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Silicon Times Report Issue 0911
*---== STReport International Online Magazine ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
March 12, 1993 No.9.11
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
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_____________________________________________________________________
> 03/12/93 STR 911 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- Picswitch 1.01 out! - MOTOROLA 68060 - MEGAPAINT NO UG
- Amiga Report - DELPHI MTOS CO. - Brochu goes MAC!
- BT SPEED-UP - CTFEST'93 NEWS - STR Confidential
-* TWO PIECE FALCON TO DEBUT at CeBit!?! *-
-* FIRST BATCH OF US FALCONS FOR GOOD DOOBIES? *-
-* FALCONS030: NOW IN APRIL ?!? *-
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
==========================================================================
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direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging information
relative to all computers, worldwide, through the use of excellent
International Networking Systems. SysOps, worldwide, are quite welcome to
join the STReport International Conferences. The Crossnet Code is #34813,
and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All BBS systems are welcome and invited to
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* ATARI EDITION *
=============
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
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (March 12)
VERSION 1.0.1 of PICSWITCH
The long-awaited update to PicSwitch is available for download as file
PICSW1.LZH in LIBRARY 14 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS). This
version is completely overhauled, with an easy-to-use enhanced-GEM
interface with customizable windows, Mac-like controls, and pop-up menus.
Supports 20 different image formats, now including GIF, IMG, Spectrum,
Prism Paint, PCX, and IFF.
COMPUSERVE LOWERS CONNECT-TIME RATES
Hourly connect-time rates are now lower for Standard Pricing Plan members
when using extended services. The new charges are $6/hour for 300 bps,
$8/hour for 1200/2400 bps and $16/hour for 9600 bps access. The monthly
membership fee, which includes unlimited connect-time in more than 30
basic services, has increased $1 to $8.95 (this pricing change is not
applicable in all countries).
FundWatch Online by Money magazine, a powerful mutual fund screening and
reporting service, is now part of basic services, which also includes
CompuServe Mail, The Electronic Mall, news, weather and sports, member
support services, reference and travel services.
Rates for Alternative Pricing Plan members will remain at $6.30/hour for
300 bps, $12.80/hour for 1200 and 2400 bps, and $22.80/hour for 9600 bps.
Also, the Membership Support Fee under the Alternative Pricing Plan
increases 50 cents to $2.50.
Members currently under the Standard Pricing Plan will automatically be
billed at the new rates starting 28-Feb. For more information on the new
rates or to join the Standard Pricing Plan, GO CHOICES.
COMPUSERVE CUTS EUROPEAN SURCHARGES
Members can now access via European CompuServe nodes and pay no
communication surcharges during non-prime time (19:00-8:00 local time).
The resulting $2.20/hour savings is in addition to the reductions in
connect-time charges available for all members on the Standard Pricing
Plan. For European access numbers, GO PHONES.
FORUM MESSAGE CAPACITY INCREASED
CompuServe has enhanced its forum software to allow an increase in the
size of messages. The maximum message size was formerly 96 lines or 2,000
characters. With this change, the size increases to a maximum of 10,000
characters. Also, the message board capacity has been increased.
NEW CENTIPEDE GAME FROM SCOTLAND!
Download file CENTPD.LZH from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for an excellent shareware version of Centipede from Scotland.
This game is FULL of bugs (Spiders, Flies and of course, Centipedes!)
Great sound, great graphics, great fun! COLOR ONLY.
RTS/CTS FLOW CONTROL FIX
Download file SERFX2.LZH from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for Serial Fix 2 - RTS/CTS flow control with any TOS. This
patch for properly handling RTS/CTS flow control in the ST's serial port
works on all TOS versions from 1.00 to 4.01. It also includes the
TOS14FIX.PRG code for TOS 1.04 and 1.06 users. Use with Atari's
eXtensible Control Panel (XCONTROL).
SCREEN SAVERS
Download file SAVER1.LZH from LIBRARY 4 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for a package of 6 shareware screensaver modules for Warp 9,
by John Dillenburg. Modules included are Freckles, Pyro Deluxe, Random
Lines, Roaming Shapes, Random Shapes, and Fractal Symmetries.
LASERJET 4 DRIVER FOR PAGESTREAM 2!
Download file NEWPRT.LZH from LIBRARY 11 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO
ATARIVEN) for the New HP LaserJet 4, HP DeskJet 550c, HP DeskJet 500c, and
PostScript printer drivers for Pagestream 2.
OPERATE PORTFOLIO FROM PC
Operate your Portfolio by using the keyboard and screen of your desktop
PC? Check out the file BIG.ZIP from master programmers BJ Gleason and Don
Messerli, now available in LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO
APORTFOLIO).
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
We say we don't care about the delays at this point in time but the
real truth of the matter is it really does bother us. It bothers to the
point of sheer exasperation! After all, wasn't it Sam in one of his
marathon online extravaganzas who made it a strong point to tell the users
things would change and that the Falcon would be ontime, shipping and
everything would be different. As Bill Cosby sez in his "Moses" skit.
"Riiiight!"
We now hear that the delay is due to a rather elusive chip. That's a
good one but... we've heard that before too. Shall we start with the
Blitter or go further back? Really, a few folks say 'leave Atari alone',
stop picking on them'. They mean well, but I fear they have no idea about
the message that would send to Atari. Using past experience as a
guideline, it would give Atari the perceived indication of "its ok, don't
worry about the delays all is well in the userbase". We all know this is
not the case.
Some are bound to jump up and say; "well if we all know then it stands
to reason that Atari knows it too". Could be, but when we see statements
made by Atari's mouthpiece about a shipment of Falcons going to Germany
and being "sold out in a matter of hours!!!" ....that's nice sounding but
did anyone stop to think about how many Falcons were actually shipped
there to begin with? Was it 1000? 500? According to our information it
was less than two hundred. That makes the "sold out ganzamagilla" much
less than it appeared to be at the time it was boastingly exclaimed. In
fact, it magnified a rather low number of units being delivered. Truly a
marvelous use of words. Again, if the same creative efforts were placed
in production and marketing, the Falcon would, in all probabilities, be
shipping 'round the world by now.
Once again we hear all the hype about many, many, people interested in
signing up as _new_ Atari dealers ... really? One can't help but wonder
how these newfies are going to be held onto when they find they bought
into delays, excuses and eloquent word usage. The bottom line is at hand
once again... instead of describing all the reasons for delays etc.. get
the job done already. The credibility of the company is now the last
bastion of defense. Or, is it? Is there really any credibility left?
Please, don't tell us anymore about the labor, show us the baby already!
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur John Deegan
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert Scott Birch
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Clemens Chin Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
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FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"My new office, which has a better view than my old one, is so far
quite satisfactory. And Richard Miller is in my old office. The
Forbes article was a mish-mash and misconstrued article full of half
truths. We are anxiously awaiting the release of the Atari Falcon to
bring us back to the forefront. The article has given us some laughs,
but otherwise has not affected us."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"As I said before, all marketing announcements will be made at
Duesseldorf. I will not comment on future models of the Falcon.
WE ARE TALKING TODAY ABOUT A MACHINE.....
WHICH WILL BE SHIPPING NEXT WEEK."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"I've just returned from Asia, where I saw the first Atari Falcon
production coming off the lines. Let's hope this new offering will
make it in North America. I know that the specs are great."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"We have not yet even given the machine to the FCC. And we are only
applying for Class B approval. According to our "experts", it should
pass Class B."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"...... We are not working for Wall Street but to
make money for our shareholders and only think long term."
Sam Tramiel, 11/92
psssst.
FYI.... The Shareholder's equity is fine.... NOT!
The Stock is hovering around $1.12
CHRISTMAS '92 has COME and GONE...
FALCONS ....anyone?
By the Way.... Does the Falcon work well
with
any... of the SLM Laser Printers?? NOPE! NOT YET!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Howdy neighbors. I was just amusing myself with a mental picture of
Alexander Graham Bell (did you know that this past Thursday was the
anniversary of the invention of the telephone?) typing "Watson, come here.
I want you" into a keyboard and sending it via modem to someone in another
country instead of using his now famous invention with someone in another
room. Hey, I didn't say that it was profound or anything, just that it
amused me.
Well, at any rate, there are plenty of questions and answers waiting
for us in the Atari Forums on CompuServe so let's get busy (no circular
arm movements, please).
From The Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
Speaking of other countries, Chris Gray reports from Belgium:
"My local Atari dealer says he expects to start receiving Falcons in a
week's time. But first he has to go to a _compulsory_ seminar Atari
Benelux. So that's the situation in Belgium. Thought you'd all be
dying to know..."
Master Sysop Bob Retelle tells Chris:
"Chris... that sounds pretty positive... especially the part about
the dealer having to attend a seminar...
Sounds a lot better than just dumping a machine as advanced as the
Falcon is on a dealer and hoping he'll be able to fully explain all
its features..!
Be sure to let us know when you actually get to see a Falcon at your
dealer..!"
Well, the news just keeps getting better. Larry Green adds:
"In the UK, some of the bigger PC (dedicated) shops in London have the
Falcon the their window! They seem pretty keen on the machine, never
ever thought that I would see an Atari badge in their showroom!"
Meanwhile, Haj Baxter asks:
"For anyone who might know something like this, Say you're working in
a ram disk and you leave reading a file or doing a program. (go
ahead, say it.) When you bail out, the screen immediately redraws the
ramdisk but it takes forever (in dog milliseconds) to read the disk
and redraw the A/ window. Is there some command that will tell the
re-draw to ignore the disk and just deal with the ram disk?"
Again, Sysop Bob Retelle jumps in to save the proverbial day:
"The desktop is always restored to the same condition it was in when
you last left it.. if you ran the program from the A: drive, then the
desktop will redraw the A: window that was open..
I know the feeling you were talking about, of having to wait while the
floppy disk is re-read so the desktop can display its window, but the
only way I know of to avoid that happening is to close the window."
Jim Ness adds:
"I haven't tried it, but the recent Fat Cache upload here may allow an
immediate update of the floppy window, if it truly caches the fat of ALL
drives."
Phil Jensen answers the FatCache question:
"Sorry, but for reasons of safety FATCACHE does not do anything with
floppy drives. It was more hassle than Tim or I wanted to deal with
to take care of invalidating all cached blocks on change of media.
(I'm one of those who thinks that the Mac scheme of having to ask the
system to eject your floppy, annoying though it may be at times, is
preferable.)"
Dick Paddock tells Phil:
"Interesting thought, the Mac approach. I always believed the computer
version of the old saying, "the job's not done until the paperwork is
finished," the fat update being the paperwork in this case. So what
does the Mac do when the power drops? I realize that the power
dropping DURING a write of any kind to the disk is disaster, but what
if the job isn't done yet? The chances of that are much greater in the
Mac's case, for sure."
Mike Mortilla from ZNET Online tells Haj:
"There is a set of utilities from Atari which are available in this
{forums library, one of which is the CACHEXXX.PRG that you run from
the AUTO folder. Once you read the directory (depending on memory
available and how you set up the program) it remembers the directory
and the desktop pops up in a flash!
You might need TOS 1.4 to use this, but there might be a prog for your
TOS. Jim Ness, I think, suggested a similar solution."
Clive Parker of ST Format comes up with an easier way around the slowdown:
"Run the program from the RAM disk and close the A:\ window before you
start the program. If the A:\ window is closed before you start the E
not try to reread the directory of disk A.."
Well, I guess we've all seen it: A new user, being unsure about what all
these new initials mean, asks about running DOS programs on an ST. (at
this point the band breaks into a rousing rendition of The Beach Boys'
Wouldn't It Be Nice). Don Katzman posts:
"Sorry to ask a novice question here, but is there any way to let an
ATARI STE series machine support Microsoft DOS applications (or even
the OS itself<g>? If so, how-and what version of MS DOS are
supported?"
Another mainstay of the ST forums here on CompuServe, Albert Dayes of
Atari Explorer Magazine, tells Don:
"A product like Ad-SPEED which is an intel cpu on a daughterboard. It
plugs into the 68000 cpu slot I think. Or there is another external
one that plugs into the dma port on the back of the Atari. I assume
that both support at least DOS 3.3 and above."
Dick Paddock adds:
"If you can get it, Talon's SuperCharger (the one Alan mentioned, the
external plug-in) ships with DOS 4.01. At least the one I have did.
Strangely, I haven't tried DOS 5.0 on it. Must give it a try
sometime."
***
Editors Note:
I cannot recommend installing DOS 5.0 on the SuperCharger. I have tried
it several times and each time it has wiped out my hard drive partition
(and once, the entire drive. Thank goodness for backups).
