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GEnieLamp Online Magazine Issue No.2.32
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~ THE BIG SPLASH AT THE GLENDALE SHOW ~
~ DEBUTS - HOT PRODUCTS - GOOD PEOPLE ~
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
September 19, 1991 ~ A T/TalkNET OnLine Publication ~ Issue 2.32
//////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Publisher/Editor ................................... John F. Peters
Co-Editor ........................................ Darlah J. Pine
Technical Editor ................................ Jeff Williams
TX2 Editor ..................................... David Holmes
[IDX] """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
~ SPECIAL REPORT FROM GLENDALE ~
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Richard Brown
FROM THE DESKTOP ......... [FRM] ON WITH THE SHOW ........ [SHO]
Notes From The Editor. The Sun Shines On Atari!
HARDWARE WARS ............ [WAR] THE ST BOOK ............. [STB]
Accelerator Wars. Absolutely Elegant
MUSIC AND MIDI ........... [MID] DESKTOP PUBLISHING ...... [DTP]
A Strong Show Of Force. Design To Print.
HYPERTALK! .............. [HYP] SHOW ODDS & ENDS ........ [ODD]
Hypertext Environment Arrives! 3rd Party Support News.
LOG OFF ................. [LOG]
Summing It All Up.
[REA] """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
READING GEnie Lamp GEnie Lamp has incorporated a unique indexing
"""""""""""""""""" system to help make reading the magazine easier.
To utilize this system, load GEnie Lamp into any ASCII word processor
or text editor. In the index you will find the following example:
FROM THE DESKTOP ......... [FRM]
Notes From The Editor.
To read this article, set your find or search command to [FRM]. If
you want to scan all of the articles, search for [EOA]. [EOF] will take
you to the last page, whereas [IDX] will bring you back to the index.
GEnie Lamp Online Magazine: SEE THE DIFFERENCE!
[EOA] """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
[FRM]//////////////////////////////
FROM MY DESKTOP /
/////////////////////////////////
Notes From The Editor
"""""""""""""""""""""
TOP OF THE PAGE Wait a minute! I thought GEnie Lamp was supposed to
""""""""""""""" be released twice per month, on the 1st and the 15th,
right? Well, yes, it is. However, after reading what Richard Brown had
uploaded to us about the Atari Glendale show, I had to make an
exception.
Richard brings to us a full report on all the exciting things that
happend in Glendale last weekend. You will find out about new products
like the fantastic ST Book computer from Atari, MultiDesk Deluxe from
the CodeHeads and Data Diet from Double Click. Other areas covered are
MIDI, desktop publishing, HyperLINK and Postscript support. And to top
it all off is tidbits of the latest news, rumors and gossip that you'll
always seem to find where fellow Atarians meet :-).
During the show, Richard offered a two page GEnie Lamp survey poll
for the patrons to fill out. Happily, several hundred ST users took the
time to do so. Look to Richard's column in future GEnie Lamp issues for
a breakdown of the answers given, plus more show news PLUS pictures (for
our TX2 readers) right here in GEnie Lamp. My sincere thanks go to
Rachel McKenzie and the others from John King Tarpinian's User's Group
for their support and assistance they provided for Richard during the
show.
It's been a long hot summer... and at times some of the events
happening in the Atari world in the past 6 months or so have been
downright depressing. However, it appears that the ST computer users,
the programmers and developers as well as Atari itself all seem to be
taking on a renewed surge of enthusiasm. I for one am looking forward
to an exciting winter, here in the ST RoundTable and with Atari. I
invite you to come along!
Take Care...
John Peters
[GENIELAMP]
[EOA]
[SHO]//////////////////////////////
ON WITH THE SHOW! /
/////////////////////////////////
The Sun Shines On Atari!
""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Richard Brown
[R.BROWN30]
FUN TIME BY ALL! The Glendale Show proved a sparkling renaissance for
"""""""""""""""" Atari users. New products, a light but significant
presence of Atari, and some interesting software developments added to
the 'buzz' of discount prices that clearly attracted many to this
marketplace of shows.
The attendance (over 3,000) this year eclipsed last year's total,
or so the first reports would indicate, and this bodes well in a time
of recession, which was on the mind of many at the show. GEnie Lamp
made its own splash at the show in the form of an in- depth
questionnaire under the theme "Let Your Thoughts on Atari Be Heard!"
