ST Report: 16-Nov-90 #646
From: Kevin Steele (aj205@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 11/24/90-09:03:37 PM Z
From: aj205@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Kevin Steele)
Subject: ST Report: 16-Nov-90 #646
Date: Sat Nov 24 21:03:37 1990
-Also thanks to: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
*---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
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November 16, 1990 No.6.46
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> 11/16/90: STReport? #6.46 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
-------------------------
- The Editor's Desk - CPU REPORT - PORTFOLIO NEWS!
- TOS 2.2! - FOLIO 636K! - TURBO C (ST) HERE!
- XOTERIX 20mb HD! - LYNX REVIEWS - NEW FSM GDOS!
- MT C-SHELL! - MEGA STE SPECS! - STR Confidential
* COMDEX'90 --> EYEWITNESS REPORTS! *
* PORTFOLIO POPULARTIY HIGH! *
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> The Editor's Podium?
This is the big week and we have certainly have not been disappointed
by Atari. Now, the future looks good and for all intents and purposes, it
appears the marketplace will have its long needed shot in the arm. Among
some of the rather interesting stories coming out of Comdex'90 is the
Talon Technology acquisition of ATSpeed and PCSpeed. On top of which,
they (Talon) are embarking on a new venture. We hear that they are going
to be assembling an ST motherboard, a GCR and an ATSpeed into a custom
cabinet. The finished device will run both IBM and MAC software and when
booted will show a minimal desktop with two icons, an IBM icon and a Mac
icon. The target market for this goodie is supposed to be learning
institutions. According to our source, a rather nice sized order has
already been placed for these specialty machines.
Elsewhere in this issue we have information pertaining to the upcoming
bundle deals the US Market has eagerly been waiting for. Although the
information about the bundles is real, (they exist, for now) there is no
concrete information relating to cost and contents. There are estimates
and basic bundles already organized, but that can change rapidly. So
please, since the copious amounts of information coming from Comdex tend
to collide with each other, the best thing is to 'know' about certain
items without expecting the information to be cast in stone. Also in this
issue is the actual "from the brochure" factory specifications for the
Mega STe. Quite a machine, sure to satisfy.
While fully anticipating the TT and the Mega STe, I have been aware
for some time that the Portfolio is Atari's portal to every computer
platform in use today. I would not therefore be surprised to find that an
interface is in the works for just about every platform in widespread use
today. Accordingly, expect to see more ads for the Portfolio than for any
other Atari product that's available and shipping. The * real * key to
the bright future for Atari is the Portfolio. IMHO.... The Portfolio is
no longer the "new kid on the block" it is now the tail that is wagging
the dog! The Portfolio folks, is going be the goodie that will make many,
wonderful things possible.
Thanks again for your support!!
Ralph.......
STReport's ATARI-COMDEX/FALL'90 EXPERIENCE Issue
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (Nov. 16)
COMDEX REPORTS
A COMDEX/'90 preview from STReport Online Magazine and the first two
COMDEX reports from Z*NET are now available in LIBRARY 1 (NEW UPLOADS) of
the Atari ST Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS).
NEW FILES FROM DOUBLE CLICK SOFTWARE
Double Click has now made the following files available in their
Library 13 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN):
DCHEX.ARC - DC Show HEX views any file for anyone.
DCPICK.ARC - DC PICK lets DC Desktop view files from anywhere.
DCMENU.ARC - DC MENU lets DC Desktop run programs not on desktop.
DCINF.ARC - DC DISK INFO graphically shows disk info QUICKLY!
DCKEY.ARC - DC KeyTop v1.2b update for DC Desktop 1.2 owners.
ATARI PORTFOLIO CONTEST ANNOUNCED!
We're having another Atari Portfolio Contest!! And this time you
don't need to have any programming skills to enter. Read CONTST.TXT in
LIBRARY 1 (NEW UPLOADS) of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO APORTFOLIO) for a
description of the contest, the rules, and of course the prizes!
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE
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> CPU REPORT?
==========
Issue # 91
----------
by Michael Arthur
A COMDEX OBSERVATION OR TWO
===========================
Casual Observations...
Atari has announced the TT030, the MEGA STe, the SLM 605 and a group
of bundle deals at Comdex this year... Now comes the big questions, when
is this spate of wonderful new goodies going to be on the dealer's shel-
ves? Why is it that the majority of other Comdex exhibitors already had
their new products on their dealer's shelves at least 3 weeks prior to the
opening date of Comdex/Fall'90?
The real kick in the head is to find that the TT has YET to be type
accepted by the FCC.. This sort of thing sounds awfully familiar, it
seems to ring to the tune of "The more things change, the longer they
remain the same." Certainly Atari HOPED to have the type acceptance
matters in hand before the show, the question is; when did they institute
the proceedings? Ordinarily, the entire procedure takes approximately 90
- 120 days depending on failure rates. This excuse is getting very old, I
am willing to bet it IS FCC ok.. but other things held it up (NewDesk) and
it will soon ship.
Now comes the proud and triumphant announcement confirming the exis-
tance of the Mega STe... pretty neat! When will it be on the dealer's
shelves and for how much? Amazingly, no one seems to know anything con-
crete concerning this new machine. Sure, everybody has reasonable guesses
but they can't (won't) be pinned down as to when the dealers will have
them on the shelf for sale and for how much.
Speaking of dealers, what are they going to do with the Mega comput-
ers, SLM 804s and 1040STe units they now have on the shelves besides sell
them? There are reports filtering in, from a few outspoken dealers, that
the users are already asking for trade-in figures toward the Mega STe and
the TT. Great you say, but listen, they are attempting to trade in their
NEW 1040STe units too! What does that tell us about the shelf life of the
regular Mega ST and the 1040 STe units which are already slated to be
included in fantastic "bargain bundles"? Now comes the big question; how
many of these "fantastic dealers" have a couple hundred machines in stock
that they 'might' have a problem selling? Better yet, how many have a
dozen? Maybe Two? Three? Would you believe they were thinking about
ordering two? I don't dare ask how many SLM 804s they have in stock...
<grin> The bottom line is clear, Atari must grow and improve, to do this
changes must be made and we, all of us, must understand and accept this
fact of life and allow it to occur.
Word has it that the users are "waiting" for the new products to ship
before investing their money. Especially after being made fully aware of
the new goodies. How are the dealers (what's left of them) to hang on
until the NEW products are actually shipping? This is the noise being
heard from a few dealers who are feeling an economic crunch and expect
Atari to 'kiss the boo-boo'. Atari is doing the right thing at this time,
in a few short weeks the very same dealers will be singing Atari's praises
to the high heavens.
On a more serious note, Why is DeskSet II being resurrected? Has it
been re-done? Upgraded? Please, leave a sleeping DOG lay. The last
reception Desk Set received was certainly something to be remembered.
(right Nevin?) Leave it in the same place the ABC machines are.. <smirk>
Actually, Calamus is, by far, the SUPERIOR BUNDLE DEAL.
Ah yes... bundles! Remember the Advantage Bundle? The placards and
banners are still around. Where is the Advantage? Oh well, perhaps the
Advantage bundles's on again, off again thing was part of the learning
process on how to do a bundle deal and present to the market it properly.
Hopefully, the new bundles emanating from this year's Comdex make it to
market and provide the extra push to stimulate good sales.
