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Silicon Times Report Issue 0119
*---== CPU NEWSWIRE ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
_____________________________________
featuring
STReport Online Magazine¿
""""""""""""""""""""""""
December 22, 1989 Vol III No.119
=======================================================================
CPU NewsWire Online Magazine¿
__________________________
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
_________________________________________
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> Issue: #119 CPU Newswire¿ The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
------------------------
- The Editor's Podium - CPU REPORT - Hisoft C
- Insite Flopticals * 20mb * - HOLIDAY CHEER!!
- WAACE/Fall '90 - CPU CONFIDENTIAL
---===*** MICROTYME WINS GOLDEN FUJI AWARD! ***===---
---====** LYNX BEING DELIVERED BY SEARS! **====---
--==** 20MB 3.5" FLOPPIES ARE REAL! **==--
==========================================================================
CPU NEWSWIRE
"Only UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
-* FEATURING *-
Current Events, Up to Date News, Hot Tips, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
CPU/STR's support BBS, NODE # 350 invites systems using Forem ST BBS to
participate in Forem BBS's F-Net mail network. Or, Please call # 350
direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging ideas about
the Atari ST computers through an excellent International ST Mail Network.
==========================================================================
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==========================================================================
> The Editor's Podium¿
The Holidays...a wonderful time of the year!! Its great being able
to renew friendships that may have strained somewhat during the year.
Along with the holiday cheer comes the fact that this time of year marks
the advent of a "new beginning"; the imminent arrival of a new decade
1990. And along with the new decade comes fantastic new products and
ideas for more. Many, we have never even dreamed of, will be a reality in
this decade..
Ah yes, 1990 - the NEW decade. Will this the beginning of Atari's
new direction? Will we see the advertising and promotion so gloriously
evasive for the past few years? Certainly all the goodwill generated at
Comdex/Fall '89 will not be laid to waste by the "powers to be". At the
least, it would be gratifying to see the Atari 16/32 bit computer lines
gain in notoriety and prominence in the States through adequate
advertising. Most distressing to see the darn "revolving door" still in
operation. Good luck to you Mike in your future endeavors.
We notice that the market has been called depressed and all sorts of
other 'less than encouraging' names. Strange, we have not found that to
be the case. The bottom line is there are new products coming out from
Atari and a host of third party manufacturers, some of which are dramatic
improvements over existing hardware and software offerings. We have been
allowed to preview a number of new and innovative products in both areas
and will present comprehensive overviews of these goodies, when permitted,
through out the course of the new year.
In the meantime, back to the wekkend before us. Please, for goodness'
sake enjoy the holidays to the fullest extent but don't drink and drive.
Even if you disagree with some of our opinions, we still need you as a
reader and do value our association. Assign a designated driver if you
are going party hearty.
Here's wishing a wonderful holiday season to all,
Ralph...
ps; many thanks to all those who sent greeting cards, we stopped counting
at 283!
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COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
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CPU NEWSWIRE ONLINE MAGAZINE¿
featuring
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> CPU REPORT¿
==========
Issue # 46
----------
by Michael Arthur
Remember When....
Thomas Rattigan, a former PepsiCo executive, became President of
Commodore in 1986, and when a year later, he was "dismissed" by chairman
Irving Gould, being removed by force from Commodore's headquarters by
security guards in the process, or when Max Toy resigned from being
President of Commodore in the Spring of 1989, after lasting for 2 years?
CPU Systems Roundup¿ XII
========================
Hisoft C Interpreter 2.0: BASIC Necessities with the Luxury of C
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Part II
As a solution to the problems normally associated with C Programming
and C Compilers, and to make the C Language more accessible to beginning
programmers, Michtron is now selling a program called the Hisoft C
Interpreter. Developed by Loriciels, a French ST Software firm, Hisoft C
2.0 provides many virtues of BASIC programming to the C Language. Instead
of having to link/compile a program to run it, Hisoft C lets you just run
it in the same manner BASIC Interpreters allow you to run BASIC programs
without compiling them. Hisoft C can also trap Syntax and Semantic errors
found in C programs, as well as Cherry Bombs caused by more disastrous
programming flaws. It also provides descriptions of these errors when
they occur.
But while Hisoft C has many benefits of BASIC, it still provides the
full power of the C Language. Hisoft C has a library of 460 functions,
supporting the standard Kerningham & Ritchie (K&R) implementation of C,
the standard Unix C Library, and GEM's AES/VDI libraries. Hisoft C also
supports some of the functions shown in the draft ANSI C Standard. Since
the ANSI C Standard will soon be completed, full ANSI C Support will be
found in a future update of Hisoft C.
In Part I of this review (in CPU Report #38), Hisoft C's features and
capabilities have been described, in order to take a closer look at
Michtron's innovative new software development tool. In this segment, the
C Tutorial in the Hisoft C Manual is explored in depth, in order to both
judge its usefulness as a tool for learning C, and how the quality of its
manual itself contributes to Hisoft C as a software development tool.
Overview of the Hisoft C Tutorial
---------------------------------
Hisoft C 2.0 comes with a 330 page spiral-bound manual, which is
divided into a section on Using Hisoft C itself, and a 260 page
Introduction to C. The first section, described in Part I of this review,
describes how to use Hisoft C's text editor and Interpreter in a concise
and complete manner.
The Second Section of this Manual, Introduction to the C Language, is
designed as a Tutorial for beginning programmers to get acquainted with
the C language. However, as it makes comparisons to the BASIC language,
you do need to know the fundamental concepts of programming, like loops,
variables, etc., in order to get the full benefit of this C Tutorial. It
describes much of the basic foundation of the C Language, describing its
syntax, how variables are created and used, and about functions (a group
of statements or commands), the core of the C Language. It also discusses
integers and numeric operators, functions, and types in the C language,
and generally covers everything that a person who knows BASIC would need
to know to become minimally proficient in the C Language. The Hisoft C
Tutorial WON'T give a person who only knows BASIC the ability to write
their own version of Unix for the Atari ST using the C Language, but it
does teach such a programmer enough to make the more complex facets of the
C Language comprehensible. In order to help this process along, this
Tutorial has a number of exercises and sample problems, which gives the
beginning programmer some valuable practice, and brings the crucial factor
of an interactive environment to it. By the way, just as in School, it is
necessary to do your exercises if you want to understand the subject....
Section 3 of the Hisoft C Manual has an Introduction to GEM. Since
this C Tutorial is aimed at the beginning programmer, this section
describes the GEM Toolbox Functions that Hisoft C has available to make it
easier to program in GEM. These functions do make it easier for a person
to use GEM effectively in their programs, and they do adhere pretty well
to standard GEM conventions. Also, all of the standard GEM Library
functions are available in the manual, making it a lot easier for a
beginner who has studied Hisoft C's GEM Functions to comprehend the "real
thing". And since very little documentation on GEM is "user friendly"
towards beginners, this is a great accomplishment.