The two page, 63 question form was filled out by more than 600 of the
attendees, and will be the subject of future articles right here in
GEnie Lamp.
Glendale was an impressive outing for Atarifiles, and many drove
long distances to see the latest in hardware and software for the full
range of ST's and even older 8 bits. Developers, large California Atari
retailers, and a wide mix of the consuming public met for this two day
extravaganza. Highlights of the show included talks by Nathan Potechin
and Dave Small.
Nathan Potechin, President of ISD Marketing (Calamus) and also
President of Independent Association of Atari Developers (the IAAD), is
a vibrant and inspiring presence in the Atari scene. Nathan discussed
his breakthrough product, Calamus SL, which brings _color_ to this
staple of ST software.
Dave Small, the brilliant developer of the Spectre GCR, spoke on
his extraordinary 68030 SST board, an ultra-fast 32 bit speed demon
designed to catapult older ST's up to or beyond the standards of other
computers that have, for a time, surpassed the stock ST in performance
(if you can ignore the 640K barrier).
As demos of Calamus and the SST sparked the interest of many, the
large crowd found points of departure throughout the hall. Door prizes
went on by the hour, and many signed up to win the top prize, a complete
STe system.
Significant discounts were offered by two powerhouse California ST
dealers, The Computer Network of Glendale (818) 500-3900, and Mid-
Cities Computers of Bellflower (213) 867-0626. Both stores carry a full
and impressive line, and are well worth a call for your ST and TT needs
from DTP to music and more. The brisk business at their respective
booths did look, as one of the Computer Network guys said, a lot like
Christmas.
Bargain hunters could find similar deals at developer booths,
where companies like CodeHead software offered not only new products,
but discounts of their complete lines.
[EOA]
[WAR]//////////////////////////////
HARDWARE WARS /
/////////////////////////////////
Accelerator Wars!
"""""""""""""""""
>>> GADGETS' 68030 SST BOARD vs. THE WORLD! <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
HEAD TO HEAD COMBAT Hardware played a significant role at the show,
""""""""""""""""""" with Dave Small's 68030 board going up against
Jim Allen's 68030 creation for the first time. Theoretical thinking
aside, Gadgets by Small was the winner in a race based on a complex
DynaCAD operation. More interesting, Dave's 68030 was running at 33MHz,
and Jim Allen's 68030, at 40MHz. Just as a supercharged lower-end Mac
can outrun the top-of-the-line Mac IIFX, it's the design that counts.
When Dave Small introduced the Spectre GCR Macintosh emulator, with its
amazing ability to read Mac disks and handle every significant Mac
application, he had a button made about "pushing the envelope". Dave
had a new button at the Glendale show, kind of a bright fluorescent
peach badge with an image of the SR-71 (ultra high speed spy plane) that
read "I saw the World's Fastest Atari ST." And not only fast, but with
up to 8 megs of the vitally important fast _RAM_, wherein the burst-mode
of the 68030 is brought into play, outperforming designs using cache
techniques.
Still, Jim Allen's board deserves respect. It is still quick-by
far speedier than a common ST and a delight to behold as it performed
with comfortable similarity to a TT. The only odd thing, the operating
system seems to have a foreign flavor, which can make certain boot
messages something of a language lesson.
And what of the Dave Small legend? I can report first-hand that
yes, Dave does indeed thrive on Diet Pepsi. It seems it really is part
of his quest of 'doing the impossible.' (The Soldier of Fortune shirt is
for real, too!) Follow this and the meaning of life in the Gadgets by
Small RoundTable elsewhere on GEnie.
Gadgets by Small:
40 W. Littleton Blvd. #210-211 phone 303-791-6098
Littleton, Colorado 80210 fax 303-791-0253
[EOA]
[STB]//////////////////////////////
THE ST BOOK /
/////////////////////////////////
Absolutely Elegant
""""""""""""""""""
AN ATARI HOME RUN? For the curious: yes, the ST Book was there!
"""""""""""""""""" Absolutely elegant may be the best way to describe this new product.
"Mystifying" may better describe why Atari has waited until now to
launch so respectable a machine. Due to power consumption/battery life
considerations, it is, indeed, based on a 6800 8MHz CPU. But, what a
battery life! Owing to the wondrous charm of having the operating
system on chip rather than disk, the ST Book, with is sub-wallet size
battery, will offer at least 5 and up to 10 hours of operation per
charge!