While asking these questions, one must recall that for a company to
grow it must make changes, tactics, personnel and policies most definitely
are at the top of the list. Therefore, I must tell myself; "Self, let's
wait and see what comes of this latest push..., let's see if they've
finally seen the light and if Gregg Pratt is going to be allowed to "strut
his stuff". STReport feels he can do the job and do it well.
Already its apparent that Atari is going after the business and home
marketplaces in earnest with two separate and distinct approaches. Hope-
fully, Atari has the staying power to keep the forward momentum afforded
them by this year's Comdex. As an aside, the smart money in the computer
world is solidly behind the obviously great future of the Portfolio.
R.F. Mariano
> CPU STATUS REPORT?
=================
- Coral Gables, FL MULTIUSER OS/2 APPEARS AS OS/2 SALES SKYROCKET
----------------
One of the biggest obstacles in the industry-wide acceptance of OS/2
has been that it's only a single-user operating system. Unix has enjoyed
far greater industry support, as its support for multi-user applications
made it a more powerful multitasking operating system. As such, OS/2 has
fought an uphill battle to weaken DOS's hold on the low/middle-end PC
industry, while high-end PC users rejected OS/2 because of Unix's
multiuser functionality.
To remove this deficiency in OS/2, Citrix Systems has introduced a
Multiuser Edition of OS/2 Version 1.2. Called Citrix Multiuser, it is
fully compatible with all OS/2 programs and has built-in support for DOS
and OS/2 Local Area Networks. While it is being marketed as a Unix
alternative, Citrix hopes to make its multiuser OS/2 a dominant standard
in the PC workstation market. Cost: $1000 for a five-user package.
While Citrix tries to boost OS/2's fortunes in the workstation and
"multiuser computing" markets, it appears that OS/2 is finally beginning
to gain widespread acceptance in the PC industry. According to the SPA
(Software Publishers' Association), total worldwide sales of OS/2 software
were up by an incredible 861 percent in the first half of 1990, compared
to sales in the first half of 1989. The SPA has also revealed that among
its members, domestic OS/2 software sales were up by 610 percent, while
international sales were up by 3,000 percent. If this trend continues, it
appears that OS/2 could finally be emerging as a widely accepted operating
system standard....
- Scotts Valley, CA BORLAND INTROS TURBO PASCAL 6.0
-----------------
Borland International has now introduced Version 6.0 of its Turbo
Pascal language. This object-oriented version of Pascal, which has
virtually become a PC standard for structured/modular programming, now
features a built-in assembler, an enhanced Hypertext-based Help system,
and an improved Development Environment. Cost: $150.00.
Also included is Turbo Vision,an object-oriented "interface builder"
that helps Turbo Pascal users to easily build a program interface with
support for overlapping windows, pull down menus, and mouse/keyboard
handling. One can then complete a program by installing one's source code
"objects" into it.
Borland is also selling Turbo Pascal Professional 6.0, a high-end
version of TP 6.0 that also includes:
- Turbo Debugger, an integrated source-level debugger with an "object
inspector", "hierarchy browser", and other tools for object-oriented
debugging. It also features a register window with support for
conditional breakpoints.
- The Turbo Drive compiler, which allows large DOS programs to be
compiled in extended memory (EMS). Turbo Drive allows Turbo
Debugger to handle 286/386-based DOS programs.
Turbo Pascal Professional will be shipping in the first quarter of
1991. Cost: $300.00.
- Sunnyvale, CA ATARI GAINS $3 MILLION, COMMODORE $7 MILLION IN EARNINGS
-------------
Atari Corporation recently announced that it had $89.1 million in
sales in its Third fiscal Quarter of 1990, with a net income of $3
million. Net sales were up 9.5 percent over last year's figures, and
sales for the first 9 months of 1990 were $259.6 million (up $6.1 million
from last year). Interestingly enough, Atari also gained a net income of
$6.1 million over that time span, while they had a net loss of $1.8
million in the first three quarters of 1989. Demand for the Portfolio has
remained at high levels in 1990, with Lynx sales growing dramatically this
year. Commodore earned $7 million on revenues of $200.3 million in its
first quarter, ending 09/30. Much of the credit goes to the Amiga line of
computers.
The figures compared with a $6.5 million loss on sales of $165.3
million in the first quarter a year ago. R. Alexander, vp of Commodore
mentioned that Amiga sales, which account for 50 to 55 percent of Com-
modore's revenue, grew well over 50 percent through the year. Commodore's
MS-DOS machines added another 30% to its revenue and the ever popular
Commodore 64 made up the balance, Alexander said. Favorable exchange
rates for Euro-Bux helped improve CBM's results for the quarter too.
"Europe is the strongest area for us," Alexander said. In the year
ending 06/30, Commodore earned $3.5 million on $887 million in revenues.
- New York, NY PATENTED SYSTEM CONVERTS FAXED MESSAGES INTO SPEECH
------------
Berkeley Speech Technologies recently obtained a US patent for a new
system that can translate incoming fax letters into voice messages. While
this new development will probably enjoy widespread use by handicapped
people, it is also expected to be popular among business executives who
depend on both voice mail and electronic mail/fax messages. BST is now
using its technology to develop the ReadOut Message Center, a program
which will translate both electronic mail and faxed messages into voice
mail....
BST is also designing custom chips that use its text-to-speech
conversion system, and will be selling them to fax machine manufacturers
in 1991. With such a device, fax machines would not only be able to
notify fax users of an incoming fax, but could actually read the content
of a faxed message to a person....
- Las Vegas, NV. BUSINESS CARD SIZED PC/XT MOTHERBOARD IN PRESS KIT!
--------------
Was it only a few years ago that press kits included calculators, and
the media was awed? At this Fall COMDEX, for the first time, a company
included an entire PC motherboard in a press kit and the press yawned.
The occasion was the purchase, by Megatel Computer of Weston, Ontario,
Canada, of the Wildcard 88 product line from Intel. The "Wildcard-88"
line integrates all the functions of the IBM PC/XT motherboard, except for
memory and memory drivers, onto a single circuit card slightly larger than
the typical business card. A sample of the product was included in the
press kit. The card includes a SCSI hard disk interface, and floppy,
parallel and serial ports. Under the agreement Megatel will continue to
support Intel's Wilcard 88 customers for at least 3 years, as Intel foc-
uses entirely on its 80386 and 80486 chip lines.
- Las Vegas, NV. GILBERT HYATT GRANTED ANOTHER PATENT!
--------------
In a speech delivered during the COMDEX Show in Las Vegas, Hyatt noted
that this newly patented technology achieves up to 300 percent performance
enhancement for DRAMs used in personal computers and workstations. It
supplements his other patents on the single chip microcomputer and on DRAM
refresh technology. According to Hyatt, the memory performance enhan-
cement uses commercially available DRAM chips and microprocessor chips,
changing primarily the memory control circuitry and the memory intercon-
nections. He added that it can be readily incorporated into DRAM contro-
ller chips used on the motherboard of personal computers.
- Las Vegas, NV. PHILIPS CREATES NEW SEMI-CONDUCTOR DIVISION
--------------
The Dutch electronics giant Philips, in its struggle to minimize its
cost of operation, has created a new semiconductor division. Through
extensive restructuring of its unprofitable components division Philips
detached the semiconductor operations and housed them under a new separate
division "to better react to the rapid changes in this competitive mark-
et," a spokesperson said. The changes are one of a long list of measures
that should enable Philips to turn one of their blackest pages in its
100-year history. Among the most stringent of measures for the turna-
round, for which this year 1 billion guilders has been set aside ($ 600
million), is the axing of 45,000 jobs.