However, the Introduction to GEM does not describe how to make or use
GEM Resource files, so if a person would have to buy a book on GEM to
learn this facet of the ST's graphical user interface. But Hisoft C's GEM
functions do make it possible to write a GEM program without a resource
file, so it is left for programmers who want to do more sophisticated and
involved work with GEM to learn about resource files. As a proof that one
can write a complete GEM application using just Hisoft C's GEM Functions,
the Introduction to GEM goes into detail about how a GEM application is
structured, and how to write a GEM application. This "Tutorial on GEM" is
definitely recommended for learning about GEM, from the programmer's
standpoint....
Everything You ever Wanted to Know about C Library Functions
------------------------------------------------------------
Section 4 of the Hisoft C Manual gives an in-depth description of the
460 Functions available with Hisoft C. The first part of this section
gives a list of these functions, listing them according to the C Libraries
Hisoft C supports. Here is a list of the C Libraries included in Hisoft C
along with examples of the C Functions they provide:
- Hisoft C Library (examples: init_box, open_window)
- ANSI C File Handling Routines (ex: fopen, stdout)
- ANSI C Mathematical Functions (ex: cos, rand)
- UNIX C Functions (ex: mkdir, getcwd)
- GEMDOS Functions (ex: Dfree, Bconstat)
- GEM AES Functions (ex: evnt_multi, fsel_input)
- GEM VDI Functions (ex: v_opnvwk, v_pieslice)
- Memory Functions (ex: malloc, free)
- String Functions (ex: strcpy, strchr)
- Numeric/ASCII Character Functions (ex: toascii, isgraph)
The second part of this Section gives a concise description of each of
Hisoft C's 460 Functions, showing the name and library of the function,
the function's syntax, the types of parameters used by the function, and
a description of what the function does. Icons are also placed at the
bottom of some of these descriptions, which give extra information about
these functions.
Exercise Answers, Error Messages, and a C Language Reference
------------------------------------------------------------
I mentioned before that the C Tutorial had sample exercises that one
could do, in order to ensure comprehension of that section. Appendix A of
the Manual gives sample answers for each of the 14 Exercises, along with
an explanation of how the program works. While the answers given aren't
the only possible answers, they should help those who are "stuck" at a
certain point, or want to know how to make their C source code more
efficient.
Appendix B is a C Language Reference, which discusses the foundation
of the C language itself. It describes the format and use of identifiers
(variables) in C, and the other lexicographic elements of the C Language,
including the types of constants (integer, floating point, character, and
string) in the C language. It also talks about how to insert comments
into your source code, and lists the keywords of the C language. One
section talks about the use of Pre-Processors, and another gives a
descriptive list of all the Operators (such as +, -, ++, or >>), and
Variable types in the C language, and describes some statements (ex: if
else, while, or goto) in the C language which weren't explained in the
Tutorial. The C Language Reference contains a LOT more than what I've
listed here, and is a VERY valuable aid for gaining a full understanding
of the C language....
Appendix C gives a detailed description of each of Hisoft C's Error
Messages. When a syntax or semantic Error occurs, Hisoft C displays a
Dialog Box listing the error, and giving an Error Number. Appendix C
lists these errors according to the error number placed on the Dialog Box,
so you can get more information about them by looking them up in this
section of the Manual.
Porting Tips, Further Reading on C and GEM, and The End
-------------------------------------------------------
Even though C is a relatively standardized language, there are still
many deviations from the K&R standard for C, which makes porting a C
program written on one version of C more difficult. While this will be
solved with the ANSI C standard, Appendix D of the Hisoft C manual gives
some advice on how to port programs back and forth between Hisoft C and a
C Compiler (such as Mark Williams or Laser C), so as to compile the
programs written in Hisoft C.
Hisoft C interpreted programs are tokenized (or formatted) in a
special way, so one has to convert a Hisoft C program to ASCII before
using it in a regular C Compiler. However, there are difficulties in
porting programs that were written on other C compilers, via porting them
to Hisoft C, because of the non-standard deviations and extensions that
many C compilers use nowadays.....
Appendix E of the Hisoft C Manual suggests some good books for doing
some further reading on the intricacies of the C Language. It also
suggests some books on programming for the Atari ST, some of which are
invaluable for writing good programs for the ST. Finally, the Hisoft C
Manual's Index is pretty decent, providing enough reference words to find
most anything one would want to look up....
This manual is an excellent guide to Hisoft C, describing its
functions and abilities in a concise and simple (not to mention nicely
typeset) manner. It is a superb translation of Loriciels' original French
manual, and is a superlative example of what ST software manuals SHOULD be
like. While Hisoft C can fit in 512K of RAM, at least 1 Meg of RAM is
required to get any substantial programming done. It runs on all ST's,
and can run with either Color or Monochrome. Hisoft C 2.0 is suited for
many levels of C programming:
One, as a comfortable tool for learning the C Language, which shields
beginners from some of its harshness so they can explore the world of C
without some trepidation. Now, not even Hisoft C can promise to protect
beginners from the Realities of C, but it can stave off most of the
obstacles which keep programmers from blindly rejecting this powerful
language.
It can also serve as a more efficient software development environment
for expert programmers, as it provides many of the comforts of a C
Compiler package without many of the difficulties. ST Programmers could
write software programs in Hisoft C, and then port/compile it with any ST
C Compiler. Hisoft C 2.0 has MUCH potential, as it fixes many of the dire
needs in C Programming, and as it fulfills the capabilities expected of
such a revolutionary concept....
CPU INSIGHTS¿
============
Xerox Sues Apple for $150 Million: Is Mac Finder a Xerox Clone?
----------------------------------------------------------------
For years, while Apple waged legal battles over the issue of Graphical
User Interfaces, first with Digital Research, and then with Microsoft and
Hewlett-Packard, one of the most prevalent comments in the computer
industry has been that Xerox would one day sue Apple Corporation, since
Xerox's Palo Alto Research Laboratories had originally pioneered work into
graphical user interfaces, developing the Xerox Star GUI.
Recently, Xerox turned that comment into reality, by slapping a
lawsuit against Apple, charging that the System Software for Apple's
computers have used segments of the Star graphical user interface without
a licence. In this part of the suit, Xerox asks that Apple's copyright
registrations for the User Interface portions of the Lisa and Macintosh be
revoked. Xerox also claims that Apple has "received royalties, licensing
fees, and other benefits in excess of $100 million dollars" because of its
graphical user interface that should belong to Xerox. This part of the
lawsuit will try to get Apple to pay $150 million dollars in penalties....
