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Silicon Times Report Issue 0748
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
December 06, 1991 No.7.48
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
-----------------------------------------
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST
BBS: 904-786-4176 USR/HST DUAL STANDARD
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EST
-----------------------------------------
STR East: FNET 350 - The Bounty ST BBS <Home of STR> 1-904-786-4176
STR West: FNET 075 - Bloom County BBS 1-415-965-9347
STR Canada: FNET 018 - ///Turbo Board Support 1-416-274-1225
STR Europe: FNET 1031 - <<<INTERNET>>> 011-44-296-395-935
__________________________________________________________________
> 12/06/91: STReport #7.48 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
-------------------------
- The Editor's Desk - CPU REPORT - Adaptec sues HDI!
- 3 mil. Amigas Sold - Flash 2 - MIDI SPY INFO!
- JAGUAR-> SPRING CES? - TT040 in Texas? - MEGA SCAN!
-* LDW STILL SUPPORTS ST? *-
-* FBI INVESTIGATES PORNO BBSs *-
-* BBS PHONE RATES TO GO UP! *-
* HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ONE AND ALL! *
==========================================================================
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
The _Number One_ Online Magazine
-* FEATURING *-
"UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Hot Tips, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
STReport's support BBS, NODE 350, invites BBS systems, worldwide, to
participate in the Fido/F-Net Mail Network. Or, call Node 350 direct at
904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information relative
to the Atari ST computer arena through an excellent International ST Mail
Network. All registered F-NET - Crossnet SysOps are welcome to join the
STReport Crossnet Conference. The Crossnet Conference Code is #34813, and
the "Lead Node" is # 350. All systems are welcome and invited to actively
participate. Support Atari Computers; Join Today!
==========================================================================
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON: GENIE ~ CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ F-NET
==========================================================================
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (December 06)
LIBRARY CHANGE
Now that CompuServe's Forum Libraries support "Across Library Searching",
we have closed down our exclusive "NEW UPLOADS" Library. All new files
will now be made available in whichever Library can best classify them.
Use the powerful BRO LIB:ALL command to browse through all of our Forum
Libraries. Files will be displayed in reverse chronological order -from
most recent to oldest. Download file NEWLIB.TXT from LIBRARY 1 of
ATARIARTS or ATARIPRO (now called "Forum Help/Info") for complete
information on other new and powerful Library commands.
"HIDDEN" TREASURES...
DO YOU HAVE THIS FILE? The GEMINI version 1.20 replacement desktop for
your Atari ST. Better icons and a powerful CLI shell. File: GMNI12.LZH in
Library 6 ("ACCs & Setups") of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO).
DO YOU HAVE THIS FILE? Super Boot version 7.0. Extremely powerful Atari
ST boot-up program. Selects which desk accessories, auto programs, and
DESKTOP.INF file to use. Also includes password protection and welcome
screen. File: SPBT70.ARC and SUPBTA.PRG in Library 6 ("ACCs & Setups") of
the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO).
NEW VERSION OF B/STAT AVAILABLE...
Version 2.42 of B/STAT is now available in LIBRARY 5 ("Applications") of
the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO). B/STAT is a graphics and
statistical analysis program. It requires 1 meg minimum of memory and a
double sided drive. It will use GDOS if present but does not require it.
B/STAT may not be distributed in FRANCE due to commercial availability.
LEXICOR ONLINE ANIMATION CLASS
Thanks to everyone who participated in the first Lexicor Online Animation
Class. The lecture and homework files will remain in the Lexicor Library
of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN) for anyone who missed them and
would like to continue to work on learning computer animation techniques.
We'll post announcements when the next sessions are ready to start!
EDHAK DISCOUNT FOR ATARI FORUM MEMBERS
Download file EDHAKD.LZH from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for a full demo of EdHak version 2.25. This version can be
used with the soon-to-be-released QuickCIS version 1.70. Craig Harvey (the
author of EdHak) has also announced a special discount for CompuServe
members who which to order the full functioning version. Contact Craig at
User ID number 73047,600 for details.
ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM (GO APORTFOLIO)
David Stewart has uploaded a demo version of a *hot* new graphics game for
the Portfolio called "PortMan." Check out PORTMA.ZIP, now available in
LIBRARY 1 (and send comments to the author).
The programming marathon continues with a Star Trek game, more animations,
a keyboard macro program and much, much more! Check out the newest
entries with the command "BRO LIB:ALL" from inside any library.
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
***********************************************************************
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Issue #48
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
-- IBM Establish's New Companies
As part of its reorganization plans, IBM will start up a new company to
run it's computer printer operations. The firm will also seperate its
disk drive division from its mainframe computer line.
-- Lotus to Cut Workforce 10%
Despite a revenue growth of close to 20% for this last year, Lotus Deve-
lopment Company has announced it will cut its full-time workforce by
almost 10%. Most of the cuts will occur at Lotus' Cambridge, Mass.,
headquarters.
According to Jim Manzi, Lotus' president and chief executive officer,
"We're spending too much to attain the revenue growth we're achieving
and forecasting for next year. These efforts to reduce costs are
necessary and reflect our understanding that the business model that
worked in our first 10 years, may not apply in our next 10 years."
-- Accolade Countersues Sega LTD.
Games developer Accolade Inc. has filed federal claims against Sega
Enterprises Ltd. and its US subsidiary, Sega of America Inc., in
response to a trademark suit brought against it last month by Sega.
As reported earlier, Sega sued Accolade on Nov. 5, accusing it of trade-
mark infringement by developing and distributing software compatible
with the 16-bit Sega Genesis game system.
-- Adaptec Brings Suit
Alleging copyright violations and misappropriation of intellectual pro-
perty and unfair trade practices, Adaptec this week brought a federal
suit against Hard Drives International, Insight Distribution Network
Inc. and Insight Computers.
Adaptec alleges illegally copying of its software and related documen-
tation "in an attempt to sell products, represented as manufactured by
Adaptec, to unsuspecting consumers and system integrators."
The company seeks temporary and permanent injunctive relief as well as
unspecified monetary damages.
-- Commodore International Sells 3,000,000 Amiga's
Commodore International Limited announced that it had sold three million
Amiga's since the product line began in September, 1985.
It took 3 1/2 years to sell the first million, another 1 1/2 years to
sell the second million and only one year to sell the third million.
The Amiga product line is comprised of the Amiga 500 and 500+ for home
computing and the professional Amiga 2000 and 3000 series for video
production desktop publishing and multimedia office productivity.
-- Australia to Loose 10% of its Computer Dealers
According to market researcher Graham Penn of International Data Corp.
(IDC), 10% of all computer dealers in Australia will close their doors
in January, after the Christmas sales peak.
Prices for PCs fell by 50% over the past year in Australia and dealers
have also reduced their own margins in an attempt to hold part of their
market share.
Penn said, "The big companies, with the exception of Apple, are all
suffering badly."
-- Sierra To Move PC Games To Video Game Cartridges
Sierra announced an agreement with International Computer Graphics (ICG)
under which ICG will represent the company's computer software games to
manufacturers of cartridge and hand-held entertainment systems.