_________________________________________________________________
> COMDEX/FALL'90 STR Spotlight? *** EYEWITNESS REPORTS! ***
============================
THE ATARI-COMDEX/FALL'90 EXPERIENCE
===================================
Feature I
=========
Eyewitness Report # 1
by Bill Hastings
Entering the Sands Convention Center, I was delighted that one of the
very first objects to strike my eyes was the huge Atari sign hanging from
the roof. Prominently located near the entrance, Atari had the second
largest floor space of this convention center. It appeared that Atari
made a sincere effort to be noticed. The booth was a delight to view. As
a side note, Atari had rented one of the four sided billboards in front of
the main Las Vegas Convention Center. The billboards had displays of the
TT's and ST's and directed people to the Atari booth over at the Sands
Convention Center. I was impressed!
As in previous Comdex shows, third party developers were the main
attractions in the Atari booths. Developers were showing their products
on either the TT or the just announced Mega STE! The list of developers
included Gadgets by Small showing Spectre GCR running version 3.0 softw-
are, Codehead Software showing their line of software, ISD showing Calamus
and Dynacadd in color running on a TT, Gribnif showing Neodesk 3, Goldleaf
showing WordFlair and the beta version of WordFlair 2, Talon showing the
SuperCharger along with the announcement of being the exclusive US
distributor for PC-Speed and AT-Speed. Talon will also be a distributor
for the ATonce. Talon sure does have the handle on the IBM emulation
market.
Other developers included Step Ahead Software showing Tracker/ST,
Xoterix showing the many new products for the Portfolio including a 20
Meg Hard Drive and 512k Ram expansion unit which mounts to the base of the
Portfolio, Soft Logik showing Page Stream (also in color) with exciting
talk about the pending release of verion 2.0 and GEnie showing (what
else!) GEnie. Speaking of GEnie, Dan McNamee of Atari was showing the
release version of SoftSource. Look for the exciting news about this
service from Dan and Atari soon. RSN?
Not to be overshadowed by developers, Atari came prepared to show some
exciting products. The TT's were located in many locations in the booth.
One of the many Atari personal confided that they had hoped to have the
TT's available for distribution by this show but apparently the shipment
from their manufacturing plant had not arrived. They expected them within
two weeks. The newest offering from Atari was the previously mentioned
Mega STE. Packaged in the same case at the TT, the Mega STE will be a
cached 16 mzh 68000 machine. The Mega STE will also include a VME slot
and control panel similar to the TT's. From the control panel you will
be able to select 8 mzh, 16 mzh or 16 mzh cached operation of the com-
puter. The Mega STE that I used came equiped with a 80 meg. hard drive.
Atari was also showing the new SLM 605 laser printer, both color and
monochrome TT monitors and the new SC1435 monitor for the ST line which
includes stereo output and a swivel base. Portfolios and STEs were also
shown.
I was able to spend only a few hours in the Atari booth but left with
the feeling that Atari really was trying to put its best foot forward.
Only time can tell how successful they were and I wish them all the luck
in the world.
HOME COMPUTING/BUSINESS COMPUTING
=================================
Eyewitness Report # 2
by Brad Martin
Ah Fall, a magical time of year. Many holidays are celebrated this
time of year, and while Fall Comdex is not an official holiday, for many
in the computer industry it is the most exciting time of all. Every year,
in mid november, tens of thousands of computer industry people make a
pilgrimage to Las Vegas to see the latest in Silicon and Magnetic Media.
This year was no different for the last, with anticipation raising to new
heights.
Nowhere was this more evident then in the Atari Computer community.
Many new and exciting products are being introduced, products that will
affect Atari's direction for years to come. And, as in years past, Ata-
ri's booth did not disappoint.
Atari had the second largest booth in the new Sands Hotel Convention
Center (JVC has the largest). The booth was split in half with one half
being "Home Computing" and the other "Business Computing". The Home
Computing area was bright and cheery while the Business Computing are was
typical somber colors. As in past years most of Atari's booth was taken
up with third party developers, which is a good move by Atari as it gives
companies that would not normally be able to show their products a chance
to be seen.
The biggest (new) news is that the Mega STe is indeed real (of course
this was reported many weeks ago by STReport). The Mega STe shares the
same case design as the new TT/030, but is the same gray as the current
Megas rather then the off-white of the Tt/030. It runs at a switchable
16/8 mhz, and in the 16 mhz mode you have a 16k S-Ram cache which is also
switchable on and off. The Mega STe has a pair of Serial ports as well as
a Local area Network (Appletalk compatible like the TT/030) port, although
the LAN and Serial port 2 can not be used simultaneously as they share the
same internal hardware connections. It also has they TT/030's VME bus,
which is a great move by Atari. The Mega STe has all the older ports
(ASCI, parallel, midi, etc.) but does not have the SCSI port that the
TT/030 has.
While the final configuration and price of the Mega STe is not final,
the base unit will most likely sport 2 meg. of RAM, a 50 meg hard drive,
the new TT/TOS, and should retail for around $1200. It should be avail-
able (at least in Europe) after the first of the year.
All the Mega STes were hooked up to the new Phillips 15" color stereo
monitors (model SC13435, retail $399). The picture on these monitors is
very crisp, bright, and clear, and is a great replacement for the SC1223.
These monitors should be in stores any time now.
Besides the Portfolio, the biggest draw at Atari's booth was the new
TT/030. These 32 bit, 32 mhz machines were a big draw. Hooked up to the
new 19" monochrome monitors the TT/030 is an almost unbeatable personal
workstation (even more so when UNIX becomes available). As much has
already been said about these I will just sum up that the basic unit will
be a 2 meg. machine with a 50 meg hard drive and retail for $2999.95.
This may seem high, but Atari is giving their dealers much bigger margins
(about time) and we will probably see some large discounts. Unfortunately
the TT/030 has not yet passed FCC, so no shipping date is available yet.
Atari was also showing their new SLM605 laser printer. This unit
replaces the SLM804. The printers footprint is much smaller then the
SLM804, and the print quality is also considerable better. Atari claims
that this is a 6 page per minute printer (for straight text), but with
desktop publishing software it seems even faster then the older SLM804.
Retail for this unit is $1295.95, and they should start shipping shortly.
Atari was also showing their new FSM GDOS, which should be released
later this year. This new GDOS uses outline font technology, thus al-
lowing complete scalability and rotatable GDOS fonts. The outlines will
be Ultrascript outlines, although, they will use the IBM Ultrascript fam-
ily, and not the ST Ultrascript fonts (since the ST version of Ultrascript
has been discontinued). WordFlair 2.0, which uses the new GDOS, looks
really good. The new GDOS should hopefully breath new life into the
somewhat stagnant Desktop Publishing arena.
Atari also announced some new software and hardware bundles just in
time for Christmas. While some bundles have not yet been announced, the
ones that have been are pretty standard, and nothing to write home about.
It is also been suggested that Atari might be putting the 1040STe's into a
mass distributor's hand. This is a fabulous idea as it will allow more
stores to have access to the 1040STe's and hopefully boost sales above the
slow trickle they are today. One can only hope that Atari will follow
through with this plan.
There is no good word on ST advertising, besides that fact that Atari
is actually doing a good job with their Co-Op adds. When asked about any
new advertising campaigns Garry Tramiel replied; "We are advertising, in
the airline journals." He was referring to the successful Portfolio adds
that have been in many of the Airlines in-flight magazines. And while
this is great for Portfolio owners it does not do much for us ST owners.