Apple copyrighted the Lisa and Macintosh in 1983 and 1984. But while
Xerox originally copyrighted the Star graphical user interface in 1981, it
has only recently launched a vigorous licensing campaign. Since May 1989,
it has gotten several companies, such as Metaphor Systems and Sun
Microsystems, to license the Star user interface. Even though neither
company uses the Star user interface itself, they effectively said that
their efforts in GUI's were a derivative of the "look and feel" of the
Xerox Star....
Xerox says that it took such a long time to file this lawsuit because
of recent modifications to the US copyright laws. Xerox has also said
that the suit charges that the GUI portion of Apple's System Software was
a derivative work of the Xerox Star, and that Apple "intentionally and
purposefully concealed" this. Meaning that Xerox's suit is NOT totally
based on copyright infringement, but Copyright Misrepresentation. And
while Xerox may be able to win a suit charging copyright infringement, it
would be interesting to see if they could win a case that is partly based
on charges of fraud....
Interestingly, Apple says that Xerox's lawsuit isn't valid, and that
it confuses the idea of a graphical user interface, which Xerox may or may
not have invented, with the implementation of that idea. However, Apple
is also saying that they won't experience the same superb increase in
revenue in 1990 that they did in 1989, and that they are cancelling a
grandiose holiday advertising campaign planned for this season. Given
that they also haven't started to ship their Macintosh Portables in great
quantity, due to a lack of LCD screens, this indicates that the management
at Apple Corporation will not have too Merry a Christmas....
But ponder, if you will, these questions:
1) If Xerox wins this suit, will the agreement that Apple and Digital
Research made in 1984 (which limited GEM's User Interface
functionality) be invalid, enabling Atari to modify the ST's version
of GEM to include things like submenus, or having more than 4 windows
open at one time?
2) What, if any, are the implications of the vigor in which Xerox has
pursued efforts to get companies to license its Xerox Star graphical
user interface?
3) What happens if Xerox loses this lawsuit, and Apple is able to
successfully stave off their claims?
CPU STATUS REPORT¿
=================
Armonk, NY IBM Scientists have recently shown that high-speed
---------- streams of electrons can be focused and directed
through layers of gallium arsenide, in a way similar
to how superconductors can focus and direct electrical
currents. However, one similarity between this
technique and superconductor technology is that at the
present time, this technique only functions at around
450 degrees below zero....
With this new technology, computer circuitry could
manipulate electrons to perform computations, just as
they now use electrical currents. Resulting in MUCH
denser circuitry which would be much faster, and just
as efficient as circuitry made out of superconductor
material. While IBM has not currently developed any
concrete application for this technique, it could
eventually revolutionize electronic circuitry....
Torrance, CA Ashton Tate is developing a new version of DBase IV
------------ in the form of a "core program" which can be ported
quickly to any Graphical User Interface. This
technique, used by AutoDesk for years, involves
building an "application kernel", which has the basic
code of the program, but has hooks for utilizing
Menus, Windows, and other elements of a GUI.
Ashton-Tate plans to use this "application kernel" to
develop versions of DBase IV for Microsoft Windows,
Presentation Manager, Open Look, OSF/Motif, X/Windows,
and the Macintosh. In addition to these GUI's, they
plan to port DBase IV to the NeXT Computer, using the
NextStep GUI....
Brussels, Belgium The European Economic Community (EEC) has agreed to
----------------- abolish regulations in Europe banning privately-funded
telecommunications-related services, like fax bureaus,
Value-added Networks (or VANs), and E-Mail services.
While telephone and telex industries will still be
under control of European governments, companies will
be able to provide E-Mail, Fax, and national VANs on
April 1990. However, international VANs, which would
make European Online Services modeled after Compuserve
or GEnie feasible, won't be allowed until April 1993.
Also, EEC Member Countries whose telecommunications
networks are badly outdated, like Spain and Italy,
will be allowed to not implement this policy for up to
six years, so as to smooth the transition process....
Cupertino, CA Apple's upcoming System 7.0 will reportedly take up
------------- around 2.5 Megs of RAM when it is released next year,
and require a hard disk. It seems that this release
of the Mac's System Software is now 2.8 Megabytes
large, and even with their efforts to rewrite its
source code to be more efficient....
Also, Microsoft has announced that it will use Apple's
new Outline Font Technology (called Royal Fonts) in
OS/2 Presentation Manager. This was done in response
to Apple's licensing their new Postscript clone
interpreter for use in future Laserwriter printers....
__________________________________________________________________
> Insite 20mb Floppies CPU/STR Tech Notes¿ The RIGHT Idea!
=======================================
20mb FLOPPY DRIVES by INSITE
============================
by R.F. Mariano
The new kid on the block,, the "Floptical"(R) Drives feature over 20mb
of formatted capacity with controller and SCSI supporting the common
command set (CCS), soft formatting, error checking and correction (ECC),
and defect mapping. Additionally, variable mode offers FULL READ AND
WRITE DOWNWARD COMPATIBILITY with current 3.5 720k and 1.44mb formatted
diskettes. This all results in the lowest cost per mb of formatted data
storage on a 20mb storage media coupled with full read and write
compatibility with current low capacity diskettes.
The I325 and I325VM Floptical Drives are a combination of the best of
both worlds, those of the mass storage, fixed disk and those of the
widespread and commonly in use 3.5 floppy disk. The combination of these
two in device allows the Insite drives to achieve high storage capacities
using the inexpensive, 3.5" removable magnetic media.
The optical system in the carriage assembly detects grooves embedded
in the diskette media and convert the images to electronic signals which
are used for servo tracking information. The magnetic data is written on
the land area between any two adjacent grooves. The closed loop servo
holds the magnetic heads precisely and infallibly on track. Precise track
alignment is accomplished electronically assuring total interchangability
between diskettes. The read and write heads for the I325 have a magnetic
gap for the R/W of 1250 TPI data on Floptical Diskettes. Data tracks on
each of two disk surfaces are accessed concurrently.
The Insite floptical diskette is a 3.5" type double sided high density
diskette. Servo tracks are optically encoded into the surface of the
diskette. This enables the drive's R/W heads thru a closed loop servo, to
follow very high density magnetic tracks. The optical servo tracks are
indelible and not vulnerable to erasure as with magnetic encoded servo
schemes. The care and handling of the Floptical diskette is the same as
for any 3.5" diskette. The user is required to data format the Floptical
disk before it can be used for data storage. Pre data formatted disks are
available for those users who do not wish to format media. The Floptical
diskette features a slide switch allowing for write protection and when
inserted in a normal 3.5" drive it is automatically write protected.
This device is definitely an integral part of the new wave of fine
products in the computing community.