The distinction between a computer and a home entertainment system had
already begun to deteriorate with the introduction of the CD-I, or
compact disc interactive, a device that looks like a VCR but is really a
computer and provides interactive home entertainment or education
through connection with a television.
ICG describes itself as a computer software licensing representation
group specializing in the home entertainment field with clients such as
Accolade, Konami, and Electronic Arts.
-- FBI Investigates Computerized Child Pornography
The FBI is investigating a complaint by an America On-Line user who says
he was able to get several versions of child pornographic pictures sent
to his private electronic mailbox after he subscribed to America On-Line
computer service.
Roger Dietz of Fremont, California, claims he subscribed to the America
On-Line computer service to investigate a tip given him by a friend in
Nevada that subscribers could engage in sexual conversations with teen-
age users. He said he received the computerized photographs after
engaging in electronic exchanges with other subscribers.
According to a spokesperson, America On-Line, which has 150,000 subscri-
bers and is based in Vienna, Virgina, is prevented by federal privacy
laws from monitoring communications on the system, so it was unaware of
the illegal traffic but is cooperating fully with the authorities.
America On-Line's spokesperson said, "Clearly, our policy is that E-mail
is a private area and we adhere to the privacy issues surrounding that.
This child porn stuff was taking place in the E-mail. So we were not
aware of it."
The FBI said computer bulletin boards are often used by child porno-
graphers, but for communication purposes only, not for the actual
transmission of the illegal material.
However, the FBI admitted the same privacy laws that make it difficult
for a company to monitor the traffic on its bulletin board will also
make the FBI investigation very difficult.
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service:
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
GEnie costs only $4.95 a month for unlimited evening and weekend access to
more than 100 services including electronic mail, online encyclopedia,
shopping, news, entertainment, single-player games, and bulletin boards on
leisure and professional subjects. With many other services, including
the biggest collection of files to download and the best online games, for
only $6 per hour.
GEnie Announcements (FREE)
1. Surcharge eliminated on Lansdowne, PA access number...........
2. Meet GeoWorks CEO Brian Dougherty LIVE 12/8 8:30 PM EST.....GEOWORKS
3. Laserdisc ?s to be answered by expert Arthur Workman on.....SHOWBIZ
4. SMOKE SIGNALS - a special RTC on Native American issues.....WRITERS
5. St. Niklaus comes early to Germany and the Deutschland RT...*GERMANY
6. Special RTC > Meet Jerry Pournelle and Mike Banks - 12/08...HOSB
7. Latest Computing RT event information available (FREE)......COMPUTING
8. Late on WED FRI & SAT. Adult-theme trivia awaits during.....NIGHTSIDE
9. A Christmas Contest has started -- the beat goes on in .....MIDI
10. Special Remote TRS-80 Conference Coming In..................TANDY
11. SING-A-LONG-A-SANTA with the Christmas music topic in ......*MUSIC
12. An Evening with George Takei, Sunday at 8 EST...............SFRT
13. If you like Football, play the Fantasy Football Pool........FF
14. Finding NY Historians - Check our KB First..................GENEALOGY
15. Compact Discs at DISCOUNT PRICES --->>......................NOTEWORTHY
Welcome to the GEnie Atari ST Roundtable
While we support the owners and users of Atari ST Computer systems here,
everyone is welcome to participate. The GEnie navigation program Aladdin
for the ST may be found in the ST Aladdin RoundTable. Just type STALADDIN
or m1000 to get there. Other RoundTables containing ST specifc
information include Softlogik (SOFTLOGIK), Michtron (MICHTRON) and
WordPerfect (WP). The Atari Portfolio has its own RoundTable. It may be
reached by typing (PORTFOLIO).
SysOps:
Darlah Pine (DARLAH)
Sandy Wilson (SANDY.W)
Fred Beckman (FB)
John Kennedy (JJKENNEDY)
Larry Duke (LARRY.D)
Atari Corporation Online:
Bob Brodie (BOB-BRODIE)
Dan McNamee (D.MCNAMEE)
John Townsend (TOWNS)
If you have any questions about any of the areas in the Roundtable,
just send MAIL to the one of the above staff members, or use the FEEDBACK
TO SYSOP option on the menu.
We reccommend that you read your GEnie manual thoroughly, and Capture
and read the Help available in the different areas of the Roundtable. In
addition, we have several Help Files in our Software Library which were
specifically written for the ST, and which will answer many of your
questions about using the Atari ST Roundtable.
To download these special Help Files, select #3 from the ST Roundtable
menu to get to the Software Library. Then select #6 from the Software
Library menu to Download a file. When you are asked for the name or number
of the file you want to download, enter the number from the list below for
the Help File you want to see. These files may be <D>ownloaded and read
from the desktop or in any word processor, or they may be listed and read
online using the <L>ist option.
The files we have available at this time are:
11984 BB.HLP X DARLAH 890829 32760 251 1
Desc: Help file for the Bulletin Board
10480 RAM_IGN.HLP X DARLAH 890522 5040 296 1
Desc: Read All Marked & IGNore PERManent
9484 ARC_IT.ARC X J.BELL6 890206 2520 116 1
Desc: Create ARC file instructions
9289 IGN_PERM.HLP X DARLAH 890119 16380 204 1
Desc: How to use the Bulletin Board
9207 COMANDMD.HLP X DARLAH 890109 1260 296 1
Desc: Command Mode vs Menu Mode help
9154 SETTINGS.HLP X DARLAH 890104 6300 449 1
Desc: How to set your settings for Genie
8918 LIB_NEW.HLP X DARLAH 881207 6300 499 1
Desc: Join/Ignore Software Libraries help
7630 YMODEM.HLP X DARLAH 880725 10080 1064 1
Desc: This is a Ymodem Batch Help file
7629 XMODEM.HLP X DARLAH 880725 10080 866 1
Desc: Help with Xmodem/Xmodem 1-K
7272 ARCUNARC.HLP X DARLAH 880619 10080 655 1
Desc: Help on extracting and archiving
4805 MAIL.HLP X DARLAH 871116 8820 244 1
Desc: Help with Genie Mail
4804 TEXTUPLD.HLP X DARLAH 871116 6300 245 1
Desc: HELP ON UPLOADING TEXT TO GENIE
4795 FILETYPE.HLP X DARLAH 871116 7560 301 1
Desc: Help on filetypes available Here
4794 GENIE.HLP X DARLAH 871116 6300 494 1
Desc: Help with Navigating on Genie
4790 UPLOAD.HLP X DARLAH 871116 10080 112 1
Desc: Help on uploading files to GEnie
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> THE FLIP SIDE STR Feature "... a different viewpoint.."
=========================
A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
==================================
by Michael Lee
----------------
Problems with a new SLM 605 laser printer by DRWARBEAU on Delphi...
HELP! I just got my eagerly awaited new SLM 605 laser printer but when
I hooked it up I got a fuzzy ghosting around the entire image.
I have a 1040 STe and an ICD+ host adapter with a Quantum 52 drive. I
tried resetting the SCSI ID's and running the laser thru the out port
on the Drive, nothing worked. But as soon as I disconnected the hard
drive from the chain the printer worked fine. I called Atari tech. and
ICD but all they could tell me was there is nothing they can do about
it and blamed each other for the problem.