***
What is it about the human mind that causes us to constantly compare
"ours" and "theirs"? I don't know what it is, but it happens millions of
times every day and not just in the computer world. But since this is a
computer-users column, I'll stick with that. Intel's latest chip, the
Pentium (also called the '586 or P5) is supposed to have some amazing
capabilities. Tim Rule tells us:
"I don't know from any reliable source but several clone manufacturers
have been blabbing about how you will be able to upgrade their now 486
machines to P5 and then dual P5. There has certainly been some
investigation into running these chips in parallel, though that may be
just what it is, two separate processors running together. This
concept is not new, we had it even with the BBC computers, popular in
the UK a while back. Either one processor acts as a slave for the
other, being delegated tasks, or a third unit oversees and delegates
the whole lot. The motorola technology is different, the 060 will be
able to connect up to other units, including other 060's, all
co-operating together. This concept is that of the transputer,
parallel processing, including but not exclusively running several
tasks simultaneously. There is quite an important difference. Think
of how a computer can run two tasks simultaneously. You could have
one processor doing printing whilst another runs a wordprocessing
application. But in this case the one doing the printing may not be
fully employed, having to wait for the printer to catch up, and the
other will spend a lot of the time waiting for input from you. In a
transputer situation processor time would not be wasted in this way as
both units are co-operating to run both applications. I don't know if
the intel P5 will include transputer capabilities or not."
Sysop Bob Retelle tells Tim:
"I haven't read any of the details yet on how the P5 will be
interconnected in large installations, but one short overview I read
said that it will be used in applications ranging from "simple" one
CPU desktop computers to large mainframe computers using arrays of
Pentium chips. I'd assume that there would be some kind of true
multiprocessor capability designed in to give it transputer-like power
if it's going to be used like that..."
Tim Rule also had a technical question about MultiDesk Deluxe from
CodeHead Technologies:
"I don't know how multidesk works but aren't you going to get terribly
fragmented memory if you load an ACC on top of a program. When you
exit the program the ACC will still be using a chunk of memory, right
in the middle of the free memory for the next program you want to run.
Result, no memory block large enough for your new program. Even if
you have loads of RAM, the memory will eventually get unusable. One
thing I can think of, but depends on how multidesk works, is that if
Multidesk grabbed a block of memory at bootup, like all ACCs, and then
used it to load other ACCs into. If this is the way it works than I
won't get it as I can't spare RAM to be used like this. I tried an
ACC which then loads other ACCs like this myself. It grabbed a
configurable buffer size at bootup and then you could load other ACCs
into this. I didn't like this so I tried getting the ACC to load a
program which used malloc to grab a memory block and load in another
ACC to that. The result, apart from loads of bugs, fragmented
memory."
Sysop Bill Aycock explains the genius of MultiDesk:
"MultiDesk Deluxe basically grabs a hunk of memory (you specify the
amount) at bootup, and loads ACCs into it. However, it doesn't need to
grab enough to load all your ACCs at once...
You can load ACCs two different ways, as Resident or Non-resident.
There's a separate area for each type. Resident ACCs are loaded when
MD starts up, and remain, er, resident <g>. However, NON_resident ACCs
are only loaded on demand... they go into your non-resident buffer,
you use them, and when you exit the buffer is available for the next
ACC you want. So really, all you need to do is reserve enough memory
for the largest ACC you want to use. (I haven't seen many that want
more than 100k.)
It seems to be the most flexible way to handle ACCs, and of course
it's a solid, mature product that works right."
Tim also posts:
"Dunno if Atari thinks they can make a res change on the fly but I
don't. Atari programmers don't stick to conventions enough. Every
program running which uses the screen or vblank interrupt would have
to be informed of the change and would have to have code to handle it,
re-initialising screen redraw routines etc. On a Mac you could expect
that sort of compliance with the rules but Atari didn't even bother to
include the res change message in GEM. If they had done that in the
beginning, an event to change res, then there would now be third party
res change utilities and I am sure Atari would have included it in TOS
2. You could try an on-the-fly which would work from the desktop
without any programs loaded, but you'd need to disassemble the desktop
code and work out patches for each ROM version. There would be
trouble with ACCs though."
Alex Kiernan puts it well when he posts:
"Under GEM a 101% legal program couldn't be expected to cope with an
on-the-fly res change, think about the way resource files are
loaded... On a rsrc_load() character co-ords get changed to pixel
co-ords which are by their nature rez dependent. Perhaps you could
cope with TT medium to ST high, but say ST high to ST medium would
blow things away big time. Given a res-change message you could
probably do it, but I s'pect it'd be real hard work. On the Mac you
don't have to worry about bizarre pixel aspect ratios, (almost?) every
device has a 1:1 pixel ratio."
From The Atari ST Arts Forum
============================
Hal Doughterty tells us how to view all of those nifty GIF picture files:
"If you download the PhotoChrome program you can convert all the .GIF
files you can find. If you want some other pictures, just let me know
and I'll upload the 4096 color Amiga files or the 256 color .GIF
files. You can see them on the ST with about 90% of the effect on the
other computers. They get squeezed down from 640-400 to 320-200, but
they don't lose as much as you would expect."
On the subject of Atari "crippling" or "hobbling" certain models to
prevent user/dealer hardware upgrades, Bob Retelle posts:
"I...have never seen the "modified" Mega 2 motherboard... I'm going on
"eyewitness" reports from people who have said that the board was
identical to the previous boards, but with the second bank of RAM
positions removed, one of whom used to be the local "Atari Fixit
Wizard"... (I knew things were bad when I went to a computer swap
show and he was selling all his Atari diagnostic tools... :(
I suppose it really doesn't matter one way or the other... but...
considering the number of units sold, if it WAS to force buying a Mega
4 instead of upgrading a Mega 2, I wonder if they ever made back the
costs of the modification..."
From our "Blast From The Past" department, Dazzz Smith mentions:
"...Sir Clive Sinclair's quote when he was talking about the just
released Sinclair ZX81, "It can be used to run a power station".
This was of course a new computer with a full 1k of memory built in!"
Aidan Heritage tells Dazzz:
"And it was my first computer - How well I remember it. Tell you one
thing, the programs for it were amazing - and made sensible use of
memory. With only 16K to play with (and then only if you had a ram
pack) you had to use memory with care. These days, the smallest
utility seems to guzzle memory!"
From The Atari Vendors Forum
============================
From our "The Grass ISN'T Always Greener On The Other Side Of The Fence"
department Charles Carpenter posts:
"I have recently switched from a TT030 to an IBM 486 compatible with
Windows. I soon realized how spoiled I became as a PageStream user
and am having difficulty figuring out which Windows program comes
close. Does anyone here have experience on the Windows platform who
might be able to steer me in the right direction...?!"
Mike Mortilla of ZNET Online tells Charles:
"You could always buy a gemulator (a board that allows you to emulate
an ST). Not only could you keep PageStream, but all the other great
stuff that can only be had with TOS."
Charles replies to Mike:
"I've looked into that. I need to learn about product to recommend to
others. I might be able to get along with a Gemulator and PgS just
fine, but would not feel comfortable recommending a board which
emulates another computer which will run a certain DTP product. The
business operation I'm dealing with would not understand what the heck
was going on and would certainly not recommend my services to others.
Thanks for your suggestion, but it wasn't the type of information I
requested."
John Amsler asks Charles F. Johnson of CodeHead Technologies about
Megapaint:
"Are there any modules, utilities, or whatever that will allow
MegaPaint II to import/edit TIFF files? Are there any plans for such
upgrades in the future?"
Charles replies:
"Sorry, there's no module to import TIFF graphics into MegaPaint.
That is on the to-do list, but to be honest the sales of MegaPaint
have been so disappointing that new modules have a pretty low priority
at present. (And by the way, our last word from the German developers
was that they planned no more upgrades to the Atari version.)"
John replies to Charles' reply:
"That's what I was afraid of.
Of course, if they're already adopting the position of "no more
upgrades" then there's no reason for people to buy the product in the
first place! (But I understand their position, believe me.)
MegaPaint II is a magnificent (and FAST) program. Is there anything
like it on the Mac or IBM? Maybe, but at the same cost as the
MegaPaint II?
It seems like Atari computers are getting "orphaner" every day."
Charles tells John:
"Yes, that's correct. Unfortunately, we aren't the developers of the
program; we simply imported it and distributed it. But we did expect
at least a little bit better sales than it has had. (We barely paid
for the ads we ran.) You're right, it's really powerful and REALLY
fast. The developers of MegaPaint now have a Windows version of the
program on which they're concentrating their energies."
John adds:
"That sounds EXACTLY like what happened to ChessMaster, Falcon,
WordPerfect, and a host of other software: no ST sales, so the
developers say, "To hell with you Atari; hello, MS-DOS!"
It's sickening: such an outstanding machine, its potential wasted,
its glory stolen by such a PC [_P_iece of _C_rap <g>].
(Oh, yes, I know you guys were the importer and not the developer.
And, like I said, I understand the developer's position: if there are
no sales, there will be no development.)
THANKS!!, to you and John, for sticking with supporting the Atari
users during these "dark" times."
Charles finishes up with this post:
"It's hard to blame anyone for wanting to make a living, and put food
on the table. This is something that's getting increasingly harder
for Atari developers to do. I'm very glad that I have an alternate
source of income (as a professional musician). Atari's made a real
mess of things in the US."
Nathan Potechin of DMC (the Calamus people) posts:
"I am currently working on a new customer mailout, to bring everyone
up to date. Believe it or not, many registered Calamus owners do not
own modems. ;-) Although I will not discuss the products in depth
until their release, I can say that we will be releasing: Outline Art
3.0, Mask Module, Curve and Line Module, update to Dataformer, 350 new
original typesetters fonts from the world-famous Berthold Font
Foundry, Toolbox Module with a new Clipboard extension, MT-Scan for
Microtek Scanners, HPIV printer drivers, Service Bureau announcement,
HP550C printer driver AND an import driver for Kodak Photo CD, all 5
formats. A few other products may or may not be ready by the time we
do this mailout so I'll most likely save them for the next."
From The Atari Portfolio Forum
==============================
Mark Gordon posts:
"I was given a new portfolio as a going away present (I just moved to
St. Louis). I know this is a subjective question but I want to know
what people feel are the essential peripherals to make the portfolio
useful. For example; ac adaptor, parallel port, serial port, ram
card(s), memory expansion, programs, etc. Also, should I get the
expanded spiral manual? Also, also, can I use rechargable batteries?
Also, also, also, any stores in St. Louis that carry these things our
do I have to go mail order."
David Stewart tells Mark:
"In my humble opinion as owner of the company, I think that Re:Port
newsletter is invaluable for a Portfolio user <g> ... but after that,
you'll probably want a parallel interface at the very least, so you
can hook up to a printer and a PC. Also, a RAM card of any size
(preferably as big as you can afford) is a definite must-have. After
that, a PC Card Drive is the best for transferring files if you have a
desktop PC. If you'd like more information on how to order any of
these things, leave me your address in email, and I will send a
brochure and a mail-order price list."
Mark Reeves adds:
"This is just my opinion, get a serial interface, once you get it
going, it is much much better and faster and more useful than the par.
interface. Avoid the recharge batteries, not really worth it and the
lower voltage 3.75 vs 4,5 for fresh batteries may cause problems. Get
a power adapter, very useful. Do not get any ram cards get one of the
524k flash cards from optrol, best since sliced bread (I'm biased) in
that respect. This card has 524k of flash memory, 128k of ram, 10
year data retention time, and never needs batteries, and its the same
price as a 128k ram card. If you need more info let me know.."
Sysop Ron Luks talks about the status of the Portfolio in the
"Technological Meat Market":
"Atari has not abandoned the Portfolio. You can still get parts and
service and Atari sells some commercial software for it. We have a
wealth of software available for downloading from this forum, as well
as a steady stream of new files from overseas. Thats the good news.
The bad news is that while Atari has not dropped the Portfolio, they
seem to have no interest in enhancing or improving it or replacing it
with more powerful models. They seem to have adopted the low end
niche market and are competing strictly on a price basis. As newer,
more powerful models come out from the competition, Atari just sells
the Portfolio cheaper. I also know of no NEW pieces of software
especially for the Portfolio under development by Atari Corp.
I'd say that if the Portfolio satisfies your needs in its present
state, its a good value. If you are looking for a product that will
grow with you as your needs/desires grow, or if you are looking for a
product with a clear upgrade path, thats a very weak aspect of the
unit...
The keyboard on the Portfolio is one of the very best-- at any price.
Understand, there are better keyboards, but not in this size range. I
rate the keyboard as the Portfolio's best feature.
Battery life if pretty good. It depends on use, of course, and which
peripherals are connected to it, but you can get a couple of weeks out
of a set of batteries."
Well folks, that's it for this week. C'mon back next time and sit
back in that comfortable chair, kick your shoes off, relax a bit and
listen to what they are saying when...
People Are Talking
_______________________________________________________________
> AMIGA REPORT ALIVE & WELL! STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 1993
New Online Magazine Debuts for the Amiga!
A new online magazine for the Amiga line of personal computers will
debut on Friday, March 19.
The magazine will contain much of which you would find in a real,
paper based magazine reviews, columns, editorials, letters, etc. We will
also publish highlights of the major topics of discussion from the online
services, and cover the newest uploads.
Amiga Report will be a weekly publication, released each Friday
evening. It will be available on most of the major online services,
(GEnie, CompuServe, Delphi, NVN). Additionally, Amiga Report can be
obtained from The Bounty BBS, Home of STR Publications, 904-786-41767 USR
DS 16.8 and on the Amiga Report headquarters BBS, The Nova BBS FidoNet
node 1:362/508, 615-472-9748 USR HST.