POWER REQUIREMENTS OF THE INSITE 20MB FLOPPY DRIVE:
+12VDC +05VDC
The drive uses no more power than an ordinary floppy drive and uses the
same power connector as most drives and hard disks (AMP P/N 350078-4)
_______________
/ O O O O \
| 4 3 2 1 |
-------------------
VALUE PIN
+12VDC 1
GND 2
GND 3
+05VDC 4
The SCSI connector for the Insite drive is a 50 conductor connector which
consists of two rows of 25 male pins on 100 mil centers. In other words
the standard 50 conductor ribbon cable is perfect.
____________________________________________________________
> HOLIDAY CHEER CPU/STR Feature¿ A very special time of the year!
=============================
WORDS OF SINCERE WARMTH & HOLIDAY GREETINGS
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> GEnie Atari RT CPU/STR Spotlight¿ Holiday wishes from Darlah...
================================
My Holiday Message
==================
by Darlah J. Pine
The holidays....such a time of year and different to many. I could
talk to you about the commercial aspect of the holiday but truly that is
not the holiday to me. The holiday, to me lends me the time to reflect on
the years events and those that have given without a second thought nor
expected anything in return. This is what the holiday spirit is about.
The holiday spirit is with us throughout the year. The holiday just gives
us the opportunity to tell those that are in our thoughts how we feel.
GEnie has allowed me to have a connection with many people from all
sorts of backgrounds. It has allowed me to see the willingness to give
and help out. It brings great warmth when I reflect over the past year.
I have not only been blessed with an excellent staff that tends to go the
extra mile but I have been allowed to have a connection with Atari, the
developers and the people who call this service for information. They are
what makes this all work so well. Sandy Wilson, Fred Beckman, Jeff
Williams, Darryl May, and John Kennedy all have their own uniqueness but
the similarity is their dedication and their sincerity with genuine
caring. I find that doesn't stop with my staff but it shows quite evident
in the many developers we have online. Most of them show up daily to
troubleshoot problems, lend help and answer questions where it is needed.
Atari has numerous dedicated online people like John Townsend, Bob Brodie,
Dan McNamee, Ken Badertscher, Cary Gee, Jim Tittsler, Mark Jansen,
Elizabeth Shook, Allan Pratt to name just a few. They take their jobs
seriously and I am impressed that they care so much. It gives me a
realization that things are coming together at Atari and happening.
Without the caring, it could never become a reality. Now the people that
call online to obtain information, these are the folks that I can't
describe just how much warmth I feel when I see them helping others
online. They call in time after time to share. To me, this type of
sharing is the holiday spirit that lasts 365 days a year. It is the best
kind. Avid enthusiasts taking ones precious time to share and learn.
Thoughts of what a family means cross through my mind. I guess you could
call us a family of sorts. It is quite a nice thought that I am feeling
as I write this.
It is amazing to me just how far GEnie has evolved. I remember almost
hearing the echoes of an empty service sometime ago. I remember the phone
call from John DeMar telling me I MUST log on to this service. It was so
new it felt like the paint was still trying to dry. It didn't take too
long to start the constant increase in users logging on. Along with the
users, the developers and Atari came. Such memories and most of them fond
ones. I feel lucky to have so many sensational people touch my life each
in their own way. I very rarely get a chance to say how I feel about all
of you. I hope you know this is directed at you. Thank you for being
here. Each and every single one of you have made my life much richer. I
hope the holidays bring you the very best for you and yours.
For those of you that find the holidays hard to deal with, if you feel
you need a connection, log on and notify one of us. We will be here off
and on throughout the holidays. I know after putting 50 million things
together without any one item having real directions, you might be
frazzled. I know how you feel, I am just thinking about the stereo
cabinet I have to work on and become frazzled.
My special thanks to Ralph Mariano for giving me the opportunity and
the medium to tell all of you how I feel.
If you drink, don't drive. Try to stay warm for the holidays. Here's
hoping all your hopes and dreams come true. If having my fingers crossed
helps, I will do it and even throw in the toes. Be good...
>> Darlah J Pine
GEnie Atari Sysop Manager
> CIS HOLIDAY CHEER CPU/STR Spotlight¿ Best wishes from CIS and Ron Luks
===================================
by Ron Luks
To the valued members of the ATARI Forums on CompuServe:
========================================================
During the hectic hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we'd like
to pause for a moment to express our thanks for your loyal and
enthusiastic support throughout the past year, and in fact the past
decade. Rather than suffer through another one of those year end/decade
end summaries that seem to be appearing in every issue of PEOPLE magazine
or on every Radio and TV news show, describing the trials and tribulations
of the ATARI market in years past, we'd like to focus on the months ahead
as the ATARI community enters one of the most exciting periods we've ever
seen.
From the online viewpoint, I'm pleased to announce that CompuServe
will be starting the new decade by making its host/micro interface
available very soon. The current ASCII based interface will continue to
be available but a new desktop-based method of accessing this information
network is in the very last stages of development. This 4 year project
will soon allow you to participate in the ATARI Forums by clicking on your
mouse and accessing a series of pull down menus to read messages or
download library files. We're very excited about this new interface and
will be providing more details as the new year unfolds.
The ATARI Forums themselves will be almost doubling in size and scope,
too. Already in the works are new forums and online products to support
the new PORTFOLIO and 68030-based TT computer. We will be adding more
active vendors from the ATARI community to our vendor support crew. This
is just a small hint of the great things to come.
One thing will not change in the years ahead and that's the huge debt
owed to all of our members. These are your forums. At this time of year,
the sysops receive many letters of thanks and while we appreciate each and
every kind word, we never forget for a moment that sysops alone don't make
a forum. Its the endless stream of new submissions, messages and
discussions that are the very foundation of this forum. Basically, a
sysops role is to manage the "online shell" that we call a forum. Its the
membership that actually provides the news and programs we've all come to
enjoy. Our thanks go out to the people that MAKE and REPORT the news and
programs we're happy to provide for everyone through this medium.
From myself and the entire sysop and vendor support team, we'd like to
wish you and your families a very Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous
New Year!
Sysop* Ron Luks
Bill Aycock Dave Groves
Keith Joins Don LeBow
Charles McGuinness Bob Puff
David Ramsden Dan Rhea
Mike Schoenbach
> Atari Corp. CPU/STR Spotlight¿ Best Wishes from Atari and Bob Brodie
=============================
Of Friendship and Goodwill
At this time of year, we all look forward to a chance to exchange
holiday greetings with those that we hold dear, and those whose patronage
we have enjoyed over time. So, I am grateful that CPU/STR Newswire has
given me this chance to greet the large Atari Community.