Hard drives in the ST Book will range up to 80 megabytes, with up
to four megs of RAM. I do a lot of typing (with BIG fingers), and, in
trying the keyboard, I can say that ANYONE could get used to it _very_
quickly. The mouse replacement is well-done -- if not brilliantly
executed (has Atari scored a home-run?).
The only potential drawback: no built-in floppy or floppy
controller. All data i/o to other Atari systems will be accomplished
externally with cabling, but for experienced hard drive users, this
should pose no problems -- a great deal of work can be handled in a 4
megs of RAM/80 meg hard disk combo. The i/o ports are the miniature
versions of the standard serial and parallel interfaces, not unlike the
ports on a Mac. Cabling should be no problem, and with an external
floppy controller, creative after-market manufacturers could easily whip
up double sided double density, or perhaps even double sided high
density floppy drives, increasing the ST Book's compatibility with
incoming IBM text or spreadsheet files and the like. (Developers take
note, please!)
Size-wise: elegant, elegant, elegant... about 8.5x11 inches and
_amazingly_ thin when closed. In addition, by closing the quite
readable LCD display, the machine powers down, but upon reopening,
restores instantly with no apparent rebooting... or at least you're not
aware of it. This is a feature found on some of the nicer DOS 'book'
counterparts.
Of course, these are the impressions of a very a few minutes spent
with the ST Book, but I did manage a few photos, which will be coming
your way in various computer formats (IMG to Degas) on GEnie. ST Book
pricing? Over $1000 to about $2000 depending on configuration.
[EOA]
[MID]//////////////////////////////
MUSIC AND MIDI /
/////////////////////////////////
A Strong Show Of Force
""""""""""""""""""""""
AWESOME STUFF! The music and MIDI concerns presented a strong show of
"""""""""""""" force at Glendale. Christopher Pelzar of Hybrid Arts,
Inc. demonstrated the awesome Digital Master, an ST-based direct to disc
digital recorder with some very impressive stats. Its compression and
expansion algorithms are phenomenal to hear, and will surely prove a
boon to high end audio production. Best of all, Hybrid Arts still knows
about 'power without the price,' offering complete digital workstations
starting at a suggested list well under $5,000. If that sounds pricey,
consider this system includes the Digital Master box _as well as_ a
complete, 4 meg ST and monitor, with the necessary controlling software
and the ability to tie the system in with other devices, such as MIDI
sequencers.
Contact Christopher Pelzar at:
Hybrid Arts, Inc.phone (213) 841-0340
8522 National Blvd. U.S. fax (213) 841-0348
Culver City, CA 90232 Int'l fax (213) 841-0346
Roland presented their SoundCANVAS and SoundBRUSH. The first
device, SoundCANVAS, is a half-rack multi timbral tone generator with an
awesome collection of instrument patches, drum patches, and even sound
effects. It is fully MIDI compatible, and will make the most of ST
sequencing software. But what about going out on the road for a gig? Had
enough of roadies man-handling your ST or STacy? Enter SoundBRUSH, the
field MIDI File Player. With controls not unlike a CD player,
SoundBRUSH will play MIDI song files in format '0' or '1'. The unit can
also record MIDI songs inputted to it using format '0'. Of course, and
perhaps in deference to Atari, the floppy based system is 3.5 inch
DS/DD. (I was unable to query directly about ST floppy disk
compatibility.)
Both SoundBRUSH and SoundCANVAS can be remote controlled, but the
intriguing news is that these products are the first to showcase
Roland's new GS MIDI format, which is aimed at bringing consistency and
standardization within Roland's line of products, to guarantee MIDI file
compatibility regardless of future product updates.
For more information on Roland products, contact:
Mid-Cities Computers & Software phone (213) 867-0626
9406 Flower Street (213) 867-8994
Bellflower, CA 90706 fax (213) 920-8933
Mid-Cities welcomes mail orders, and, having been to the
store, your narrator will attest to their very fine and
complete selection of ST hardware and software carried
within.
[EOA]
[DTP]//////////////////////////////
DESKTOP PUBLISHING /
/////////////////////////////////
Design To Print
"""""""""""""""
UNIQUE & POWERFUL Both PageStream from Soft Logik Publishing and
""""""""""""""""" Calamus from Ditek were on display at the show.