Amiga Report is the sister publication of STReport, a long running
online magazine for the Atari ST computers. Both magazines will be
published by Ralph F. Mariano of STR Publications, who is also the founder
of STR Publications and senior editor of STReport. The staff of Amiga
Report includes Robert Glover (Editor), Micah Thompson (Technical Editor),
Mike Troxell (Graphics/Animation Editor), and Tom Mulcahy (Contributing
Editor).
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once
or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET>
again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll
officially be a member of DELPHI!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (3/10/93)
---------------------------
STREPORT 9.10
ATARI EXPLORER ONLINE
SPEED OF LIGHT GIF VIEWER
FRACLAND.LZH
STZIP 2.2
INSECT.LZH
DMBANNER
COMPUTER COMPARISON
ATARI POWER USER MAGAZINE
TERADESK 1.30
All of the above files can be found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database for at
least one week after the posting of this list. Please Note that in the
case of online magazines, only the most current issue in the database at
the time of this compilation is considered for the Top 10 list. Also,
for all files, a submission is eligible for the Top 10 list for only four
weeks after its original uploading.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> MTOS CONFERENCE STR Feature From DELPHI's Atari Advantage
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Official Transcript - MTOS Formal Conference
DELPHI's Atari Advantage
Tuesday, March 9th, 1993
.Gordie>
Welcome to DELPHI's Atari Advantage, and tonight's special Formal
Conference. The topic tonight is MultiTOS, and we have with us some Atari
staffers who can tell us everything we want to know about MTOS. I'd like
to welcome John Townsend back to DELPHI after an absence of a couple
years. And, I'd like to welcome Eric Smith to our friendly little
community for the first time. And, it's always nice to have Bob Brodie
with us.
For those of you who don't get out much, Eric is the author of MiNT,
the basis for MultiTOS. MiNT originally stood for MiNT is Not TOS, but
has evolved into MiNT is Now TOS. <G> John is a longtime TOS programmer,
and between the two of them, they know MTOS better than any other two
people. Maybe any other 5 people...
I want to remind everyone that this is a Formal Conference tonight, so
you'll have to use the /q command to ask a question or make a comment.
That said, let me turn things over to Bob, who will give us an
overview of MTOS, and how it works.
Bob?
.Bob @ Atari>
Once again, I'm delighted to be here on Delphi! It's been quite a
while since COMDEX when I last participated in a formal live CO here! Our
correspondent for Atari Explorer Online Magazine, Andreas Barbiero has
been instrumental in encouraging us to arrange tonight's CO here on
Delphi, along with Gordie Meyer of the Atari Advantage SIG. Thanks to both
of you for your efforts at making this evening possible!!
Tonight, I'm pleased to welcome two of the engineers from our software
group, Eric Smith and John Townsend to join us online to discuss MultiTOS.
I know that you're all very anxious to hear as much as possible about the
capabilities of MultiTOS, and Eric and John are well equipped to answer
those questions about MultiTOS. As many of your may know, Eric developed
a program called MiNT (which stood for Mint is NOT TOS). Originally, MiNT
didn't multitask with GEM applications, but rather gave users a
multi-tasking environment to operate TOS applications from. MiNT is now
incorporated into MultiTOS, and has changed dramatically since Eric first
wrote it. Obviously, we were impressed enough with his efforts to offer
him a position within Atari! <grin> Tonight, Eric is using the Ataritech
account here on Delphi.
John Townsend has been with Atari over five years now, and has been an
important member of the software engineering group during the last 3 years
of his tenure with us. John has also been one of our stalwart online
support people as well, and I know that he's excited to be here with us
tonight on Delphi!! John is using the AtariCorp account tonight!
Before we begin with the MultiTOS portion of our CO, I'm sure that you
are all very interested in the status of the delivery schedule for the
Atari Falcon030 here in the US. We have had a small setback in the
manufacturing of the unit. One of our suppliers is running about 10 days
behind in providing us with a couple of components that we need for the US
machines. This means that the machines will probably arrive in late March
to early April. We expect to be able to provide our dealers with demo
units this month, and quickly follow that up with a better supply of units
that can be sold to the public. All of the units that we will have during
the month of March will be configured with four megs of ram, and
sixty-five megabyte hard disks.
The reception that we've had for the machines has been nothing short
of sensational!! The phone has been ringing constantly, with many, many
people interested in signing up as Atari dealers. As you might expect, a
significant amount of interest is coming from the music field, as few
other computer systems can match the digital sound capabilities of the
Atari Falcon030 right out of the box!! We have enough orders in hand that
we expect to be sold out quickly.
This is the same type of reception that the Falcon030 has gotten in
the rest of the world, for instance in Germany, where it was literally
sold out in a matter of hours!!!
Much of our efforts here in Sunnyvale over the course of the last
month has revolved around finalizing plans for dealer agreements. It is
our hope that we'll be able to restore the value of an Atari dealership,
and help the dealers be able to be more profitable. We will be soon going
over the new arrangements with all of our current dealers, as we release
the pricing, and other sales related information to our current dealers.
This means that we will be speaking to every one of our existing
dealers, either directly ourselves or via one of our rep firms. Among the
very firm requirements that we will have is that the dealer must have a
storefront in order to sell the Atari Falcon030.
Now, we'd like to tell you a little bit about MultiTOS! After all,
that's the main thrust of our visit tonight here on Delphi is to discuss
MultiTOS with you!
MultiTOS provides your Atari computer with multitasking, the ability
to run more than one application at a time. Since your computer spends
much of its time waiting for user input, multitasking makes more efficient
use of processing power--when one application, say, your word processor,
is waiting for input, the rest of your computer's attention is turned to
other tasks.
MultiTOS includes several important features that make multitasking
reliable and efficient. Adaptive prioritization gives the most processing
power to the most important program running-- the word processor you're
typing into receives higher priority than the processor-hungry compression
program running simultaneously in the background. Memory protection
prevents one program from interfering with another active program's data
in memory. And if one program quits unexpectedly or "crashes," MultiTOS
protects other applications, which continue to run; only in the most
extreme circumstances will you need to restart your computer.
MultiTOS runs existing, correctly-written TOS programs--as many as
your computer's memory allows. Some programs are already being upgraded to
take advantage of MultiTOS features, and more programs written especially
for MultiTOS are on their way, from Atari and third-party companies.
MultiTOS can run as many programs simultaneously as will fit in
memory; GEM programs, Desk Accessories, and TOS programs can all
peacefully coexist under MultiTOS. You can move from one to the other,
using whichever you need. When one program is busy, you can set it aside
and work on something else until it's done. When you finish with a program
and exit it, the memory it occupied is freed for other tasks.
All running programs share the screen, each putting up its own
windows; with several programs running, windows may overlap or be hidden
altogether by one another. The application that receives input, like
keystrokes, from you is called the foreground or topped application, and
other programs running simultaneously are background, or untopped
applications.
Unlike TOS, MultiTOS allows you to operate any window's gadgets to
move, resize, or scroll the window, even if the window is not topped. When
you click within a window (but not on its gadgets), that window is topped,
and so is the application that owns it. The topped application's menu bar
is displayed, unless it doesn't have a menu bar--in that case, the menu
bar is unchanged.
Running GEM programs under MultiTOS is straightforward: simply
double-click the program's icon. The MultiTOS Distribution Kit includes
two simple GEM programs, "Clock" and "Lines." Double-click on CLOCK.APP,
and an analog clock appears in a window, but the Desktop's icons and menu
bar are still visible. Double-click on LINES.APP, and a graphics
demonstration appears in a window. Resize the Lines window so that you
can see the clock and some of the Desktop. Both programs and the Desktop
are running simultaneously! From here, you can run still other programs,
or perform Desktop operations like file copies.
As with TOS, you can access your Desk Accessories from the "Desk"
menu. Unlike TOS, MultiTOS can load Desk Accessories as you need them.
Double-click on a ".ACC" file to run it, just as you would another GEM
application. You may want to keep only the essential Accessories loaded
at all times, and load others when needed. You can do this by putting your
".ACC" files in a directory other than the root of drive C:\.
TOS programs present a special problem for multitasking, because they
usually assume they are the only programs running, and that they have the
whole screen to themselves. Since TOS programs don't know how to share the
screen, MultiTOS does it for them, by giving them their own "screen,"
within a window. When you double-click a ".TOS" or ".TTP" program,
MultiTOS runs another program, "MINIWIN," which sets up a window in which
the TOS program runs. MINIWIN lets you select the size of the window TOS
programs are given, and the font they use. You can change this
information by choosing "Configure..." in the leftmost menu when running a
TOS program. Note: TOS programs assume they're using a "monospaced" font,
where all characters are the same width. MINIWIN allows you to choose
"proportionally spaced" fonts, where a "w" is wider than an "i," for
example. If you choose a proportionally spaced font, the program may look
strange, but is otherwise fine.
When several applications are running, the topped application presents
its menu bar and receives your keystrokes. The others are in the
background, where you can still move and resize their windows, but you
can't click on their menus or give them keyboard commands. MultiTOS
provides several ways to manage all the applications you may have
running, and to choose which of them is topped.
The leftmost menu in the menu bar is called the "Desk" menu, because
that's what it's called when the Desktop is topped. When another
MultiTOS-friendly application is run, and the application has its own
menu bar, the application's name replaces "Desk" in the menu bar--this is
one way to tell which program is topped. Some older applications will not
do this, but will otherwise work fine.
The Desk menu contains the names of all installed Desk Accessories and
below, the names of all applications currently running, with the topped
application indicated by a checkmark. You can top another program by
clicking on its name in this menu; its windows (if it has any) spring to
the front, and its menu bar (if it has one) appears.
You can run as many programs as your available memory allows, but
there are reasons why you may not want to. Often, there is very little
difference in system performance with several programs running, since
many of these programs are just waiting for input. When programs are
actively processing, or reading and writing data on a disk, they consume
more of your Atari's processing power. You may be tempted to leave things
running in the background because it's so easy, but if they make too many
demands on the system, performance will suffer. It's best to shut down any
programs you're not planning to use, just as you would exit them in TOS.
This makes the most memory and "computing horsepower" available for the
programs you really need. Experiment, and see what combinations of
programs work well together.
Shut programs down with MultiTOS the same way you would with TOS: save
whatever you're working on, then select "Quit," click the "close" gadget
on a window, type "exit," or whatever. This gives the program a chance to
save and close any files it has open and exit cleanly, returning your
computer to its normal state. As always, it's best to save your work and
exit from all running applications before restarting or turning your
computer off.
Occasionally, a program may "hang" in a state where it is no longer
running correctly, but does not exit. When this happens, you can shut the
program down from the Desktop. Select "Install Devices" under the
"Options" menu, then open drive U:\, and then the "PROC" folder. This
folder contains "files" that represent all the programs currently running
under MultiTOS, along with parts of MultiTOS itself. To stop or "kill" a
program, simply drag it to the trash. Be very careful with this
technique. Kill only programs which have not responded otherwise, or are
otherwise behaving incorrectly. Be careful what you throw away, because it
is possible to shut down a part of MultiTOS itself, after which it can be
difficult to recover without restarting. If you aren't sure what
something is, don't kill it.
Although Atari has made every effort to accomodate even ill-behaved
TOS programs, you may occasionally encounter programs that are not
compatible with MultiTOS. These programs may "crash," (exit unexpectedly)
or "hang," (keep running without accepting input, refusing to exit).
Usually when this happens, MultiTOS continues unharmed, along with any
other programs running at the time of the crash. Sometimes, if a program
crashes in an especially spectacular way, it can interfere with other
parts of MultiTOS operation, or other programs. If you see error messages
on your screen, or if you notice peculiar behavior from other programs,
save your work and reboot your computer. Try to isolate the problem to the
particular program and action that caused the crash, and report the
problem to the program's authors or publisher.
When you encounter a program which doesn't run under MultiTOS under
any circumstances but you need to run nevertheless, you can temporarily
disable MultiTOS, and restart your computer with TOS. To do this, save
any work in progress, shut down any running applications, and restart your
computer. You can use the Reset button, or hold down <Control> and
<Alternate> and press <Delete>. Immediately after restarting, hold down
the left <Shift> key. You will be asked, "Load MultiTOS? (y)es (n)o."
Press the <n> key, and your computer will start up without MultiTOS.
With the power of MultiTOS comes responsibility. Since some older
programs expect to be the only thing running, they may not guard against
some things which can happen "when their backs are turned." You can avoid
these problems by not using one program or the Desktop to interfere with
another active program. For example, don't move configuration or open
document files for your word processor while it's running; the program may
assume the files are in their original place, and behave unpredictably.
Similarly, be careful with programs that manipulate disk data directly;
don't run a hard disk defragmentation program in the background and save a
file to the same disk, or the results could be unpleasant. As more
MultiTOS-aware programs become available, these problems will be
minimized.
It was hoped that we would be able to simply upload MultiTOS to the
online networks, and "allow nature to take it's course." During the
course of that discussion, it was pointed out that we have an arrangement
that requires the payment of a royalty for each copy of GEM that we sell,
which makes the uploading of MultiTOS impossible to do. Pricing on
MultiTOS hasn't been set, but it would not be unreasonable for you to
expect it to be selling at a suggested list price of $75 US.
At this point, we're ready to take on all your questions about
MultiTOS, or any other Atari specific topic that you might want to ask
about.