There are many that we owe so much to! To the online services that
help spread programs and information, GEnie, CompuServe, Delphi, BIX, and
their sysops and staffs. To the developers, the innovative minds that
make products that put Atari computers into action, and make Atari
computers do things that we had not even dreamed of. To the many user
groups, with their dedicated officers, editors, librarians and sysops,
that provide a large portion of support to Atari users everywhere. To the
journalists, for their insights, critiques, and invaluable distribution of
information. And of course, to the end users, our many customers, that
use and enjoy Atari computers, and the many related products.
May this season of joy be filled with happiness for you and yours!
And with the coming of the New Year, and a new decade, may you have all
the success that you deserve, and all your days filled with joy!
Thank you for your patronage, and we look forward to the 1990's with
much anticipation. We trust that we will again have the opportunity to
provide you with more Atari solutions to your computing needs. As we look
to the coming of the new decade, your needs are foremost in our minds. In
the words of Ralph Mariano, "Thanks for your support!"
Happy Holidays to one and all,
Bob Brodie
Manager of User Group Services
Atari (U.S.) Corporation
___________________________________________________________
> Dealer Ethics CPU/STR PROBE Jeff William's replies.....
===========================
Thank you for still respecting me despite your disagreement with my
reaction to the dealer article in #117. But somewhere, we are not
connecting, I suspect. Your response, which appears in issue #118, to the
message I posted, seems to suggest a naivete on my part and maybe even a
suggestion that I might be biased on the issue, since you make a point of
mentioning that I work with an ST dealer part-time. I know this wasn't
your intention, Ralph, but this is the way it came across. As you are
well aware, this is one of the problems of a communciations medium such as
this one. What we mean to say and what we appear to say do not always
come together as we would hope. The bottom line, Ralph, is I still
respect you. <grin>
*** Jeff, we are connecting and quite clearly, and true while the bottomn
line is the well being of all the good dealers, there has to be some
exposure to the 'grapeshot' when the matter 'hits' the fan.
I responded to the article with the current facts about the current
pricing promotion being offered by Atari to its general dealer base, which
is not what was reflected in the article in question. I did not go into
quantities and dealer costs as this is not appropriate, which John
Townsend has rightly observed in another topic of the RT.
*** As in most situations in the compuiter industry we now see where the
absolute volatility of the 'facts' leave us both in somewhat of a
lurch...except for one point. The lowball and gouge artists will still be
there if we all dont do something about them. This includes the users
too. Patronizing a dealer who is busy cutting everyone's throats doesn't
help the situation at all.
Some responses to a few specific items in your latest article:
>> "The bottom line price [of $299.95 -JW-] presented was stated at the
SPA conference as a goal being sought."
I didn't question the veracity of this statement. I have read it
also. If read carefully, my message noted that this goal has not been
achieved by Atari yet. Their current offer to the general dealer base is
as I stated in my message: Buy "xx" number of 520ST's and get reduced
pricing, allowing for the sale of the systems at $399.95 (Atari's
suggested price). Before anyone goes nuts about the suggested price, the
price is not enforced by Atari. A dealer can sell for more or less,
depending upon the dealer. But at no time has Atari communicated to the
general dealer base a goal of $299.95 in their current suggested price
structure for the 520ST. Maybe it's coming. I hope it is. But it hasn't
been made available to the general dealer base yet. The point here is
that regardless of what was announced at the SPA meeting, it hasn't come
to fruition yet. The dealers cannot be held accountable for this, which
the article seemed to suggest -to me-.
*** The deal you have mind is dead for all intents and purposes. In fact
so is the one I mentioned as there are no more 520 machines.
>> "Please remember, one dealer does not the nation make."
My point exactly, Ralph. I was trying to make this point to the
generality of the article in #117. While the article may have been
intended to highlight perceived unfair pricing by -some- dealers, it came
across -to me- as a blanket indictment against all dealers charging more
than $299.95 for a 520ST.
*** Frankly the 'in general mentioning of those dealers who are not doing
the right thing' is the only safe way to mention them. Of course, we
mentioned J & R in NYC , did you miss that one? The reason it was
mentioned is because we have the discount mail order catalog in our
possession.
Maybe some dealers who buy in very big quantities can get pricing from
Atari that allows them to put a $299.95 price tag on a 520ST and make a
reasonable profit on sales of the units. It has been stated online by
someone (I'm sorry, I don't remember by whom) from Atari that Atari does
make special pricing for big volume orders. This is reasonable. For all
I know, Atari may negotiate special prices for certain dealers under
certain conditions, but that still doesn't make the $299.95 dealer price
available to those dealers who can't or don't deal in such quantities or
have a special arrangement with Atari.
*** Here, you cite a basic fact of life in the business world, there are
quantity discounts, so what. It is my belief that the discounts are
offered by the manufacturer to give the dealer a few more bux in the
pocket, to offset unexpected expenses in customer service. Passing it on
to the customers kills his competition and ultimately the product line.
The proper ancillary support for the product becomes virtually non-
existant. IE; J & R and NO SERVICE!
Even Atari's $399.95 suggested retail price on the 520ST special is
contingent upon the purchase of a certain quantity of ST's. Now, we can
be cold-hearted and say that these dealers should just bite the bullet and
price their 520ST stock at $399.95 even though they are not getting any
price breaks from Atari by not placing orders for the minimum number of
520ST's that Atari requires. What this attitude doesn't take into account
is that there are many "Mom and Pop"-type of dealers who provide good
pricing, good support, hardware service, and a large selection of ST
software products. These dealers, offering fair prices, good support,
good service, and good products, should be encouraged and supported. The
article in question didn't take these type of dealers into account and
seemed intended to generate mistrust and suspicion against this kind of
dealer, along with the big fish who get better pricing on their volume
orders. Remember, one dealer does not the entire dealer profile make.
*** Many Mom & Pop dealers? WHERE? And you are right one dealer does
not the profile make but thats in both directions. Perhaps the bigger
volumn dealers should subsidize the small dealer? Or perhaps Atari? Lets
get real here. Business is business, a "run what you brung" affair, this
is totally non-debatable. In my humble opinion, we point out the
unscrupulous practices and made sure it was made known it was being perped
by a FEW not many dealers. Would you rather the practices went on?
At no time did I try to blow off the possibility of dealers who may be
price gouging. I'm sure they exist. The instances you cite of unnamed
dealers who sell used monitors for $500 are one thing. Point them out if
you feel inclined to do so. But please don't lump all dealers into that
category just because they may be selling ST systems at or just below
Atari's suggested retail price for those ST systems based upon the pricing
they are getting from Atari. This is the only thing I was trying to
accomplish with my original message. And from a phone conversation I had
with you earlier this week, I understand that you have since come across
facts substantiating the claims I made in my original post.