I was not able to pin Garry down on any concrete advertising plans, but I
did hear some rumors from others that there may be something in the works.
Third party support was good. Seeing the Spectre GCR running on the
TT/030 with the new 3.0 software is incredible. The speed is as fast as
an Mac II, if not faster. Gribnif was showing Neodesk 3, which surpasses
Atari's new desktop, and a couple of other new goodies we should be see
down the road shortly. Goldleaf was showing a beta version of WordFlair
2, that should be shipping within a month or two. It will have an
integrated spell checker and thesaurus, and a host of other new features.
This is one program to keep an eye out for. Talon technology was showing
off their IBM emulators. They have picked up the PC-Speed emulators now
that Michtron has gone by the wayside. Now that PC-Ditto 2 is gone this
give full control of the IBM Emulator market to Talon.
Well, Atari has pulled off another great Comdex again, as they have
for the last few years, but what does this mean? Not much. Atari really
has to get their act together in the US, and start promoting their machin-
es. They are starting to ask a lot of money for their newest computers,
and the question is are the people who purchase Atari's willing to pay the
money they are asking? I feel that Atari can be a viable option to Mac
for the personal and small business computer owner, if, and this is a big
if, they do SOMETHING. Right now, they are doing nothing. This Comdex is
a good first step, but will they follow it up with another good step, or
will they fall flat on their faces? Only time, and the end user will
tell. Either people will purchase Atari computers, or they won't. Let's
hope that they purchase Atari.
____________________________________________________________
> COMDEX/FALL'90 STR FOCUS? ATARI SHOWS ITS "NEW"!
========================
THE ATARI-COMDEX/FALL'90 EXPERIENCE
===================================
Feature II
==========
OBSERVATIONS & QUOTES
---------------------
Below, we present wide and varied expressions and observations made by
many of the visitors and participants at the (Very Elaborate) Atari Booth
in the Sands Exposition Center at Comdex'90.
"I spent about an hour at the Atari exhibit. It was laid out very
well, with several "known" developers manning some stations. Charles
Johnson was showing his products, Nathan Potechin was showing Calamus (I
was impressed), Dave Small was showing (what else?) Spectre GCR, Nevin
Shalit was showing PageStream, there was a MIDI exhibit, Portfolios were
in abundance, and so were... TT-030/8s. There must have been 8-10 of the
TT-030-8s extremely busy with products and services being demo'ed using
them."
"There are many MegaSTe computers in evidence here as well. The
MegaSTe has the same case as the TT and includes an internal HD. The
MegaSTe's are 4 mb w/40 meg HD. This may not be the MegaSTE's final con-
figuration. The HD might be 60 or 80 meg. That has not been set yet.
There are "rumors" of a 2 meg/40 meg MegaSTE as well."
"The MegaSTe comes with the same keyboard as the new TT030. Really,
the quickest way to differentiate between the two machines is by color.
The TT sports a white case. The MegaSTe has a very familiar Atari grey
case."
"The MegaSTe will come configured with either two or four megs of ram,
and a fifty meg hard disk, and the LAN port, just like on the TT030/2. The
Mega STE will also have stereo output jacks, that can either be plugged
into the new SC1435 Stereo Color monitor, or into external speakers sup-
plied by the end user."
"The MegaSTe will have a base unit featuring 2 MEG of RAM, a switch-
able 16/8 Mhz acceleration with or without RAM cache,and an internal 40
megabyte hard drive, the new TT style TOS/Desktop, which is a modified
version of the 3.01 type desktop called TOS 2.2, at least that's how it
shows up as by programs that read the TOS version out. Pricing and avail-
ability is still unknown. The MgaSTe machines variations are designed to
blow away the PS/1 and Classic offerings. All the Mega/STe units on
display are hooked to the new Phillips built, SC1435, 15" color stereo
monitors that are destined to replace the current SC1224 monitors. "The
SC1435 features the following: tilt/swivel base, and a stereo headphone
output connector. The loudness, contrast, horizontal and brightness con-
trols are all easily accesable on the front of the monitor. Surprise!
There is a very pleasant and eye appealing "screen tint" option with this
beauty. Press the button and poof, there appears a green tint background
screen!"
OF SPECIAL NOTE
---------------
John Townsend, Atari Corp., noticed a number of questions and some con-
fusing answers so he sent out this post which answers some basic, "need to
know", questions.
1. The Mega STE will use the standard ST monitors.
2. The Mega STE is capable of using any of the older ACSI Hard
Drives. That includes all of the Atari Drives, as well as
drives made by ICD and Supra.
3. It has a standard Double Sided Floppy Disk Drive.
4. In the models I have seen, the memory is in SIMMs. Maybe Bob
can tell us more on this one.
5. Price.. Sorry. Can't help you here!
6. Same story. I am not sure when it will be available.
7. It is ST compatible. This includes STE, TT, MEGA, and ST machines.
8. The Mega STE has the same amount of ROM space that the STE has. 512K.
And before I am asked.. Yes, the Mega STE has the TT Desktop in ROM.
I hope this answers your questions!
-- John Townsend
Atari Corp.
"There was just some excitement in the Atari Booth. One of the Beach
Boys, Bruce Johnson, and James Grunke (their keyboard technician), just
wandered through and spent a good deal of time at the MIDI setup, talking
with Greg Pratt and Bob Brodie of Atari. It seems that during their
concert last night at Caesar's Palace, they made an unsolicited endor-
sement of Atari computers because they make extensive use of them in their
recording studio and on-stage during live performances."
"BTW, I got to see the Beach Boys perform Monday evening and afterward
got to go backstage. Their harmonies are as good as they've ever been and
they put on a wonderful show. Comedian Andy Bumatai opened for the Beach
Boys and he was a riot. After the show, James acted as our host and
guide, taking us backstage where we were introduced to Andy and many of
the musicians and production people. It turns out that Andy is quite a
computer enthusiast himself (although he's not an Atari user.....yet) and
he has a humorous article on time management software coming up in an
upcoming issue of Byte magazine. I believe it is scheduled for the Febru-
ary issue."
IN CLOSING......
Atari has set the stage for a very aggressive year in sales and mar-
keting. By launching its new marketing effort which is obviously designed
with the future in mind, it would appear that for the first time, Atari is
going to make a positive forward thrust toward reaching and selling the
business community. The powerful and competitively priced TT line of
computers is, of course, the nucleus of this effort. This effort has been
a long awaited endeavor by many of the developers supporting the Atari
platform along with those who use the Atari line of computers and acces-
sories for business purposes. Between the TT and the Mega STe, the busi-
ness solution is delivered and destined to satisfy most all budgets.
However, Atari has made it quite clear that the penetration effort
towards the home (cottage computer industry) computer market is NOT to be
downplayed. In fact quite the opposite is true, it is destined to be
marketed aggressively. With the advent of the MEGA STe, there is no doubt
left that the home computer market is in for some very serious marketing
and sales campaigns. There is every indication that Atari fully plans to
blow away both the PS/1 and the Classic in one fell swoop! It does my
heart good, how about yours?? Way to go Atari!
MUCH MORE COMDEX NEWS ELSEWHERE IN THIS ISSUE!
____________________________________________________________
> PORTFOLIO! STR Spotlight? "You've come a long way baby!"
