the users.
=============================
Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts (WAACE)
Fifth Annual Atarifest
Scheduled for October 7th and 8th, 1989
The Washington Area Atari Computer Enthusiasts (WAACE) has announced
that the fifth annual Washington D.C. area Atarifest will be held at
Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia on Saturday
and Sunday, the 7th and 8th of October. Atarifest is a computing
exposition featuring the Atari line of personal and home computers, as
well as the complete line of entertainment systems. The show features
educational seminars covering nearly all areas of computing;
demonstrations of various applications of Atari computers, including MIDI
music, desktop publishing, and entertainment; and exhibits by software
publishers and hardware manufacturers showing the latest developments in
the Atari world. In the past, representatives from Atari Corporation have
been on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.
This year's theme is "The Atari Alternative," and the goal is to show
how Atari computers can be used in business and in the home. It will
include demonstrations of both eight-bit (400/800/XL/XE) and ST software
and hardware. Whether for creative endeavors, helping with some of the
household paperwork, or just to have fun, the organizers of Atarifest '89
intend to show how the "Atari Alternative"
can meet and beat other
computer systems in its class, and why Atari Corporation's motto is "Power
Without the Price."
WAACE is a confederation of Atari user groups in the Maryland,
Virginia, and Washington, D.C. area, each dedicated to supporting the
Atari community in their respective areas. Atarifest is co-sponsored by
the Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools' Office of Adult and
Community Education, and the emphasis has always been on educating the
public about computers and their uses. The 1985 Washington Atarifest was
one of the first such shows, which are now held in more than 10 cities
across the nation.
Atarifest has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of attendees
each year. This year, organizers hope to attract over 5,000 people. The
show is open to all persons who have an interest in computing, and the
FREE ADMISSION and hourly door prizes (including an Atari hard disk drive)
encourage attendance by those who may not yet own an Atari computer. It
is especially designed to have something of interest for everyone, from
diehard Atarians to mainframe systems managers to computer neophytes.
Fairfax High School is located at 3500 Old Lee Highway, just off
routes 29 and 50 in Fairfax, Virginia. The school can conveniently be
reached from the Vienna Metro station (Orange line) by taking the Fairfax
Cue bus. Hours of the show are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Most user group demonstrations will be
conducted on Saturday only. For further information, call John Barnes at
(301) 652-0667.
For further information contact:
Gary Purinton (703) 264-8826
John Barnes (301) 652-0667
Vendors should contact:
Johnna Ogden (703) 450-3992.
Alive and Thriving
WAACE AtariFest 89 - Infogram
89/09/16
For those of you who *may* have gotten the wrong impression from ST
Informer we would like to report that WAACE AtariFest '89 is well on
its way to becoming the Atari event of the year on the East Coast.
Here are a few of the Features: (exact names or titles subject to change)
Vendors/Developers/Publications in attendance:
----------------------------------------------
ASDE Inc./ST Plug Accusoft Accustar
Alpha Systems Atari Corp Best Electronics
Cal Com Codehead Software Current Notes
Debonair Software Diskcovery Diverse Data Prod
Double Click Soft. Electronic Clinic First Stop
Gribnif GEnie I.C.D.
Johnsware Joppa Computer L & Y Electronics
Lantech Magnetic Images Michtron
Orion Microsystems Rock Digital STReport/CPU Report
ST Informer ST Log Seymor Radix
Softrek Strata Software Toad Computers
Unicorn Publications Wintertech Wizztronics
Xlent Software Z*Mag/ZNet
Also, reps from ISD Marketing, FAST Tech, Gadgets by Small, and STReport
Online will be on hand helping out in User Group Demo Rooms and/or giving
Seminars.