These heavyweights in the DTP field are aimed at slightly different
markets, but both proved formidable with their own unique and powerful
capabilities.
Soft Logik had its own booth, while Nathan Potechin of ISD, the
importer of Calamus, was busily demonstrating the color capabilities of
the brand-new Calamus SL at the large booth run by The Computer Network,
Glendale's very own ST store.
The color display on a TT running Calamus SL was indeed
impressive, sporting true-color images, including a shot of a shuttle
launch.
PageStream, a long-time color separating platform, displayed its
version 2.1, with significant enhancements over its previous offerings,
including true WYSIWYG display of graphics and Adobe (or other) IBM
format Type 1 PostScript fonts.
Calamus, with its proprietary font and graphics technology, rates
as the fastest printing DTP hardware, and also faster on screen
redraws, but PageStream, while currently lagging a bit on redraws, is
more than useable on a TT platform and also fully supports the de facto
standard of PostScript for its output. In fact, PageStream's latest
incarnation will allow the printing of PostScript fonts and graphics
directly to _any_ printer, with unimaginable quality being provided by
even an inexpensive Canon Bubblejet portable printer. The company
likens this new capability to that of Adobe's own Type Manager software,
which it rightly expects not to be hitting the ST market anytime soon.
Hats off to this brilliant dose of programming which _also_ takes 'the
jaggies' away from the now true WYSIWYG display.
Calamus, aiming for the general Atari user, seems inclined to
provide the most invincible platform it can, but, aside from the rare
occurrence of a special Calamus hardware raster image processor, is
unable to compete on the professional level which requires high
resolution output. Such hi-res 'imagesetters' are invariably based on
PostScript and are supported by BBS services as well as 'disk drops.'
Until Calamus joins these ranks, it will only be there to keep a great
many Atari users blissful but not competitive with the DOS or Mac
publishing counterparts. Of course, in talking with the various users
at the show, Calamus is certainly a favorite son of Atari at this time.
PageStream: Calamus:
Soft-Logik Publishing Corporation ISD Marketing, Inc.
toll free (800) 829-8608 (416) 479-1991
U.S.A. Canada
also mentioned:
The Computer Network
Atari Sales/Service "Their knowledgeable staff makes
1605 W. Glenoaks Blvd. a big difference" - your author
Glendale, CA 91201
phone (818) 500-9300
fax (818) 500-0751
COMMENTARY In looking to the future, the need for PostScript in the ST
"""""""""" world must be addressed. And this especially applies to
high-end programs like Calamus. Truncating the acceptability of an
otherwise top-flight product is a terrible dilemma for a computer system
that needs all the support it can get. All other platforms: IBM, Mac,
NeXT (DISPLAY PostScript, no less!)-- all support PostScript in
virtually all their significant programs, even in word processors.
It is not enough to be happy with 'adequate' output for personal
or limited commercial use- even if it's fast. PostScript adds a
dimension that bespeaks power and garners industry respect. And newer
PostScript printers offer _amazing_ speed compared to machines of just
a few years ago. Adobe, and all those that strive to support its
PostScript standard, indeed move on.
Luckily, there _is_ some good news brewing in this area for the
Atari ST. Read on...
MORE DTP NEWS - SUPPORT PROGRAMS - GRAPHICS
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
CODEHEAD NEWS CodeHead Software surprised some of the serious DTP
""""""""""""" practitioners with an apparent coup- they are importing
the awesome Avant Vektor autotracing vector art software from Europe.
Avant Vektor offers the power and features that only Spectre GCR users
have been enjoying in Mac emulation using Abobe Streamline and
Illustrator. Various forms of this software will be available at
pricings starting in the low $100's to over $1,000 for the high-end,
POSTSCRIPT-based top-of-the-line model. Aaahhh, a quick breath of fresh
air for PostScript support. Importing software is a departure for
CodeHead, but a welcome one in that the ST DTP market until now had no
programs of this kind.
For those familiar with the power of Streamline and Illustrator,
this is exciting stuff - call CodeHead for more information at (213)
386-5735 or fax them at (213) 386-5789.
