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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 92-07
| (((((((( | Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine
| (( | -----------------------------------------
| (( | February 14, 1992 Issue #92-07
| (( | -----------------------------------------
| (((((((( | Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc.
| | Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, NJ 08846
| (( |
| (((((( | CONTENTS
| (( |
| | * The Editors Desk............................Ron Kovacs
| ((( (( | * Z*Net Newswire.................................Z*Staff
| (((( (( | * The Top Palmtops - Part 2 of 2.............Dave Hayden
| (( (( (( | * Perusing GEnie...............................Ed Krimen
| (( (((( | * Lynx Owners Update - Game Of Life........Press Release
| (( ((( | * Comparative Chart of Disk Types.......Daniel Stoicheff
| | * Perusing The Internet...................Bruce Hansford
| ((((((( |
| (( | * Z*NET EXCLUSIVE: Writing The ST Book
| ((((( | (Reprint from Atari Explorer Magazine)
| (( |
| ((((((( | ~ Publisher/Editor............................Ron Kovacs
| | ~ Contributing Editor..........................John Nagy
| (((((((( | ~ Z*Net Newswire Ltd..........................Jon Clarke
| (( | ~ Contributing Editor.....................Bruce Hansford
| (( | ~ PD Software Reviews.....................Ron Berinstein
| (( | ~ Reporter....................................Mike Brown
| (( | ~ Assistant News Editor.......................Mike Davis
| | ~ Z*Net Canadian Correspondent...........Terry Schreiber
| | ~ Columnist....................................Ed Krimen
| | ~ Columnist................................Mike Mortilla
| | ~ UK Columnist...............................Mick Jarvis
| | ~ Features Editor.........................Dr. Paul Keith
| |
|----------| $ GEnie Address....................................Z-NET
| ONLINE | $ CompuServe Address..........................75300,1642
| AREAS | $ Delphi Address....................................ZNET
| | $ Internet/Usenet Address..................status.gen.nz
|----------| $ America Online Address........................ZNET1991
| |
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| | * Z*Net:Illinois (Garage)(FNET 621).......(618) 344-8466
| | * Z*Net:Colorado (Mile High)(FNET 5)......(303) 431-1404
| | * Z*Net:Wyoming (Stormbringer)(FNET 635)..(307) 638-7036
| | * Z*Net:Florida (Twilight Zone)(FNET 304).(407) 831-1613
| | Fido Address 1:363/112
=======================================================================
* THE EDITORS DESK by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
I want to thank John Nagy for filling in for me last week. However,
there are a few errors that should be corrected by SOME of our readers.
If you downloaded last week's edition from GEnie, you will have to
update the header information at the top of the issue. John forgot to
update the text by not including the current date and issue number. A
small fix file has been included in the archive of this edition. I
caught the issue before it was sent to other places and repaired all
subsequent uploads. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Included in the edition is an EXCLUSIVE reprint from Atari Explorer
magazine. I want to thank John Jainschigg and Mark Jansen for use of
the article. It is an extensive review/discussion of the soon to be
available ST Book and worth reading! The article MAY NOT be reprinted
in any publication without the written permission of Atari Explorer.
For more information, read specific guidlines at the top of the article.
Also, we want to thank all our readers for reading Z*Net. From the
download numbers on all the areas where Z*Net is available, it is great
to see that you have chosen Z*Net as the number one online magazine.
If you read other online magazines, remember you can always get the
latest Atari news from Z*Net!
If your local BBS system is part of the FNET and does NOT have the
popular Z*Net Online Crossnet Conference, ask your SysOp to get it. The
conference code is 20448 and the lead node is 593. So far this month
there have been over 1000 messages posted from enthusiastic Atari owners
leaving messages to Bob Brodie and John Townsend of Atari Corporation,
who are responding to rumors and general Atari related information. You
can also call any of the other Z*Net systems around the country to be a
part of the conference. See the listing at the top of this issue for
BBS numbers. Next week TEXAS should be added to the list.
Thanks for reading!
=======================================================================
* Z*NET NEWSWIRE - PRESS RELEASES
=======================================================================
THE COMPUTER MUSEUM SEEKS QUESTIONS FOR THE FOURTH COMPUTER BOWL
The Computer Museum is looking for a few good questions to stump the
nation's high-tech heroes in Computer Bowl IV. Computer history,
technology, business, folklore, trivia -- anything goes -- in this now
classic industry event, to be held May 2, 1992, in Boston. To get those
creative juices flowing I will be posting to alt.folklore.computers all
of the questions (and answers!) from the first three Bowls. Send your
entries (questions, answers, and references ) by February 24 to:
Computer Bowl Questions, c/o Kate Jose, The Computer Museum, 300
Congress Street, Boston MA 02210, USA. Please include a reference for
your answer if you can! All answers will be researched to ensure
correctness. The names of people whose questions are selected will be
listed in the 1992 Computer Bowl Program, and they will receive a
videotape of the Bowl. You may also email your questions to me and I
will forward them to the Museum (with proper attribution, of course).
Steve Golson -- Trilobyte Systems -- Carlisle MA -- sgolson@east.sun.com
GLENDALE UPDATE - PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, March 28, 1992 CodeHead Technologies will be the special
guest for this year's first Glendale Atari Developers' Conference
(GLENCON). Atari's Bob Brodie drew a standing room only crowd at last
year's conference, and Atari personnel have been invited this year, too.
The Glendale Conferences are sponsored by the User Group, H.A.C.K.S.,
but attendance is open to all ATARI Clubs and ATARI owners. Several
conferences are planned for this year, with the intent of each to focus
attention on the design and use of popular and powerful software or
hardware for Atari computers. The CodeHead Conference will be held in
the 275 seat theatre above the Glendale Public Library's Main Branch,
222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA. The meeting will start promptly
at 10:30 AM and is expected to last three hours. Best of all, admission
is FREE, but it is on a first come, first serve basis only. Take I-5 to
the Colorado exit, go East a mile to Louise Street, turn North, go one
block. An alternative route is to take the 134 FWY to the Central exit,
go South a mile to Harvard street, turn East, go two blocks. For more
specific directions refer to the, 1991 or prior, L.A. County Thomas
Bros. Guide, Page 25-E5. CodeHead Software is one of the oldest and
strongest developers of ATARI Products. John Eidsvoog and Charles
Johnson are well know to the ATARI community. In fact, there is a good
chance that half the people reading this announcement still owe them
shareware payments. Their extensive product list includes, HotWire,
MaxiFile III, HotWire Plus (includes Maxifile), MultiDesk Deluxe,
CodeKeys, LookIt & PopIt, G+Plus, CodeHead Utilities, MidiMax, MIDI Spy,
Quick ST, Avant Vector (with EPS), Avant Plot, Genus Font Editor,
MegaPaint Professional, Cherry Font Packs, TOS Extension Card, TOS Ext.
Card - CPU or BUS Bridge and TOS Chip Set. As an added bonus, The
Computer Network, a local ATARI Computer Store, will be having an Open
House in honor of this Conference. The store plans to have other
developers, including CodeHead and Omnimon Peripherals, Inc. in
attendance. Store manager and co-owner Mark Krynsky will be spending
the morning hours marking down prices and unpacking special purchases
for this Open House. The Computer Network is located at 1605 West
Glenoaks Boulevard, Glendale, CA. Directions from the Library to the
Store will be available at the Library. The Open House will be from
2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, after the CodeHead Conference is over. If you have
specific questions about the Open House you may call Mark at 818-500-
3900. This Conference is a precursor to The Glendale Show. This year's
show will be held on September 12 & 13, 1992, rescheduled to a week
earlier than had been previously announced. More details will be
forthcoming as the show date grows closer. John King Tarpinian,
President The Hooked on ATARI Computer Knowledge Society
ATARI TALENT SHOW ANNOUNCED - PRESS RELEASE
As part of the Atari Canadian Exposition, ACE '92, April 4/5, a special
talent competition has been announced. To demonstrate the many ways
that Atari computers can be used in creative entertainment, two
divisions will be open for submissions. The contest is open to all
Atari Users. MUSIC AND SOUND - Since Atari has long been an industry
leader in MIDI applications, one division will be open for applications
of sound and music. Entries may be live performance, combination of
live and pre-created or totally pre-created arrangements of music and
sound. Entries may be original compositions or adaptations of existing
material. (Initial submission must be made on cassette tape; if
accompanied by visual effects, appropriate disk program or description
must also be included.) GRAPHICS OR ANIMATION - Since Atari can
manipulate over sixteen million separate colors, visual arts provides
another rich field for creative work. In this field, entrants may
submit animated segments, or graphics displays. Submissions may include
"slide shows" of created works, demonstrations of works being created,
or animated creations of any type. Entertainment value will be the
criteria for judging. Individual presentations should last no more than
10 minutes. Entries will go through preliminary judging, and those who
are accepted will make public presentations or performances throughout
the day on Saturday, April 4th, at ACE '92. Performances will be open
to those attending the Exposition at no charge, and judging of finalists
will take place prior to 4PM. Winners will attend the evening banquet
as guests of Atari Canada. Each contestant will present their entries
or performances at the evening banquet, at which time they will be
judged a second time, and prizes awarded. Judging will be on the basis
of creative use of the computer and entertainment value. First prize in
each division will be a $700 gift certificate from Atari Canada, good
towards the purchase of any Atari product, and a one-year membership in
the Toronto Atari Federation. Second place winners will receive a $200
gift certificate from Atari Canada, and their choice of 10 disks from
the TAF Library. Third Place Winners will receive a $100 Gift
Certificate, and their choice of 5 disks. For an entry form, contact:
ACE '92, c/o TAF, 5334 Yonge Street, Suite 1527, Toronto, ON M2N 6M2.
Or call John R. Sheehan, SJ, TAF President, at (416) 926-1518, or leave
a message on the TAF BBs, (416) 425-0318.
RADIATION AND YOUR DISKS
The 77th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological
Society of North America was held November 1991 in Chicago, Illinois.
One of the papers presented at the meetings hold particular interest for
computer users who travel with laptops or even just carry floppy disks.
The study concerns the effect of airport x-ray machines on the integrity
of diskettes exposed to radiation and magnetic fields. Here's the
abstract, with additional information, as it appeared in the proceedings
from the meeting. "Effect of Ionizing Radiation and Magnetic Fields on
Digital Data Stored on Floppy Disks" J.E. Gray, PhD, Rochester, MN.