Demonstrations (Saturday Only)
(See printed schedule available at Fest)
Telecommunications Art and Graphics Mac Emulation
Desktop Publishing MIDI MS-DOS Emulation
Business Applications Games
Hardware Add-ons Programming Languages
Door Prizes:
Saturday - Grand Prize - Atari ST Computer
Dozens of others - Announced every few minutes
Sunday - Grand Prize - Hard Drive from ABCO
Seminars:
Saturday. 7 October Sunday, 8 October
1100 - Computers and Kids 1300 - To Be Announced
D. A. Brumleve
1200 - Ask ST Report 1400 - Atari In Science
Ralph Mariano A. Wrotniak - Debonair
1300 - Alternative Desktops 1500 - Atari Hardware Futures
Rick Flashman - Gribnif Panel: D. Small, James
1400 - Hard Disk Systems Allen, David Troy.
Tom Harker - ICD 1600 - Atari Corp Speaks
1500 - Speeding up the ST Sig Hartmann - Atari
Wayne Buckholdt - Softrek All Day - Musicians and MIDI
1600 - Desktop Publishing
Gordon Monnier - Michtron
Hospitality:
1800 - Hospitality Suites - Fairfax Quality Inn
1930 - Cocktail Hour - Hunan Lion Rest
2000 - AtariFest Banquet - Hunan Lion Restaurant
Current Notes Author of the Year
Atari's World - Sig Hartmann
User Group Leadership Workshop - 0900 Sunday - Bob Brodie
(UG Representatives by Invitation)
----------
Vendors should contact Johnna Ogden at 703-450-3991 for information.
Program advertisers:
Please send camera-ready copy in 6 3/4 x 10 format to:
Steve Rudolph, 11914 Galaxy Lane,
Bowie, MD, 20715
Before 22 September.
Payment of $60 (check payable to WAACE) must accompany copy.
Banquet ticket requests:
Russell Brown, 13715 Mapledale Ave,
Dale City, VA, 22193.
Payment of $20 per ticket
(check Payable to WAACE) must accompany order.
Other Information:
John D. Barnes, WAACE Chairman,
7710 Chatham Rd,
Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
GENie: J.D.BARNES. Phone: 301-652-0667
(return calls collect).
Lodging:
Quality Inn of Fairfax - $49.50 per night.
Be sure to mention AtariFest when reserving (before 25
September).
WAACE wishes to express its appreciation for the support we have received
from the Atari world. This Fest is truly an expression of "Power without
the Price".
________________________________________________________________
> MASS STORAGE STReport InfoFile¿ When only the best is good enough...
==============================
NEW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
============================
ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC.
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_____________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE
(you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!)
(all cables and connectors installed)
SEAGATE HARD DISK MECHANISMS ONLY!
ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED
EXCLUSIVELY
* OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
*** TWO WEEK SPECIAL ON THE 32MB HARD DISK!! 469.95!! ***
32mb #SG32238 539.00 42mb #SG44710 595.00
51mb #SGN4951 629.00 65mb #SG60101 679.00
80mb #SGN296 709.00 100mb #SG84011D 969.00
130mb #SG1244D 1099.00 145mb #SG3A4210 989.00
170mb #SGT41776 1389.00 260mb #SG1244Q 2169.00
320mb #SGN7788Q 3295.00
Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
(over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
*** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms ***
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> MAGIC SAC - PC-DITTO/II - SPECTRE/GCR
LARGER units are available - (special order only)
* Removable Media Devices Available (44mb) Syquest 555 *
*** Available for ST - Amiga - IBM ***
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
- Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets -
TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
12 month FULL Guarantee
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
Quantity & Usergroup Discounts Available!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
Personal Checks are accepted.
ORDER YOURS TODAY!
904-783-3319 9am - 8pm EDT
___________________________________________________________________
> A "Quotable Quote"¿
=================
"Tis a far better thing....
to embrace the truth, than to admit a falsehood"!
..The Silent Majority
"ATARI IS BACK?"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST-REPORT¿ Issue #107 "Your Independent News Source" September 29, 1989
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ½ copyright 1989
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors, staff, ST Report¿ or CPU Report¿. Reprint permission is
hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. All reprints must include ST
Report or CPU Report and the author's name. All information presented
herein is believed correct, STReport or CPU Report, it's editors and staff
are not responsible for any use or misuse of information contained herein.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