========================
ATARI-COMDEX/FALL'90 EXPERIENCE
===============================
Feature III
===========
PORTFOLIO! ATARI'S <REAL> HEAVYWEIGHT!
---------------------------------------
Full Functionality for under $500.00
Atari Computer revolutionized the way people think about portable
systems when they introduced the Portfolio, the first palmtop personal
computer. More than 150,000 of these systems, which set the standard in
weight, size and processing capability requirements for palmtops, have
been sold since Atari began shipping the Portfolio last year.
A great deal of sophisticated micro-miniaturization technology was
integrated into this one pound unit, which is slightly smaller than a
video cassette tape and can easily slip into a coat pocket or purse. But
its small size can be deceiving. The Portfolio personal computer is
packed with the features generally reserved for significantly higher
priced and bulky notebook and laptop systems. The features were thought
of in the electronic organizer arena, where products offer the Portfolio's
compact size, but little else.
Atari Computer's design Team had a single vision when they began to
conceptualize this tiny computer-- create the smallest, full featured
personal computer on the market and offer it at a price for the masses.
Needless to say, the Atari Computer Portfolio breaks new ground in
price/performance. With a suggested retail of $499.95, the personal
computer package offers five internal software programs, including a
Lotus 1-2-3 file compatible spreadsheet program, ASCII text editing softw-
are, a calculator,with editable tape and a number of personal organization
options. This package also includes a PC Card Drive and a 128k credit
card sized memory.
The Portfolio palmtop computer boasts a processing speed of 4.92 Mhz,
as well as 256kl ROM and 128K RAM internal memory. An MS-DOS 2.11 command
compatible operating system is built-in.
This palmtop computer is available with three different types of
keyboard configurations. Each system includes one predominant language
for menus and messages and two additional languages. Users can switch
between languages with a few keystrokes.
MS-DOS software developers are easily adapting their programs to the
tiny PC. A wide range of horizontal and vertical market software products
are being developed.
The Portfolio palmtop computer uses an 80C88 static CMOS microproces-
sor, CMOS RAM and other CMOS components. Because of the low power con-
sumption of those components, users can expect three standard "AA" bat-
teries to power the system for six to eight weeks -- significantly longer
than the five to seven hours of most laptop computers. Users who wish to
extend battery life even longer, for processor intensive applications, may
opt to purchase an AC adaptor.
The system software itself provides several power conserving features.
For example, while a program is waiting for the user to type or enter
data, the Portfolio automatically switches into a standby mode. The
standby mode simply stops the microprocessor clock while software is
waiting for user input. This function is transparent to the user because
the screen does not go blank and there is no delay when work resumes.
The energy saving system also conserves battery life by going to a
screen saver mode if no entry has been made for two to four minutes. In
other words, the system turns itself off, but no data is lost. The user
simply presses any key to continue the work in progress.
The Atari Computer Portfolio truly has the look and feel of a minia-
ture IBM-compatible personal computer. The QWERTY keyboard, which fills
the entire lower surface of the system (7.8 inch by 4.1 inch) even has the
touch of a 63 key PC keyboard. It offers function keys, direction keys,
(home, pageup, pagedown, and end) and has a numeric keypad embedded in the
keyboard (cursor keys are separate).
Despite its small size, the positive action keyboard is ergonomically
pleasing. Each keytop is tilted upward, from front to back, to optimize
the viewing and typing angle. The keyboard design, combined with an
audible key click (which can be disabled), tells the user that each
keystroke is complete.
One of the Portfolio's greatest strengths is the array of features
available with the Palmtop system. For example the PC Card Drive can
easily be connected to a desktop IBM compatible PC through the system's
empty 8 bit expansion slot. The larger system can then be used to access
and download data directly to and from the solid state memory cards at
high speeds.
In fact, the file transfer is one of the greatest strengths of the
Portfolio, which transfers at up to 9600 baud and offers a number of
optional peripherals to simplify the sharing of data file among a number
of systems.
The internal software packages provide users with everything required
to perform basic personal computer functions. The Lotus 1-2-3 file com-
patible spreadsheet is 127x255 lines and it permits most Lotus 2.x com-
mands and functions.
A number of developers are already offering software for the
Portfolio. A Finance card, which performs complex business analysis; a
DOS utilities card, which allows users to customize DOS commands and
transfer ASCII data between the Portfolio and the Mac, ST, CBM and other
personal computers as well as Hyperlist, an outlining program are already
available.
The Portfolio has a 60 pin bus connector for use with optional peri-
pheral devices. When used with the optional serial Interface for insta-
nce, the Portfolio can be connected to any peripheral that uses industry
standard RS-232 ports. This means that the users can access modems,
printers and bar code readers with their palmtop personal computers. (A
perfect way to check those supermarket prices on your own!) In addition,
with suitable software, the Serial Interface can be connected to the
serial interface of another computer, setting the Portfolio up as an
intelligent terminal. With the addition of the DOS utility card, users
can receive a Portfolio XTERM program which provides a smooth connection
to Dow Jones, CompuServe, Genie, Delphi and many other online services.
This column is now a regular feature of STReport's beginning this
week. We firmly believe that the Portfolio is here to stay and therefore,
deserves ample coverage for it's many users. In the coming weeks we will
explore all the fine goodies available for the Portfolio and delve into
the manners in which they work. We will be presenting guest columns from
folks in our community as well as the other computer platforms the Portfo-
lio interfaces with.
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
**** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED ****
The system will now prompt you for your information.
-> NOW! GENIE STAR SERVICE IS IN EFFECT!! <-
***********************************************************************
> FSMGDOS STR InfoFile? FSM GDOS, uses the FSM (Font Scaling Module)
====================
FSMGDOS
=======
from JOHN TOWNSEND...
FSMGDOS has a font cache option which makes the fonts get MUCH faster
as they are used. I am talking about on the screen.
As for point sizes it works like this:
There is a file called EXTEND.SYS that contains all of the information
about your scalable fonts. You specify specific point sizes in this file
that will be recognized in your GDOS applications.
In addition to this method there is a new GDOS call that will allow
you to get an arbitrary point size. If the GDOS application is aware of
this call (most of the popular application should be by the time FSMGDOS
ships!) then you can select any point size you want from 1 to 999 points.
It, FSMGDOS, uses the FSM (Font Scaling Module) to scale the fonts to
any device as long as you have drivers for that device. This includes the
Screen and the Printer.
We are working on driver for a variety of printers. Can't really say
what drivers at this point, but we are trying to cover the majority and
the most popular printers out there first.
Availability of Fonts? Wrong person to ask. I am not sure on this one.
FSMGDOS uses the IBM Imagen fonts. The Ultrascript ST fonts won't
work with FSMGDOS. The distribution of FSMGDOS and the associated fonts
hasn't been offically determined or announced. We will just have to wait
and see :-) Compatibility has been maintained. You can still use FSMGDOS
with the older GDOS bit mapped fonts with no problems.
Our information has that this new FSM GDOS will be placed into dist-
ribution shortly and at no cost to the users. We shall see....
____________________________________________________
> LYNX GAMES! STR Review? PAPERBOY and ROBO-SQUASH
======================
LOVE THAT LYNX!
===============
by Robert Jung
Well, if it's out for the Lynx, I have to see it, hear it, or own it.
I got lucky this week; a friend of mine at Electronics Boutique got in
PAPERBOY and ROBO-SQUASH -- by the end of the day, they were mine too.