.Gordie>
Okay, I've got about 4 questions up already, so if anyone else has
one, use the /q to get it in.
Bill has a question about pricing...
.Bill in ATL>
Thanks Bob, I am indeed excited about the MultiTos as everyone
else. And was curious as to whether the dealers would be the first
or would that be strictly a distributorship handling affair. ga
.Bob @ Atari>
The first people that we will be dealing with is the dealers.
We are crafting a separate agreement with the distributors. ga
.Bill in ATL>
Thanks, and I hope to be one of those shortly.
.Gordie>
Next is a question from Hudson about TOS versions...
.Hudson>
Will Multi_TOS work with all versions of TOS?
.Eric @ Atari>
It should work, but we haven't tested it with TOS 1.0. We strongly
recommend that users upgrade if they're still using such an old
version of TOS. ga
.Gordie>
Joseph has a question about recruiting converts to MTOS...
.Joseph T.@ATA>
Would you consider supporting the idea of, if necessary, helping
ensure that MultiTOS can work on an Atari emulator running on an
Amiga?
I'm certain that if it was done, there'd be plenty of "Workbench's"
ditched in favor of a better OS and more powerful computer, I know
this
because the SysOp of a local Amiga BBS seems very interested
in the Falcon, particularly the DSP and the MultiTOS operating
system....<It's nice I CoSysop both a 486/33 and Amiga 2000 BBS,
this gives me access to many potential new customers!!!!>
I love my ORPHANe, STill!!!! >>>
.Towns @ Atari>
I don't think so ;-)
.Joseph T.@ATA>
Why not?
.Bob @ Atari>
I don't think so either,...
.Joseph T.@ATA>
Think of it, stick 'em with something they can't touch unless
they get the real thing!!!!
.Towns @ Atari>
Why should we bother supporting Hardware that we don't sell?
.Joseph T.@ATA>
And, couldn't you sell MultiTOS in a way that it'd be an upgrade
of GEM, and perhaps bypass royalties? ga
.Towns @ Atari>
Royalties isn't the issue. It's licensing. Atari can't just give
away other people's property on an online service.
.Gordie>
Next up is a question from Dana. If it'll go through after he left...
.Gordie>
Okay, it didn't go. I'll ask it. What are the minimum requirements
to run MTOS, and what's the maximum number of programs that can be
run?
.Eric @ Atari>
MultiTOS will run on any ST, STe, TT, or Falcon. We suggest that
users have at least 2 megabytes of memory and a hard disk, but it
will run on a 1 megabyte system with a floppy disk. You can run as
many programs as memory will hold. ga
.Gordie>
Thanks, Eric. Next is a question from Nick about disk space...
.Nick>
I understand that MultiTOS is disk-based. How much space will it
occupy on a hard drive (approximately)?
.Eric @ Atari>
It takes up about 800K or so. (Actually a bit less; it will fit
on a double sided floppy.) ga
.Nick>
Does MultiTOS work equally well with programs whose flag bits are set
to load and/or allocate from ST RAM (on a TT), as with those set to
use TT RAM?
.Eric @ Atari>
Yes. ga
.Gordie>
Sam has a question about an expansion buss.
SSINCLAIR>
emulation. I would like to know what other options are or will be
available this year that you might be able to disscuss.
.Bob @ Atari>
I didn't see that entire question, but I take it that you're
asking about what emulation modes will be available for the
Atari Falcon030. There is a firm commitment from one of our
developers in Holland, COMPO, to produce a 486SX PC Board to go
into the Direct Parallel Processor slot on the Atari Falcon030.
As well as our good friend, David Small, who is hard at work
on his version of a Mac emulator to go into the same slot.
ga
SSINCLAIR>
I am not interested in emulation,what other options ga
.Bob @ Atari>
I'm afraid that your question is not coming across clearly,
I think it would be best if you sent me email on the subject,
and outline your question clearly. I'll be happy to respond to
it in email, in extensive detail. ga
.Gordie>
Okay, how about Hudson with a question about software...
.Hudson>
Since software sells hardware, maybe you can give a little insight
on the players (Microsoft, NeXT) that you've rounded up to produce
some high profile software for the Falcon and other Atari Computers.
Thanx in advance ga.
.Bob @ Atari>
We presently don't have anything in the queue with MicroSoft,
or NeXT. We do have some other very interesting discussions
underway with other developers, especially on the game side of
things. However, since those products are still in development,
in wouldn't be prudent to mention those names at this time. ga
.Gordie>
Can you comment on rumors about video manipulation software
(Toaster-type) from anyone? <g> ga
.Bob @ Atari>
Are you referring to the post from the German non devs in Germany
that was on Usenet a couple of weeks ago?
.Gordie>
I was thinking about someone a little closer to home, actually...
Lexicor?
.Bob @ Atari>
Ah, gotcha! Lexicor has a number of very interesting products
in line for the Falcon030. For example, Phoenix Render...which
looks very fast, and is very, very fast! I've heard that Lee
Seilor has plans for a product (working title of Toaster Roaster)
which should blow the doors off of the Video Toaster. GA
.Gordie>
LOL! I asked because that kind of thing would fit in perfectly with
the concept of Personal Integrated Media that Atari has developed. ga
(Which, by the way, is a big enough subject for a whole other CO...)
.Bob @ Atari>
Which we'll be happy to do at another time with Lexicor.
.Gordie>
How about one from Paul about the MTOS manual...
.Paul>
What type of manual will accompany MultiTOS? Will it be just a user's
guide, or will it have some meat in it? I.E. technical/programming
info?
.Eric @ Atari>
The guide that comes with MultiTOS is for users (it's similar to
the manuals that come with other Atari products). We will have
extensive documentation for developers. ga
.Paul>
Great. Thanks.
.Gordie>
Now, one from Bill on support...
.Bill in ATL>
Bob, What type of support can the new user to the Atari platform
reasonably expect Atari Support via an 800 number?
.Bob @ Atari>
Bill, I think I have the gist of your question now. We have
had discussions about adding an 800 number for customer support.
At this point, the dealer is still going to need to be the
forefront of the support effort, and as business improves, we'll
be able to add additional support mechanisms, like 800 numbers.
ga
.Gordie>
That seems to fit in with the requirement that dealers have a
storefront.
.Bob @ Atari>
Exactly, Gordie. We're very set on that requirement, too. ga
.Gordie>
Okay, Chris has a question about the expansion bus...
CMILLAR>
You mentioned that the expansion bus is a "Direct Parallel Processor"
slot. Does this mean that a 486 emulation card would allow DOS and
TOS apps to be run concurrently?
.Bob @ Atari>
To be honest, Chris, I don't see anything to prevent it. But
I have only seen it demo'ed with one or the other running.
You sure started a discussion here in the office with that one.
<grin> I have seen the PC Card, as did Gordie, at COMDEX.
ga
.Towns @ Atari>
The slot wouldn't prevent such a thing, but the emulator software
would have to support it. That's up to Compo. ga
.Gordie>
Next up... Andre with a question on multiple resolutions at the same
time...
AMWILLIAMS>
Can programs needing to be run in different resolutions be run at
the same time?
.Towns @ Atari>
Sorry.. When you are running programs under MultiTOS, they must
all be running in the same resolution.
Does that answer your question?
AMWILLIAMS>
yes
.Towns @ Atari>
Atari encourages its developers to make their applications work
in any resolution ;-)
.Gordie>
Run in, or be launched from?
.Towns @ Atari>
same thing, Gordie. ga
.Gordie>
Next is Richard with a question about larger IDE drives...
BONDSERVANT>
Will larger IDE drives w/software be available from Atari or
Dealers later? Thanks for coming here @ Delphi tonight.
.Bob @ Atari>
Hi Richard, there will be larger drives available from Atari,
as well as many other PC vendors that sell standard IDE 2.5"
mechanisms. We're planning on getting 80, 120, 200 meg units.
and they will come with Speedo GDOS, and MultiTOS on each of the
drives that we will be selling here at Atari, to add an incentive
to purchase the drives from us. :) Thanks for the welcome...
I enjoy being online here, and only wish that there was more time
to be online. :)
.Gordie>
If the hypothetical 2 piece cased Falcon were to come out, would it
still be restricted to a 2.5" drive? Hypothetically? <g>
.Bob @ Atari>
Gordie, sorry...we can't comment on non-existent product.
.Gordie>
Somehow, I had a feeling you'd say that... <G>
Next is JJ with a question about Falcon numbers...
.**JJ**>
In light of the recent second shipment of falcons to Germany that is
bouncing around the internet, what kind of numbers can we expect to
see on the first shipment to the US?
.Towns @ Atari>
Shipments of Falcon's bouncing around the internet? Wow! ;-)
.Bob @ Atari>
Hi JJ, first of all, I doubt that the Falcons are on the Internet
although the idea of it is really interesting...<grin>
.Gordie>
Think of the money you'd save...
.Bob @ Atari>
Second, we're not confirming or denying how many shipments we
have made to any of the countries that we do business with.
Our initial shipment for Falcons in North America will be for
dealer units and perhaps some review units, or perhaps even some
support people ( Hello, Gordie! ). After that, there will be a
good supply of units going out for sale. Overall, we're really
pleased with the amount of demand that we are getting for the
product, and very pleased that there is good press as well. ga
.**JJ**>
ok, thanks. done
.Gordie>
And now one from Hudson on advertising...
.Hudson>
What is Atari planning planning for advertisement (Print as well as
TV, etc.) to help hype the US debut (selling debut at least:))?
.Eric @ Atari>
Just a sec...
.Bob @ Atari>
OK, I ran out to check with Garry Tramiel our GM for the US to
make sure that I had everything down right for this answer, and
apologize for the delay in responding. At this point, as we
have started re-signing our dealers, we are making arrangements
er...that should be provisions for advertising plans by our
dealers via a market development fund. Then, as production
continues to ramp up, and we can supply the demand that we will
create with the advertisements, we will be doing print ads on a
national basis. I don't forsee TV at this point, it's a truly
extraordinary expense. Although via the market development fund
program, we'd be pleased to do things like local cable TV ads,
which can be done in some areas of the country for a very, very
reasonable amount of money. ga
.Gordie>
Aw, gee. I was hoping to see Atari Falcon030 ads on ST:TNG, ST: DS9
and B5... <g>
.Bob @ Atari>
I'm hoping to still see B5, Gordie! :)
.Gordie>
Next is one from Joseph, on a pause mode in MTOS...
.Joseph T.@ATA>
You mention that tasks should be turned off if unused, is there a
feature that allows you to "turn off" a program, yet it still be
ready and waiting to resume, sorta like a pause mode?
.Eric @ Atari>
Joseph: You can just "ignore" a program. Every program has its
windows on the same screen, so you can very easily switch between
programs. They're all ready and available all the time. If the
program isn't doing anything, it won't take up any processor time.
Does that answer your question? ga
.Joseph T.@ATA>
I think so, but can MTOS pause or shut it down and leave it intact
while doing nothing, with MTOS in control? ga
.Eric @ Atari>
The MultiTOS desktop is always available, so in some sense MTOS is
always "in control". The Desk menu has a list of all accessories and
applications, and you can switch to a different application by
selecting it from the menu (or by clicking on one of its windows).
ga
.Gordie>
Andreas had a question...
.Andreas@AEO>
Eric, I was wondering if you could expound on the need for an 030 to
run MTOS and the less-than-stellar results that can happen from
running MTOS on a 68000. GA
.Eric @ Atari>
On a 68000 based machine (like an ST or STe) there will be no memory
protection (since the 68000 doesn't provide this feature). On a 68030
(a Falcon or TT) programs can be protected from one another.
.Andreas@AEO>
Just so no-one has any doubts or misunderstandings.
.Eric @ Atari>
That generally means that badly behaved applications will crash only
themselves on a 68030 machines, whereas on a 68000 they can cause
trouble for other applications that are running at the same time
(or even crash the system). Plus, if you have several applications
running at the same time, the extra speed of the 68030 will really
help :-).
.Andreas@AEO>
On my Mega STe, programs would run nicely together several times
in a row, and then when a spurious bit of data would be encountered...
blammo! It was STILL a REALLY nice experience to have several
programs ALIVE at once, and have those Atari Falcon030 icons around.
I know all the hackers out there will be happy to run it on their
venerable STs!!!
.Eric @ Atari>
ATARIPOWER7: There is no "pause" feature such as you describe built
into the desktop, but the OS could support this if a 3rd party
supplied it.
.Bob @ Atari>
Thanks for your comments, Andreas... the icons ARE really neat.
.Gordie>
Okay, Andre has a question about MTOS and the SST...
AMWILLIAMS>
I hear that its better to run MultiTOS on a 68030 rather than a
68000. If this is true do you know of any problems with using
MultiTOS with the SST board ( P.S. I love my Mega St ).
.Eric @ Atari>
MultiTOS should work fine on 68030 boards. I don't know about the
SST specifically, but I'm sure it would be OK. (I know that some of
our developers were running MultiTOS on 68030 equipped ST's.) ga
.Gordie>
Bob T. has a question about Atari & the KCAC show...