Joppa computer (where I got the drive and SLM) and ICD told me this is
a common problem with the SLM/ICD/STE combination, ICD suggested I buy
a DMA switchbox. Has anyone else had this problem or have any
suggestions?
Reply from Bob Brodie (Atari)...
Call ICD back, and ask for Howard. They have a modification that has
to be done to their host adapter. The SLM-605 only has ghosting with
ICD host adapters in the chain. We loaned them an SLM-605 earlier this
year to make sure that they could locate the problem.
And yes, I've seen it on my own system as well. I went up to visit the
Sacramento ST Users Group a few months ago, and brought along my TT,
both monitors, and an ABCO hard disk with a Syquest drive in it. The
ABCO drive has an ICD host adapter in it. When I printed using just
the TT and the SLM, no problem. As soon as I had to hook up the ABCO
drive with the ICD host adapter, GHOST City.
I'm sure you just spoke to someone at ICD that wasn't really sure what
the problem is. Ask for Howard, he knows the scoop.
----------------
About the new Flash 2 from John Trautschol (Missionware) - Cat. 8,
Topic 5, Msg. 72 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
Yes, we did show Flash 2 at last weekends Chicago ComputerFest and the
interest in it was just short of fantastic.
We have not yet announced a release date. Earlier we had hoped for a
release around the middle of December, but I doubt that we'll make it
by then. Quite honestly, it's looking to be closer to the end of
January...possibly February.
The one thing we definitely want to do is to make as sure as humanly
possible that there are no bugs floating around and that the manual is
complete. We figure that you'd rather wait a few extra months than get
a buggy product!
And what Jonsey said is true...we've got a slew of beta testers
banging away not only at the various emulation modes but at the basic
program itself. We want to make sure that it runs on all ST/TT
machines. (You ought to see my office...I've got a 1040ST, 1040STe,
Mega STe and TT sitting here just trying to break the program!)
Once the program is released, we'll open up a special topic for Flash
2 to answer all of your questions. For now though, if you didn't
attend the show and would like to latch on to the information we
handed out about the program, I'd be more than happy to send you an
information sheet. Just send me a SASE (self-addressed stamped
envelope) and I'll get you the promotional literature as well as a
form for latching on to our "show special"!
Our address is:
Missionware Software
354 N. Winston Drive
Palatine, IL 60067-4132
BTW...the reason we haven't opened a topic on it yet is purely time.
We are literally working around the clock trying to get the program
ready and that leaves little time for answering questions. Thanks in
advance for your patience. I will try to answer as many questions as
humanly possible though!
And for those that are curious...the program is a brand new program by
a brand new author down in Australia by the name of Paul Nicholls. He
is a part of Sunsoft Systems Pty Ltd. Missionware Software is writing
the manual and will be handling worldwide distribution.
---------------
Atari in Spain!! From Norm B. (NORMAN238) on Delphi...
I went to collect our clubs mail today and found a NEW magazine with
Atari as the main subject. Now calm down don't get to exicted.
This is a DTP specific magazine from SPAIN!! It is printed in both
Spanish and English, each article is in both. I laughed when I saw
not one but 2 adds taking up 3 pages for the Mac but I would say that
the main focus besides being DTP is Atari, which is covered in a cover
letter and the editors orum. It has some nice DTP tips and a review
of Calamus SL & S. Also is a review on Notator and some small
stories. I liked it...kinda cute.
NOW for some nice stuff there is a picture of a TT030 in a tower
case!! I will give all the details that I can.
First it looks gold in color and looking at it, you see the number 33
lit up on an LCD display. The capition under it says that "This is a
basic, elegant, TT030 tower, but with some improvements."
RAM:8mb (4mbfast ram); up to 26mb, 256kb in ROM, max 512kb.
Fast and silent hard-drive Maxtor 3.5"; 213mb 15ms, 64kb Cache
(optional)
Floppy TEAC 3.5, 1.44mb and 5.25" 1.2mb - 100% compatible AT
standard (it also works in 720kb and 360kb)
You start it up with one single key, the same key that also allows you
to make sure nobody else can use your TT030 without your permission =
key. AND it has also space to grow.
There is no address or company name saying where you could get this
nice little "TOY" and looking at the spanish description it looks like
there is also a color card. I will type it in as best as I can and
someone out there can decifer it.
*Enchufe de salida est'ereo de 2x10 watios de sonido*.
In the cover letter he mentioned a seminar held in Boston Oct. 10-12
sponsored by the Society of Newspaper Design (SND). He states in his
letter, "And I was recently at the SND seminar in Bosotn only to
become even more convinced that Atari hardware and professional
software would be a good choice even for some of the biggest
newspapers and magazines. But nobody bothers to tell them. So whatever
Atari Corporation does (or, especially, do not ...) when it comes to
offering information, lets try to make our own "network" work. For
fun and utility"
The letter was sign by Natalia Kim, Publisher.
They are offering a 4 issue subscription for $10. American.
Their address and phone #s are as follows:
A DTP autoedicion & ___
Editorial Zona 10, S.A.
Bruc, 65 3o 2a [the o and a are underlined]
08009 Barcelona Spain
Tel. : 34-3-488 36 09
FAX : 34-3-487 66 65
BBS work days from 8pm to 9am and 24 hours on weekends 34-3-301 66 59
this number will change next year to 34-3-488 26 37.
They use Michtron BBS system up to 2400 baud, and is called BBS de A
DTP.
----------------
Questions about the math co-processor and socket in the Mega STe by
Allan Gus on CIS...
Where can I find out the details of what the add ons will do for me?
For example, If I install the co-processor, what will that give me?
Faster? Can I get the co-processor anywhere? I would love to load up
my STe.
Reply from Jim Ness on CIS...
One of the reasons that the coprocessor is not very well-known is that
there is very little software written to use it.
Mostly heavy-duty graphics/CAD stuff, where math speed is important.
If you run that type of software, you will notice a speed increase;
otherwise, no.
Reply from Bob Retelle (sysop) on CIS...
...the "PAL" chip is just extra circuitry needed to make the co-
processor work in the ST. I guess Atari figured there was no reason to
put it in ALL the STs if only a few people were going to need it for a
co-processor.
Replies from Bob Brodie (Atari) on CIS...
The math co-processor will only make a difference if the software that
you're using is written to take advantage of it. So far, only a hand-
ful of programs do that: Most of the Lexicor Software, and DynaCadd.
Other than those products, having a co-processor will add ZERO to your
system.
The socket that you've noticed is indeed for a math co-processor chip.
It also requires a separate PAL to go along with it. Your dealer can
order that as a part from Atari.
The nice thing about the Mega STE is the expansion that it offers. You
can replace the HD with just about anything...I'm running a 60 meg
Seagate in mine. It's very fast, and super quiet. And the price was
right, too! (I was handy when the Seagate rep came schmoozing around
that day! :) )
In addition, the VME bus will handle a whole new world of expansion
for you. There are graphics cards that will go into that bus that will
allow you to go to a higher rez with your Mega STE. Here at Atari,
we've gone to 640x480x256 on a Mega STE, using a TT color monitor.
Really nice looking!!
Also, with modem prices as cheap as they are right now (2400 baud
<$100), it's possible to hook up more than one modem to your Mega STE
and using STalker 3 you can actually call two (or more) places at
once!! Really nifty!