So, to help inform the rest of the Lynx Enthusiasts get the lowdown,
here's a pair 'o reviews:
PAPERBOY
========
FROM: Atari Corp. $39.95
ONE PLAYER
OVERVIEW:
---------
In Norman Rockwell's America, pure-hearted young men got their start
in the financial world by delivering newspapers or selling fruit. In
PAPERBOY for the Atari Lynx (an adaptation of the Atari Games/Tengen
arcade title), you play such a young man, out to deliver a week's worth of
papers on either Easy Street, Middle Road, or Hard Way.
You start off with a bike, ten papers, and two blocks of customers. As
you ride up the street, your objective is to deliver papers to your
customers with a well-placed toss. Aim carefully -- breaking windows is a
fast way to lose a customer. Between customers, throw papers haphazardly
to destroy other people's property! or hit people! for bonus points!. At
the end of the run, you can run an obstacle course and show off your
bike-riding and paper-throwing prowess.
It's not all peaches and cream, though. Crashing your bike into an
obstacle (incoming traffic, pedestrians, animals, etc.) will lose you a
paperboy. Lose all your customers, or all your boys, and the game ends.
Survive an entire week and you may actually keep your job.
GAMEPLAY:
---------
A decent adaptation of the arcade game. Minute game details from the
arcade original are preserved intact, such as the "hidden targets" (the
catburglar, the birdbath --> periscope, etc.). Scoring and gameplay are
identical enough that veterans of the original will feel right at home.
There are a few nitpicky points that detract, though. For one thing,
while you can slow down/speed up the bike, you cannot STOP. For another,
the Lynx version seems a little bit easier than the original. Making
mailbox "bullseyes", dodging obstacles, and generally staying alive are
easier to do. You do get to pick three different streets of varying dif-
ficulty, though there's no way to refine the game further.
One minor "cute touch" -- the Lynx version maintains a separate high
score table for each street. Get a score in the top five for the street,
and you get to enter your name. No score-saving mechanism, however.
GRAPHICS/SOUND:
---------------
A mixed bag. Graphics are clearly distinguishable (breakdancers from
drunks, trash cans from tombstones), but left me with a sense of "could
have been done better". Every extra graphic nicety was counterbalanced by
a weak point, leaving an overall OK graphics impression.
Similarly, the sound effects are mediocre at best. The background
music is a pale shadow of the original, but the other game sounds are
appropriate and helpful (especially the musical riffs when you deliver a
paper). The volume of the sounds vary widely, though -- you strain to
hear a delivery riff and have your concentration broken by a (relatively)
loud "car horn", for instance -- again leaving an overall balanced impres-
sion.
SUMMARY:
--------
Not a bad game, though not one of the Lynx's best. It's not a fast
paced "breakneck" speed game, so people looking for relaxation should be
interested. If you can overlook average-quality graphics and sound, and
did not dominate the arcade version, this is worth trying out.
GAMEPLAY: 7.5
GRAPHICS: 6
SOUND: 6
OVERALL: 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROBO-SQUASH
===========
FROM: Atari Games $34.95
ONE or TWO PLAYER
OVERVIEW:
---------
It's the 31st century, and after 200 years of peace, there is a
conflict. The two political parties of the universe are arguing over a
successor to the recently-deceased President of the World. Instead of
settling the dispute through barbaric warfare or elections, both parties
have sent a representative to play the zero-gravity game of Robo-Squash.
The winning player will win the Presidency for his party. Guess what?
You're one of the players.
The Robo-Squash game consists of 16 rounds. For each round, you sit
at one end of a zero-gravity corridor. At the other end is your opponent,
and in the middle are spinning bricks and some icons. A ball is batted
back and forth between the players, picking up speed and knocking out
obstacles as it goes. A round ends when one player fails to return the
ball three times, or one player hits the roving mech-spider that appears
when all obstacles are knocked out.
The game is complicated by a few twists: First, missing a ball leaves
a big red splotch on your end of the arena. This is more than a nuisance,
it blocks your view of the ball and makes it harder to see incoming shots.
Second, hitting the icons in the middle of the arena gives you (if you can
catch it) power-ups: a ball grabber, a larger paddle, a fireball launcher,
or a ball spotter are available.
Before each of the 16 rounds, a player picks a ball in a 4-by-4 grid
to play for. Winning a round wins the ball for the player, and at the end
of all the rounds, bonuses are awarded for getting grid entries in 2, 3,
or 4-in-a-rows.
GAMEPLAY:
---------
ROBO-SQUASH is a nice, well-balanced "sports game" (okay, sport-like).
The general concept reminds me of PONG, BREAKOUT, SHUFFLEPUCK CAFE, and
ARKANOID. The game and controls are easy enough to learn, and the addition
of power-ups, vision-blocking, and fighting for grid positions make it
more interesting. The game has four difficulty levels, which affect the
top speed the ball can get and the intellect of the computer opponent.
ROBO-SQUASH can be played either against the computer or another
player. The computer opponent is good, but not unbeatable -- like video
tennis games, alternating volleys to extreme ends of the arena can trip it
up. Human opponents, though, are another matter; use strategic shots (to
set up vision-blocking splotches) or fireballs (exploding bricks obscure
the view temporarily) to distract your opponent.
One minor annoyance: You can angle the return of the ball by hitting
it on the edge of the paddle OPPOSITE from where you want to go (make it
go down by hitting it with the top edge, for instance). Once you unders-
tand it, ball control is easy -- but until then, it's a mystery. The
manual is of little help here.
GRAPHICS/GAMEPLAY:
------------------
From an original name of "3D Barrage", ROBO-SQUASH makes good use of
the Lynx's scaling capabilites. The 3D effects of the game are very well
done; the ball's size changes and the use of two ball shadows make it
clear where the ball is, and the obscuring blotches are a neat idea. The
rest of the graphics are functional, though the power-up icons are a bit
cute (a dragon's head for the fireball launcher, for instance).
Sounds are passable but not noteworthy, repeating the trend in PAPER-
BOY and XENOPHOBE. The actual gameplay is mostly silent, with only the
sound of the bouncing ball and smashed bricks punctuating. The only real
music comes in the opening title tune, and while it's nice, it's not
enough.
SUMMARY:
--------
A good, slightly above-average game. Playing it by yourself is fine,
since the difficulty levels let you tune the computer to your skills. I
suspect, though, that playing it with another person would be more fun.
Best for players who are looking for a sports-type game for the Lynx (at
least until TOURNAMENT CYBERBALL comes out).
GAMEPLAY: 7 to 8 (depending on difficulty/number of players)
GRAPHICS: 7
SOUND: 6
OVERALL: 7
Well, unless the Lynx naysayers are not reading these reviews, it
looks like Atari is getting their act together and releasing more games
for the machine. These last three releases (XENOPHOBE, PAPERBOY, and
ROBO-SQUASH) are good games, but now I'm salivating in anticipation of
what's next: ...ZARLOR MERCENARY and ROADBLASTERS.
-- R.J.
_______________________________________________________
> THE FLIP SIDE STR Feature? "..a different viewpoint"
=========================
A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
==================================
by Michael Lee
Have you heard the latest news from Comdex? It looks as if Atari is
finally ready to hit the home and small business computer market with a
bang. The new TT and Mega STe's bring meaning back to the old slogan,
"Power without the Price"!! The TT is about ready to ship (waiting
final FCC approval) while the Mega STe's are still in the final design
stage, so we probably won't be seeing either in our stores until after
the first of the year.....but the wait will be worth it. Atari also
introduced a new Laser printer and several new monitor's, which
strengthens the line even more.