.BobT>
DONE
.Gordie>
<g>
.Bob @ Atari>
Well Bob...<ahem>
We're really excited about the amount of interest that has been
exhibited by our user groups for the show schedule this coming
summer. KCAC is planning on having a terrific show, as our many
other groups throughout the US. At this point, because our plans
for CES are unclear, it's difficult to project what our exact
participation will be at ALL the shows upcoming this summer. In
particular, June looks to be a VERY busy month, with events in
Indy, Asheville, and Kansas City. From time to time, I do like
to spend a weekend at home (and my family still likes it, too),
so we'll see what happens. I certainly want to take this
opportunity to encourage everyone to get out to as many of these
events as they possibly can...in particular the KC Show, as it
is their very first effort at a show. I wish you every success!
ga
.Gordie>
And don't forget to bring lots of money! The developers can use it!
(End of unabashed plug) The Georgia Catfish has a question about
DELPHI support...
.Bill in ATL>
Bob, as director of Communications would it be impractical to ask
for a more frequent presence here on DELPHI even though The "G" is
the Official Atari Online service?
.Gordie>
And no, I didn't prompt him to ask that... <g>
.Bob @ Atari>
Actually, it's not unreasonable to ask, but at this point I
cannot commit to it. With the workload of the dealer agreements
and dealing with the press, I actually haven't been posting on
any of the online services very much at all. Part of the reason
that we have obtained the extra accounts for use on Delphi is
to have another group of people that we can send online to
provide you with the support that you deserve. We certainly
enjoy being on Delphi...but you are also correct when you note
that GEnie is our number one online service. I expect our
arrangement with GEnie to remain a VERY long term one, but will
make every effort to be on Delphi as much as time permits. At
this point, the ATARIMUSIC account has been assigned to one of
the Music staff, and Mike Fulton from Developer support will be
using the AtariTech account here. So, we are TRYING...but one of
the more precious commodities that we have here at Atari right
now is PEOPLE, and TIME. We must be certain that we use both of
them as wisely as possible. ga
.Gordie>
Wimp has a question about the Falcon market...
WIMP>
What do you see as the demographics of the Falcon market? And what
platforms do you see as competition for the Falcon?
.Eric @ Atari>
There really is no competition <grin>
.Bob @ Atari>
The intent of the Falcon is to finally penetrate the home
market with a machine that brings the promise of multimedia to
the home user, and provides them FINALLY with a reason for them
to purchase a computer. Many thousands of people (unlike you and
I) still fail to find a compelling reason to purchase a computer.
We believe that the Falcon030 will give those people a new reason
to consider purchasing a computer. In addition, there are some
compelling professional applications that will make people that
have specific professional needs (like MUSIC) that will place
the Atari Computer line in the limelight of the computing world.
WIMP>
so you think the Falcon can compete with the Mac and PC clones on
their turf?
.Bob @ Atari>
Re Competition...the part of me that is the company man says
there is no competition...we have the superior product! On the
other hand, the realist in me says that the competition is the
PC Clones....and they are not doing anything that is in any form
technically innovation in their hardware. All of the innovation
is coming in software. This is where we have an advantage...we
have innovative hardware, and compelling software applications as
well! ga.
.Gordie>
Richard has another question, this time about prices...
BONDSERVANT>
any news on prices on the various Falcons concidering the market
changes since fall?:-)
.Bob @ Atari>
The MSRP for the Falcon is unchanged since fall, with the
exception of the additonal pricing for two models: The Atari
Falcon030 with four megs of ram, and no hard disk will retail for
$999, and the 14 meg with 65 meg hard disk will retail for $1899.
We have also expanded the accessory line to include things like
SCSI-II cables, hard disk drives, and added a composite video
adapter for people (like G44!) to use with their monitors. ga
.Gordie>
Glenn has a question about the Falcon as a Studio in a Box...
.Glenn>
I read an article about how you can plug a guitar in and use it as a
de facto multi effects machine, and record direct to disk and master
to DAT. What kind of software is complete for this type of
application and what is planned?
For comparison, the SGX-2000, the top of the line guitar processor,
is nearly as much as what the Falcon costs, and it is not a full
fledged computer. By touting the Falcon's ability to be a "studio in
the box" it would certainly get people to buy, me included, since
as long as the applications are there, conforming to some MS-DOS or
MAC standard (a business concern) is not important.
.Bob @ Atari>
Glenn, thank you for your question! You're referring I believe
to the article in BYTE Magazine, where Tom Halfhill of BYTE
described plugging his electric guitar directly into the Atari
Falcon030, and using Musicomm, from COMPO Software to do all of
the special effects that he did. BTW, Musicomm's list price is
just $69! In addition to Musicomm, you can probably do similar
effects with things like the Audio Fun Machine, which is one of
the eight software titles that we bundle together with the
Atari Falcon030. ga
.Glenn>
Is the Falcon capable of multitrack recording without an interface?
What is needed?
.Bob @ Atari>
Yes, it can record two tracks out of the box. For more than
two tracks, you need an external box connected to the DSP port,
like the product that Singular Solutions is offering. The
Atari Falcon030 ships with a product called FalconD2D that will
allow you to do direct to disk hard disk recording. With the
addition of the external boxes, you can do up to eight tracks at
the present, although technically it is possible to do 16 tracks.
One of the limitations on the number of tracks is the speed of
the hard disk (actually, the access time of the HD). As the HDs
get faster, it will be easier for our developers to create more
tracks to be recorded at once. ga
.Gordie>
Okay, we've been going for almost 2 1/2 hours. Time to wrap it up.
I'd like to thank John, Eric and Bob for their time tonight. I
learned a few things, I know, and I hope they enjoyed themselves as
much as I did.
Closing comments, guys?
.Bob @ Atari>
We're very excited to have been here with all of you here tonight
and look forward to the opportunity to come back again in a few
months to discuss things with you. I hope to be online more
often, and if there is anything that you wanted to ask tonight
and didn't have a chance to, please send EMAIL to me. Eric is
just using the AtariTech account for the night...and I will be
happy to forward any of your questions on to him for his review.
Thanks again for coming....and good night!
.Towns @ Atari>
Good Night everyone!
.Eric @ Atari>
Thanks for having us here!
.Gordie>
This party is over!
***************
This transcript is copyright 1993, DELPHI and DELPHI's Atari Advantage
SIG. Permission to reprint is granted, as long as the transcript is left
intact and unchanged.
*************
Some minor editing of the transcript was done to facilitate readability,
and correct minor spelling and grammar errors. Portions were omitted to
enhance readability, and to cover up any glitches DELPHI was having.
-- Gordie Meyer <BIBLINSKI>
______________________________________________________________
> BT to ADD SPEED STR InfoFile High Speed Dialer, Wireless & Digital
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
BT SPEEDS UP CUSTOMER ACCESS TO ITS U.S. DATA NETWORK
=====================================================
New Services to Include Higher Speed Local Dial, 950, Wireless and
Switched Digital Access
San Jose, California, March, 1993
With the goal of offering the widest array of access methods to meet
customer-specific application requirements, BT North America today
announced plans to introduce diverse new wire and wireless services by
year's end. The new domestic services will provide the company's two
million daily users with faster and enhanced access methods to its U.S.
data network, the largest public network in operation.
The new capabilities will enable customers to cut costs of on-line
network usage up to 30%, while giving users the ability to access network
applications and transfer data at rates of up to four times the speed that
can currently be achieved.
Among the new services to be introduced are high-speed (14.4 kbps)
local dial, uniform number access (800 and 950), wireless (cellular and
radio), and switched digital services. The move to higher speeds and
wireless access methods is in anticipation of customer requirements for
faster data communications and network access for the growing number of
mobile users, driven by continued proliferation of portable computing
devices.
"While ATM, ISDN and SONET garner much of the industry's attention,
millions of users are looking for better and faster ways to access their
network applications," said Ron Bamberg, vice president of Business
Development and Strategic Planning for BT North America. "Network access
is the most critical and core component of any network service offered by
a carrier or service provider."
Bamberg continued: "BT's strategy is to not only maintain a leading
role in the area of network access, but to deliver targeted services best
suited for specific network applications. No one access service can
satisfy all the various requirements our customers have to get to their
network applications. Therefore, we will continue to introduce a variety
of new products which best address each individual requirement."
LOCAL HIGH SPEED DIAL SERVICES
Starting in September, BT will become the first value-added network
(VAN) provider to deploy a U.S. service enabling users to access its data
network, through a local phone call, at speeds of 14.4 kbps (V.32bis).
Nationwide coverage of the 14.4 kbps service is expected by 1995.
International Data Corporation (IDC), Framingham, MA, estimates that
between 1991 and 1996 the compound annual growth rate for 14.4 kbps modem
shipments will exceed 45 percent.
In addition, BT plans to become the first VAN to offer service which
supports the CCITT V.fast recommendation (see note to editors), which
provides for access speeds of 28.8 kbps. The company is currently in the
process of rolling out a nationwide 9.6 kbps dial service which is
expected to be fully deployed in over 520 local access sites by December,
1994. To date, over 120 sites have been completed.
"Our applications have become response-time sensitive," said Allen
Watrud, manager of Telecommunications for CUNA Mutual Insurance Group, the
world's largest provider of credit insurance for credit unions and their
members. "Getting our remote users to the network is one of the most
important aspects of providing them with the information they need to do
their jobs more effectively."
Watrud continued: "With thousands of users dialing into our network
every day, we are constantly looking for ways in which we can reduce
overall access and on-line costs while increasing the users' productivity.
Higher speed dial services represent a solution to our requirements."
CUNA's telecommunications group currently supports approximately 3,000
remote users through local dial public network services.
The new dial services will support the industry-standard CCITT
V-series recommendations for data compression (V.42bis) which will
effectively quadruple data throughput rates. For example, a customer
accessing the network with a compression capable 9.6 and 14.4 kbps modems
could realize data throughput rates of up to 38.4 and 57.6 kbps
respectively.
"New communications and modem technologies are emerging which allow
for faster transmissions over existing analog architectures," said Jeff
Zanardi, manager of Access Services for BT North America. "These
technologies coupled with new bandwidth-hungry applications are driving
network access More? speeds to increasingly higher levels."
UNIFORM NUMBER ACCESS
Already a leading provider of uniform number and toll-free access
through its 800 service, the company will upgrade this service to support
14.4 kbps access by September. In addition, to better meet customer
application requirements for uniform number and toll free access, BT will
reduce its 800 rates to as low as $9 per hour.
By the third quarter, BT will also begin offering 950 (Feature Group
B) service to its electronic transaction service (ETS) customers.
"We don't see 950 replacing local dial access or 800 services," said
Zanardi. "A local call will always be the most cost-effective means for
users to access any network. Rather, we are positioning our 800 services
to address the needs of customers whose applications require UNA and
toll-free features. 950 services will be positioned to address point-
of-sale applications and electronic transactions which require short call
set-up times. 950 is best suited for these types of applications."
WIRELESS ACCESS BT is currently evaluating a number of cellular and radio
network access alternatives and, by year's end, plans to introduce
services utilizing wireless technologies.
These include the use of IBM's CelluPlaN II technology and services
from Cellular Data Inc. (CDI), of Palo Alto, California. Additionally,
radio access will be provided to users through RAM Mobile Data.
Discussions are currently underway to link RAM's nationwide radio networks
and BT's data network. These new wireless services will provide users
with the ability send and receive electronic mail and other time critical
information, as well as access transaction applications.
The Yankee Group expects revenues from mobile data network services to
reach nearly $2.5 billion by the end of the decade. E-mail has been
identified as the primary application for which users require wireless
network access. Currently there are more than 20 million e-mail users in
the United States.
SWITCHED DIGITAL SERVICES
In addition to high-speed asynchronous dial and wireless services, BT
North America is currently evaluating the provision of switched-digital
services. Initially these services will be provided to users at speeds of
56 kbps as backup for dedicated digital connections (X.25 or frame relay)
or as an alternative for sites which cannot justify dedicated circuits.
Higher speed digital services with speeds up to T1 are also planned.
These higher speed services can also be used for cost- effective,
low-speed video conferencing applications.
###
BT (NYSE:BTY and BTY.PP) is a leader in worldwide telecommunications. It
operates one of the largest networks in the world and offers a wide range
of international services. BT has annual revenues over $24 billion and
employs a staff of approximately 165,200 in over 33 countries.
###
Note to Editors:
----------------
BT's global data network is the world's largest public data network. In
the U.S., the network provides users local access from over 1,000 cities
through 4,500 points of presence located in 520 unique access locations.
For more information contact:
BT North America Public Relations
408 922 7583
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
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.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month
of membership if you are not completely satisfied, just
ask for your $4.95 back.