J.P. Taubel, RT(R). L.J. Cesar, RT(R) The lay press often relates
stories about airport x-ray luggage scanners erasing digital data.
Floppy disks (3.5-inch diameter) containing 1-Mbyte spreadsheet files
were exposed to 100 R of diagnostic x-rays, 100 R of therapeutic x-rays,
and magnetic fields ranging from 10 to 1,000 G. Only the diskettes
exposed to a magnetic field of 1,000 G were adversely affected.
Exposure to ionizing radiation and magnetic fields found in typical
airport x-ray scanners, or clinical radiology departments, should have
no effect on digital data stored on 3.5-inch floppy disks. An issue of
_RT Image_ (12/16/91, page 7), a magazine for Radiologic Technologists,
reported on the study and included the comments that the x-rays ranged
from 100 to 1000 rad, which is one million times the strength of a
normal one-millirad airport x-ray machine. The normal one-year exposure
rate for humans is 120 rad. Likewise, the magnetic fields ranged from
10 to 10,000 gauss, with data damaged only at the higher end of the
scale. Airport metal detectors range from one to three gauss, according
to the article.
TELEGAMES TO PUBLISH TRADEWEST SUPERHITS - PRESS RELEASE
Telegames has announced a long-term relationship with Tradewest, one of
the leading U.S. based coin-operated games manufacturers. As a result
of this relationship, Telegames will publish selected Tradewest
properties for the Atari Lynx. Telegames' initial Tradewest releases
will be Double Dragon and Super Off-Road. Double Dragon is the story of
twin brothers who learned to fight on the cold, tough streets of the
city. Their expert knowledge of the martial arts, combined with their
street-smarts, has made them both formidable fighting machines. But
now, they are faced with their greatest challenge ever! Their friend,
Marian, has been kidnapped by the Black Warriors, the savage street gang
of the mysterious Shadow Boss! Using whatever weapons come to hand -
knives, whips, bats, rocks, oil drums, even dynamite - they must pursue
the gang through the slums, factories, and wooded outskirts of the city
to reach the hideout for the final confrontation with the Shadow Boss!
Double Dragon may be played by one player, or by two simultaneous
players. Double Dragon will arrive at stores during July, with a
suggested retail price of $39.95. Super Off-Road is an all-out dirt
grinding race with up to four simultaneous players! Players must
negotiate mud holes, jumps and other obstacles on eight different
stadium tracks and a total of 16 configurations. Players may trade in
winnings for accessories at the Speed Shop to improve their chances for
victory. From match-offs to spin-outs, Super Off-Road is as close to
genuine short-course racing as you can get! Super Off-Road will arrive
at stores in August, with a suggested retail price of $39.95. With the
addition of these market-proven titles to its already popular Lynx-
compatible product line, Telegames has reinforced its position as the
first and best licensed publisher for the Atari Lynx. Other Telegames
Lynx products include: The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge, Qix, The
Guardians: Storm Over Doria, and Krazy Ace Miniature Golf.
TOS EXTENSION CARD RELEASED! - PRESS RELEASE
CodeHead Technologies is pleased to announce that the TOS Extension Card
is now shipping. The TEC lets you install the very latest Atari TOS
(2.06) in your 520ST, 1040ST, Mega ST, or Stacy. TOS 2.06 has many
major improvements over older versions of TOS, including a totally
redesigned GEM desktop with custom icons, redefinable keyboard commands,
and many other new features and performance improvements. The new
desktop contains most of the features of the popular "alternative
desktop" programs (and a few new ones too!), but with TWO big advantages
-- it doesn't gobble up large chunks of memory, and it doesn't need to
load from disk. Just turn on your computer and you're ready to go! To
make it easier for you to build a library of custom icons to use with
TOS 2.06, we've developed a new program called "Icon Juggler," which is
included with the TEC. Icon Juggler lets you freely convert icons from
ALL the current ST icon formats, including ICE, RSC, ICN, and NIC. Icon
Juggler's interface is completely GEM-based; it's like a word processor
for icons, with cut, copy, and paste features that make converting your
icons a breeze. With the release of the TEC, we're also offering a
special deal for those who've been using one of the "alternative
desktop" programs available on the commercial market. Take your Neodesk
or DC Desktop master disk, FORMAT IT, and send it to us, and we'll give
you a $20.00 discount on any model of the TEC! (Please note that you
must FORMAT the disk before sending it to us.) Here are the prices for
the TEC, with and without the discount:
Model Retail Price Price w/ Discount
---------------- ------------ -----------------
Standard version $139.00 $119.00
BUS Bridge $155.00 $135.00
CPU Bridge $155.00 $135.00
A brief description of the different TEC models:
* The standard version requires soldering, and is for owners of 520STs,
1040STs, and Stacys which do not have a socketed CPU.
* The BUS Bridge version, which plugs into the processor bus of the Mega
ST, and requires no soldering.
* The CPU Bridge version, for computers which have socketed 68000 chips.
This option plugs into the CPU socket, and requires that there be enough
room above the CPU within the case.
All versions of the TEC include the official Atari TOS 2.06 chips.
The TEC also has an easily installed option that lets you switch between
TOS 2.06 and your existing TOS, to circumvent incompatibilities with
ill-behaved programs.
CodeHead Technologies will also be offering the TOS 2.06 chips
separately, as an upgrade for STE owners. When you purchase the chips
from us, you will also receive our manual describing the features of the
new TOS, and our disk containing the Icon Juggler and other useful
utilities. The price for the chips alone is $60.00.
(Note: this press release is being prepared slightly in advance of the
actual shipping date; the TEC packages will begin going out the door on
February 18, 1992.) For more information, or to order your TOS
Extension Card, contact: CodeHead Software, P.O. Box 74090, Los
Angeles, CA 90004, Tel 213-386-5735, Fax 213-386-5789
ATTENTION ATARI DEALERS and DEVELOPERS - PRESS RELEASE
We at Atari Advantage Magazine have an offer you just can't pass up...
A FREE AD! Here's the deal. If you are going to advertise with us in
our first few issues, with at least a 3 time contract, we will run your
ad for free in our first issue. If you decide not to sign a contract
with us, we'll only charge half price for the ad. Also, we're asking
that you submit an ad similar in size to what you are going to be
running in the future. We've spent the last couple days trying to call
everyone with this offer, but we're not reaching everyone fast enough.
We want to give anyone interested in advertising with us a chance to
take advantage of this offer. If this sounds like the deal for you,
call and let us know what size you are going to send in, and then get
your ad in the mail to us! We are trying to put our first issue out by
February 19-21, so we need to know RIGHT NOW if you are interested in
this offer! We only have so much space to give away, so ads will be
placed on a first come first serve basis--don't be the last one in!
Atari Advantage can be reached in the following ways: Phone: (503)
476-3578, FAX : (503) 476-0719, GEnie: AT-VANTAGE, CIS : 70007,3615.
U.S. Mail: Atari Advantage Magazine, P.O. Box 803, Merlin, OR 97532.
UPS, FedEx: Atari Advantage Magazine, 400 Galice Rd., Merlin, OR 97532
APPLE SEEKS $4.37 BILLION FROM MICROSOFT
Microsoft announced this week that Apple Computer is asking for $4.37
billion as damages from Microsoft for the alleged infringement of Apple
copyrights on parts of the screen display for its Macintosh computer.
Microsoft said Apple seeks profits it claims to have lost of $3.02
billion, allegedly products, allegedly resulting from the presence of
Microsoft Windows in the market. It said Apple was also seeking $1.35
billion from Microsoft products that operate on the Windows graphical
environment. Microsoft said its Windows products were not copied from
Apple but the result of years of hard work by Microsoft employees. It
said that the federal court handling the case in San Francisco has ruled
that 179 of the 189 allegedly infringing visual displays in Windows 2.03
are covered by the license agreement as part of a 1985 settlement
agreement.
15th ANNIVERSARY
Radio Shack begins its 15th year in the computer business with a new low
cost, high performance desktop computer based on a 386 SX microprocessor
operating at 25 MHz. The Tandy 2500SX/25, includes professional
features including Super VGA photographic quality graphics, two
megabytes of main memory and digital audio at the list price of
$1,299.95.
NCGA 1992 ANAHEIM SHOW
The National Computer Graphics Association announced that its 1992 show,
scheduled to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center March 9 through
12, will feature a keynote presentation from one of the earliest
originators of the microcomputer revolution. Gil Hyatt, patent holder
for the single-chip microcomputer, will give a keynote speech titled
"Keeping America Competitive with Strong Patent Protection" at 9 a.m. on
Monday, March 9 in the Center Hall at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.
NCGA's show will also feature exhibits from approximately 120 of the
world's leading technology-related companies in all areas of computer
graphics, a number of whom will introduce new products or announce
important new business relationships. The show will open at 10 am on
each of the four days of the conference, and will close at 5 pm on
Monday and Wednesday, March 9 and 11; at 8 pm on Tuesday, March 10; and
at 3 pm on Thursday, March 12. A number of vendors have announced plans
to unveil new products at the NCGA show. New products already scheduled
for introduction include CAD software for Microsoft Windows, PC graphics
processor boards, rewritable optical storage systems for Macintosh
computers, plus hardware and software products for various kinds of
graphics output, from hardcopy printouts to presentation slides and
projection systems.
VDT SAFETY LAW STRUCK DOWN
San Francisco's law mandating the safe use of video display terminals
in the work place was struck down by a judge. Superior Court Judge Lucy
McCabe, ruling in a suit filed by two small companies, said that such
matters should be regulated by the state, not by local laws. The
California Legislature is now considering a bill that would require many
of the same provisions in the San Francisco law.