----------------
From R. Woodbridge on Genie:
At the beginning of September I received version 2.1 of the SpiritWare
Bible concordance program. I must say it is a significant improvement
over version 2.0. A list of new features in 2.1 follows:
1. A nice desk accessory text editor called SpiritEd is provided
which has Macintosh-like operation....and auto word wrap. It interacts
with the concordance nicely. [It is now my editor of choice for writing
notes and basic word processing - I'm using it to write this.]
2. Verses from the Bible Text and verse List windows can be copied
into the clipboard and subsequently into SpiritEd.
3. Search speed, particularly for complex searches, has been greatly
increased.
4. Multiple wild card operators can now be used in the search string.
5. Memory management has been improved.
6. Size box added so the Bible text window can be made full screen
size.
7. Cursor and delete keys now function in the search criteria window
and escape key clears text from it.
8. The Text window can be scrolled using Up- and Down-Arrow keys.
9. A program is now provided that extracts Bible books from the
compressed .CCD Bible text files and puts them into ST Writer-formatted
files.
In addition, a letter included in the package indicated that version 3
is in the works which will allow more than one version of Scripture on-
screen at a time. And Greek New Testament will be available (maybe
Septuagint too). The folks at SpiritWare request that you send them your
suggestions for other features or any bug reports. They are responsive.
My own experience with this program has been great; I've been using v2.1
for about a month.
...The purchase price is $40 for the whole NIV Bible, $20 for NIV New
Testament, $30 for whole KJV Bible, $15 for KJV NT, and $60 for both NIV
and KJV whole Bibles. The concordance program is provided free to be
used with above compressed Bible files (cost includes royalties in the
NIV case I believe). Send order to:
SpiritWare
Fifteenth Avenue Bible Church
15211 15th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98155
Note that concordance program can run from floppies or hard disk
(obviously hard disk operation is much faster); the full Bible text is
about 2.5 Meg when installed on a hard disk.
----------------
From Frank Bell on Genie:
A 15 megabyte board (3 boards really) is being produced by a company in
Austria. With these memory expansion boards a MegaST (only Megas) can be
upgraded to 15mb. Some examples:
Mega ST 1 to 7mb for about $2200.00
Mega ST 2 to 12mb for about $3300.00
Mega ST 4 to 10mb for about $2200.00
Mega ST 4 to 14mb for about $4700.00
I don't know the price but a Mega ST 1 can be upgraded to 15mb. I
believe a Mega ST 2 can also be upgraded to 16 mb but 1 mb of the RAM
can't be used.
The expansion boards come as follows:
2mb Main expansion board into which a
2mb daughter boards and/or
4mb daughter boards can be connected.
The Mega ST 4 configuration looks like this:
Mega ST 4 RAM (4mb)
Main expansion board RAM (2mb)
2 daughter boards (2 x 4mb)
Compatibility? You may not believe it, but so far 99.99% of the programs
tested work perfectly and most ST programs have been tested.
----------------
From LRYMAL on Genie:
If you own a Mega, it is fairly 'easy' to move the mother-board into a
Baby AT clone case. I did this a half year ago. I moved the motherboard
into the case with the back ports facing the outside, with their nudging
the edge. I positioned and anchored the motherboard by first placing the
board on top of perf board material, securing it with double stick tape.
I then used Velcro tape on the perf board and anchored this to the Baby
AT's bottom pan. Motherboard was now secure, back ports exposed.
The cartridge port was carefully removed via solder sucking. It was
removed because it would not provide sufficient clearance for any
cartridge inside of the clone case. The cartridge receptacle, now
removed, was doctored so that when reinstalled, it would face angling
upwards. I had room now for my Spectre GCR to fit *inside* of the clone
case.
I never liked the supplied floppy mechanism and replaced it with a Teac
mechanism, mounting it in the appropriate bay. My Seagate 296n also slid
into its own bay. I still have room to spare for another hard drive and
even a SysQuest and there would still be room for other goodies!
For those who want to contemplate this project, use a cardboard template
for initial sizing. Also be away that your motherboard is very delicate
and not happy about being flexed during the installation.
Find a dealer who can hold your hand, if possible. You've got a power
switch, reset switch, and turbo switch to hook up. These are located on
the front on the clone case, WHERE THEY SHOULD BE.
The end result is very rewarding and not the difficult. And as usual,
don't blame Atari for smoke if you do this!!!
----------------
Until next week....
_____________________________________________________________
> MEGA STe Specs STR Spotlight? "..New desktop with enhanced features.."
============================
MEGA STE SPECIFICATIONS
=======================
by Bud White, Vice President
D.U.S.T. User Group
Las Vegas Nevada.
The New mega STe computer features a 4096 color palette, stereo digi-
tal sound, and a graphics coprocessor. It is also running at 16 MHz also
has a onboard cache. The Mega STe comes with MIDI a built in RF modulator
with GENLOCK for receiving external video sources, plus parallel and
serial ports. The Mega STe offers a graphical user interface. The MEGA
STe's interface and the rest of the operating system is in ROM on the
motherboard. It also has a VME slot.
ARCHITECTURE
------------
CPU: Motorola 68000 running at 16MHz.
BUS:16-bit external; 32-bit internal; 24-bit address.
FPU: Optional MC68881/82.
RAM: 2 or 4 MB.
ROM: 256 kbyte internal; 128 Kbyte external plug-in ROM.
HARDWARE
--------
Accepts external GENLOCK.
Graphics coprocessor chip (Blitter).
KEYBOARD
--------
Standard Qwerty keyboard format keyboard processor to reduce CPU
overhead.
SOFTWARE
--------
New desktop with enhanced features such as installing custom icons
onto the desktop to represent drives, programs, or files. New control
panel desk accessory with extensions such as color set up, sound setup
and the mouse accelerator.
INPUT/OUTPUT Ports
------------------
All ports built in.
MIDI ports
Audio out:2 x RCA jacks for left and right channels.
Connector for color or mono monitors.
2 modem/RS232c serial ports
1 high speed DMA serial port or LAN port with DMA.
Parallel printer port (8bit parallel).
External floppy disk drive port.
External DMA port for hard disk,CD-ROM, and laser printer.
Mouse/Joystick port.
Controller/J-stick/Light gun ports:2x15 pin high density D connectors.
Cartridge port (128 Kbyte capacity).
Built in RF modulator for connection to TV and VCR.
Built in Power supply.
Direct Memory Access(DMA).
GRAPHICS
--------
Includes graphics coprocessor.
High resolution:600 x 400 Monochrome.
Medium resolution:640 x 200 4 colors.
Low Resolution: 320 x 200 16 colors
Color palette: 4096 colors.
Text display: 80 column.
SOUND AND MUSIC
---------------
5 programmable sound channels.
Frequency programmable to 25 kHz
Stereo DMA sound engine: built in 2-channel digital/analog converter
(DAC). Play back digitized samples at rates between 6 kHz and 50kHz on
2 channels; programmable volume/tone control.
Programmable sound generator(PSG): 3 tone generators; 2 noise
generators; dynamic envelope shaping; wave shaping.
These specs are directly from a brochure I obtained at the ATARI Comdex
Booth.
Hope this helps out.
Bud White, Vice President
D.U.S.T. User Group Las Vegas Nevada.