----------------
Sales information about Flight of the Intruder by No. 19 (Holobyte) -
Cat. 9, Topic 34, Msg. 44 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
Believe me, the UK version might have come out a week before the US
version but that's it :-) The main problem is that most dealers didn't
order for us directly even if they were in the US :-(
Almost all our software is sold to distributors which then in turn
sell to dealers. As far as I can tell, not one of the major distri-
butors carry Atari ST software. That means it's up to the individual
dealer and almost all of them went to England instead of to us.
Let's see, I have the sales figures around here somewhere... Oh, here
they are!
We've sold just over 700 copies of Flight of the Intruder for the
Atari ST. That includes direct sales as well. Alas, that's not even
enough sales to cover the cost of testing the program let alone the
development costs. Of course, it sold much better overseas than here
in the US. If I find out those numbers, I'll let you know.
----------------
Some general information from Bob Brodie (Atari) on CIS...
The prices quoted for the TT are the same at this time: no difference
between Class A or Class B machines.
The reason that we made the ST Book with a 8 Mhz 68000 rather than a
68030 was two fold: First and foremost: BATTERY LIFE! Using the 68030
would reduce the amount of time that this unit could operate by a
significant amount. One of the selling features of the ST Book is it's
long battery life: up to 10 hours! That got the attention of every
journalist that I spoke to at COMDEX.
Re the marketing campaign: we have a number of new products that will
be coming out in 1992. When those products are launched, I think you
will start to see a major difference. Prior to that, most of our
efforts will be focused via print ads done co-opt with
dealers/developers/VARs. We're having some good luck in bringing on
some heavy hitting dealers. Their primary motivation is very simple:
money! The profit margin on clones is almost non-existent. Apple has
scaled back their margins tremendously, and we've been raising ours.
:-)
Couple that with good dealer training (gotta schedule another AEGIS
Symposium soon!) and an increasing flow of new products from our
developers. It all adds up to a pretty promising picture.
----------------
Some final comments about the Chicago Show from Bob Brodie (Atari) -
Cat. 11, Topic 10, Msg. 389 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
I think I've just about recovered from the show...best kinda fatigue
that you can have! :)
We could not have done an event of this scale without the able
assistance of our good friends at LCACE. Mike Brown and Larry Grauzas
are the masterminds are orchestrating all of the local support, much
of the local advertising, and provided the much needed leadership in
coordinating all the local user groups that were willing to lend a
hand in this event.
They had to do much of this on their own, as I frequently had my hands
tied up with other activities, like Glendale and WAACE! In order to
make sure that no one show was promoted by Atari over another, I
waited until virtually the last moment to really throw our support
behind this event. (Ok, so there was this little wing ding in Las
Vegas called COMDEX that took some of my time, too!) On our end,
everything that Atari did was made possible by the great enthusiasm of
our President, Greg Pratt. Greg didn't blink when I showed him our
list of personel going to the show, and actually *ADDED* more hardware
to the list to take to the show! That's a first for me, folks...and
I'd hate to count how many shows I've filled out these forms for.
I'm very grateful to the community wide support that made this such a
successful event. It was the vision of some of our key developers that
led us to attempt the training seminars. This was a significant FIRST
for any show.
Feedback from both attendees and *other developers* lends credence to
the idea that there are a lot of folk that would have liked to attend,
but found the classes full. In addition, I have already had feelers
from other developers that want to do some seminars for the next
show!! We appear to have a trend in the works, folks!!
It is a matter of record that both Glendale and WAACE have large,
loyal followings that look forward to the event being held in their
areas each year. We're very, very pleased that our first attempt at
MidWest support was so well recieved by such a very diverse crowd. The
post-show reports from users and developers alike lend a strong
feeling that this may turn into an annual happening.
While the weather may have hampered our attendance, I found it an in-
teresting change. Why does it snow sideways in Chicago...is it because
there is less gravity around O'Hare?? :-)
For a first event, we're thrilled! Now, I'm gonna start resting up for
1992. But first, again, my thanks to LCACE, MilAtari, Eastside Atari
Users Group, MAST, and the many others groups that arrived to help
out. Your "what can we do to help?" attitude made for one of the
nicest setup/teardowns I've ever experienced. It reminded me of the
well-oiled machine that we have down in Southern California! (That's
about as good as it gets!) John Jainschigg sheperded the assembly/
upgrade of a number of TT030s with hard disks and ram boards, Joe
Julian from LCACE did the same with the Mega STEs in the DTP training
rooms. WOW...what cooperation!!
My apologies to anyone's contributions that we may have overlooked in
any fashion. There was *so much* going on!!!!
----------------
Until next week.....
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
As a reader of STReport International Online Magazine, you are entitled to
take advantage of a special DELPHI membership offer. For only $29.95 ($20
off the standard membership price!), you will receive a lifetime subscrip-
tion to DELPHI, a copy of the 500-page DELPHI: THE OFFICIAL GUIDE and over
$14 worth of free time.
NOTE: Special offers can be found in your favorite Atari magazines:
START CURRENT NOTES ST INFORMER
ATARI INTERFACE MAGAZINE
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
1. Dial 617-576-0862 with any terminal or PC and modem (at 2400 bps,
dial 576-2981).
2. At the Username prompt, type JOINDELPHI.
3. At the Password prompt enter STREPORT.
For more information, call DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005, or at
617-491-3393 from within Massachusetts or from outside the U.S.
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Mass.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
--------------------
Beginning September 1, 1990, DELPHI will begin offering a new plan
that will save you money! The new plan is called the 20/20 Advantage
Plan and it features 20 hours online for just $20 a month! The $20 is a
monthly fee that covers your first 20 hours online via direct dial into
one of DELPHI's two direct-access lines, or via a special Tymnet 20/20
Access code. It also gets you additional hours at just $1.20 per hour.
And you get free access to several services on DELPHI as part of the
Advantage Perks.
Other telecom services may have additional charges. Canadian Tymnet
users have an additional telecom charge. Office Time access (7 a.m. to 7
p.m., weekdays) may have an additional charge. And of course, other
restrictions may apply. But this is still an amazing deal!
For more information, contact DELPHI at 1-800-544-4005 and ask for
Member Services.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> SYSOP RIP-OFF! STR FOCUS BBS HOBBYISTS TO PAY BUSINESS PHONE RATES!!
========================
An article from;
The Virginia Ledger Star (04 December 1991)
Virginia Beach, Va
compiled by Neil Bradley
PHONE RATES THREATEN BULLETIN BOARDS
====================================
Computer bulletin board operators who help Hampton Roads residents
swap everything from bad jokes to family trees, all for free, say the
telephone company is unfairly raising its rates and could force them to
shut down. C&P Telephone says the bulletin board service, commonly
called BBS's are a business use, not residential, and should pay higher
rates.
The new rates would boost the operators' phone bills $50.00 to $100.00
a month. They take effect this week. "There's nothing being done on my
computer that could remotely be called a business," said Dennis Ricketts,
34 a Virginia Beach firefighter who helps run a service called Fidonet,
with more than 1,600 members in Hampton Roads. "I do not charge anyone a
fee," he said. "I don't see how they can justify this except that
they're gouging consumers for more money." Deborah McKay of Virginia Beach
has used the boards to trace her family tree back to 17th century England,
and to help others do the same for free.