WHIZWORK'S BREAKTHROUGH \/\/iz\/\/orks and Dr. Bobware presented its
""""""""""""""""""""""" breakthrough Modules Disk #2 for MultiViewer
Graphica and the _New_ Image Cat software. An impressive addition to a
consistently high quality line of products, Modules Disk #2 adds bit-
accurate image merging, for those with hand scanners who wished they had
an 8 inch scanning width when they're stuck with 4, and a host of other
impressive capabilities. Other features: PCX (256 color) and TIFF file
handling, for example, and contrast/brightness/diffusion controls make
it sound like W. David Parks of Dr. Bobware fame is merrily stepping on
Macintosh and IBM territory in a big way. I bought this one, and will
report on it when I trek back 3,000 miles to my _other_ ST (the graphics
one).
It is most pleasing to note that Image Cat, the image cataloguing
system extraordinaire, now supports Degas, IMG, PCX, IFF, GEM, Icons,
_Thumbnails_, and MGS (MugShot) files -- and POSTSCRIPT.
For professional DTP users, image cataloguing on the ST used to be
an arduous task in PostScript mode, especially for those with
PostScript printers. At the price of a PostScript printer, few would
backtrack to a lesser standard, and only the fortunate would have the
proper emulation built in to utilize Image Cat.
With the PostScript barrier broken, Image Cat has entered itself
in the professional ST market, while still supporting all its original
printing platforms, including the HP DeskJet and LaserJet, Atari SLM804,
NEC LC890, Panasonic KX-P4450, and Epson LQ and FX models.
\/\/iz\/\/orks and Dr. Bobware are more important than ever,
making DTP graphic work on the Atari more convenient and certainly more
powerful than ever before. Once again, more excellent stuff. The ST,
doomsayers or nay, is coming into its own despite itself.
I think you can reach Dr. Bob and the Image Cat folk through
\/\/iz\/\/orks: (216) 539-5623 (that's Ohio, folks)
In other graphics news, Gribnif Software demonstrated and took
advanced orders for its exciting bit-image and vector art import
Arabesque Professional. This software, compatible with standard IMG
files as well as Calamus' vector graphic formats was an eye- opener on
the demo TT. High quality gradient fills were among many unique
capabilities presented in this software. More PostScript News: Calamus
Outline Art owners can make use of their EPS conversion program with
regards to Arabesque files, and therefore can have (limited) POSTSCRIPT
support. Rumor has it that the Arabesque designers may have PostScript
up their sleeves for a future upgrade.
A nicely printed info sheet is available from Gribnif. Give them a
call at (413) 584-7887, but remember, they are on Eastern Time.
[EOA]
[HYP]//////////////////////////////
HYPERTALK! /
/////////////////////////////////
Hypertext Environment Arrives!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
HYPERCARD FOR THE ST JMG Software International and Turning Point
"""""""""""""""""""" Solutions promoted the still fledgling, but very
intriguing HyperLINK. David Thompson, one of the program's designers,
was very engaging and well-spoken in his pitch for this new program that
should set the ST world on its ear: finally, 'HyperCard' for the ST. A
system intended to allow non-programmers to design custom and useful
applications to meet his or her needs. The concept of Hypertext
involves 'non-linear' information retrieval and display, where, for
example, a textual informative message about whales could be 'linked' to
a graphic picture of the whale while also 'linked' to the digitized
sounds of whalesong. Intriguing?
HyperLINK, "A Multi-Purpose Object/Database Product" combines the
features of a database with relational objects, 'linked' text data,
graphics, sound, outboard systems (such as laserdisc) control... in
short, a turbocharged multi-media system. The rumour mill indicates
that a HyperCard Stack conversion utility is in the works, and a planned
contest for the best HAP, or "HyperLINK Application" will be featured on
one or more of the major BBS systems. There is a split purpose in this
'HAP' builder's contest. First, it will bring the available _public
domain_ HAPs to an immediate and respectable level. Secondly, the
novice user will be able to download a useful HAP and dissect it to
learn the tricks of HAP 'programming'. HyperLINK is geared to the
creation of HAPs and has many features built-in to make the process easy
and rewarding.
For the non-inclined programmer: no problem! You should expect
Hypertext Applications to be freely distributed: you can't run a HAP
without HyperLINK. But with HyperLINK, you'll be able to run the fruits
of those who do program, _including_, as the rumor mill suggests, the
incomprehensibly large collection of public domain Mac HyperCard
'stacks', which are not unlike HAPs.