THE GENIE SCIENCE FICTION ROUNDTABLE - by Kenneth Estes
GEnie's Science Fiction and Fantasy Round Table is the place to visit if
you're interested in science fiction, fantasy, horror, comics or Star
Trek. And as part of GEnie *BASIC Services, you pay no more for
unlimited time spent in the SFRT! Visit the Roundtable if you're
interested in Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series; the medieval
reenactment Society for Creative Anachronism (the SCA); the Mythopeoic
Society, a group that discusses the works of the "Inklings" which
included C.S. Lewis, author of the Narnia books, and J.R.R. Tolkien,
author of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. But most of all, the SFRT
is a fun place to have conversations with people from all over the
country. The on-line Writer's Workshop and dozens of public access
boards have information to help future writers, including tips from
professionals, help with research, or motivational strategies that
assist you in getting your stories down on paper. Fans of writers,
books, science fiction television shows and movies share their
enthusiasm. Many science fiction writers are on-line and they love to
communicate with their fans and other writers on subjects from their
latest works, their past works or even their cat's name. The latest
news from the Comic Book Industry. Many comic book professionals visit
the SFRT. People from the major publishers and their peers from the
independent publishing houses frequently log onto the Bulletin Board and
talk about their work and the works of others. Learn the outlines from
future magazines, shipping dates for the latest comics or the hottest
gossip in the industry. Star Trek On-line: Professional from the
movies, books, and tv show answer your questions. Find out what
computers they use on Star Trek: The Next Generation, which fonts are
used for their graphic displays, and how certain effects are achieved.
Speculate with other Trek fans on upcoming episodes. Information about
past, present and future science fiction conventions can be found in the
Conventions Category. Some science fiction convention committees have
on-line representatives that will answer your questions and listen to
your comments. There seems to be something for everybody in the SFRT
whether it's having a good conversation or exploring the literature of
ideas with others. The SFRT is page 470 and is part of GEnie Basic
Services. Type "*SFRT" at most GEnie prompts to get there.
=======================================================================
Z*NET EXCLUSIVE REPRINT FROM ATARI EXPLORER MAGAZINE
WRITING THE ST BOOK
by Mark Jansen
=======================================================================
This article copyright(c) 1992 Atari Corp./Atari Explorer Magazine. All
rights reserved. Material herein may not be reproduced in any form, in
whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher or from
Atari Corp. This article originally appeared in the January, 1992 issue
of Atari Explorer Magazine, the Official Atari Journal, published six
times per year by Atari Corp. and Jainschigg Communications, 29-05
Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106, (718) 545-2900. Please address editorial
and permission inquiries to these offices.
Regular subscriptions to Atari Explorer are available for $14.95 (one
year) or $39.95 (three years). Members of registered Atari User Groups
and subscribers to the GEnie and CompuServe information services are
eligible for the reduced subscription price of $9.95 per year. Canadian
subscriptions, please add $5.00 (U.S.) postage per six issues. Foreign
subscriptions, please add $10.00 (U.S.) postage per six issues. Checks
must be drawn in U.S. funds on a U.S. bank. Address subscription
requests to Atari Explorer Magazine, P.O.B. 6488, Duluth, MN 55806, or
call (218) 723-9202 (Visa/MC accepted). Back issues are also available
at $5.00 each.
Writing the ST Book
Small and lightweight, Atari's new ST Book notebook computer is loaded
with sophisticated features and optimized for portable productivity. In
this exclusive interview, Explorer's Mark Jansen talks with Tracy Hall,
Senior Design Engineer at Atari, who was responsible for developing the
core technology on which the Book, and Atari's next-generation pen-based
system, the STylus, are based.
AE: ST Book is built around a small, low-power ST-compatible computer.
How did that project begin?
TH: It began when I was brought in as a consumer product developer. I
was to help Atari find another approach into the United States. That's
what ST Book and STylus will allow us to do -- make more inroads into
U.S. markets.
I flailed around, and eventually proposed a device that would let you
hand-write into your machine. Originally, it was just a handwriting
input method, a pen control method, not an ST per se. The idea was to
build something inexpensive to allow you to do hand control, hand entry
of information; you'd use it as a personal controller, organizer kind of
thing.
Then, research showed we could use the STe chip set to build a machine
with low power consumption. Most of the chips were CMOS; only a couple
of things weren't, like the floppy-disk controller. I decided to build
this machine from the ST, so it evolved into a larger, more powerful
basic machine.
AE: How was that basic machine developed?
TH: We began with a rough design, and crossed out everything that wasn't
absolutely necessary. It was like making a statue of an elephant - take
a block of cement and chip away everything that doesn't look like an
elephant.
The first six months saw no hardware built at all. We defined what we
wanted, thought out what we needed, what we could sacrifice, and how we
could save power. It was very, very carefully thought out. Over the
next few months, we did the final logic design and early prototypes.
I did things to save five milliamps here and three percent there; for
example, we used a new RAM-refresh scheme to save power. Only one pair
of RAM chips is fully turned on at any one time, whereas the STe turns
on all of RAM at once and refreshes it.
We used pseudo-static RAM, because it saved about ten percent over
dynamic RAM and used the least power for its density. Given the battery
life we wanted, that was significant.
We eliminated video output, since it burned as much power as the rest of
the system put together; I doubled the battery life that way. With a
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), all you need is the LCD controller; very
few people carry color monitors in their pockets anyway.
We also decided we didn't need a back-light; we use a very high contrast
LCD.
AE: Why no back-light?
TH: ST Book will be used in lit conditions. All you need to see the
screen is a small gooseneck light, which musicians, for example, have
anyway. We're also talking to third-party companies about doing an ST
Book light.
The back-light in STacy uses something like five or six Watts of power.
ST Book, when running, uses about one and a quarter Watts, total. If we
used a STacy back-light, we'd have about a forty-five minute battery
life. We felt it wasn't worth it.
AE: What does ST Book weigh?
TH: Two kilos. 4.4 pounds. That's with the forty-megabyte hard drive
and a NiCad pack. It's one of the lightest notebooks around; in fact,
you can put two ST Books, two AC adapters, two NiCad packs, two alkaline
packs, and two power cords in a STacy case, and it still weighs less
than a STacy.
AE: STacy and ST Book are both portable STs, but the machines are very
different, and have different development lineage. Why?
TH: The philosophies were different between STacy and ST Book, which
accounts for the difference in the machines. STacy was an ST put into a
portable case. Everything stayed; it's the same circuitry as an ST.
When you include all possible features, you end up with a larger
machine.
ST Book is a different approach -- a lightweight, fully functional,
portable machine with a minimum five-hour battery life. Anything that
didn't contribute to that was left out.
AE: What were some things done to the core machine to produce ST Book?
TH: We built a new IDE interface for an internal hard drive, and left
the floppy drive external, because of the power used by its controller.
In most portable applications, given a choice between a forty megabyte
hard drive and bags of floppies, the hard drive is an obvious win.
We also developed the Vector Pad. The idea was to fit a mouse
substitute into the machine, so you didn't have something on a cord when
there's not a lot of space to run a mouse around. It made a good
substitute in a small machine; it's very small, easy to use, and
durable.
AE: The Vector Pad is a small disk you "lean" in the direction you want
to move the mouse; the harder you lean, the faster it moves. How does
it work?
TH: The Vector Pad is a force-sensing device. There are four sensors:
top, bottom, left, and right. When you push in any direction, the force
is distributed between the two closest sensors. The balance of that
force depends on how close you are to either sensor; in other words, the
ratio of the two gives us the angle at which you're pushing. The total
amount of force, both sensors added together, tells us how hard you're
pushing. We control the mouse direction using the angle information,
and the mouse speed using the force information.
The only motion you feel is your finger and the rubber pad underneath it
compressing a bit; it takes about five minutes to get used to it. One
reason why it takes that time is one Vector Pad and another aren't
exactly the same. If you start using somebody else's machine, its
Vector Pad may feel different.
AE: To software, it looks just like a mouse?
TH: Exactly. It goes through the new ST Book keyboard controller, and
as far as software is concerned, this is a mouse.
AE: Is ST Book completely compatible with the STe?
TH: There are some control bits that were unused in the STe, which we've
used to control the new features of ST Book. A couple of programs are
sloppy, and alter those bits; for example, one program puts the internal
hard drive into Reset Mode. That's a bad behavior and it's because
somebody set a bit that they shouldn't have, but because it didn't hurt
anything in the past, they didn't notice.
Cartridges do work, and the expansion port contains all the signals
necessary to create a cartridge port. To make a cartridge adapter
requires a PC board and two connectors, period. A third party could
easily build adapters, or special cartridges.
AE: Is there a BLiTTER chip?
TH: Yes; it uses the combination MCU/Glue/BLiTTER chip from the STe.
You can see a difference in graphics performance with the BLiTTER on.
AE: How much memory does ST Book have?
TH: There will be both one megabyte and four megabyte machines
available; they are not easily upgradeable. The special power-saving
memory refresh uses video access to refresh the RAM. In ST Book, one
access to the screen accesses all the chips. That scheme is intimately
tied to the size of memory, so you actually have to change control
circuitry to change memory size.
AE: What other capabilities does the expansion port have?
TH: It has every signal on the 68000 microprocessor, plus memory
control, interrupt control, clocks, all the signals necessary for a
cartridge port, and various other useful signals. The specifications
have been released to outside developers. It's easy to use, and the
expansion port even has the ability to turn the machine on, in case a
peripheral needs to do so.
One reason why I put all the 68000 pins out there was so I could hang a
logic analyzer onto the system through the expansion port, without
opening the case. We've done that extensively, which made it very easy
to debug the software.
AE: Are there any new peripherals planned for it?
TH: There is a MIDI expander in design right now. It will provide more
MIDI ports, plus SMPTE tracks, to make the ST Book even more useful for
musicians.
AE: Other than the expansion connector, what ports does ST Book have?
TH: It has a standard parallel port and standard nine-pin serial port.
The MIDI connectors are smaller than normal, because of the size of the
machine. However, you will be able to buy an adapter so you can use
your regular MIDI cables, and a third party will probably come up with
MIDI cables that plug right into the ST Book.
The floppy/ACSI port, which I call "Pseudo-ACSI," is another new
connector. It contains the same signals as an ST Hard Disk port, with
enough signals added to control the external floppy disk controller.
We'll probably include a cable that will allow you to connect ST devices
like hard disks or laser printers directly.
Next to the keyboard, there's a small ten-pin connector; we could build
a numeric keypad that would plug in here. There is even a protocol for
talking out the keypad connection to currently undefined devices.
There is space for an RJ11-type connector and internal modem under the
Vector Pad. Just connect your phone line, and go. The modem can also
turn the machine on to receive a call. We're working on a 2400 baud
data, 9600 baud FAX modem.
Incidentally, because of the very small and light connectors used, we've
provided mounting points so you can anchor a peripheral onto the
machine. That way, it doesn't put a strain on the connector itself.
AE: Which version of TOS comes in the ST Book?