She and others estimate that 8,000 to 12,000 Hampton Roads residents
use the services. Some computer bulletin boards are part of a "telephonic
Pony Express," as one operator put it, but they are far less visible.
They hand off messages from one computer user to another, state to state
and continent to continent.
"This is one of the last frontiers where I can truly exercise free
speech," Ricketts said. The operators will be meet at 7 p.m. Thursday
(05 Dec) in the Virginia Beach Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
They plan to swap gripes, discuss strategy and hear from telephone company
officials about the new policy.
Clarence Perry, the C&P manager responsible for enforcing the
company's rates, declined to comment Monday. Other C&P officials could
not be reached. Perry sent letters to the operators last week, informing
them of the change. The letters offered no way to appeal the decision,
but two of the operators have filed appeals with the State Cooperation
Commission. Operators say they use phones no more than many households,
and sometimes less because a computer is transmission may take minutes or
seconds. McKay said her computer used the phone for less than four hours
most days.
William Billings, a senior utilities specialist with the SCC, said
there has been debate over whether a BBS is a "normal use." "At what point
does it become a business use rather than residential?" he said. "That
has never really been defined." The operators say the policy is highly
selective because the phone company doesn't know how a phone is being
used. Billings agreed. "People can say they're adding a line for a
teenager, and as a practical matter there's no way for the phone company
to tell the difference."
The appeals will be reviewed by the SCC staff and may go to the
commission. In other states, Billings said, the matter has been resolved
by compromise. An operator with two or three lines pays residential
rates; those with more pay business rates. Operators fear telephone
companies are about to go into the bulletin board business and want to
squeeze out some of the competition first.
Editor note:
------------
This particular situation has been cropping up all over the country
lately. Apparently, AT&T is still "calling the shots" even though
Congress neutralized the 'so-called' communications monopoly it had over
the USA and the World. In the past three months, there has been anywhere
between thirty and seventy calls per week coming into our office
pertaining to this very thing. Local phone company reps all doing the
same thing! Trying to raise the rates of hobbyist BBS system operators to
that of a commercial enterprise. The FCC is bound to become involved in
this matter sooner or later. If this situation becomes your situation, I
strongly recommend that you file an informal petition with the FCC
requesting an investigation. Send copies of this request to your
congressman along with a strong letter of protest.
___________________________________________________
> MIDI SPY! STR InfoFile A Unique MIDI Sequencer
======================
For immediate release
CodeHeadQuarters
Friday, December 6, 1991
------------------------
...............................................
: :
: CodeHead Software announces MIDI Spy! :
: :
: A Unique MIDI Sequencer That Records :
: :
: And Plays In The Background! :
:.............................................:
With MIDI Spy installed, you'll never lose another valuable musical idea
because your sequencer wasn't ready to record -- MIDI Spy is always
listening. You can call it background operation or you can call it MIDI
multi-tasking, but what it gives you is freedom and power!
Whether you're a professional musician or a music hobbyist, MIDI Spy is
the recorder you've been waiting for. As a musician, it's never easy to
remember to push that button BEFORE you start recording. Many times
you'll just start playing without realizing you're about to create
something you should capture. Plus, there's always that stigma attached
to the "red light" that tends to inhibit your talent.
With MIDI Spy, you can forget about these things. You don't have to be
a recording engineer. You don't have to anticipate your moments of
inspiration. And you won't feel the pressure of the red light. In
fact, you'll even forget MIDI Spy is installed, until you're ready to
replay your creations.
Even if you aren't in a creative mood, MIDI Spy can make your day. You
can tell it to play a list of MIDI files in the background while you
continue to use your computer for other tasks like word processing,
desktop publishing, telecommunications, or file maintenance. Now you
don't need to waste time while waiting for an upload or download through
your modem...you can be working (playing) with your MIDI equipment!
Feature List
------------
o Runs as a program or a desk accessory in all resolutions on all Atari
ST, STe, and TT machines.
o MIDI data can be recorded or played back at any time -- from the
desktop or from within GEM or TOS programs, whether the MIDI Spy
dialog box is open or not.
o Up to 999 songs can be recorded, played back, loaded, or saved.
o GEM dialog box provides control with the mouse or keyboard.
o Load and save single songs or sets of songs in MIDI Spy format.
o Load and save single songs, sets of songs, or multitrack recordings
in ALL of the current MIDI standard formats, allowing you to exchange
recordings with any other sequencer supporting MIDI standard files.
o Definable "record gap" automatically divides your recordings into
individual songs for easy retrieval.
o Recordings may be layered through overdubbing and merging of songs.
o Timing resolution is equivalent to 96 ticks per quarter note at 120
beats per minute and background operation is not affected by the
current foreground task -- MIDI Spy is rock-solid!
o Hot keys are always active, allowing control of MIDI Spy from
your computer keyboard at any time.
o MIDI Spy functions can be assigned to MIDI commands to control
operations directly from your MIDI keyboard -- without even touching
your computer.
o Autoload a song or set of songs and even have MIDI Spy start playing
automatically when you boot up.
o Song information, including copyright notice, can be entered and
saved with your songs. Song and track names from MIDI files will
appear in the song information box.
o Chain songs together for continuous "juke box" type of playback --
unaffected by the current operation of your computer.
o Uses only about 30K of memory plus as much or as little memory as you
wish to use for recording.
o Thermometer bar display of memory usage shows memory available and
memory used, by the current song as well as the whole set of songs.
o Tempo can be adjusted from 10% to 300% of the original tempo.
o Fine tuned for non-interference with your other programs. Special
hooks provide communication with the included program, Captain Hook,
which helps eliminate MIDI overflow.
o Software selectable THRU option.
o Customize your MIDI Spy configuration by saving it directly into MIDI
Spy.
o Special MIDIMAX mode allows you to actually record your MIDIMAX
output. (MIDIMAX is CodeHead's real-time MIDI performance tool
featuring chord maps and MIDI macros).
o 100% assembly language, complete with all of the quality you've come
to expect from CodeHead Software.
Try the free MIDI Spy demo for yourself to get a taste of this
amazing new concept. Don't let your computer tell YOU when to be
creative...with MIDI Spy you're always ready.
Availability
------------
Projected release date for MIDI Spy is December 16, 1991. A demo
version is available now on all the major on-line services as well as
the CodeHead BBS. Suggested retail price is $79.95.
For more information, contact your local dealer, or:
CodeHead Software
PO Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tel (213) 386-5735
Fax (213) 386-5789
BBS (213) 461-2095
______________________________________________________________
> UK NewsWire STR Spotlight "Jaguar and Falcon not Games but..."
=========================
INTERNATIONAL ATARI NEWS
========================
Compiled by Terry Stevens
ST-User issue 70
Jaguar and Falcon not Games but.........
Reports claiming that Atari's Jaguar (tentative debut -> Spring CES)
project is a combined home computer and games system have been dismissed
by the firm (Atari U.K.) as "pure speculation", but Atari UK has confirmed
that a new super TT will be released next year. One merely has to know
Atari's"codename" game... Birds = computer projects, Cats = Game machines.