In other words, HyperLINK should be attractive to _everyone_. To
look at the potential power of this system, there should be a _lot_ of
end users (how about bundling it, Atari, a la HyperCard?).
Included within the HyperLINK package are sample HAPs, including a
Rollodex, a baseball card database (with pictures and stats), and a
page-flipping animation called "The Flower". HyperLINK can very quickly
fill up the desktop as many HAPs can be on the desktop at the same time,
as the manual says, "fulfilling the 'cluttered desktop' metaphor". Due
to TOS limitations, only one of the HAP windows is active at any given
time, but with selection of a new window only a mouse click away, it is
possible to select from a variety of _loaded_ 'programs' (HAPs)
instantly.
David Thompson's lovely wife Sandra told me towards the end of the
show that they didn't quite meet their sales goal, but thought the show
had gone very well.
Before even meeting this couple, I had the fortune of buying a
copy of this fine program at a local Atari dealer (and I promised David
at the show that I'd send in the registration card- it's the way to
updates, after all). I can recommend this program, and would further
say that someday it may become a standard on the ST. Do yourself and
your ST a favor - get HyperLINK, and get HAPpening!
Ask your dealer, or contact JMG at:
JMG Software International phone: (416) 575-3201
892 Upper James Street fax: (416) 575-0283
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada L9C 3A5
[EOA]
[ODD]//////////////////////////////
SHOW ODDS & ENDS /
/////////////////////////////////
Third Party Support Going Strong
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
>>> SDS HP PRINTER UTILITIES UPDATED <<<
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
POSTSCRIPT SOON? Software Development Systems has expanded upon its
"""""""""""""""" Deskjet Utilities to offer the Printer Utilities Pak,
supporting HP Deskjets, Laserjets, and the Atari SLM laser printers.
This fine utility allows for a great variety of printer setups and
direct printing options (such as disk labelling, mailing labels,
envelopes, graphic images, and common word processing file printing).
Not all functions work on all printer models, but the utility strives to
give maximum options for each machine.
Of particular interest to your author: Scott Sanders, the software
programmer (now happily working in 'C') has been up nights studying
PostScript and expressed his desire to add the PostScript standard to
his utility's repertoire. Given the structure of his current offering,
a variety of formally Mac or PC specific software choices (software for
VHS tape labels, audio cassette labels, etc.) may become possible
should Scott so choose to tackle this related market (almost supported
by his current offering!).
In addition to his printer utilities, Scott showed his Newdesk
Icon CPX editor, where a user can spice up the Newdesk Desktop with
custom Icons and Icon colors. The editor uses the new extensible
control panel, and as such, can be used on all Atari computers.
Keep a lookout for Scott Sanders' offerings! Deskjet/Laserjet/
Atari SLM owners: get with the program! The Printer Utilities Pak will
be shipping October 15!
You can reach SDS very easily:
toll-free (800) 237-4SDS
fax (213) 595-9799
>>> PHIL COMEAU SOFTWARE <<<
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
~ GramSlam and Grammar Expert ~
GRAMSLAM & GRAMMAR EXPERT The publisher of the grammar checker
""""""""""""""""""""""""" GramSlam, Phil Comeau Software of Canada,
reported that the Glendale show was the busiest of three shows they have
attended this year. A new product, Grammar Expert, an on-line reference
for writers, made its debut at the show. Both products are unique in the
ST world, and help bring the ST market past the simplicity of simple
spelling checkers. More than this, these products fill a giant gap in
the comparative battle of software availability pitting Atari against
the DOS and Mac platforms.
GramSlam and Grammar Expert aim at helping the writer avoid
various and sometimes ghastly mistakes that too easily creep into a
writer's style after the rigors of 'grammar schooling' end.
Each upgrade and further development of this excellent new
addition to the ST will be predicated by its acceptance (and purchases)
by Atari users. This affordable software should grace any Atari system
that is used for writing projects of any kind.