GEnie Announcements (FREE)
1. February Billing complete. To check yours, type..............*BILL
2. Disney Music Trivia RTC - Win Prizes in.......................FLORIDA
3. IDITAROD Continues--Left Coast RTC...March 14.................ALASKA
4. Foster Homes for CATS; Special Guest In.......................PET
5. Teen Career Night on Law Enforcement at.......................FAMILY
6. March BIRTHDAYS Collect Your Gift on March 15.................BIRTHDAY
7. Everything Commodore owners want to know about CPM............FLAGSHIP
8. Interested in a freely available Unix clone...................UNIX
9. Book-on-demand UPDATE on the..................................PSRT
10. Sample Report-Writers from MATRIX now in.....................ASTROLOGY
11. BBS phone numbers (lots of them) all sorted by area code in....MUSTANG
12. VAX LOVERS UNITE ... visit the DEC Category in...............MAINFRAME
13. NASA Today and Tomorrow, find out what they're up to in the....SPACERT
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> CPU STATUS REPORT SPECIAL REPORT; COMPARING THE NEW HARDWARE
=================
A REALISTIC LOOK AT THE FALCON030
=================================
Information compiled by Ken Baum 1992/93
Here is a technical comparison between Atari's new Falcon 030,
Commodore's new Amiga 1200 and Apple's new Performa 400. All of these
machines are aimed at the home computer user in price and power. They
each feature their own Multitasking Graphic User Interface (GUI) operating
system, which is not compatible with MS-DOS. Each of these computers has
their own software library. They are all based on Motorola brand CPU's.
You won't find "Intel inside" any of these machines, unless it's in the
form of an emulator board!
Atari Falcon CBM Amiga 1200 Apple Performa 400
------------ -------------- ------------------
CPU 68030 68EC020 68030
speed(Mhz) 16 14.32 16
MIPS 3.84 2.5 3.84
data path(bit) 32(16used) 32 32
address space(bit) 24 24 24
instruction cache 256 bytes 256 bytes 256 bytes
data cache 256 bytes no 256 bytes
FPU optional optional optional
socket on board yes no no
type 68881/68882 68881/68882 68881/68882
DSP yes no no
type 56001 N/A N/A
speed(Mhz) 32 N/A N/A
MIPS 16 N/A N/A
MEMORY & EXPANSION
ram(base model) 4MB(16bit) 2MB(32bit CHIP) 4MB(32bit)
max ram 14 MB 10 MB(>w/3rd party) 10MB
type proprietary proprietary/PCMCIA SIMM
rom 512K 512K to 2MB 512K
DISK DRIVES
floppy 3.5" 1.44HD 3.5" 880K 3.5" 1.44HD
format Atari\MS-DOS(SAME) Amiga w\MS-DOS Mac w\MS-DOS
hard internal internal internal
type 2.5" IDE 2.5" IDE 3.5" SCSI
size 65MB 40MB 80MB
I/O PORTS
mouse/joystick 2reg 2analog 2 reg 1 mouse
serial RS-232C RS-232 2 MAC
parallel BI-directional Centronics no
video-out analog RGB\VGA analog\RGB\VGA analog RGB\VGA
composite\RF composite\RF
audio-in stereo 1/8"mini no mono RCA
-out stereo 1/8"mini stereo RCA mono RCA
external floppy no yes yes
internal IDE yes yes no
external SCSI yes SCSI II no yes
midi in, out/thru no no
DSP yes(1 MHZ trans) no no
network Localtalk LAN no Appletalk LAN
EXPANSION internal bus exp cpu expansion slot Processor
128K cartridge PCMCIA 2(16bit) Direct Slot
DSP port
SOUND
resolution 16bit\50Khz 8bit\50Khz 8bit\22Khz
channels 8 4 1
input yes\stereo no yes\mono
output stereo stereo mono
internal speaker yes no yes
VIDEO
resolution
-minimum 320x200 320x200 640x480
-maximum 640x480 1280x400\640x960(i) 640x480
palette(colors) 262,144 16.8 million 16.8 million
maximum displayed 65,536(640x400) 256,000(all res) 256
overscan yes yes no
MISC
clock yes no yes
keyboard type attached full attached full detached full
OPERATING SYSTEM
type multitasking gui multitasking gui multitasking
gui
location rom\disk rom\disk rom\disk
PRICE
retail $1299.00 $1099.00 $1450.00
street N/A $850.00 $1150.00
SOFTWARE(included)
Atari Falcon 030: MultiTOS 4.0-operating system
SpeedoGDOS-scalable font extension w/14 Bitstream
fonts.
Falcon D2D-audio direct to disk recording & editing
Atari Works-integrated word processor, database,
spreadsheet.
Audio Fun Machine-DSP digital audio FX
System Audio Manager-record & assign sounds to system
event.
Various Accessory programs:
calculator,calendar,Talking Clock games, etc.
CBM Amiga 1200 AmigaDOS 3.0-operating system
CrossDOS-allows reading & writing MS-DOS format disks
*Deluxe Paint IV AGA-full featured 2D paint & animation
*Final Copy-full featured word processor
Various Utility Programs:Calculator,screenblanker etc.
(*indicates a limited time offer)
Apple Performa 400 System 7.1-operating system
Symantec Greatworks-integrated word
processor,database,
spreadsheet,charting,paint & telecomm program
At Ease-program launcher
Teleware M.Y.O.B.-checkbook & cardfile program
T/Maker Clip Art-business graphics
Various Accessory programs:calculator,alarm
clock,games etc.
FINAL NOTES:
The Atari & Commodore machines are housed in a single case. They DO
NOT have detached keyboards. The Atari Falcon is in the same case as it's
predecessor the 1040STE, and the Amiga 1200 is in a restyled case similar
to the Amiga 500. Also, each of these computers is available without a
hard drive for less money. However, models with hard drives were used for
comparison purposes. These configuraions are those as supplied by the
manufacturer. Individual dealers may offer other configuration options.
The Apple Performa 400 has a separate keyboard, it is in the same case as
the MAC LCII(In fact, that's exactly what it is!).
The Atari & Commodore machines can operate at many different screen
resolutions and would require a multisync monitor for optimum flexibility.
Also, the Commodore Amiga 1200's maximum resolutions are interlaced(i).
It's maximum non-interlaced resolution is 640x480. Both the Atari Falcon &
Commodore Amiga 1200 will also overscan, giving them more resolution in
that mode and making them suitable for Desk Top Video (DTV). The Apple
Performa would require an analog VGA type monitor. The Atari Falcon is
the only computer here with a DSP (digital signal processor) chip.
revision 1.1
Information compiled by Ken Baum 1992/93
E-mail on GEnie or Delphi:<KEBAUM>
Sources: Amiga World, Amiga Format, AtariUser, ST Format, MACWorld
GEnie & Delphi.
__________________________________________________________________
> OUTLINE ART 3.0 STR InfoFile * NEW * Upgrade to Outline Art!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PRESS RELEASE
February 25, 1993
Contact: Nathan Potechin
DMC Publishing is proud to announce the release of Outline Art 3.0.
This long-awaited upgrade to the original Outline Art standard includes
all the features that made the original famous, plus color, eps/ps export,
macro keys, user-definable UNDO, context-sensitive help which explains
each and every feature and more. Two variations of this program are
currently available, in two megabyte or four megabyte configurations
depending upon your existing hardware. When placing your upgrade or
order, please indicate your specific Atari computer.
To all of our existing registered owners of Outline Art, the
introductory upgrade charge until May 30, 1993, is US $49.95 or $59.95
Canadian.
The introductory retail price of Outline Art 3.0 is US $149.95 or
$175.00 Canadian.
Effective immediately, the new price for the industry-standard Outline
Art 1.0 is US $89.95 or $109.95 Canadian.
The July/August 1992 issue of Atari Explorer carried the winners of
the second annual Outline Art contest. The contest attracted entries from
professional and amateur Outline Art users, worldwide and is indicative of
the position long held by this vector graphic drawing program from DMC.
(Note: All winning entries are available for downloading from our library
#30 in the Atari Roundtable Library on GEnie.)
The 4 Megabyte DEMO version of Outline Art 3.0 is now available for
downloading. Although Save and export functions have been disabled, and
the context sensitve help has been left out, the program is entirely
functional and will give you a complete preview of the capabilities that
have made DMC's Outline Art famous.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact your
nearest Atari Dealer or DMC directly. We will be pleased to answer any
questions you might have.
Nathan Potechin, President
DMC Publishing
DMC Publishing
2800 John Street, Unit 10
Markham, Ontario
Canada L3R 0E2
Tel: (416) 479-1880
Fax: (416) 479-1882
GEnie: ISD
Compuserve: 76004,2246
Delphi: ISDMARKETING
____________________________________________________________
> CT FEST'93 STR SHOW NEWS
""""""""""""""""""""""""
THE CT ATARIFEST '93!
=====================
JUNE 12 & 13, AT THE WINDSOR COURT HOTEL
WINDSOR, CT. (JUST ABOVE HARTFORD)
Free Parking!
Low Room Rates!
More Vendors!
More Floor Space!
Yep, that ACT Atari Group is running another major NorthEast computer
event. Last year's successful CT Fest had over 700 attendees, which
merited a larger location, so we've moved a mile away (exit 42 on I-91)
into bigger and better quarters. We're just as convenient to reach as
ever, and only two hours from Boston or New York! The new hotel has
excellent room rates ($35.00 per room), free and plentiful parking, easy
access from Interstate 91, I-95, I-90, I-84, I-80, an in house Sports Bar,
a bigger ballroom and is located just 1 mile from Bradley International
Airport (free shuttle service for hotel guests).
We expect that an even greater number of vendors this year, surpassing
the excellent turnout of the past shows. We already have tentative
commitments from A&D Software, Gribnif Software, Barefoot Software, Toad
Computers, Computer Studio, Baggetaware, Derric Electronics, E.Hartford
Computer Repair, MegaType Software, Wizztronics and GFA Software
Technology. Last year we had FOURTEEN user groups, this year we should
have even more (We also expect an exciting 8 Bit contingent)!
We'll have our annual New England Lynx Competition, with multiple
Comlynxed competitions underway at all times. Last year's winners took
home prizes ranging from games to accessories to complete Lynx Systems!
Bring your best player and join the fun.
We'll have the Portfolio Corner, staffed with industry pundits and
filled with every imaginable palmtop peripheral! Last year we had a few
Portfolios disassembled at the booth, a real insight into surface mount
technology!
For those of you with an eye towards seminars, we'll have them in
abundance, last year's question and answer session with Bob Brodie drew
standing only crowds! In addition, we had John Eidsvoog's walk through the
Codehead graphic tools, Jeff Naideau of Barefoot Software showing off
EdiTrack Platinum, Dave Troy of (Guess[ribbet]) Computers and many, many
others.
And to top things off, come out and see the Falcon 030 in all its
glory. By then we expect to see some rad new programs out and some really
excitement! All in all, we hope to have the best Northeast show yet, and
we look forward to your participation. Make your plans now for the most
exciting Atari Weekend this spring!
For further information, call Brian Gockley at 203-332-1721 or Doug
Finch at 203-637-1034. We can also be found on GEnie in Category 11 or on
Compuserve in the Atari arenas. E-mail can be directed to B.GOCKLEY or
D.FINCH7 on GEnie or to 75300,2514 or 76337,1067 on CIS.
_____________________________________________________________________
> NVN WANTS YOU! STR InfoFile Another Network Supports Atari!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
National Videotext Network (NVN) has recently added an Atari ST Forum
to it's growing lists of available services. The Atari ST Forum is ready
and waiting for you!
The future of NVN will be one which continues to remain sensitive and
responsive to market needs. Additional services and advances in electronic
information will continue to be added, to provide unique and interesting
services on an on-going basis.
NVN service offerings can be broken into three categories: Basic,
Premium, and Premium Plus.
****************************************
****************************************
** 9600 BAUD acious! **
** For users with 9600 baud modems **
** SAME PRICE AS 2400 BAUD! **
** TRUE on line savings! **
****************************************
****************************************
Basic Services
--------------
Most of the Basic services are available 24 hours a day with no
connect time charges beyond the basic membership fee. However, a select
group have functions for which transaction fees are charged. Basic
services are accessible through a flat rate charge of $5.95 per month.
Premium Services
----------------
For Premium services, Members pay connect charges for the amount of
time spent in a particular service. Premium services are accessible Monday
through Friday for a connect time charge of $9.00/hour from 8 am to 6 pm,
and $6.00/hour from 6 pm to 8 am; and on Saturday and Sunday for a connect
time charge of $6.00 all day (6 pm Friday til 8 am Monday), central time
zone. 9600 Baud access is available at no additional cost! Think of the
advantages of downloading at 9600 baud for 9.00 hr Prime Time or 6.00 hr
non-prime time!
Order an extended NVN Membership of 6 or 12 months, pay for it in
advance and receive a bonus in connect time at no additional charge.
Choose from two subscription plans:
6-Month Membership
Pay just $30 for a 6-month Membership and receive a usage credit that
entitles you to $15 of connect-time in the Premium services of your
choice. Your total savings using this plan would be over $20!*
12 Month Membership
Pay $50 for a full year's Membership and get even more free time
on-line. We'll give you a $25 usage credit to use in your favorite Premium
services or try out new ones. You could save as much as $45.*
For more information about either of these plans, give us a call at
1-800-336- 9096.
*Both extended Membership options, including free usage credits are
nonrefund-able/nontransferable. Members are responsible for all Premium
charges over the $15 or $25 usage credit.
You can join NVN one of two ways. By voice phone 1-800-336-9096
(Client Services) or via modem phone 1-800-336-9092. You will be issued
an Account # (usually within 24 hours) National Videotex Network and the
Atari ST Forum will be waiting for you.
_____________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- New York City, NY MOTOROLA HAS 68060 ALL SET TO GO!
-----------------
Reportedly, the 68060 is quite capable of overpowering the PowerPC.