Jaguar will use a 32-bit 68030 processor and a 32-bit graphics and
sound processor simultaneously, and cartridges will be used for storage.
But when asked whether the machine will be ST-compatible a spokesman
replied: "I doubt that you could stick a 3.5in disk in and it work."
He described the Jaguar as a next generation console and said it "will
be much further up the games playing ladder". Atari would like to sell
the Jaguar for less than 100.00 UK ~ $180.00 US but the technology
involved is likely to lift its price nearer to 200.00 UK ~ $360.00 US).
Future STs are likely to take advantage of Jaguar's much improved
graphics and sound processor although there are still no signs of Atari
working in this direction.
ST Marketing Manager Darryl Still (Atari U.K.) says that Research and
Development division have been looking at new products for ore than a
year, but was not willing to reveal further information about plans for
the ST.
He did, however, confirm that the Texas R&D plant are working on
the Falcon project, a highly improved TT. The current machine's 68030
processor will be swapped for a faster 68040 (TT040) to make it up to five
times faster than today's model.
Falcon's TT should have broadcast quality 24-bit graphics with 64-bit
access. On reports claiming it will have a CD-ROM drive Atari said:
"There are various projects in the States."
OPTIC'S
Power computing announced an optical drive with 128 megabytes of
storage capacity. It is an external drive which enables information to be
stored on fully-rewritable 3.5in optical cartridges. Manufactured by
computer giant IBM it has a seek rate of 60 milliseconds and plugs
directly into the ST's DMA (ACSI) port.
It has it's own power supply and built in fan and costs $1,199.00 UK
$2158.20 US. Cartridges can be bought for 36.00 UK each ~ $64.00.
ST-Format issue 29
ST SALES IN U.K.
Period Units Sold
Sept'85 (Launch) - Dec'86 30,000
Jan'87 - Dec'87 70,000
Jan'88 - Dec'88 120,000
Jan'89 - Dec'89 150,000
Jan'90 - Dec'90 150,000+
Jan'91 - Dec'91 180,000 est.
Total ST's in U.K. 700,000+
Publisher 2 ST
GST/Electric distribution is upgrading Timeworks Publisher to version
2 ST.. cost 110.00 UK ~ $198.00 US for new users, cost 34.95 UK ~ $62.91
US for existing users.
Contact: Lorri Marton, Electric Distribution, Meadow Lane, St. Ives,
Cambridgeshire PE17 4LG ** telephone 0480-496666 ** upgrade line 0480-496-
575 ** fax 040-496189.
Also note that 1st Word Plus has been upgraded to version 3.2..
MISC. FROM U.S.
PLI makers of hard-drives for the Apple Macintosh, MS-DOS computers,
Atari ST/TT, and Commodore Amiga, will be producing Floptical drives for
the above computers using the InSight floptical 21 megabyte disk drive.
No price yet.
The SuperBase database program will be marketed by a new company to
the Atari market Oxxi Inc.. Oxxi Inc. previously dealt with Commodore
based machines. Oxxi, purchased Precision Software's Atari ST, Commodore
64/128, Commodore Amiga versions of SuperBase about week after Precision
Software was sold to PC software house SPC makers of Harvard Graphics.
Current versions of SuperBase on the MS-DOS platform remain with SPC.
SuperBase 4.0 (available on the MS-DOS platform) was rumored to be in
various stages of being tested for the Atari ST. Oxxi Inc. also received
in the deal Precision's distribution house in the U.K...
for more info:
Oxxi Inc.
1339 East 28th Street
Long Beach, CA 90806.
telephone (213)427-1227.
Atari (U.S.) Computer Corporation has a new independant sales
representative for the SouthEast United States (Georgia, Alabama, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee). He is Steven Gold
of NorthStar Marketing, Steven was formally the rep. for Atari in Florida
under contract to Crescendo Assoc. (who remains the representative in
Florida). NorthStar Marketing can be reached at (305)862-7522. Crescendo
can be reached at (305)922-9553.
_____________________________________________________
> STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date...
================================
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
=========================
On CompuServe
by Judith Hamner 72257,271
If the pre-holiday stress gets too overwhelming, we have the answer in
our library. ELIZA.ZIP is the classic computer psychiatrist. BJ Gleason
has also uploaded FLIP.BAS, LETTER.BAS, and RUSSIN.BAS, all classic basic
games. Another classic in the towers of Hanoi game. HANOI.ZIP is Don
Messerli's solution for the puzzle.
The new graphics animation program, PGFLIX is inspiring the budding
artists in our membership. T2.ZIP has a Terminator theme, uploaded by Don
Thomas. PM.ZIP is a Pac Man theme, also by Don. HH.PGC brings us Atari's
holiday wishes. Hugh Campbell brings some fun of his own with MACS.ARC,
an animation of a Macintosh screen. Other offerings from Hugh include
FISH.PGX with a swimming fish and DOG.PGX with a little dog trotting
across the screen. Craig Davis has offered CARPGX.ZIP, his first attempt
at graphics. EYES.ZIP by Don Thomas is a guaranteed attention grabber.
Don Messerli has uploaded the official PCX file specification which
was created by him and BJ Gleason. This will be of interest to anyone who
wants to incorporate PGX support into their programs. David Stewart has
created ESHOW.ZIP which offers multimedia and hypertext with your editor
and graphics files.
Alan Ogden has responded to a few items on the wish list with a suite
of useful programs. METRNO.BAS is a Pbasic metronome. BESTBU.BAS is a tool
for comparison shoppers offering help in choosing the best buy. ASC.BAS is
a utility to help determine the ASCII code for each key.
J.A. Turnquist offers a simple chess game. GCHESS.ARC has a nice
display and is fast and easy to use. Robert Kelsoe has a new addition to
the set of flight programs for pilots. AUTODU.COM is a communications
program to connect with DTC DUAT to obtain weather briefings. The
briefings can be viewed with the built-in editor.
PBE20.ZIP is version 2.0 of the Pbasic editor by BJ Gleason. This
editor will work on your PC and features Portfolio emulation. This means
that "Port specific" programs can be run on your desktop. The file also
includes Pbasic version 4.91 which was modified to take advantage of the
editor.
AUTOEX.ZIP is a utility uploaded by Craig Davis to allow you to choose
what programs to loadat boot time. HEX.ZIP by Don Messerli will do a hex
dump of any file for you. PSHELL.ZIP by Tom Showers is a handy program
that will list the executable files in your directory and let you select
one to run.
In the miscellaneous category are a pair of neat programs by BJ
Gleason. DIPMAT.EXE will aid the cloak and dagger fans to decipher the
coding on diplomatic license plates. It will tell you the country and
embassy position of the owner. QA.ZIP is an expert system like auestion
and answer program. It includes a demo.
Craig Davis has compiled a directory of files in our library in ADR
format. This will make it easy to keep an up-to-date listing.
David Posey has created a mortgage calculator. This Pbasic program
will calculate principal, interest, payments or the number of periods when
the other three terms are provided. John Feagans offers several useful
math and statistics programs in MATH.ZIP.