TH: TOS 2.06, one of the latest and greatest. We've added a couple of
features: for example, if you hold down the Control key during the boot
procedure, it loads the hard disk driver as normal, but it does not run
desk accessories or the \AUTO folder, or load the NEWDESK.INF file.
This is in case you have a bad desk accessory, \AUTO folder program, or
NEWDESK.INF, and you can't get your system up. It allows you to bypass
the corrupt files and get your machine running.
TOS and the ST Book ROMdisk, which contains the file transfer software
and such, are contained in one 256K x 16 ROM chip one half inch on a
side. It's very easy to change -- pop out the ROM, pop in a new one,
and you're done.
AE: Other than TOS, what is in the ROM?
TH: The power control software that allows you to do a Save and Resume,
the file transfer software, and something called "Book Format."
We provide Book Format, in case the data on your hard disk becomes
corrupted. It formats and partitions the internal hard drive, and
installs a bootable driver. Just run the file transfer program to put
files back onto your machine.
The hard disk comes with a calendar and calculator, which run as
accessories. You also get a floppy containing the Control Panel and
CPXs, and the accessories, should you need it.
AE: ST Book comes with a calendar/appointment program. How does it work?
TH: The real-time clock chips in STs and STes have had an "Alarm"
output, which previously hasn't been connected anywhere. In the ST
Book, it's actually connected to the power-on circuitry.
You can set an alarm for sometime in the future that will turn on the
system. The system will go right back to whatever application you were
in, and then things like desk accessories and such can run. Programs
can use that capability; for example, software could wake up the system,
use a modem to call a bulletin board, download a couple of files, and go
back to sleep. We've provided a new system call to allow them to do
things like that.
The calendar program keeps track of appointments and regularly scheduled
events, and has a phone dialer and such. When one of its alarms go off,
it turns on the machine, beeps, and displays an Alert Box with the text
you entered for that particular appointment.
AE: Will all ST Books have hard disks?
TH: Yes, they will have at least forty megabyte hard disks. There could
be some available with sixty megabyte and larger drives.
AE: Could a dealer install a larger capacity hard drive?
TH: Yes, but it would take some work. We don't recommend you buy other
IDE drives, because there are some characteristics about the ones we're
using, various features that we've had put into the firmware, which
aren't on standard IDE drives. Other IDE drives will work, but you
won't get as careful power control.
AE: The entire ST Book is smaller than an ST keyboard, so a new keyboard
was obviously needed. How did you fit a workable ST keyboard into that
space?
TH: This keyboard has eighty-four keys, rather than the ninety-four of a
full size keyboard. The keys are slightly closer together than on a
full-size keyboard, and have a shorter keystroke, but the difference is
small enough that it's really quite easy to use.
The keypad keys are embedded into some of the normal keys; there's a
"Fuji" key, which allows you to access the "keypad" modes in the normal
keyboard. There's also a "Pad Lock" key to lock the keys into that
mode. It gives you a numeric keypad within the regular keyboard.
We also added a couple of features to the keyboard controller. It now
has a "sleep" capability, where the controller can go to sleep between
keystrokes or commands, saving a little more power. That requires
hardware hand-shaking between the keyboard and the rest of the machine,
which is built into the ST Book. One side effect is that on the ST
Book, you don't lose keystrokes if software can't keep up; they'll just
be saved up in the keyboard controller until it can send them out.
AE: Without a floppy drive, how do you transfer files into the ST Book?
TH: You can use the built-in file transfer software and the parallel
port; it takes about two minutes to transfer a megabyte of data.
We include a special file-transfer cable, which is a parallel printer
cable with a couple of pins swapped, and a copy of the file transfer
software on floppy disk, so you can run it on another ST. The software
shows you both machines' disks. You select files to copy, and copy to
or from the other machine; you can do backups in either direction, all
over the parallel port. It will also work over the serial port, so if
you don't happen to have the parallel file transfer cable with you, you
can use a serial cable. We have available a Portfolio version of the
program as well, which will allow you to transfer data with a Portfolio.
AE: What about those who really want a floppy drive?
TH: We will make an external, battery operated, high-density floppy. It
should provide over two hours of active use on four alkaline cells --
much longer if it's off much of the time. The drive won't steal power
from the ST Book's batteries, but if the ST Book is plugged into its AC
adapter, the floppy drive will get power from that. Otherwise, the
drive has its own AC adapter.
AE: Is the drive different from other ST external floppy drives?
TH: Yes. To save power and space in the ST Book itself, the floppy drive
controller chip is in the floppy drive. It's a new chip, which allows
us to use a high-density, 1.44 megabyte drive, the only drive planned
for the ST Book.
AE: ST Book allows you to shut it down quickly, even within an
application, and come back right where you were, a feature called "Save
and Resume." How is that done?
TH: What actually happens is the machine reads the values of all its
hardware registers: processor registers, hard drive, memory control,
video access mode, video base registers, everything it can find, and
stores them in a previously-allocated section of memory. In ST Book,
all the memory is always battery-backed; it's not a special bank.
When the machine is turned on again, the BIOS executes a routine to
restore the machine to the state it was in before it was shut down. It
restores the registers, then the BIOS returns the machine to your code,
as if nothing had happened. It all takes about a half a second -- even
if you need to spin up the hard drive to save a file, that only takes
about three seconds.
It works in almost all applications, unless they're doing weird
networking over the MIDI port or something like that. The vast majority
of programs like spreadsheets or word processors have no problems at
all.
AE: What kind of batteries does the ST Book use?
TH: ST Book is designed to run on NiCads, which give you the long
battery life. Alkalines only give you a couple of hours of battery
life, but if you're at an airport and there's no place to plug in, you
can buy yourself a couple of packs of batteries and continue working.
It's unlikely you're going to need a recharge in a day of travel anyway.
With two battery packs, which charge in about an hour and a half, it's
easy to charge one pack the evening before and one in the morning, and
go off to the airport; you can practically fly around the world on two
packs.
AE: Are the battery packs recharged when they're in the machine?
TH: They're recharged in the machine whether the it's running or not.
It's an independent portion of the AC adapter.
AE: An hour and a half charging gives you five hours of use?
TH: That's absolute minimum. We ran tests here, accessing the hard
drive for one minute every five minutes, displaying a fairly complex
dither pattern on the screen, and using no power saving techniques at
all, and we got over five hours of battery life. During normal use, I
would expect ten hours.
Save and Resume saves a great deal of power. And when you shut the
machine down, it uses so little power battery-backing the memory, the
batteries will last up to three months.
AE: What power-saving techniques are available?
TH: There are three things you can do. "Video Saver," stops updating the
LCD display from main RAM; the LCD controller has its own copy of screen
memory, and it updates the LCD from that. Whenever a system call is
made to update the screen, screen updates are turned on, and turned off
afterwards, automatically.
The side effects of this are minor. Because screen updates aren't being
done from RAM, we have to turn on some self-refresh circuitry to keep
the RAMs refreshed, which slows down memory accesses every once in a
while. Programs run 0.5% slower in this mode, and for the cost of that
0.5%, you save twenty to twenty five percent of the system power -- a
very good trade-off. If you have some weird program that writes to
screen memory directly, one that doesn't use system calls, there's no
way to detect that, and the changes it makes to the screen won't show.
But those programs work fine with Video Saver off.
After a certain amount of time, "Blank Screen" turns off the voltage to
the LCD driver, saving another ten to twenty percent of the system
power. Its only side effect is blanking your screen. Whenever there's
a keystroke, or if you choose, activity on the serial port, it turns the
screen back on.
If there's no physical I/O, meaning any kind of floppy, hard drive,
serial, parallel, MIDI, or keyboard activity for a certain amount of
time, "Shutdown" shuts the system down, via Save and Resume. When you
press the Power button, you're right back where you were.
Both Blank Screen and Shutdown are programmable for up to twenty minutes
delay.
AE: No matter how thrifty you are with battery power, they'll run out
eventually. Can you monitor their condition?
TH: There's a lot of power detection and management built into the
machine. There are actually three levels of low power signals: Source
Low, Source Dead, and Power Not Good. The Power light is green under
normal conditions, orange when the battery is low, and red when "Source
Dead" occurs. There's also a bit that can be read by software,
indicating that the batteries are low.
When the light turns orange, it usually means you have about a half an
hour left in the batteries; it's a darned good idea to save your files
and find an AC source or a fresh battery pack, particularly since all
you have to do is hit the power button to turn the machine off, swap in
a new battery pack, and turn the machine on again.
Both the Source Low and the Source Dead signals allow code to run.
Power Not Good means the five volt supply to the machine is drooping,
and shuts down immediately. You will probably never actually see the
red light; by the time it's red, the machine's shut off.
AE: In the worst case scenario, what could happen if you let the
batteries run dry, and ignore all the signals?
TH: You might have to reset the machine, but you most likely won't lose
anything. The ST Book takes care of itself pretty well. If you don't
try to "push the envelope," it will survive.
AE: When Source Dead has occurred, is the data in memory preserved?
TH: RAM is maintained, as a matter of fact. It has a separate linear
power supply, which works off the NiCads until they get down below about
six volts, which for eight NiCad cells is really low. Then there's a
pair of rechargeable lithium cells to take over, which allow you to
switch battery packs; they keep RAM alive for forty or fifty hours, so
you can switch batteries r-e-a-l s-l-o-w-l-y.
AE: What about the hard drive?
TH: These hard drives are quite good at taking care of themselves - they
automatically park their heads, so they won't be damaged.
AE: What kind of battery packs does ST Book use?
TH: They're about cigarette case size, and the NiCad packs weigh about a
half pound to a pound, and give very good power density.
There's also an alkaline pack; you just drop your batteries into the
pack, and slide it into the machine. ST Book only charges NiCads, so if
you plug in the AC Adapter/Recharger while you have alkalines in, the
machine will stop using power from them and won't try to recharge them.
It's perfectly safe.
=======================================================================
* THE TOP PALMTOPS - PART 2 of 2 by David Hayden
=======================================================================
Poqet PC
If your definition of a true palmtop is a full function equivalent of a
laptop, the $1,450 Poqet PC is what you have been waiting for. The
Poqet PC is the only unit that offers full PC compatibility by providing
a standard 80 x 25 display with CGA graphics capabilities.
It also sports a standard QWERTY keyboard, 512K memory, a 512K RAM card,
and the PC Link cable and software.