While much attention has been focused on the prowess of the upcoming
PowerPC RISC processor, Motorola has been quietly working on a powerful
successor to the 68040, the 68060, that will outperform the first PowerPC
to be released, the PowerPC 601. Motorola's 68060 will perform in the
range of 100 million instructions per second (MIPS), compared with the 29
MIPS of a 68040 with a 33MHz clock rate. Because the 68060 will be faster
than the PowerPC 601, the 601 will be relegated to a mid-range Mac, while
the 68060 will get a glamour job in a line of high-end Macs in early 1994,
according to industry sources. The 68060 employs super-scalar execution,
that is, the ability to perform two instructions per clock cycle.
Motorola plans volume shipments of a 50MHz 68060 in early 1994, with a
66MHz chip to follow. Motorola skipped development of a 68050 in favor of
the more radical 68060 design.
- Baltimore, MD NEW FALCON TO DEBUT AT CeBit!
-------------
Mr. Super Snoop is hard at work again! This time its reported that
there will be a TWO PIECE Falcon presented for the first time at this
year's CeBit Show in Germany. Coined the "Mega Falcon" for now, it is
reported to be the two piece FALCON most everyone has requested. Also
slated to appear, is the "consumer version" of the Falcon having no Hard
drive, Cart Port, DSP and being a one piece unit.
_______________________________________________________________
> MUSIC DEVELOPERS STR InfoFile A comprehensive listing.....
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
A.D.G Productions
4342 West 136th Street, Suite 9
Hawthorne, CA 90250 USA
Tel: +1 310 379 1568
Fax: +1 310 379 1568
-Blues & Jazz Compositions, education
-Contemporary Styles, education
ACS
8 avenue Gilkmans
95510 Taverny France
Tel: +33 16 130 409095
-Proteus Patcher, editor
Alfred Publishing Co. Inc.
16380 Roscoe Blvd.
P.O Box 100003, Van Nuys, CA 91410 USA
Tel: +1 818 891 5999
Fax: +1 818 893 5560
-Basic Adult Piano Theory Level 1, education
-Basic Piano Theory Levels 1-2, education
-Basic Piano Theory Levels 3-5, education
-Practical Theory Series, education
-Music Achievement Series, education
Alpha Systems
1012 Skyland Dr.
Macedonia, OH 44056 USA
Tel: +1 216 467 5665
-Jam Master, sample player
-Digisound Professional, sample player
-Digisound, sample player
-Beat Box: sample player
Allen & Heath
5639 S. Riley Ln.
Salt Lake City, UT 84107 USA
Tel: 801 268 8400
Fax: 801 262 4966
-GS3V, VCA, fader operations
Arobace
2 rue Piemontesi
75018 Paris France
Tel: +33 1 42 235044
Fax: +33 1 42 511244
-Digital Impact, sampler editor
Audio Light
P.O.Box 893,
Los Gatos, CA 95030 USA
Tel: +1 408 395 0830
Fax: +1 408 974 9077
-Music Studio 88, entertainment
Barefoot Software
19865 Covello Street
Canoga Park, CA 91306 USA
Tel: +1 818 727 7143
Fax: +1 818 727 0632
-EditTrack Gold, sequencer
-EZ-Score Plus v1.2, notation
-HybriSwitch, multitasking
-Ludwig, composition
-MIDIPlexer, hardware peripheral
-SMPTETrack Gold, sequencer
Bradley Forthware
P.O. Box 4444
Mountain View, CA 94040 USA
Tel: +1 415 961 1302
Fax: +1 415 962 0927
-Formula, composing
Chro-Magic Software Innovations
516 N. Jackson,
Joplin, MO 64801 USA
Tel: +1417 623 7393
-Guitaristics, education
-Pianistics, education
Codehead Technologies
P.O. Box 74090
Los Angeles, CA 90004 USA
Tel: +1 213 386 5735
Fax: +1 213 386 5789
-MIDI Spy, desk sequencer
-MIDIMax, MIDI mapper
Command Development
11846 Balboa Blvd., Suite 135
Granada Hills, CA 91344 USA
Tel: +1 818 362 3550
Fax: +1 818 361 2389
-D50/M1 Command, editor/librarian
-Offspring for the SY77, interface
Communications Resources
754 N. Bolton Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46219-5902 USA
Tel: +1 317 356 6946
-Synthview DW-8000, editor/librarian
-Synthview K1 Capture, editor/librarian
Composers Desktop Project
11 Kilburn Rd.
York YO1 4DF UK
Tel: +44 904 613299
Fax: +44 904 432450
-Composer Music Workstation, advanced E/A
Comus
67 boulevard Jean Baptiste Oudry
94000 Cretil France
Tel: +33 1 43 394055
Fax: +33 1 43 398039
-Big Band, arranger
CoveSystems
50 Cove Woods Rd.
Oyster Bay, NY 11771 USA
Tel: +1 615 459 2960
Fax: +1 615 371 1251
-Sound-Off Audio Digitizer, sample player
Datamusic
4 Sharon Court, Alexandra Grove
London N12 8NX UK
Tel: +44 81 4453935
Fax: +44 81 4469699
-Fractal Music v2.4, fractal composition
Desert Software
PO Box 123, St. Helens
Merseyside WA9 5LD UK
Tel: +44 514 307400
Fax: +44 514 307400
-Vivace 1.1, Module 1 & 2, sequencer
-Vivace 1.0, Module 3, notation
Digigram
Parc Technologique de Pre Milliet
Montbonnot, 38330 St. Ismier France
Tel: +33 16 76 524747
Fax: +33 16 76 902111
-Studio 24, sequencer
Digital F/X
755 RavenDale Drive
Mountain View, CA 94043 USA
Tel: +1 800 274 4339
Tel: +1 415 961 2800
Fax: +1 415 961 6990
-Digital Master EX, direct to disk 4 channel -
16 track audio recorder and editor
Digital Horizons
24403 E. Welches Rd.
Welches, OR 97067 USA
Tel: +1 503 622 4034
Fax: +1 503 622 3933
-Final Cut, sequencer
-Scale Master, education
-Rhythm Time, education
-Note Wizard, education
-Chord Magic, education
-Music Lights, player
Digital IO
2554 Lincoln Blvd. #122
Marina del Rey, CA 90291 USA
Tel: +1 310 398 3993
Fax: +1 310 822 1360
-D2D, sample editor
Dr T's Music Software
100 Crescent Rd. #1B
Needham, MA 02194 USA
Tel: +1 617 455 1454
Fax: +1 617 244 5243
-Hitman, cue sheet
-X-OR, patch editaor
-Tunesmith, composing
-Tiger cub, sequencer
-Tiger, sequencer
-T-Basic, utility
-Samplemaker, sample editor
-Roland Mt-32, patch editor
-Roland D-110, patch editor
-Roland D-50, patch editor
-Realtime 1.2, sequencer
-Phantom, synchronizer
-Oberheim Matrix 6/1000, patch editor
-Music mouse, composing
-MIDI Recording Studio, sequencer
-M, composing
-Lexicon PCM-70, patch editor
-Korg M1, patch editor
-Korg DS-8, patch editor
-Korg DP-3000, patch editor
-Keys, composing
-KCS Omega*, sequencer
-Kawai K-5, patch editor
-Kawai K-3, patch editor
-Kawai K-1, patch editor
-Tempo Master MPE
-FX-Pac-1(LXP1, SPX90, DSP128, Midiverb)
-4-op Deluxe, patch editor
-Fingers, composing
-ESQapade ESQ-1/SQ-80, patch editor
-EMU Proteus/XR, patch editor
-DX Heaven, patch editor
-Copyist Professional-DTP, scoring
-Copyist Apprentice, scoring
-Casio VZ Rider, patch editor
-Casio CZ Rider, patch editor
* Supports Fostex Machine Control
Electronic Arts
1820 Gateway Dr.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Tel: +1 415 571 7171
-Music Construction Set, player
Electronic Courseware Systems
1210 Lancaster Dr.
Champaign, IL 61821 USA
Tel: +1 217 359 7099
Fax: +1 217 359 6578
-Aural Skills Trainer, education
-Early music Skills, education
-Functional Harmony Series, education
-Keyboard blues, education
-Keyboard Chords, education
-Keyboard Extended Jazz Harmonies, education
-Keyboard fingerings, education
-Keyboard Intervals, education
-Keyboard Jazz Harmonies, education
-Keyboard Kapers, education
-Keyboard Namegame, education
Electronic Courseware Systems cont.
-Keyboard Tutor, education
-MIDI Jazz Improv Series, education
-Musical Stairs, education
E-Magic
Ensoniq Corp Worldwide Headquarters
155 Great Valley Pkwy
P.O. Box 3023
Malvern, PA 19355-0735
Tel: 215 647 3930 (custemer service)
Fax: 215 647 8908
-Unitor 2, interface
-Notator*, sequencer
-Export, interface
-Creator SL, sequencer
* Supports Fostex Machine Control
Esat Software
57 rue du Tondu
33000 Bordeaux France
Tel: +33 16 56 693523
Fax: +33 16 56 984345
-HMS Soundtracker, sequencer
Expose Software
26 boulevard d'Anthenes
13001 Marseille France
Tel: +33 16 91 058978
Fax: +33 16 91 058979
-AudioSculpture, software tone generator
Fostex Corporation of America
15431 Blackburn Ave.
Norwalk, CA 90650
Tel: +1 310 921 1112
Fax: +1 310 802 1964
-Fostex Machine Control, machine control
Gajits Music Software
I-Mex House, 40 Princess Street
Manchester M1 6DE UK
Tel: +44 61 236 2515
Fax: +22 61 2364044
-Companion Editor Librarians, patch editor
-The Hit Kit, composition
-The Sample Series, sample librarian
-Sequencer One, sequencer
Geerdes Midisystems
Bismarckstrasse 84
D-1000 Berlin 12 Germany
Tel: +49 30 316779
Fax: +49 30 3121828
-Softworkstations 1strack, editor & sequencer
-StarTrack, sequencer
Grand Mesa Research
PO Box 266
Eads, CO 81036-0266 USA
Tel: +1 719 438 5419
-CK: MIDI! 2.0, utility
Hollis Resaerch Ltd.
The Moat House, Fort Road
St. Peter Port
Guernsey, Channel Islands UK
Tel: +44 481 728286
Fax: +44 481 728286
-MIDIman, patch editor
-Trackman 2, sequencer
Hotz Instruments Technology
P.O. Box 828
Newbury Park, CA 91319-0828 USA
Tel: +1 805 492 5553
Fax: +1 805 493 4650
-Hotz MIDI Translator, MIDI translator
Interval Music Systems
12335 Santa Monica Blvd. #244
Los Angeles, CA 90025-2519 USA
Tel: +1 310 478 3956
Fax: +1 310 478 5791
-GenWave, sample editor
-Synth Editor/Librarian, pat
ch editor
J. Beer Software
877 N. Paulina
Chicago. IL 60622-5069 USA
-Walking Bass, education
-Jazz Expert System, composing
JCD Software
67 rue Gambeta
95400 Villiers le Bel France
Tel: +33 134 730987
Fax: +33 134 696031
-Cle de Sol, education
-Feeling Partner, education
JLCooper Electronics
12500 Beatrice St.
Los Angeles, Ca 90066 USA
Tel: +1 310 306 4131
Fax: +1 310 822 2252
-Nexus Plus, 2X8 switcher with merge
-Nexus, 3X8 MIDI switcher
-PPS-2 SMPTE/Smart FSK Synchronizer
-PPS-100 SMPTE-MIDI Sychronizer
-PPS-100Q SMPTE/MIDI Synchronizer
-Media Control Station, multimedia controller
-DataSynch, MTC synch for Alesis ADAT
-CS1M, control station
-MixMaster, MIDI mixer
-MSB Plus Rev. 2, 8X8 MIDI patch bay
-MSB Plus, remote software
-MAGI II Console Automation Systems
-FaderMaster, MIDI command controller
-Synapse, MIDI patch bay
-Synapse Remote, MIDI patch bay processor
Johnsware
5802 42nd Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781-1632 USA
Tel: +1 301 927 1947
-MIDIBoss, MIDI mapper
-MPatch, editor/librarian
-MSBehave, editor/librarian
-MXMaster, editor/librarian
-SDDemon, editor/librarian
-Tune Up, patch editor
-K3Master, patch editor
-DSPatcher, patch editor
-CZLIBII for Casio CZ 101, patch editor
-APatch (for Audio Matrix), patch editor
Legend Software Systems
3508 34A Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6L 5E8 Canada
Tel: +1 403 450 0736
-The Final Cut, sequencer
Live Collection
18 Bld. Vincent Auriol
75013 Paris France
Tel: +33 130 409095
Fax: +33 144 245550
-Lizard, editor/librarian
Mark of the Unicorn, Inc.
1280 Massachussette Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Tel: +1 617 576 2760
Fax: +1 617 576 3609
-Mixer 7S, MIDI controlled mixer
Michtron
3201 Drummond Plz.
Newark, DE 19711 USA
Tel: +1 302 454 7946
Fax: +1302 454 1403
-Replay Professional, sample player
-Replay 8, sample player
-Quartet, sample player
-Playback, sample player
-Master Sound, sample player
Microdeal Ltd.