_________________________________________________________
> MEGASCAN! STR InfoFile SCANNER SUPPORT FOR MEGAPAINT
======================
CodeHeadQuarters
Friday, December 6, 1991
For immediate release
------------------------
CODEHEAD ANNOUNCES SCANNER SUPPORT FOR MEGAPAINT PROFESSIONAL!
Recently, CodeHead Software became the exclusive representative in the
USA and Canada for MegaPaint Professional, an extraordinarily fast and
feature-packed painting/drawing program developed by Germany's
TommySoftware.
Now, CodeHead has added support for several popular scanners to
MegaPaint Professional, through communication with Dr. Bobware's new
low-priced ScanLite desk accessory. ScanLite supports the Migraph,
Geniscan, Golden Image and Daatascan scanners -- and now, so does
MegaPaint Professional!
Charles F. Johnson, co-owner of CodeHead Software, said, "When I
spoke to Dr. Bob at the Chicago Computerfest, I was excited to discover
that he had built into ScanLite the ability to communicate with outside
applications. As soon as we returned from the show, I wrote a small
external module for MegaPaint Professional that calls ScanLite and tells
it to scan straight into the MegaPaint picture area."
Once you've scanned an image, you can then use MegaPaint's impressive
array of drawing and painting tools to retouch it, enhance it, transform
it, or anything else you can imagine -- all at incredible speeds! In
operations such as loading an IMG file, or rotating a block, MegaPaint
Professional has been benchmarked at speeds almost 200 times faster than
its closest competitor, Migraph's Touch-Up.
According to Mr. Johnson, "MegaPaint's ability to use 'external
modules' means that it is the only ST/TT graphics package that will
never go out of date." Programmers interested in writing MegaPaint
modules should contact CodeHead Software for more details.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
---------------------------------------
Product: MegaPaint Professional
Retail Price: $175
Available from: CodeHead Software
P.O. Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tel 213-386-5735
Fax 213-386-5789
---------------------------------------
Product: ScanLite
Retail Price: $20
Available from: Dr. Bobware
180 N. Hazeltine Ave
Campbell, OH 44405-1024
Tel 216-743-4712
---------------------------------------
> STReport's Editorial Page "Saying it like it is."
From the Editor's Desk
----------------------
Christmas is right around the corner and STReport will begin its
"Santa's Helpers column next week for all to use as a handy reference for
that 'last minute' Stocking Stuffer Shopping.
On to an even brighter event! The brightest spot of the week belongs
to Nathan Potechin and Darlah Hudson Pine. These fine folks exchanged the
Vows of Matrimony this week. In the true spirit of friendship and honor,
STReport, its Publisher, Staff and Editors wish a wonderful, joyous and
healthy life of wedded bliss for Nathan and Darlah.
Keep your eyes open for a fantastic contest coming soon to GEie's ST
RT. The "Grand Prize" is gonna be the "Cat's Meow"! Also watch here for
exciting news about TOS upgrades and the circuit boards needed to bring
your older ST in the 21st century in a New York second! Big 'tings are
"a-brewin' fer sure. :-)
Hang tuff kiddies, we're on a roll!
Ralph.......
""""""""""""""""""
> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
=============
STReport's MailBag
==================
From GEnie;
Category 6, Topic 2
Message 62 Wed Nov 27, 1991
HCOLLINS [H-MAN] at 00:57 EST
Keith,
I don't know what they told Gary, but I do know what they told me
after I had just upgraded to their latest version.
Before upgrading I gave them a call to find out if their latest
version supported the TT platform (Not being specific about TT Medium Rez
that is) and they assured me that it did, so I ordered.
When I got my upgrade in, I immediately loaded it in and to my
surprise I found that it somewhat supports TT med. Rez but it shades the
protected cells making it almost impossible to read.
I immediatley called Logical Design Works and asked to speak to the
salesperson I had ordered from. That person was busy and he/she would
return my call as soon as they were free to do so.
After 4 calls I asked the receptionist for the presidents name so that
I could send him a letter of dissatisfaction. Having explained the problem
to the receptionist the last three calls she knew who I was and asked if
she could give it one more try. In 10 seconds the salesperson was on the
phone and I explained to him/her what the problem was. By the way these
calls were 2 to 3 days apart.
His/her response was that I would have to use the program in ST Med.
or ST Hi rez because LDW had no intentions of doing any more upgrades for
the "ST" line of Computers because the market share was just to small to
warrant any more development for it.
When I tried to explain that I had only upgraded to get TT med rez
support and my previous version had no problems with it and if I had known
that then I would not have upgraded because there was no need he/she
stated that the upgrade fee stood and thats the way it was.
This is getting discouraging.
Well I hope they change their minds and decide to do further upgrades
and also more great programs such as LDW Power.
H-Man
------------
Date: 01-Dec-91 20:28 EST
From: Requested that Name be witheld (A highly visible developer)
Reply to: "Your impressions"
Ralph,
I think that the three shows that Atari proposes to support, Chicago,
Glendale and WAACE, are a 'cheap way' to appease the remaining user base
in N. America. Greg Pratt's most revealing statement was that, Atari and
certain third party developers are now offering some very powerful DTP -
MIDI - GRAPHICS solutions and t
hat 'we' fully expect these systems to
trickle down to the common users over a two year period. He referred to
this software and hardware solutions as a pyramid - best and most
expensive at top the least expensive and powerful at bottom. My
interpretation of this was that Atari's effort is going into 'professional
solutions' and not into applications for the common user. Atari's effort
means incentive to developers, development support and financial support.
It seems clear to me that Atari is trying to crack into the high end
market at the expense of the common user base that was attracted by 'Power
without the Price'. Their worst mistake was buying the Federated Group.
It left them without the capital for real development. Since the
Federated fiasco, the Tramiels have been running Atari like a "Mom and
Pop" corner market. The computer industry is a high stakes market that
requires heavy investment if one is to grab a meaningful share and
maintain a firm grip upon it. Mom and Pop book handling that leads to a
few dozen monitors or computers shipped at a time simply doesn't cut it.
_________________________________________________
STReport's Staff The regulars and this week's contributors!
----------------
Publisher - Editor
------------------
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Robert Retelle Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
-----------------------
Michael Arthur Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. Dana P. Jacobson
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Contributing Correspondents:
----------------------------
Michael Lee Richard Covert Roger Stevens
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Ben Hamilton
Neil Bradley Eric Jerue Ron Deal
Robert Dean Ed Westhusing James Nolan
Vernon W. Smith
IMPORTANT NOTICE
================
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
GEnie......................... ST.REPORT
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0
____________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Reporting ABOUT Atari...not FOR Atari!"
=====================
* "Rumors - Tidbits - Predictions - Observations - Hot Tips" *
========================================================
HOT OFF USENET!
---------------
Read subscription article (Usenet)
/Gateways/Usenet/comp/sys/atari/st/tech/Atari docs
16355.3.1737.1 Atari docs
11/30/91 10:43 29/1222 ilaskey@cix.compulink.co.uk (Iain Laskey)
Lines 1 to 14 of 29 (48%)
-----
A few people have asked for more info on the release by Atari UK of the
programming docs.
They have been released as 5 books.
[1] Programming Guides GEMDOS/BIOS & general programming. 238 pages #29.99
gemdos ref manual, pexec cookbook, hitchikers guide to bios, AHDI,
Still Another Line A Doc (SALAD), Intelligent keyboard protocol,
chkdsk3 docs, midi assoc address sheet.