Many popular PC programs have been converted to ROM cards for use in the
Poqet PC. ROM-card versions of Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, Lotus Agenda,
ACT!, Lotus Works, XyWrite III, and PC Anywhere IV represent a good
selection of programs that you might already use on your desktop PC.
Two industry standard RAM/ROM card slots are available.
Two factors detract from the Poqet PC: size and price. While the 8.8 x
4.3 x 1-inch footprint is impressive for its capabilities, it cannot fit
in an inside coat jacket pocket, despite the manufacturer's claim to the
contrary. Even if you managed to find a big enough pocket, it would be
too big and bulky for an all-day affair. The obvious place for the
Poqet PC is a briefcase. This begs a key question: If you are going to
use a briefcase to carry your Poqet PC, why not carry a more capable
notebook computer? For many users, a notebook computer makes more
sense, but sometimes the smaller Poqet PC is a better solution. In
restaurants, business meetings, seminars, and other places where space
is limited, the Poqet PC offers obvious advantages.
At $1,450, the Poqet PC is the most expensive palmtop reviewed here.
Although the recent inclusion of a 512K RAM card with the base unit
makes it a much more attractive product, it is still twice as expensive
as the similarly equipped HP 95LX, which includes Lotus 1-2-3. On the
Poqet PC, Lotus 1-2-3 is a $495 option. The base unit price, though, is
only half the problem. As with most of the palmtop computers, the true
expense is in memory cards, which cost as much as $1,400 for a 2MB RAM
card.
To alleviate this problem, Poqet has teamed up with SelecTronics and
Memory Card Associates. SelecTronics has licensed an exclusive data-
compression and retrieval technology from Xerox Palo Alto Research
Center that allows a 20MB database to fit onto a 1MB memory card.
Memory Card Associates provides a service to copy legally licensed
software to inexpensive ROM cards up to 4MB in size.
Another problem with the Poqet PC is the hard-to-read LCD display. The
characters are very small and glare is a problem. The latter problem
has been somewhat resolved with an improved model. Unfortunately, the
new $1,500 Prime Poqet PC, which increases the internal memory to 640K,
is only available from selected Value Added Resellers such as Digital
Equipment Corporation, and does not include the 512K memory card or PC
Link cable.
While the Poqet PC has its shortcomings, it is a very capable product
for those who can afford it. In the right light it is a pleasure to
use. The keyboard, which was modified from the original design, allows
for touch typing and has a very solid feel. The built-in applications
could use some improvements, however.
The Write application is a useful text editor, but if you want to do any
significant amount of writing, you probably will opt for the WordPerfect
ROM card. The text editor provides block search and replace, move and
copy, word wrap and printing.
The Talk application is a useful communications program. While all
palmtops reviewed here, except the Casio B.O.S.S., provide some modem
communications capabilities, the Poqet is clearly the most adept in this
area because of its 80 x 25 display.
Unfortunately, the built-in communications program has neither terminal
emulation nor scripting capabilities for automating communications
sessions, so users must look to third parties for a complete solution.
Traveling computer support personnel can run the optional PC Anywhere
program on the Poqet PC to provide electronic software support from
anywhere in the world. This program also allows users to log onto a
network.
If you are looking for an electronic replacement for your day book, look
elsewhere. The appointment book and scheduler lack the flare of
products like the Sharp Wizard and HP 95LX. The Poqet PC provides basic
functionality, plus an alarm function that works even when the unit is
turned off. The Poqet tools also include a calculator function with
memory and paperless tape.
To enhance the compatibility of the Poqet PC, standard peripherals,
including parallel and serial ports and a 3.5-inch battery-operated
1.44MB floppy disk drive are available. A $389 PC Card Drive from
DataBook allows Poqet memory cards to be used on a standard PC. The
Poqet PC link cable and software is provided for file transfers. It is
similar, although not as well implemented, as the popular LapLink file
transfer program.
If you are looking for a small substitute for a laptop, the Poqet PC may
be just the ticket, if you can afford the admission price. Also, if you
must have a palmtop with an 80 x 25 display, the Poqet PC is not only
your best choice, but your only one. We found the Poqet PC to be the
only unit that provided a solid word-processing environment. The
combination of WordPerfect, full-size display and solid keyboard put it
well above the rest in this area. Because of the Poqet's limited built-
in applications, it is inappropriate as an electronic day timer, but for
applications that require full DOS compatibility the Poqet PC is the
best choice.
Sharp Wizard OZ-8200
If you are looking for an electronic replacement for your day book, and
DOS compatibility and power spreadsheets are unnecessary, the $399 Sharp
Wizard OZ-8200 is the product for you. It features a clear 40-character
x 8-line display, 128K of expandable memory, a program card slot with a
unique touch screen panel and a host of built-in applications that are
a pleasure to use.
If you judge a palmtop on the basis of the design and operation of its
built-in applications, the Wizard is head and shoulders above the rest.
With a few exceptions, the Wizard's built-in software is well designed
and intuitive.
The scheduler provides monthly, weekly and daily views, and a time line
that graphically displays start and end times of appointments, revealing
scheduling conflicts. Alarms will sound even if the unit is turned off.
Repeating appointments are handled through a flexible anniversary
function. Three address books and a flexible, albeit slower, business
card function are included.
The memo function is the OZ-8200's most disappointing application. It
is limited to 2,048 characters per entry. Other than a basic search
facility, the Wizard's memo function offers an innovative feature called
calc data. This feature can be used for storing price lists, and by
using the integrated calculator, you can calculate a proposal on the
spot.
The outline function will appeal to even the most diehard outline user.
It is useful for keeping track of to-do list, projects, presentations
and a variety of other applications.
A built-in module provides modem communications with the addition of a
$179 pocket modem or a $499 fax/modem. This well-designed communication
facility provides a dialing directory, log-on scripts, and virtual 80-
column support.
Other applications include a calculator with memory and paperless
printer as well as an index feature that displays a one-line description
of each entry in each built-in application. World and local time
functions and a password facility to protect data from prying eyes are
also provided.
Unlike the older 7000 series, the 8200 has a standard QWERTY keyboard
that is a godsend for previous Wizard users. The keys are adequately
spaced, and the feel is good enough to make touch typing possible.
Twelve buttons located across the top of the keyboard let you access the
built-in applications. Unique to the Wizard is a touch screen located
next to the display, which changes functionality with each program card.
Although the Wizard is not MS-DOS compatible, Sharp and several third
party vendors have released Wizard-specific applications, all utilizing
the Wizard's exclusive touch screen. One of the most powerful of these
is the 3-D Worksheet Manager, which is based on Lucid 3D, a popular PC-
based spreadsheet. It features a 26-column and 999-row work area, and a
host of advanced features, including 3-D spreadsheet-linking, macros,
financial functions and graphing.
Other IC program cards include Time/Expense Manager, Dictionary/
Thesaurus, Language Translator, City Guide and Money Planner.
Unfortunately, most of these cards, except the 3-D Worksheet Manager,
were developed for the original Sharp Wizard OZ-7000 and its 16-column
screen. These applications only use the first 16 columns of the Wizard
8200's 40-column display. The good news is that most new cards support
the full screen. A few recently released programs include the Holy
Bible, Chess, a Tetris-like game and Basic programming.
Basic is not the only application development tool, though. Probably
the most innovative program for the Wizard is a program called Toolkit,
by Nictrix. It is both a database and application generator, and is
available in both end-user and developer versions.
Because palmtop computers generally serve as an extension to a desktop
PC, the PC Link is a critical part of the total package. The Wizard's
well-designed link provides a facility for backing up files to a PC, but
it goes further by providing complete PC versions of the Wizard's built-
in applications. It can also merge data changes on both the PC and
Wizard. Several import and export routines are available, including
Sidekick II, ASCII, comma delimited, and even Lotus 1-2-3 for the
optional Time/Expense Manager card.
The Sharp Wizard OZ-8200 is the perfect electronic replacement of a
day timer. Applications are full-featured and work as expected. The
appointment scheduler is effective at handling even the busiest of
schedules. The integrated outliner allows you to organize notes and
ideas and access them at the touch of a key. The ability to easily
merge data from the Wizard and a PC, via the PC Link, allows the Wizard
to function as an extension of a desktop PC. The abundant supply of
program cards available allow you to easily expand the Wizard as your
needs grow. If DOS compatibility is not a requirement, and you want a
top-notch electronic day book with superior connectivity to both PCs and
Macintoshes and a good selection of software, you can't go wrong with
the Sharp Wizard OZ-8200.
Recommendations
Although the palmtop class of computers is still in its infancy, these
products can fill the needs of just about every user. While advances
still need to be made in the areas of storage media and screen
technology, these products have come a long way in a relatively short
time. It is impossible to make an across-the-board recommendation,
because these products are clearly not one-size-fits-all.
While each product has its own weaknesses, each also has its place in
the market. Although it is difficult to generalize on the market
breakdown of each product, key features of each product position it for
specific users.
The best way to decide which palmtop is right for you is to compare the
relative strengths and weaknesses of each unit described in this report
with your own needs and desires. If possible, find a dealer that offers
a return policy, so you can try out your choice in everyday situations
to see how you like it.
The Casio Executive B.O.S.S. SF-9500, though inexpensive and capable as
a basic organizer, offers few innovations ... and therefore provides
little incentive for new buyers of palmtops. However, existing users of
earlier B.O.S.S. models may choose it as an easy upgrade.
For this category of computers, you cannot make an informed decision by
reading a specification sheet. From a technical specification
standpoint, the Poqet PC is clearly superior, but the hefty size makes
it more of an extremely small notebook computer rather than a palmtop.
Also, the built-in applications are somewhat lacking, and
the screen can
be hard to read. Nonetheless, if what you demand is full PC
compatibility, a full-size 80 x 25 display with CGA graphics capability,
and a great keyboard, the $1,450 Poqet PC is the hands-down winner.
The low-priced Atari Portfolio offers more than simple day timer
functions, but its DOS compatibility is limited. If you are looking for
a device to use primarily as a note taker, the Portfolio, with its well-
designed keyboard, might be just right. And with the hundreds of free
programs available, it is most certainly an excellent value.