Ask for GramSlam and Grammar Expert at your local dealer, or write
to:
Phil Comeau Software
43 Rueter Street
Nepean, Ontario
Canada, K2J 3Z9
>>> THE CODEHEADS STRIKE GOLD <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
MULTIDESK DELUXE Cut to the chase: I bought it (from John Eidsvoog
"""""""""""""""" himself) at the show. I have ten accessories in
MultiDesk Deluxe as I type this, and the RAM used up goes something like
this:
ACCESSORY 1: 7,500 bytes The point of this new
+ ACCESSORY 2: 23,000 bytes product is to allow
+ ACCESSORY 3: 17,500 bytes the loading of up to
+ ACCESSORY 4: 91,000 bytes 96 (or _MANY_ more)
+ ACCESSORY 5: 10,500 bytes accessories, but only
+ ACCESSORY 6: 25,450 bytes require the RAM needed
+ ACCESSORY 7: 31,500 bytes by the largest single
+ ACCESSORY 8: 42,000 bytes accessory. Only a few
+ ACCESSORY 9: 26,000 bytes accessories are unable
+ ACCESSORY 10: 9,500 bytes to be used like this.
--------------------------------------
total RAM used = 91,000 bytes
I have found MultiDesk Deluxe compatible with _many_ accessories,
and the excellent manual provided details the ones that don't or can't
work under this new system. Today, there's a new buzzword for all Atari
ST and TT users: "Nonresident Desk Accessories".
However, MultiDesk Deluxe is capable of other modes. More than
ever, Multidesk (Deluxe) can handle _all_ your accessory needs.
This product brings ST accessory management not only past the six
accessory limit, but into the lofty territory once dominated by the
Macintosh. Clever programming by the CodeHeads has once again provided
an absolute _MUST HAVE_ in the area of utility programs!
Get this one!!!
Codehead Software
P.O. Box 74090
N. Hollywood, CA 90004
phone (213) 359-5735
fax (213) 386-5735
>>> DOUBLE CLICK TRIMS THE FAT <<<
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
DATA DIET Double Click Software presented its soon-to-be released DC
""""""""" Data Diet, bringing 'program invisible' compression to data
files used in most major software releases.
Text files, font files -- virtually all program specific files can
now be compressed using two types of compression, one for greater
speed, the other for greater compression. These files will then auto-
decompress, or "normalize" as the program needs them. The savings for
hard drive users should be phenomenal, adding greatly to the hard
drive's _uncompressed_ storage capacity.
Double Click maintains that Data Diet is unique not only to ST's,
but to all platforms.
If you are a hard disk user, Data Diet may be the best reduction
program since Pritikin.
Double Click Software
P.O. Box 741206
Houston, Texas 77274-1206
>>> GOLDLEAF WOWS THE WORD PROCESSING SCENE <<<
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
WORDFLAIR II & FSM GDOS Following up the much touted WordFlair comes
""""""""""""""""""""""" WordFlair II, using the awesome new FSM GDOS
for its output.
Demo printouts from an Atari laser printer left nothing to the
imagination. WordFlair II rivals WordPerfect 5.x. End of story.
With FSM GDOS, Goldleaf's new offering says "good riddance" to the
now stone-age GDOS we've all come to, well, mainly disrespect. The FONT
SCALING capabilities of FSM GDOS has to be seen to be believed.
WordFlair II uses its proprietary scaleable font technology in
conjunction with FSM GDOS to produce an output that would fool a
desktop publisher. Is that a page from Calamus? PageStream? Look at
that HUGE HEADLINE! So crisp. So clean. Can't be _just_ a word
processor... guess again.
This program fills a gap between ordinary word processing and
full-tilt DTP applications. For many users, this may be all the power
they need for personal and business correspondence. The look is very
professional, the ability to do mathematics and graphics on the page a
definite boon, and its TT compatibility most impressive, even on the
very useable _full page_ display.
From the rummor mill: for FSM GDOS users, word has it that
PostScript font conversion may be on its way... Picture 10,000 _high
grade_ fonts for _your_ word processor!
[*][*][*]
As a last note, I bumped into a quartet roaming the floor at
Glendale that represented a mail order Atari store. They had
impressive, if not amazing prices on a good selection of hardware but
have found their advertising in Atari magazines sometimes unproductive.
Perhaps some of our readers might appreciate a good value for their
dollar. This is a company that will try to beat _any_ price. Try
giving M.Z. Tech a call:
M.Z. Tech
Atari Products and Systems
1914 Huntington Lane
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
phone (213) 376-5372
BBS (300-19,200 baud) (213) 379-3796
[EOA]
[LOG]//////////////////////////////
LOG OFF /
/////////////////////////////////
Summing It All Up
"""""""""""""""""
WHAT A SHOW! And that's about it, a basic overview of the Glendale
"""""""""""" Show as seen by an interested bystander and ST believer.