*** If you are so sure they exist you point them out and handle the
resultant lawsuits. The 500.00 monitors, once again, are used JVC SC1224
units. This has happend in Florida, Virginia, DC and in the N.E. that we
know of so far. Its amazing how quick it is demanded "Name 'Em". Dream
on, the bad practices can be focused upon but to name names is pure
lunacy. It is up to all of us to make sure the (users) know what to look
for so they can recognize a slick operation and thus avoid it.
This whole problem, Ralph, came about as a result of your well-meaning
desire to inform and protect the ST consumers from the unscrupulous
dealers that do indeed exist out there. But you've fallen victim to the
old problem that has dogged you in the past. You tend to avoid specific
references when you go on one of your well-intentioned crusades. So,
unless the reader is tuned to some 'inside' references that you may make,
the reader either doesn't know what the heck you're talking about or they
get the wrong impression about the subject matter and the parties
involved. The latter is what is occuring as a result of your article in
issue #117.
Respectfully,
Jeff Williams
*** I haven't been patronized in a long time, thanks for the attention.
There is really no problem. As Joe Friday said facts, just the facts.
Truth is these things are happening and must be dealt with. For now, the
best thig to do is expose the practices and hope those involved cease
these activities. You did however, you miss the point entirely in your
Lancelot defense of the dealer image. I have no problem with that at all.
Nothing is dogging me my friend, it dogs those who seem to be blinded 'by
the light' of their own self righteousness. You again omit the fact that
J & R is mentioned. The bottom line is there are gouge artists and
lowball artists out there calling themselves "fine upstanding dealers".
In my book, they are killing the business as sure as if they were using a
45 for a cash register. And... I plan to turn up the heat under these
snake oil operations.
P.S. There's one other mistake in your response in #118. I'm not -that-
young! <grin>
*** Sure you are! I am pushing 49 and still feel like a 27 year old!
You are to be commended for your saying it like you see it! Thanks much
for attention and please, if you should come across a dealer you feel
deserves the "GOLDEN FUJI AWARD" let us know. And.. tell us of the 'other
types' of dealers also.
Merry Christmas,
Ralph.....
This message expresses the opinions of the author (Jeff Williams). It is
not necessarily that of GEnie, the Atari ST Roundtable, or anyone who
happens to employ the author. <smile>
To add to the info; all paragraphs prefixed by *** are by Ralph Mariano
like you couldn't tell <big grin>
____________________________________________________
> GOLDEN FUJI AWARD CPU/STR FOCUS¿
===============================
MICROTYME
a division of micro peripherals inc.
Has won the
"GOLDEN FUJI AWARD"
The Golden Fuji Award is presented to these fine folks for the
wonderful and glowing reports we have received from cutomers, users and in
fact casual shoppers (phone) about the courteous, professional people at
Microtyme and moreimportantly the manner in which they seemed to go out of
their way to provide satisfaction and service.
Microtyme carries a full and complete selection of computer for the
Atari all out Atari enthusiast. The owner of Microtyme advises us that we
should let every one know, there are no more 520stf in the Atari warehouse
and it is doubtfull the will be any more.
With eighteen employees to serve you this firm offer the 'personal
service' often found only in the largest of firms. Founded in 1984, the
company has shown a constant positive growth record. With sales posted
this year in the 2.5 - 5m bracket and the possiblity of franchises being
offered, one could easily say this is a positive, healthy, growing
concern. At this time they are concentrating on the IBM and MAC clone
markets along with full support for the entire Atari computer product
line.
Microtyme is located at:
4049 MARSHALL ROAD
DAYTON, OHIO 45429
Service and Inquiries Ordering Hotline
1-513-294-6236 1-800-255-5835
FAX line
1-513-294-6732
CPU Newswire has often castigated certain dealers for the behavior of
a few and as a result, we have received a few complaints from the good
dealers or their representatives. Oddly enough, at Microtyme, they
agreed with our report that the gouge tactics of certain dealers has an
extremely deletrious effect on the entire dealer base. And should be
publicized.
____________________________________________________
> AUA CPU/STR Spotlight¿ Atari User's Association - Alive and Well!
=====================
The Userbase Grows!
===================
Season's Greetings to all Atari Users
=====================================
This is an open letter to all Atari ST users concerning the status of
the Atari User's Association. As you may know, the AUA has seen some
rough times this year. Many of you may be under the belief that the AUA
is no longer functioning or that the AUA was a gimmick and a "strategic
marketing plan." The good news is that the AUA is alive and well. But
first, let me try to explain what happened over the course of the last 8
months.
The Atari User's Association, or the AUA, was founded by Robert J.
Guadagno in early 1989 in order to unite the Atari Community into one
functional organization. Mr. Guadagno found that he could no longer
devote the time necessary to make the AUA a strong and powerful unit, so
he asked the Atari Elite, Inc. of Pittsburgh if they could take over the
AUA and pick up where he left off. The Atari Elite gladly accepted the
offer, and the AUA was re-born. Now, granted, the AUA suffered some very
serious set backs during the year. However, with the new blood of the
Atari Elite, the outlook of the AUA is very promising indeed!
So, the AUA is now being sponsored by the Atari Elite. Your next
question may be, "Who are the Atari Elite?" The Atari Elite, Inc. is the
first and largest non-profit ST organization out of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. They were founded in 1985, and today remain one of the
largest ST usergroups in North America. With over 300 members, the Atari
Elite provides an excellent backing for the AUA and it's endeavors. I
believe that the AUA will benefit from the voice of the Atari Elite, and
that the AUA membership will be offered much more than was originally
planed back in April.
Mr. Guadagno's goal when he founded the AUA was to unite the entire ST
community into one strong voice. That is still my goal. I plan to devote
a lot of time making contact with manufacturers, dealers, developers, and
users in order to make the AUA a common word in the vocabulary of the ST
community. I have already made contact with 2 gentlemen in West Germany
who have enthusiastically offered to spread the word of the AUA to our
European friends. I plan on bringing you word of the AUA over FIDO net
and Crossnet on our nation's ST BBS's. I will also be on GEnie and
Compuserve as well as Usenet. And last but not least, you will hear news
of the AUA here in ST Report.
Hopefully, I will have your support as well and am asking you spread
the word of the AUA. Through the AUA, YOUR voice will be heard. YOU will
have a word in what the AUA does. YOU will be able to support the Atari
ST computers with thousands of other ST users. The AUA will give YOU the
backing that you need.
I have a stack of applications sitting here in front of me from the
people who joined the AUA back in April, 1989. I am currently working on
entering all of that data into a database. (Ok, I lied, my wife is doing
all of the typing...) At this time, the Atari Elite Board of Directors
and myself are trying to decide how to handle all of the people who sent
in their applications to this point. In the next month or so, each and
every one of you will be contacted by mail and will be given more
information about the AUA and it's future. For those of you who did not
send in your application, I will be posting a new application in the next
week or so on the communication networks and here in CPU/STR Newswire. I
encourage you to read all of the accompanying literature and join in this
massive move to unite the ST community.