If your objective is to find the best all-around organizer, there's no
beating the Sharp Wizard OZ-8200. Don't plan on any heavy-duty
spreadsheet work--that's not really what the Wizard's designed for. The
unique touch screen makes the incredible variety of card-based
applications a pleasure to use (although you should avoid the older
cards written for the original 16-column Wizard). The built-in
schedulers, to-do lists and the like are excellent. And the perks just
keep piling up, like the easy-to-use PC Link capability. Sharp's
continual refinement of the Wizard should pay off for them handsomely.
We're pleased to award this product our "High Honors" recommendation.
For the diehard Lotus 1-2-3 user, the Hewlett-Packard 95LX is clearly
the best choice. And this isn't the HP's only strength: The scheduler
and alarms rival those of the Wizard, and the PC link is nearly
flawless. Only the keyboard is sub-par, and even that is a matter of
personal taste: Users who want a separate numeric keypad will prefer
this model. As the newest palmtop on the market, the 95LX definitely
benefits from Hewlett-Packard's attention to the pros and cons of the
competition. We can expect a host of innovative applications for the
95LX, not the least of which is the Motorola communications device,
which will take the palmtop category to a new plateau. Congratulations
to Hewlett-Packard for earning the Mobile Office "High Honors" award.
----------
David Hayden is the president of Computer Systems Analysis, a consulting
firm that specializes in the support of palmtop computers.
SIDEBAR
Battery Life
Battery life has always been exaggerated by laptop vendors, and palmtop
vendors have carried on this same tradition: Vendors claim as much as
150 hours of usage on a single set of batteries. Many factors affect
the battery life of these pocket computers. The most dramatic is the
use of peripherals, such as desktop computer links and modems.
The Poqet PC, Hewlett-Packard 95LX and Atari Portfolio use AA batteries,
while the Sharp Wizard and Casio B.O.S.S. use flat, round lithium
batteries. A survey of many palmtop users on CompuServe revealed some
interesting information on average battery life.
With an average use of about two to three hours per day, including
occasional links to a PC, the Casio B.O.S.S. and Sharp Wizard went three
to six months without a battery change. The Poqet PC runs for about 60
hours on a set of batteries, yielding about a month of use. Extensive
modem use can cut the time down to less than a week! The HP 95LX is
good for three to four weeks, while the Atari Portfolio lasted about two
weeks longer.
These times may vary greatly depending on the amount of peripheral use
such as PC links, modems, and printers. Rechargeable batteries did not
perform as well, and are not recommended. Most of the palmtops have a
backup battery that last about a year. Memory cards also use a backup
battery that needs to be changed once a year to prevent data loss.
Battery powered modems seemed to last about four to six weeks. --D.H.
Resources
Atari Computer Corporation
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94088 (408) 745-2000
Casio
Consumer Product Division
570 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Dover, NJ 07801 (201) 361-5400
Hewlett-Packard
1000 NE Circle Boulevard
Corvallis, OR 97330 (800) 443-1254
Poqet Computer Corporation
5200 Patrick Henry Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408) 982-9500
Sharp Electronics Corporation
Sharp Plaza
Mahwah, NJ 07430-2135 (201) 529-8200
CompuServe
5000 Arlington Centre Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43220 (800) 848-8990
DataBook, Inc.
Tower Building
Terrace Hill
Ithaca, NY 14850 (716) 889-4204
Digital Equipment Corporation
143 Main Street
Maynard, MA 01754 (800) DIG-ITAL
Eastman Kodak Company
901 Elm Grove Road
Rochester, NY 14653-6201 (800) 344-0006
Globalink
9302 Lee Highway
4th Floor
Fairfax, VA 22031 (703) 273-5600
Memory Card Associates
1016 East El Camino Real, Ste. 273
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 236-2623
Motorola, Inc.
1500 NW 22nd Street Avenue
Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (407) 364-2000
Nictrix Corporation
Leonia 80 Technical Center
2 Christie Heights Street
Leonia, NJ 07605 (201) 947-2220
Practical Peripherals
31245 La Baya Drive
Westlake Village, CA 91362 (800) 442-4774
Selectronics, Inc.
Two Tobey Village Office Park
Pittsford, NY 14534 (716) 248-3875
U.S. Robotics
8100 N. McCormick
Skokie, IL 60076 (800) 342-5877
Xoterix
23106 Baltar Street
West Hills, CA 91304 (818) 888-7390
=======================================================================
* PERUSING GENIE Compiled by Ed Krimen
=======================================================================
-=> In the "Lexicor Product Support" category (25)
-=> from the "Prism Render" topic (13)
Message 7 Thu Feb 06, 1992
R.MONFORT1 [LEXICOR] at 09:04 EST
Lee.
Sounds like the first full step of Phase-4 Software development is done!
Now Rosetta, Chronos, Prism-Render and Prism Paint are all done and also
the 24bit Leonardo board is almost ready. What will be the next step?
Ringo.
----------
Message 9 Fri Feb 07, 1992
L.SEILER [LEXICOR] at 04:33 EST
Ringo,
The next step will be to first add 24Bit to Chronos, this is now in the
works, Following this we will Have and advanced PrismPaint24 which will
be where you can do 24Bit painting in the classic sense. It will be a
fully functional posting tool for chronos animations, and provide both
ATARI compatible 24Bit FLM format animations and cross platform file
formats for other Computer Grapgic systems. And finally it will have a
fully functional 2D animation support that will provide all the tools
and functions you would expect in such an applications. We will also
have single frame VCR support and other special tools. All these
projects are now underway to some degree. Some projects are now being
coded while others are just being started.
You will be happy to know that ATARI has provided several advanced ATARI
computers available to us for two new programmer-Authors working on some
very high speed graphics sorry but I can't be more detailed about the
nature or name of the computers, but they are "Secret" machines. BUT I
will give you a HINT! you will see some very special and very amazing
hardware and software at the Hamburg show this March 11 to 18th.
All this neat stuff will be downward compatible and we will provide
upgrades to all Lexicor customers with ST's and TT's for use of these
tools. And of course all the exciting work and files will be
transportable upwards as well.
More later
Lee
BTW: I must thank Mr. Rehbock at ATARI for working so hard to get us
the advanced Computers and software support to have our software ready
at the right time.
----------
Message 13 Sun Feb 09, 1992
R.MONFORT1 [LEXICOR] at 00:04 EST
Render for Sculpt is an ACC and I recommend over 2 megs of Ram. It
render like Chronos does let me give you a list of features for this
program:
Object appearance settings, select for Draw all Faces.
Shading Method: Flat, Gourand, Phong.
Smooth Faces: off/on.
Dithering: none, fixed, ramdom.
Render Setting:
Resolutions: current, ST-low, TT-low, TT-Med and ISAC 1024, ISAC 800.
Render Mode: Wire Frame - All Edges or Visible Edges. Solid - Faces or
Faces & Edges.
Palette: none, Gray Scale, Real
Shading: none, lighted, object depth cue, Group Depth Cue, World Depth
Cue.
Quality: Draft, Final
It also has TT Hypermono and you can also select Cull Back Faces, White
Background, Show as Boxes, Show Grid, Show Camera, Show Lights.
It also imports ANM file settings for Camera and lights. So it also has
camera and light setting functions.
Now for PRISM-RENDER!
It loads Chronos ANM files for rendering. So you need to have Chronos,
in Chronos you do all of your settings for Lights, objects, camera, and
effects but Prism-Render does a full 24bit file from any ST/TT system if
you want to view the file on a ST or TT with out a 24bit board you can
convert the file to a GIF format but with Leonardo you get the full
24bit 16.8 million color image.
Some sample settings for Prism-Render:
Render Setup:
Frames: all or Selected from - to, Every - frames.
Settings: TT low 320 x 480, ST Low 32 x 200, Leonardo 512 x 384,
Leonardo 512 x 512, Current Resolution, Custom resolution.
Custom: With/Height or Pixel Width/ Pixel Height.
Reflection: off/on
Anti-aliasing: off/on.
View Targa File
Graphic mode: Leonardo, ST-low, TT-low, VDI.
Palette: True Color, Gray Scale, Best Palette, Same palette.
Scale: 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4.
Save GIF file after viewing image.
Also see my other post listing all of the type of materials that be
assign to objects.
Well I hope this help.
Ringo.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-=> In the "Double Click Software" category (30)
-=> from the "DC Utilities 2.0" topic (2)
Message 97 Tue Feb 11, 1992
DOUBLE-CLICK [DC Software] at 18:23 EST
All,
LH5 has been in testing for some time now... Along with the Quester
custom folder method. We will see when a solid version is ready,
hopefully soon!
I have lobbied for a 'maintenance update' to get the latest DCX+ out the
door. This would be considered in between an update and an upgrade since
the complete package is not being worked on...
- keith gerdes
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-=> In the "Atari Corporation Online" category (14)
-=> from the "Feedback to Atari" topic (31)
Message 225 Mon Feb 10, 1992
A.WESTON [Alan] at 03:55 EST
For someone at Atari,
How does the equipment exchange program work? I have a fried 520 that I
need to get repaired, or exchanged for another machine.
----------
Message 226 Mon Feb 10, 1992
S.WINICK at 06:34 EST
Alan,
Atari's equipment exchange program is simple. If your system is in need
of repair, you can return it to Atari along with a check for the correct
amount (you'll have to call customer service and find the correct amount
for your machine, and get shipping instructions), and they will provide
you with an exchange unit (you will probably NOT get back the system you
send them -- they will probably send you back a reconditioned unit).
The process will generally take between 4 to 6 weeks.
A better alternative (and faster also) would be to bring or ship your
system to an Atari authorized service center, where it can be repaired.
Repair is nearly always less expensive than a whole unit exchange,
unless there are multiple problems. And you WILL get back your own
system. If necessary, service centers can also provide you with a whole
unit exchange (provided they participate in the whole unit exchange
program). If you need additional information, leave E-mail to myself or
any of the other fine online dealers.
Sheldon Winick (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
----------
Message 227 Mon Feb 10, 1992
BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.] at 19:26 EST
Alan,
I encourage you to check with one of the dealers that is only here as
well. They do a wonderful job, and are much faster than transactions
sent in to Sunnyvale. Do contact Sheldon or one of the other dealers
online here to get a feel for what kind of $$$ or $$ you're looking at.
Most of them prefer not to quote prices in public, and I endorse that
practice as well.
regards,
Bob Brodie
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-=> In the "Gribnif Software" category (17)
-=> from the "Crazy Dots Graphics Card" topic (12)
Message 33 Sun Feb 09, 1992
R.BROWN30 at 21:15 EST
I've just received the SM147 Atari Monochrome Monitor (not many
circulating as of yet), which is, quite simply, an IBM Super VGA
monochrome monitor.