[2] Programming Guides New machines. 184 pages #29.99
Rainbow TOS release notes, STE developers addendum, STE TOS release
notes,- TT030 TOS release notes, TT030 hardware ref manual, VME
expansion for TT & Mega STe. Includes 2 disks of utilities, examples,
xcontrol, & docs.
[3] Programming Guides - GEM VDI
[4] Programming Guides - GEM AES - Combined books. 514 pages #49.99
All the above together #99.99
[5] Hardware and Chip Specs. 228 Pages #29.99
Engineering hardware spec, ACSI, MC6850, 68901, ay3-8910, wd1770,
blitter Monitor & cartridge port. Also schematics.
Atari UK Software Support
Atari, Atari House
Railway Terrace
Slough, BERKS
United Kingdom. SL2 5BZ
Tel 0753 533344
From: news.hawaii.edu!uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu!jw
w@ames.arpa (Jack W. Wine)
Subject: Atari Israel
3-DEC-1991 18:59:16.51 N
To: Info-Atari16@naucse.cse.nau.edu
The Special Advertising Section in the November '91 BYTE magazine has an
article called "Israeli Computing" by Ud Gundar. His first paragraph
provides information about Atari's manufacturing venture in Israel:
If you are in high-tech business, watch out for what is going on in
Israel. Take this week, for example: the government just granted Atari
$20,000,000 to starta project in Israel. Atari will invest no more than
$5,000,000--and will own 66% of the shares of a $25,000,000 firm.
It seems like the Tramiels should be in the construction business too!
- San Francisco, CA. MIHOCKA SELLING QST!
-----------------
Darek Mihocka announced Tuesday night, during the regular DELPHI weekly
CO, that QuickST is 'for sale.' Mihocka said if anyone has any bugs to
report, they need to get them in NOW, as he will only be supporting the
program for a few weeks more. Mihocka intends to work full-time on
developing the GEMULATOR, a software/hardware package that allows ST
software to be run on a PC. He expects that QuickST will be picked up
soon by another ST developer for future support.
____________________________________________________
> A "Quotable Quote"
==================
"FRANK AND EXPLICIT -- that's the right line to take...
when you wish to conceal your own mind and....
confuse the minds of others..."
....Benjamin Disraeli
__________________________________________________________
> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * NEW HOLIDAY Prices! MORE Products! *
=========================== *** SUPER *** HOLIDAY SPECIALS!
** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
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)
(all cables and connectors installed)
- Available for all Platforms -
* ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
* ICD ADSCSI+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED *
* SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS *
-- QUANTUM: THE "ROLLS ROYCE" OF HARD DRIVES --
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE!!! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
Deluxe 2 bay Cabinet w/65w auto-switching PS
TIME PROVEN to be the most reliable!
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 439.00
SGN6277 65Mb 28ms 5.25" Y 469.00
SGN1096 85Mb 28ms 5.25" Y 549.00
SQN2055 105mb 12ms 3.5" Y 599.95
SQN1296 210Mb 12ms 3.5" Y 879.00
==================================================
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES DEDUCT $60.00
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAIALABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES DEDUCT $60.00
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAIALABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
CPU ACCELERATOR & MEMORY UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED
>> ABCO proudly offers the fabulous 1040 & MEGA STe Computers <<
Call for ABCO's Introductory prices!
ATARI COMPUTERS * STILL THE BEST VALUE!
If you don't see what you want listed here, call us.
Odds are, we either have it or, can get it for you!
AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE!
** 800-562-4037 **
"We service what we sell"
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
- SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADSCSI PLUS H/A
- ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable
- Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply
(1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.
--->> SPECIAL! NOW ONLY __$ 645.00__ <<---
**** SCSI UNITS -> ONLY $585.00 ****
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
Cart and Utility Software Included!
EXTRA CARTS: $ 74.50
DRIVE MECH ONLY: $ 349.95
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1019.00 **
Includes: * TWO * cartridges!
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
** 50mb SQG51S $819.00 105mb SQG105S $1019.00 **
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
** ANNOUNCING THE NEW! -> ABCO CD-ROM! **
:Special Introductory offer:
ABCO CD-ROM $389.95 (limited time only)
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)
* IBM - MSDOS - AMIGA - ATARI - APPLE - MACINTOSH *
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - GCR
LARGER units are available - (Custom Configurations)
*>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*
- Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets -
Atari SLM 804, SLM 804PCV Laser Toner Kits
Memorex 2108, 5287
Oasys Laserpro 5287, 5308, Express 830, Express Series II
Silver Express, Gold Express
** $41.95 shipping Included **
Atari SLM 605 Laser Toner Kits
AT&T 593, CAF Laser, DSI Laser, DTP Systems, Epson EPL-6000
Facit P6060, Fontx Syslaser, Harris3M 2006, M-Tally MT905
Microtek Turbo PS, OAS Laserpro Executive, Packard Bell 9500
TEC LB 1305, Toshiba PageLaser 6
** $41.95 shipping included **
(TWO Toner Carts Incl.)
Panasonic Laser Toner Kits
Panasonic KX -P 400 series, Panafax UF-750 Facimile
** $41.95 shipping included **
-- ALL TONER KITS * IN STOCK * --
* Toner Starter Kits-$62.95 *
* Replacement (804) Drums-$186.95 *
ABCO's Replacement Toner Advantages
===================================
A Few Pointers about the NEW and SUPERIOR replacement Toner Cartridges
from ABCO Computers.
Quality
-------
o Better density the OEM Toner under all testing conditions.
(AVG 1.40-1.50)
o Formulation completely compatible with the OEM initial toner and
supply toner. This replacement Toner may be added to the Laser
Printer along with OEM initial toner or supply toner.
o The NEW replacement initial toner will maintain a high level of
quality "much longer" using the replacement toner.
o Much smaller drop in density is realized when printing in the
continuous mode.
Test Pattern:
10 graphic pages
1000 text pages (3 alternating pages)
Time Schedule:
330 prints continuously
1 hour pause, 3-4 times a day
normally 1000 copies a day
maximum 1400 copies a day
OEM ABCO'S NEW STANDARD
--- -------------------
Density 1.30 - 1.40 1.40 - 1.50
Yield 92.1 g/1000 copies 95.3 g/1000 copies
Waste toner 20.3 g/1000 copies 14.3 g/1000 copies
Transfer Rate 78% 85%
>> MANY other ATARI related products STOCKED <<
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
Personal and Company Checks are accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service
9am - 8pm EDT
Tues thru Sat
ABCO is EXPANDING!! CALL FOR INFORMATION!
GOOD NEWS!
==========
ABCO Computer Consultants now has a SUPER computer goodies catalog
available. Drop us a note and we will mail your copy to you! You'd
be surprised at the variety of products we offer at substantial
savings. Don't wait! Send for your catalog now and get the great
Christmas Discount Coupons. It'll make Santa feel great about the
holidays!
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. BOX 6672
Jacksonville, Florida, 32205-6672
904-783-3319
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STReport "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" DECEMBER 06, 1991
16/32bit Magazine copyright 1987-91 No.7.48
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Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
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