P.O. Box 68
St. Austell PL25 4YB UK
Tel: +44 726 68020
Fax: +44 726 69692
-Concerto, sequencer
-Quartet, sequencer
-Replay VIII, sample editor
-Replay Professional, sample editor
-Stereo Master, sample editor
-Stereo Replay, sample editor
Midiman
236 W. Mountain St., Suite 108
Pasadena, CA 91103 USA
Tel: +1 800 969 6434
Fax: +1 818 449 9480
-TransMidi, interface
-Synchman, interface
-Synchman Plus, interface
-Synchman Pro, interface
-Synchman Pro MTV, interface
-Synchman Remote, sync controller
-SMPTE Time Window, sync controller
-MIDI Time Window, sync controller
-Fineline, mixer
-Minimixer, mixer
-MIDI Drummer II
-Atari Guide To Sequencers, book
Midisoft Corp.
15263 N.E. 90th St.
Redmond, WA 98052 USA
Tel: +1 206 881 7176
Fax: +1 206 883 1368
-Midisoft Studio, sequencer
Mind Over Midi Productions
9131 Capella Dr. #302
Burnaby, BC Canada V3J 7K4
Tel: +1 604 444 4424
-Slave Driver, mapper
-Lexicon LXP-1/5 Editors, patch editor
Mobile Ohm Development
4363 Coopers Creek Drive
Smyrna, GA 30082 USA
Tel: +1 404 333 9124
-Drum Kitz:Alesis D4 Editor/Librarian
Musicode
5575 Baltimore Dr. #105-127
La Mesa, CA 92042 USA
Tel: +1 619 469 7194
-YS100/200,B200,TQ5, D54454, WT11
-V50 Voice Development System
-TX81Z/DX11 Voice Development
-K1 Voice Development System
-K4 Voice Development System
-DX21/27/100 Voice Development
patch editor
Musikhaus Kahlenberg
Dorstener Str. 180
D-4690 Herne 2 Germany
Fax: +49 0 22 23 15 67
-K4 ISC-Interactiv Sound Creator, patch editor
Oktal International
315 Rene Levesque Est. Suite 110
Montreal, Quebec H2X 3P3 Canada
Tel: +1 514 844 3428
Fax: +1 514 255 4981
-Multitude Jr. 1.0, sequencer
-Multitude Pro 1.0, sequencer
-Multitude Pro/Score 1.0, sequencer/notation
Paradigm Software Products
1369 concord Place, Suite 3-B
Kalamazoo, MI 49009-2657
Tel: +1 616 372 5972, Ext. 472
-Omni-Banker ST, librarian
PG Music, Inc.
111-266 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222 USA
Tel: +1 416 528 2368
Fax: +1 416 577 4704
-Band in a Box, composer
Pixel Publishing
641 Caledonia Rd.
Toronto, Ontario Canada M6E 4V8
Tel: +1 416 785 3036
Fax: +1 416 785 6416
-Super Librarian, universal librarian
Pro MIDI Systems
P.O. Box 13
Laurier, WA 99146 USA
-Pro Midi Player, player
Quinsoft
c/o Patchworks Distribution
211 Frederick Road
Hastings, East Sussex TN35 5AU UK
Tel: +44 424 436674
Fax: +44 424 434338
-The Advanced Four-Op Librarian
-The FB 01 Librarian
-The Juno 1/2 Editor, patch editor/librarian
-K4 Editor, patch editor/librarian
-The M1 Toolkit, librarian/utilities
-The Matrix Editor, editor/librarian
-The MKS 70 Editor, editor/librarian
-Proteus Editor, editor/librarian
-The Quadraverb Toolkit, utilities
-Trax v1.5, recording studio manager
-VZ-Ed Editor, Casio VZ editor/librarian
Roland Corporation U.S.
7200 Dominion Cr.
Los Angeles, CA 90040 USA
Tel: +1 213 685 5141
Fax: +1 213 722 0911
-Tentrax, sequencer
Rythm'n Soft
Zone industriel des peupliers
18 ter rue des trembles
38100 Grenoble France
Tel: +33 16 76 405270
Fax: +33 16 76 333808
-Big Boss 24/Big Boss Plus, sequencer
-Live Teaching System, education
-Midnight, sequencer
-Mister Jam, sequencer
-Piano Solfeo, education
Scorpion Systems Group
836 Page, San Francisco, CA 94708 USA
Tel: +1 415 428 2685
-sYbil, mapper
Sirensong Software
1717 Acatrraz Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94708 USA
Tel: +1 510 428 2685
Fax: +1 510 655 3664
-Solo Sampler Plus, education
-Solo Sampler, education
-Rhythm Sampler, education
-Now Hear This, education
Soft Arts
P.O. Box 127762, Goethestrasse 81
D-1000 Berlin 12 Germany
Tel: +49 30 313 7610
Fax: +49 30 313 9595
-DDD-1 Drumworks, editor librarian
-DSM-1/DSS-1 Workstations, editor/librarian
-Live, sequencer
-Live Basic, sequencer
-LXP-1, editor/librarian
-MIDI Sample Translator, sample translator
-Pan, education
-Proteus X-Rayer, editor/librarian
-Quick Step 01/W, editor/librarian
-Score Perfect, notation
-Score Perfect Professional, notation
-Soundsystem S 612, sample editor
-Soundsystem X 7000, sample editor
Sound Quest
1573 Eglinton Ave. W. #200
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6E 2G9
Tel: +1 416 234 0347
Fax: +1 416 322 6451
-K1 Quest, editor/librarian
-M6/1000 Quest, editor/librarian
-M1 Quest, editor/librarian
-D-5/10/20/110 Quest, editor/librarian
-CZ Quest, editor/librarian
-SQ-80 Quest, editor librarian
-OP-4 quest, editor/librarian
-MT-32 Quest, editor/librarian
-DX11 Quest, editor/librarian
-Midi Quest, editor/librarian
Steinberg/Jones
17700 Raymer St.
Northridge, CA 91325 USA
Tel: +1 818 993 4091
Fax: +1 818 701 7452
-Cubase*, sequencer
-Cubase Lite, sequencer
-Cubeat 2.0, sequencer
-Tango, composer
-Twelve, sequencer
-Switcher, utility
-The Ear, education
-Synthworks TX81Z
-Synthworks Wavestation
-Synthworks FB-01
-Synthworks ESQ -1
-Synthworks DX/TX
-Synthworks D-10/110/20/MT-32
-Synthworks D-50
-Synthworks K1
-Synthworks M1
-Synthworks MT-32
-Synthworks Proteus
-Synthworks SY-77
editor/librarian software
-D/A Board (16 bit Avalon board), hardware
-Pro-24 III, sequencer
-SMP24, interface
-MIMIX Fader Automation System, mixer
-Midex +, interface
-Midex, interface
-Masterscore, notation
-Desktop Mixing DMP-7, mixing
-Avalon, sample editor
* Supports Fostex Machine Control
Stuyts Engineering BV
1 Krom 7a, 2011 JM Haarlem
The Netherlands
Tel: +011 31 23 324609
Fax: +011 31 23 311135
-ST-Sound Track, sample editor
Synergy Resources
745 N. Bolton Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46219-5902 USA
Tel; +1 317 356 6946
-Synthview DW-8000, patch editor
-K1 Capture, editor/librarian
Take control
Institue of Research and Development
Vincent Dr.
Birmingham B15 2SQ UK
Tel: +44 214 154155
Fax: +44 214 154156
-Music DTP, notation
Take Note Software
285 Divisadero #3
San Francisco, CA 94117-3226 USA
Tel: +1 415 431 9495
-Take Note 2.0, education
The Digital Muse
82 Tachbrook Street
London SW1V 2NB UK
Tel: +44 718 289462
Fax: +44 718 341099
-Prodigy, sequencer
-Rave, sequencer
Trifolium
Wilhelmsstr. 5
D-3500 Kassel Germany
Tel: +49 561 773077
Fax: +49 561 27963
-Analyser, audio spectrum analyser
-BlueNote, sequencer/notation
-Rhytm Crack, composer
-Sound Editors, editor/librarian
Vivatv
2 passage Flourens
75017 Paris France
Tel: +33 1 43 440572
-Amadeus ST, notation
Wintertree Software Inc.
43 Rueter Street
Nepean, ON K2J 3Z9 Canada
Tel: +1 613 825 6271
-Beat Egger, drum machine driver
-MIDIMagnet, desk accesory
-MIDIX32 Standard MIDI File Player/Converter
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "The More things change...."
"""""""""""""""""
"WILL THE FALCON SOAR WITH EAGLES???
or,
CONTINUE TO ROOST WITH TURKEYS?!?"
A BAD April Fool's JOKE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * 1992 SPRING Prices! MORE Products! *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ------------------------------------
** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **
NOTICE: ABCO will BEAT OR MATCH * ANY *
Advertised or Invoiced price * WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!!
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 & DESIGNS 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)
- Available for all Platforms -
-* ICD LINK & ADSCSI PLUS HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY *-
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE!!! >UPS!<
(Prepaid Orders - Cont. USA)
*_*_*_*
*** NEW!!! ULTRA MODERN "SUPER STYLE" ABCOFILE CASE ***
DELUXE 2 bay Cabinet W/65w Auto PS & Blower $119.00
<<<Coming Soon! ABCO Mini-Tower>>>
Case & ICD LINK or ADSCSI PLUS Host [Hard Disk Ready] $259.95
-STAND ALONE PRODUCTS-
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb Y CALL!
SQN1096 85mb Y CALL!
SQN2055 130mb Y CALL!
SQN1296 213mb Y CALL!
SQN4055 340mb Y CALL!
==================================================
Standard "Shoebox Cabinet style is also available
Call for pricing applicable to IBM - MAC - AMIGA
IDE - SCSI - ESDI
MODERN TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
Many other configurations available.
20mb - 3.5gb
NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SPECIAL PURCHASE! * 83mb - 1345mb * Hard Disk Mechanisms
Call for SUPER PRICING!! Limited Time Only!!
IDEAL FOR USE IN: IBM - MAC - AMIGA!
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES w/o ICD LINK Available
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
FAST TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED
*****
>> ABCO proudly offers: ATARI PRODUCTS <<
MAC PRODUCTS - AMIGA PRODUCTS - PC PRODUCTS
Call for ABCO's * HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICING! *
ABCO COMPUTER SYSTEMS * 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!
* GUARANTEED * AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE! *
"WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL"
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" & "88" *
* REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES *
--->> LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! NOW ONLY 44MB $ CALL! <<---
SCSI port READY 88MB $ CALL!
with
ICD Link add 80.00
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
ONE Cart Included!
44mb CARTS: $ 69.50
88mb CARTS: $ 109.50
44mb MECH ONLY: $ 319.95
88mb MECH ONLY: $ 419.95
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $ CALL! **
Includes: * TWO * cartridges!
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
** 50mb SQG51S $ CALL! 105mb SQG105S $ CALL! **
Or, YOUR choice of Hard Disk Mechanism!
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
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)
*** --> COMPLETE IBM CLONE SYSTEMS AVAILABLE! <-- ***
CUSTOM BUILT TO YOUR SPECS!
CALL FOR PRICING & AVAILABILITY
386/486 25 MHZ - 33Mhz - 50Mhz - 66Mhz
From $839.95
**** SPECIAL SPRING OFFER ****
486 64K CACHE, 4MB RAM, 174MB HD, 1.2FLOP, 1.44FLOP
1MB SVGA CARD, 101 KEYBOARD, DOS 5.0, WINDOWS 3.1 & MOUSE
$1350.00! - W/NI 14" 28DP SVGA MONITOR; $1550.00!
*>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*
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 Facsimile
** $41.95 shipping included **
-- ALL TONER KITS * IN STOCK * --
* Toner Starter Kits-$62.95 *
* Replacement (804) Drums-$187.95 *
ABCO is PROUD to announce the acquisition of
the exclusive U.S.A. distribution rights for
** Bitblit Software's ///Turbo Board BBS. **
This fine Atari ST BBS system software and
user support is available through ABCO to all
Turbo customers in the USA. Call for current
pricing.
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
Now Available
BUSINESSES, - LEASE TO OWN WITH AT&T -
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Prepaid Orders - Cont. USA)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
COD, Personal and Company Checks accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders & Service
9am - 8pm EDT
TUES thru SAT
__________________________________________________________
> DEALER CLASSIFIED LIST STR InfoFile * Dealer Listings *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ---------------
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
1-904-783-3319
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
COMPUTER STUDIO
===============
WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Ashville, NC 28806
1-800-253-0201
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SAN JOSE COMPUTER
=================
1278 Alma Court
San Jose, CA. 95112
1-408-995-5080
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CompuSeller West
================
220-1/2 W. Main St.
St. Charles, IL
Ph. (708) 513-5220
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(Dealers; to be listed here, just drop us a line.)
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
-* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" March 12, 1993
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.9.11
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors/staff of STReport International Online Magazine. Permission
to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints
must, without exception, include the name of the publication, date, issue
number and the author's name . STReport and/or portions therein may not
be edited in any way without prior written permission. STReport, at the
time of publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STReport, its staff
and contributors are not and cannot be held responsible for the use or
misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
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