This is how monochrome should have always been on the ST. Compared to
the SM124, maximum white on screen measures (using a photographic meter)
2 f/stops, or 400% brighter than the old SM124, and the <great>
adjustments allow for a 180% greater image area (both monitors "stock"
and "untweaked").
Of course, the world gets a little bit of a vertical stretch (a circle
becomes an oval) when adjusting the SM147 to full height in regular ST
Hi-Res.
The big question: will the Crazy Dots card <fill> the SM147 with one of
its many resolutions and take full advantage of the monitor's
capabilities?
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-=> In the "Atari TT" category (28)
-=> from the "TT RAM" topic (13)
Message 162 Mon Feb 10, 1992
M.ABDULKAREE [ASX] at 23:17 EST
About re-mapping TOS into FRAM.. I guess that Atari is using cheap and
slow ROMS because they know we'll want to upgrade to the newer TOS when
it comes out. So why spend more on something that is not "final"?
But still, 200ns is pretty slow.. and I don't think they will use SRAM
because TOS 3 is BIG and GROWING! Imagine the cost of 512KB or even
1024KB SRAM.. yikes!
----------
Message 163 Tue Feb 11, 1992
J.ALLEN27 [FAST TECH] at 00:44 EST
100ns 1Meg SRAMs are about $15 each...needs. But having it in _ram_ of
any kind is not very appealing for an OS. Stick with roms.
Atari did a bunch of testing that indicated the speed of the roms only
needed to be "so" fast, beyond it didn't warrant the extra cost.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-=> In the "Hardware" category (4)
-=> from the "Gadgets 68030 SST Board" topic (44)
Message 65 Mon Feb 10, 1992
LEOTAYLOR [LEO] at 17:45 EST
THE SST LIVES!
My 1986 ST-520 expanded to 2.5 MEG in a Pecan Wood Tower has made the
jump to lightspeed. First time on it booted right up in NEODESK (I had
deleted the AUTOs and ACCs but forgot the TOS 1.4 startup program).
After seeing the size of the manual I know why it's been 16 months since
I saw the board at WACCE 1990...
On the whole I'm very happy with the SST!
Leo Taylor
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
=======================================================================
* LYNX OWNERS UPDATE
=======================================================================
GAME OF LIFE - PRESS RELEASE
From the SysOps who discovered the secrets of Slime World, news has come
of the discovery of the newest Easter Egg in Lynx gaming. The game of
LIFE has been discovered in Zarlor Mercenary.
Before we proceed, let us give you some background information. The
game of LIFE was developed by mathematician John H. Conway in 1969-70.
Using the following four simple rules, cells, represented by squares on
graph paper, or pieces on a chess-board, or pixels on a computer screen,
give birth and die in an orderly fashion.
1. A single living cell that is in contact (horizontally, vertically,
or diagonally) with zero or one living cells will die from loneliness.
2. A living cell that is in contact with two or three other living
cells will survive.
3. A living cell is born in any empty position bounded by three living
cells.
4. A living cell bounded by four or more other living cells will die
from overcrowding.
Much has been written about LIFE, and programs that simulate LIFE have
been written for virtually every computer system. Amazing patterns that
repeat forever, 'machines' that animate and propel themselves across the
screen, 'guns' that fire projectiles called 'gliders', and animated
objects that repeat their patterns in a fixed position have all been
developed, and people are always finding new fascinating life forms in
LIFE.
The following are some of the more simple 'life forms' and the names they
have been given:
| | * | | ** | * | | |
| ** | *** | * * | ** | ** | * | *** |
| ** | * | *** |** |** | * | * |
| * | * | * * |** | * | *** | *** |
|R PENTOMINO|LATIN CROSS|LETTER H|BEACON|CLOCK|GLIDER|LAUNCHER|
In addition, all of the stable 'life forms' have names, here are some of
them:
| * |
| * | ** | ** | | | | * | | |* * | * |** |
| * * |* *|* *| * | | |* * | * |** | * * |* * |* * |
| * * | * *|* *|* *| ** |* ** | * * |* * |* * | * *| * *| * *|
| * | * | ** | * | ** |** * | * | ** | ** | * | **| **|
|BEEHIVE|LOAF|POND|TUB|BLOCK|SNAKE|BARGE|BOAT|SHIP|LONG |LONG|LONG|
BARGE|BOAT|SHIP|
One problem with LIFE has been speed. Doing the computations by hand,
as John Conway first did on graph paper, is excruciating slow, even
for the smallest patterns. LIFE computer programs are faster and are
popular, but definitely not due to their speed, with most taking from
several seconds to several minutes to compute the next 'frame'. It is a
complex process, with the screen being scanned pixel by pixel, each
pixel tested against the rules, and the results stored on another screen
for the next 'frame'.
LIFE on your Atari Lynx is the most amazing and fun 'Easter Egg' you
have ever seen. It is lightning fast (an estimated 30 frames per
second), and contains a library of life forms for you to experiment with
and bring to life. It also contains a powerful drawing tool that has a
copy buffer which can be flipped and placed anywhere on your screen. It
is truly amazing to see John Conway's game brought to life on your Lynx.
All you need is an Atari Lynx and a Zarlor Mercenary game card.
Complete documentation is currently being written and will be posted on
the STAR-LINX BBS at noon (11 am Pacific, 2 pm Eastern) February 3,
1991. Call us in Mesa, AZ at 602-464-4817 to gain access to our system
and join our Lynx Club, with members from all over the U.S.A. and
Canada. Post your high scores, read press releases from Atari, play on-
line games, and stay on top of the latest Lynx news with STAR-LINX.
Be sure to have your California Games game card handy when you call to
gain higher access.
The above press release is (c)1991 STAR-LINX BBS and may be freely
distributed, providing this statement is included.
=======================================================================
* A COMPARATIVE CHART OF DISKETTE TYPES by Daniel K. Stoicheff
=======================================================================
IN SIZES 3-1/2, 5-1/4, AND 8 INCH
Copyright 1992, Daniel K. Stoicheff
FREEWARE
Note: You are encouraged to make copies & disseminate freely, to upload
to BBS, provided file remains intact and unaltered.
This simple listing identifies thirty-four (34) distinct varieties of
diskettes in the three available sizes. Not all manufacturers support
every diskette type. Eight inch diskettes are all but extinct, save for
some mainframe users or CP/M diehards.
The list contains a brief description of each diskette type followed by
manufacturers' codes.
The codes are:
3 = 3M
B = BASF
I = IBM
K = KAO
M = MAXELL
S = SONY
V = VERBATIM
ALL = All manufacturers shown
3M is to be commended for their leadership role in the development of
magnetic media. They have continued to support a full line of diskette
types, some of which have long ago fallen from favor.
3-1/2 inch diskettes:
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY, 1MB ALL
DOUBLE SIDE, HI DENSITY, 2MB ALL
DOUBLE SIDE, EXTRA DENSITY, 4MB 3, M, S, V
CPT COMPATIBLE 3 (NO HUB RING)
LANIER COMPATIBLE 3
5-1/4 inch diskettes:
DOUBLE SIDE, HI DENSITY, 80 TPI ALL
SINGLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY, 40 TRACKS, SOFT-SECTORED I
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY, 40 TRACKS, SOFT-SECTORED ALL
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY, 40 TRACKS, 10 HARD SECTORS 3, V
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY, 40 TRACKS, 16 HARD SECTORS 3
DOUBLE SIDE, QUAD DENSITY, SOFT-SECTORED 3 (80 TRACKS)
M (96 TRACKS)
V (77/80 TRACKS)
DOUBLE SIDE, QUAD DENSITY 96 TRACKS, 10 HARD SECTORS 3
DOUBLE SIDE, QUAD DENSITY 16 HARD SECTORS 3 (96 TRACKS)
V (77/80 TRACKS)
SINGLE SIDE, QUAD DENSITY 77/80 TRACKS 3, V
8 inch diskettes
SINGLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY 128 BYTES, XEROX V (WITH WRITE PROTECT)
SINGLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY 128 BYTES, IBM I, M, V
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY UNFORMATTED 3, V
SINGLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY 32-HOLE HARD SECTOR V
SINGLE SIDE, UNINITIALIZED 3 (DOUBLE DENSITY)
V (DOUBLE DENSITY)
SINGLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY VYDEC/MEMOREX M, V
SINGLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY DATAPOINT COMPATIBLE, SOFT-SECTORED
3 (RX02 FORMAT)
DOUBLE SIDE, INITIALIZED I (15 SECTORS, DD)
M (26 SECTORS, DD)
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 3 (8 OR 15 SECTORS)
I (8 OR 15 SECTORS)
M (26 SECTORS)
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 26 SECTORS, 256 BYTES/SECTOR
3, I, M
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 8 SOFT SECTORS V
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 32 HARD SECTORS 3
SINGLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 32 HARD SECTORS 3
SINGLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY 512 BYTES/SECTOR V, M
I (FORMATTED)
DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 512 BYTES/SECTOR 3, M
I (FORMATTED
=======================================================================
* PERUSING THE INTERNET Compiled by Bruce Hansford
=======================================================================
Date: 31 Jan 92 21:37:05 GMT
>From: walter!porthos!nvuxl!rrk@uunet.uu.net (24115-kutz)
Subject: Atari Advertises
No one else has mentioned this, so I will. I saw my first Atari
magazine advertisement for the ST in years: the most recent Discover
magazine shows an ST/MIDI setup, even mentions Atari ST (and other
companies whose equipment contribute to the music setup). The opposing
page is an ad for the Portfolio. Made my day.
Randy Kutz rrk@nvuxl.cc.bellcore.com
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Date: 4 Feb 92 13:34:57 GMT
>From: aurs01!whitcomb@mcnc.org (Jonathan Whitcomb)
Subject: MIDI
(Jim Trageser) writes:
>I'm writing yet another Atari story for San Diego's ComputorEdge
>magazine, and am trying to get a feel for what the most popular
>software/hardware (keyboards, et al) set-ups are with Ataris. Also,
>any comments on why you use an Atari for your MIDI rather than a PC or
>Mac. (I'm not a MIDI user; more DTP and WP than anything else, so bear
>with me. . . .)