Now, on to membership rates. Originally, the AUA membership was FREE.
However, with that membership, you really got nothing in return. Under
the Atari Elite, Inc., the AUA has a little more capital and hopes to
bring you many benefits. For this reason, we are going to offer three
membership packages and hopefully you will find one that meets your
pocketbook budget. You can spend nothing or no more than $15.00 depending
on what type of involvement you want in the AUA. I am confident that you
will find one of the membership packages to suit you needs. I will bring
you more details on the packages and benefits in a few days since there
are still many bugs to iron out and I want to offer you a quality
membership to the AUA.
In conclusion (finally!), I would like to call this "The New
Beginning," however, this has already been used by our friends in
Hollywood. I will say this -- The Atari User's Association promises to be
a success with the help of the entire ST community. There are over
2,000,000 ST users in the world and that number grows each day. I am
confident that we can get thousands or hundreds of thousands ("Billions
and Billions" -- Carl Sagan) ST users to participate in the AUA. An AUA
with thousands of members will be able to influence software developers.
We will be able to influence Atari Corp. We will make new friends and
spread the good word about Atari Computers. And last but not least, we
will be a united computer community with one voice to the Atari world.
Always Atari,
Derek C. Signorini
AUA Coordinator
P.S. - I can be reached on GEnie as DC.SIGNORINI, on Compuserve at
72327,1060 and on the Crossnet and FIDO as DC SIGNORINI. I encourage
your feedback to this letter and any suggestions you want to make to
better the AUA.
________________________________________________________________
> Atari Stock ~ CPU/STR¿
======================
THE TICKERTAPE
==============
by Michael Arthur
Atari Stock dropped 1/8 of a point on Monday, and stayed the same on
Tuesday. On Wednesday it dropped by 1/8 point, and rose 3/8 of a point on
Thursday. Finishing up the week at 9 1/2 points, Atari stock is down 1/8
points from the last report.
Apple Stock is down 3 points from Friday, Dec. 8, 1989.
Commodore Stock is down 3/4 of a point from 12/08/89.
IBM Stock is down 1 7/8 points from 12/08/89.
Stock Report for Week of 12/11/89 to 12/15/89
_________________________________________________________________________
STock| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Reprt|Last Chg. |Last Chg.|Last Chg. |Last Chg. |Last Chg. |
-----|-------------|-----------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
Atari|9 1/2 - 1/8|9 1/2 .00|9 3/8 - 1/8|9 3/4 + 3/8|9 1/2 - 1/4|
| | | | | 67,300 Sls |
-----|-------------+-----------+-------------+-------------+-------------|
CBM |10 3/4 - 1/4|10 1/2 -1/4|10 5/8 + 1/8|10 3/4 + 1/8|10 1/4 - 1/2|
| | | | | 267,800 Sls |
-----|-------------+-----------+-------------+-------------+-------------|
Apple|39 1/4 +2 1/2|36 -3 1/4| 36 .00|34 7/8 -1 1/8|33 3/4 -1 1/8|
| | | | |4,626,500 Sls|
-----|-------------+-----------+-------------+-------------+-------------|
IBM |96 1/8 - 3/4| 97 +7/8|95 7/8 -1 1/4|95 1/8 - 3/4| 95 - 1/8|
| | | | |3,043,400 Sls|
-----'-------------------------------------------------------------------'
'Sls' refers to the # of stock shares that were traded that day.
'CBM' refers to Commodore Corporation.
IBM and Apple were two of the Most Active stocks on Wall Street for this
week....
Editor Note; Glenn Gorman, who used to put our stock market report
together for us has handed the duties over to our young friend, Micheal
Arthur. Hope you'all enjoy Mike's efforts.
___________________________________________________________
> CPU CONFIDENTIAL¿ Sayin' it Like it is...
================
- Sunnyvale CA. ******* 2 CHIP TOS 1.4 SHIPPING *******
------------
Yes AT LAST, they are shipping. Atari just began shipping them to
dealers. The part number is CA400407, cost is the same: suggested list of
$99. These are masked roms, so you should have no problems with cartridge
based products like Spectre GCR.
- Toronto, Canada ****** STE SHIPPING IN CANADA ******
---------------
Today, Atari Canada said that the STE has been shipping in Canada. In
talking to Toronto dealers, only 2 or 3 of them have STE's in stock! The
supply problem should be solved soon and they then should have an ample
flow of STE machines available. Contacting Savetech immediately after
talki
ng to Atari Canada, and they had only one left! They said they "had
brought in a large quantity of STE's, and now they had only one left!"
All in one day folks, THIS BABY IS SELLING LIKE HOT CAKES! Also mentioned
was the fact that they were not given the opportunity to open one for
demonstration purposes. Additionally, Compu-world had none, but they
will get more in. So will Compu-place and Compu-store. The Compu-center
branch will receive their order within a week.
- New York City, N.Y. ***** COMMODORE AD CAMPAIGN RESULTS MINIMAL *****
-----------------
According to inside sources, CBM is, so far, highly disappointed with
the results of its highly touted ad campaign which reportedly has cost
closer to 17 million with ancillary expenses figured in. Cited was the
dismal 10% sales increase overall and the projected 15-18% for the best
part of the holiday season. (that's in new orders, not withstanding
existing inventory)...
- Washington, D.C. ****** ST GETS SMALLTALK 80 ******
--------------
Smalltalk-80 is available for the ST, but there does not seem to be
any way to get the thing here in the U.S. After calling Parc Place
Systems, it does not seem likely we will see it in the USA. ..YET..
___________________________________________________________
> VMEBUS CPU/STR OnLine¿ Solid information from FNET
=====================
Conf : Atari Technical
Msg# : 2243 Lines: Extended Read: 1
Sent : Dec 14, 1989 at 7:15 PM
To : CHARLES MEDLEY
From : LEN LOGTERMAN at Node 141-BLAST-Bloomington, IN
Subj : Re: <2049> VmeBus
In message 141/5/2821, CHARLES MEDLEY asks:
I saw something that claimed that the IBP "industrial Mega STs" were
Mega 2 computers with retrofits for VmeBus capability in a new case. I
wonder, if VmeBus is indeed able to be put on the Mega, could this
modification be done to essentially enhance the Mega ST's abilities?