Look for additional reports coming soon based on the massively
successful survey conducted for GEnie Lamp at the show.
Do ST users believe Atari is on a downswing?
How important are games vs. productivity packages?
What's the 'average' Atari Computer System like?
How old are ST and TT users?
How many hours a day do ST users work (or play) at the computer?
If an ST user owns another computer, which one is favored?
This, and over 50 more questions, including linked topics to
answer even _more_ questions will be covered in the next articles on
what we hope will be the first of a major effort to 'take the pulse'
within the Atari universe... and hats off to Rachel McKenzie and the
others from John King Tarpinian's User's Group who made sure the GEnie
Lamp questionnaire was a hit at Glendale!
Until the next time...
Richard Brown
[R.BROWN30]
COMMENTS? If you would like to ask a question, leave a comment or just
""""""""" drop in and say hi, you can contact us in CAT 34 in the ST
bulletin board area. If you prefer to remain private, send your GEnie
Email to GENIELAMP$ on page 200, or leave a message to one or more of
the following addresses:
GEnie LAMP STAFF
""""""""""""""""
o John F. Peters [GENIELAMP] Publisher/Editor
o Darlah J. Pine [DARLAH] Co-Editor
o Jeff Williams [JEFF.W] Technical Editor
o David Holmes [D.HOLMES14] TX2 Editor
- Mark L. Dodge [M.DODGE2] Hack'n Atari
- Fred Koch [F.KOCH] PD_Q/Online Library/[PR]
- Mel Motogawa [M.MOTOGAWA] Mel's Manor/PS's
- Terry Quinn [T.QUINN1] ST Elsewhere/Softview
- Sheldon Winick [S.WINICK] Dealer Viewpoint
- Richard Brown [R.BROWN30] Atari And The Real World
o Larry Duke [LARRY.D] GEnie Lamp Advisor
o Sandy Wilson [SANDY.W] GEnie Lamp Advisor
o Fred Beckman [FB] GEnie Lamp Advisor
o John J. Kennedy [JJKENNEDY] GEnie Lamp Advisor
o Vince Averello [VINCE.A] GEnie Lamp Advisor
o Nathan Potechin [ISD] GEnie Lamp Advisor
U.S. MAIL
"""""""""
T/TalkNET Publishing CO.
ATTEN: John Peters
5102 Galley Rd. Suite 115/B
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
ATTENTION WRITERS Have you ever thought about writing an article?
""""""""""""""""" Well, here's your chance. WRITERS.ARC File #17920
located in the GEnie Lamp library, #35 is a short text file that will
give you information on our polices, what we are looking for and how to
go about writing and submitting your article for possible publication in
an upcoming issue of GEnie Lamp. Whether you are interested in taking
on one of the columns now found in GEnie Lamp, starting a new column, or
just submitting a one time article, we want to hear from you. So, take
a quick look, fire up the word processor and get busy on that article!
HOT OFF THE PRESS GEnie Lamp is published on the 1st and the 15th of
""""""""""""""""" every month for our Atari ST RoundTable members on
page 475, option 5. If you prefer to download your issue of GEnie Lamp,
you will find the current issue as well as all the back issues on page
476, in the GEnie Lamp library, #35. GEnie Lamp is also distributed
on electronic bulletin boards worldwide. (If your favorite BBS doesn't
have it, upload it!)
GEnie LAMP [PR] GEnie Lamp [PR] is a great way to keep up with all the
""""""""""""""" latest press releases, new product announcements and
Atarifest/show information. Also included are all the want ads and for
sale ads from the ST RoundTable bulletin boards. For more information,
contact the editor, Fred Koch. [F.KOCH]
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\////////////////////////////////////
(c) Copyright 1991 T/TalkNET OnLine Publishing, Atari Corporation,
GEnie, and the Atari RoundTables. May be reprinted only with this
notice intact. The Atari RoundTables on GEnie are the *official*
information services of the Atari Corporation.
Signed articles and message reprints are the opinion of the authors
and are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher or staff of
GEnie Lamp. We reserve the right to edit all letters and copy.
To sign up for GEnie service, call (with modem) 1-800-638-8369. Upon
connection type HHH. Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XJM11877,GEnie
and hit RETURN. The system will then prompt you for your information.
////////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
[EOF]