I chose the Atari ST because it had the best price/performance ratio in
its class for *any* application (in 1986) and especially MIDI. I still
believe this is true for MIDI. Of course, the built in MIDI ports made
it attractive as a user, but more importantly, it attracted many
developers to the platform. I currently use a Mega ST4 with an SM124
monitor (a must for MIDI). Considering that the software for the ST is
still state of the art, I have no reason to switch to another platform.
In fact, the new ST Book portable will probably keep me firmly
entrenched in the ST market.
I use Dr.T's software almost exclusively. The primary reasons are:
1) They have been in the business for years and have continuously
upgraded their software. Sequences I made years ago on my 1040 ST
run fine on the newest software.
2) The programs are modular. Dr.T's has developed a "Multi Program
Environment" (MPE), which allows many of their programs to run
concurrently and share data. Economically, it allows me to build my
system a piece at a time, when I can afford each new piece.
3) Support. The programmers are available on-line on GEnie, and
provide answers to questions and bug fixes in a very short time.
The tech info line is manned five days a week, and I receive upgrade
notices and special deals on closeout software in the mail
regularly. Since it's a US based company (as opposed to C-Lab or
Steinberg/Jones), response time is amazingly fast. Bob Melvin
(designer of the Caged Artist patch editors and X-oR universal patch
editor/librarian/system exclusive data manager) is especially good
in this regard, and has been known to respond to change requests
within a two or three days.
4) The software is great. I use the KCS Omega sequencer, X-oR, T-Basic
(an interpreted BASIC programming language with hooks into all of
KCS's sequence data) and the Phantom (SMPTE sync interface and
software). The interfaces are intuitive and the graphics are very
useful. Anyone who still thinks that Dr.T's products just fill the
screen with numbers hasn't seen them lately! The programs are
extremely stable, and I have no problem using them with all of my
regular ST system software installed. I recently bought Intelligent
Music's RealTime sequencer and M composition and performance tool.
My MIDI hardware setup is hardly state of the art, but it gets me by. I
use a Korg 707 (8 voice multitimbral FM synth) primarily as a dumb
keyboard. It's velocity sensitive and has after touch, and was quite
cheap. The sounds aren't great, but I consider them as a free bonus
with the keyboard. My main sound modules are the Korg P3 (piano) and
Symphony (orchestra). Each are 16 voice multitimbral, and provide me
with a limited range of sampled instruments. None of these instruments
are new or expensive (I think that all three combined cost less than
$1000), but it is important to note that many of the high priced MIDI
instruments have built in sequencers and other features which are
redundant with my software. I also don't need lots of memory in
my synths, as I can store data on my ST using X-oR. In fact, all I look
for in a new synth are good sounds, lots of outputs and good MIDI
support of the internal functions, so I can usually save money buying
the stripped down, small memory rack-mount versions.
I also use an Alesis QuadraVerb GT, a Casio MG-510 guitar MIDI
controller and a DMC MX-8 programable MIDI switcher. I've written X-oR
profiles for the P3, Symphony and Quadraverb GT.
My next major music hardware purchase will be an 8-track reel-to-reel.
I was thinking of buying a Tascam TSR-8, but now that Fostex has worked
up a MIDI interface with the ST, I will probably end up with an R8. The
press reports >from NAMM indicate that this interface will allow
complete control of the tape transport via the ST, so you can basically
thread the tape and not have to touch the machine for the rest of the
session. The fact that Fostex is now working with ST software companies
(I believe this interface is available from C-Lab, Steinberg/Jones and
Dr.T's) is a great sign for the survival of the ST as a major MIDI
platform.
Jonathan Whitcomb UUCP: <whitcomb%aurgate@mcnc.org>
Alcatel Network Systems Delphi: JBWHIT
Raleigh, NC GEnie: J.WHITCOMB3
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Date: 5 Feb 92 19:45:29 GMT
>From: george.arc.nasa.gov!glennd@icarus.riacs.edu (Glenn Deardorff)
Subject: MIDI
> I'm writing yet another Atari story for San Diego's ComputorEdge
> magazine, and am trying to get a feel for what the most popular
> software/hardware (keyboards, et al) set-ups are with Ataris. Also,
Reasons I use an Atari:
When I was shopping for a computer a few years ago for music
applications, the Atari 1) definitely had the most bang for the buck
("Power Without the Price", eh?), and 2) had the widest selection of
MIDI software to choose from (the Mac was close in this regard). The
inclusion of built-in MIDI ports was not as much of a factor to me
(since you can buy a MIDI interface for the Mac for ~ $50), but is one
reason, no doubt, why it has great 3rd party MIDI support. After I
bought it, I found that new MIDI software that I wanted (e.g. editor/
librarians) usually came out for the ST before other platforms, which
made me especially glad I decided on it. And I believe the quality of
MIDI software (more on that later) is second to none.
Software:
I use Cubase 2.0 (OK, 2.01). Its "MIDI Manager" allows you to create
your own graphic fader (and dials and buttons, etc.) to control most
any System Exclusive parameter or other MIDI parameter and record it as
part of the sequence; e.g. set up a bank of fader for volume, panning,
after touch (timbral changes), effects changes, etc., and I can then
control them with external controllers (like my J.L Cooper FaderMaster).
Its "Interactive Phrase Synthesizer" can be used to essentially make
programmable variations on a musical phrase (random or one of number of
other algorithms) that you can use to jam with or as a source for new
musical ideas. Two of these phrase synths can be active at once. A
"drum map" is there for easily configuring and programming drum parts
(can be used for any sound, actually). And you can easily record SysEx
>from your synths onto a track as well. Its got great piano roll,
event, and standard notation editing. In short, its great graphical
appeal and ease-of-use make me one very happy customer. I haven't
experienced any of the problems others have mentioned (namely, slow and
buggy). I'm not trying to say its better for everyone than Dr. T's
Omega, just that played a bit with Omega and I'm very happy with Cubase
(from Steinberg/Jones).
I also use Dr. T's X-oR universal editor/librarian for configuring and
editing my MIDI system as if it were one big synth module. Its not
perfect (the envelope editing is missing displays of actual numeric
values, a problem on the Atari version which I've been assured will be
remedied), but I can't imagine life without it - its editing is very
useful, and the librarian is superb.
I also use Dr. T's VZ-Rider ed/lib for the Casio VZ10M, since the
editing template for the VZ in X-oR is incomplete. A great, complete
editor.
I have a couple of editor/librarians from Steinberg/Jones: for the M1
and the Wavestation. I can't imagine a better graphical user interface.
Especially for the newer Wavestation one - its got everything (including
little "VU meters" to let you know which patch in a performance is
currently sounding and how loudly). They're expensive, but top-notch
(and available only on the Atari, as is Cubase 2.0 currently).
And very importantly, I use the Revolver partition switcher to be able
to simultaneously switch between Cubase, X-oR and VZ-Rider. I'm very
impressed that I can use it with some non-GEM programs (like Cubase and
VZ-Rider), and that I can "roll in" pre-booted programs (I use it to
load in a state of X-oR that already has all my favorite banks loaded).
Unlike the M-ROS multitasking operating system that comes with the
Steinberg products, it has no problems with desk accessories, and can be
used with most other non-Steinberg non-GEM programs OK.
Hardware:
Korg Wavestation Ex, Prophet VS, Korg M1R, Casio VZ10M, Lexicon LXP-5,
Alesis Quadraverb+, JL Cooper FaderMaster, Roland M160 mixer, Korg MIDI
patch bay, and 1040ST
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Date: 11 Feb 92 09:21:09 GMT
>From: news.hawaii.edu!uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu!jww@ames.arpa
Subject: Motorola CD-I chips
Atari announced their support of the CD-I standard and this press
release from Motorola contains interesting info about the next
generation of CD-I components which may be designed in some of the
systems Atari plans to introduce in '92. The combination of the
Motorola 68340 processor, 56001 DSP, 44466 Video Decoder (mixing output
from the MPEG and Atari custom graphic processors) and orchestrated by
Multi-TOS and Microware's CD-RTOS, would add up to a machine that
delivers thunder and lightning for a price that promises to be a drop in
the bucket.
----------------------- Motorola Press Release ------------------
Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector has announced today (4/91) the
availability of the first key part in the Motorola CD-I chip set, the
MC44466 Video Signal Decoder. Motorola announced their co-operation
with Philips Interactive Media Systems on the chip set in November 1989.
Results of this on-going cooperation have been included in the CD-I
demonstration system that Philips presented at Horizons '91, a major
Motorola event organized for the worldwide press in Austin. Another key
device presently under joint design is the MPEG-FMV, a full motion video
decompression processor for CD-I applications.
The Video Signal Decoder, the MC44466, is a real time two channel video
data decoder which can combine four image planes, by overlaying and
mixing, into one final image. It can perform special effects like
dissolves, mosaics, partial updates, etc. It is fully qualified in
accordance with the CD-I "Green Book" standard and is now available to
the worldwide market. The MC44466 will be followed by other key devices
for CD-I systems:
o The MPEG-FMV decoder performs the decompression and display of full
screen, full motion video conforming to the MPEG standard. It is a
highly integrated, cost effective solution implemented in Motorola's
High Density sub-micron CMOS technology.
o The MPEG audio decoder performs the audio decompression according to
the standard defined by MPEG level 2. This device is based upon
Motorola's DSP56001 24-bit digital signal processor.
o The MC68340, a 32-bit microprocessor, acts as the central processing
unit to control the system modules and provides high speed data
transfer. Previously released, this device is now being qualified
for use in CD-I systems.
o The MC44200 is a triple 8-bit digital to analog data converter
optimized for use in CD-I systems. It interfaces direct to the
MC44466 and provides analog RGB outputs.
All these devices will be qualified to the "Green Book" standard and
Motorola will be offering the complete chip set as part of their global
semiconductor offering.
By providing a global source of qualified devices to all CD-I equipment
manufacturers, Motorola aims to accelerate the acceptance of CD-I as a
Multimedia standard and add momentum to its rate of growth as the next
major consumer product innovation.
*CD-I "Green Book" standard - This standard is defined by Philips and
Sony. It has two charters: To explicitly define the CD-I Media
Specification and to assure that all CD-I and CD-Audio discs can play on
all CD-I players in real time.
*MPEG - The Motion Picture Experts Group, is a joint ISO/CCITT standards
committee, chartered with the task of defining a global standard for
video compression.
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