Answer:
------
The VME bus is a non-proprietary bus with a very high bandwidth,
something like 20MBytes/sec. It was originally developed by Motorola,
Phillips, and Signetics (I think). As a consequence of Motorola's
involvement the bus is considered "native" to the 68xxx series, or vice
versa. There are now some 80x86 processor boards for it, though, and some
RISC processors. The bus specifications include a 16 bit and a 32 bit
configuration depending on the number of connectors. There is a P1 and a
P2 connector.
32 bit capability requires the addition of the P2 connector. The main
advantage of using the bus is that there is a potload of manufacturers out
there making all kinds of process I/O boards, not to mention
communications and various high powered co-processors for matrix math,
image processing, FFTs, etc. If the manufacturer followed the bus design
specifications, you can mix and match different I/O boards and they will
all play together. This is not child's play, however and most boards cost
more than a complete ST system.
Some of the SUN workstations and other UNIX systems have been
configured around the VME bus, but mostly it has been used for real-time
process control on the factory floor. If you had enough money and could
get your hands on some software you could build yourself a system with all
the capabilities of a NEXT computer using the VME bus as a base.
LEN LOGTERMAN
__________________________________________________________
> LYNX A WINNER! CPU/STR OnLine¿ The FNET shines!
=============================
Conf : Atari ST/Mega
Msg# : 3544 Lines: Extended Read: 1
Sent : Dec 13, 1989 at 8:21 PM
To : ANY AND ALL
From : DAVE LOCKWOOD at THE CONTROL ROOM ST! 14.4K HST
Subj : LYNX
I got my Lynx today. (Well, a Christmas present for someone else)
That is something else...A real color screen 16 out of 4096 colors. I'd
guess the resolution at about 160x100 or so...I have no way to know for
sure. It looks great, it sounds great, and it makes gameboy look sick.
The cartridges are about the same dimension as the battery cover on a
Walkman, and just as thin. They have to be putting at least 128K worth of
code onto 'em for the games they've got.
I bought the Lynx itself, and one cartridge "Electro Cop". It comes
with "California Games", and it also comes with an adaptor. The single
built in controller works well, and it works for leftys too. Just press
two buttons, and the screen (and controller) flips for left-handed play.
I was a little disappointed by the fact that the brightness need to be
changed for different viewing angles, and someone standing in front of you
while you play wouldn't be able to see the game. I plugged it into my
stereo (via the earphone jack) and the sound makes me wish the ST had a
"real" soundchip.
I didn't get to test the multi-player capability, but I understand
that the only limit to the number of players that can be daisy-chained
together is whatever is built into the games. Apparently, all players
have to connect and power up their units within seven seconds. "so, like,
you have to be quick".
I still don't know how long the 6 AA batteries last, but it can't be
as bad as my CZ101 that sucks 6 D cells dry in 5 hours.
I'm certainly going to put some use on this baby before I wrap it up
and ship it to CA.
Nintendo, eat your heart out.
Dave
_______________________________________________________
> WAACE/Fall'90 CPU/STR SHOW NEWS¿ WAACE, Showcase of the East
===============================
WAACE AtariFest/Fall '90
The AtariFest planning team of the Washington Area Atari Computer
Enthusiasts is busy working to make the 1990 event the best ever.
THE DATES AND SITE FOR 1990 HAVE BEEN SET:
6 AND 7 OCTOBER, 1990 AT:
THE SHERATON RESTON IN RESTON, VA.
This modern, attractive conference facility offers plenty of nicely
arranged space for exhibits, demonstrations, seminars, and hospitality.
Pricing for vendor space is being determined, and arrangements for setup
are being made with a professional exhibit firm.
Conducting the show in a hotel will allow longer show hours on the two
days and increased opportunities for demonstrations and seminars.
Exhibitors and out of town visitors will find the in-hotel location far
more comfortable and convenient.
The decision to use commercial space was partly determined by the end
of our partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Adult and
Community Education and partly by our own desire to afford vendors and
visitors a better show.
Potential exhibitors should expect to receive information packets
during February. We will need financial commitments from participants
soon thereafter in order to conduct a suitable promotional campaign.
This change of approach will bring the cost of the WAACE show more
into line with similar Atari shows. In order to keep costs within reason
we will need strong support from the entire Atari community.
We are making this announcement at such an early date in order to give
everyone a chance to organize their schedules. We hope that all of you
will help us to make this event an enjoyable experience for all East Coast
Atarians.
Further information on this subject can be obtained by contacting
the WAACE Chairman;
Mr. John D. Barnes
301-652-0667
GEMail to J.D.BARNES.
Watch for new contact names in mid January.
___________________________________________________________
> Hard Drive Info CPU/STR InfoFile¿ Affordable Mass Storage
================================
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)
RUGGED SEAGATE HARD DISK MECHANISMS
* ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
32mb #SG32238 549.00 42mb #SG44710 619.00
51mb #SGN4951 629.00 65mb #SG60101 689.00
80mb #SGN296 729.00 100mb #SG84011D 949.00
130mb #SG1244D 1099.00 145mb #SG3A421 1110.00
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)
***** CHRISTMAS SPECIALS ARE NOW IN EFFECT! *****
*** 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 NOW Available (44mb) Syquest 555 *
* SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICES *
EXTRA CARTRIDGES: 97.95 (anytime)
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
- SYQUEST 44 MB removable media drive - ICD ST Host Adapter
- ICD Mass Storage Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable
- Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply
(1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.
Completely Assembled and READY TO RUN!
ONLY $869.00
We would offer floppy drives.. but Computer Shopper has 'em at the right
price. And.. you can plug 'em right into our cabinets and power supplies.
Low-Boy OR Standard Case (designed with room for another 3.5 OR 5.25"
drive) They're made for user expansion! TRUE UPGRADE-ABILITY!
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED $1529.00
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
50mb SQG51 $1299.00 30mb SQG38 $1219.00
65mb SQG09 $1339.00 85mb SQG96 $1399.00
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 and Company Checks are accepted.
ORDER YOURS TODAY!
904-783-3319 9am - 8pm EDT
_______________________________________________________________
> A "Quotable Quote"¿
=================
"Slogans do not report the news........CPU/STR NEWSWIRE DOES!!"
FIRST, LAST AND ALWAYS!!
... A moment of truth
"The pen is mightier than the sword..
...and does a much better job that a mirror!!"
...Eloquent words of wisdom
"HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!"
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CPU/STR¿ "Your Independent News Source" December 22, 1989
16/32bit Magazine copyright ½ 1989 Vol. III ~ Issue #119
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Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors, staff, CPU NEWSWIRE¿ CPU/STR¿ or CPU Report¿ . Reprint
permission is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. All reprints must
include CPU NEWSWIRE¿, CPU/STR¿ or CPU Report¿ and the author's name. All
information presented herein is believed correct, the editors and staff
are not responsible for any use or misuse of information contained herein.
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