_______________________________________________________
> USENET CALLING STR OnLine? ports of informative messages
=========================
Path: bdt!unisoft!mtxinu!ucbvax!decwrl!apple!portal!atari!apratt
From: apratt@atari.UUCP (Allan Pratt)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st.tech
Subject: Re: Quien es mas macho? (HD caching)
Message-ID: <2729@atari.UUCP>
Date: 1 Nov 90 02:01:26 GMT
References: <1990Oct30.220831.17172@math.lsa.umich.edu>
<1990Oct31.162831.10747@cs.ucla.edu>
Organization: Atari Corp., Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 56
People seem a little unsure of how GEMDOS's cache (the one CACHEXXX.PRG
adds to) works.
There are two lists of buffers. CACHE030.PRG, for example, will add 30
buffers to each list. You can give it arguments to explicitly give a
certain number to each list.
Both lists are write-through: all writes happen right away.
The first list caches FAT and root directory sectors. Any FAT or root
directory access will use this cache.
The second list caches data sectors, defined as those which aren't FAT or
root directory. Subdirectory sectors always use this cache. Normal file
data sectors only use this cache if your program doesn't do reads and
writes of complete sectors. Then the data sector is read into the cache,
and the piece your program wanted is copied.
Whole-sector or multi-sector reads and writes don't use the GEMDOS cache
at all. They always go straight to disk. That's where the other caches
in the world can help.
With enough cache buffers, all of the FATs and root directories on all of
the drives on your system will end up in the first cache and never be
replaced. It's a waste of space to have more sectors in the first list
than you have FAT and root directory sectors.
Having a lot of buffers in the data-cache list will mean that all your
subdirectory sectors will get cached, and in addition the parts of files
that get accessed as fragments, not as whole sectors. One example of this
kind of access is in GEMDOS itself: Pexec reads the header of a file to
find out how big it is, and since the Pexec routine only wants $1c bytes
of data, the sector lands in the cache. Then, Pexec reads the text+data
part of the file, and since it probably doesn't end on a sector boundary
that last sector winds up in the cache. Finally, Pexec reads the fixup
information, and that probably doesn't begin or end on sector boundaries,
resulting in two more fragments. (The end of the text+data and the begin-
ning of the fixups will be the same place unless there are symbols in the
file.)
You can tell if you have "enough" sectors in each list by doing a "show
info" from the Desktop on all your drives, then doing it again. If the
second time doesn't actually hit any disks, it means all the FAT, root
directory, and subdirectory sectors are in the cache.
Both caches are managed LRU: each time there is a "cache hit" on a
buffer, it gets moved to the beginning of the list, and when the time
comes to replace a buffer, the replacement is chosen from the end of the
list.
All this information is subject to change: I make no guarantees about the
workings of GEMDOS's cache system past, present, or future.
============================================
Opinions expressed above do not necessarily -- Allan Pratt, Atari Corp.
reflect those of Atari Corp. or anyone else. ...ames!atari!apratt
Path: bdt!unisoft!mtxinu!ucbvax!decwrl!apple!portal!atari!mui
From: mui@atari.UUCP (Derek Mui)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: TOS 2.0
Message-ID: <2726@atari.UUCP-
Date: 1 Nov 90 00:30:31 GMT
References: <CMM.0.88.657398135.larserio@kvart.ifi.uio.no-
Organization: Atari Corp., Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 34
in article <CMM.0.88.657398135.larserio@kvart.ifi.uio.no-, larserio@IFI.
UIO.NO
(LarsErikOsterud) says:
- If you ask people to stop using a version of TOS 2.0 you should offer
- them a new bug-free version. Many people I know use 2.0 because they
- like the extra funtions. They keep asking if anyone can get hold of
- a ROM-version of this great improvement to TOS. Will such a ROM-version
- TOS 2.0 for ST, STE and MEGA ST be available soon ????
-
- Lars-Erik / ABK-BBS +47 2132659 / ____ ______ - Osterud
/ larserio@ifi.uio.no / /___ / The norwegian ST
- __________/ ______________________/ ____/ / Klubben, Usergroup
Please Listen !!!!! The TOS 2.0 never exists.
As far as I know, it is done by an irresponsible person who stole an
alpha test version of the desktop, put in version 2.0 title in the info
box and distributed among you guys. Since it is not an official release
version, Atari is not obligated to replace it.
And you heard it right, it is an alpha test version and it is very
buggy. If you insist to use it, that's fine with us. But don't complain to
us that it trashes your files or wipes out your whole partition.
==================================================================
Derek Mui, Atari Corp, 1196 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
UUCP: {..ames!atari!mui}
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are my own and they may be
hazardous to your mind.
==================================================================
bdt!unisoft!hoptoad!pacbell!pacbell.com!ucsd!usc!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!
From: ki@opal.cs.tu-berlin.de (Karsten Isakovic)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: TOS 2.0
Message-ID: <2164@bahia.opal.cs.tu-berlin.de>
Date: 6 Nov 90 14:36:29 GMT
References: <1430@hexagon.se> <2733@atari.UUCP>
Reply-To: ki@tubopal.UUCP (Karsten Isakovic)
Organization: Technical University of Berlin, Germany
Lines: 25
In article <2733@atari.UUCP- mui@atari.UUCP (Derek Mui) writes:
-
-Atari Corp never endorses users to use any illegal copy of any kind
of softwares including TOS. I have said enough before about the so called
TOS 2.0 and this will the last time that I will say it.
-
- "PLEASE DON'T USE IT FOR YOUR OWN SAKE."
-
- It have lot of bugs and they will screw you up sooner or later.
-
Hello Derek,
In Germany, I have heard of a 'new' problem... Someone took the TT-Desk
right out of the ROMs of an TT. This version has all features, the TT--
Desk has. Like the TOS 2.0 you are talking of, the TT-Desk is a software
that must start in the auto-folder. Since it is the same AES as in the
orginal TT with TOS 3.01, it has the same 'bugs', a normal TT user has to
live with. I don't have it and I know it is absolutely illegal, but I
think it will spread very fast.
I just wanted to tell this. If someone 'else' could do this, I think it's
also possible for Atari Corp.
Sincerely, Karsten ki@opal.cs.tu-berlin.de
bdt!unisoft!mtxinu!ucbvax!ucsd!usc!apple!agate!linus!nixbur!nixpbe!
peun33!mboen
From: mboen@nixdorf.de (Martin Boening)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: TOS 2.0
Message-ID: <mboen.657831766@peun33-
Date: 5 Nov 90 19:02:46 GMT
References: <CMM.0.88.657491352.larserio@kvart.ifi.uio.no-
<35495@cup.portal.com-
Sender: news@nixpbe.nixdorf.de
Lines: 46
In <35495@cup.portal.com- Bob_BobR_Retelle@cup.portal.com writes:
-Concerning whether Atari will ever release TOS 3.0 for lesser machines
than the TT, David Clear writes:
-I don't even have a hard drive but I would consider it a worthwhile
expense
-TOS 3.0 were hard disk based.
--Whether or not this will happen is, of course, out of the hands of
mortal me
-Actually, of course, it's in the hands of those named "Tramiel"..
-It's not what's "Right", it's not what's "Fair", it's not even what's
"Technically Feasible"..
-It's what will make the most money for those named "Tramiel"...
Therefore this would be the greatest idesa since the invention of ....
well of whatever. Just think of the money Microsoft makes with DOS
upgrades. DR has jumped on that bandwaggon and is selling a DRDOS upgrade.
A diskbased TOS would be just the same: release TOS 3.0 and sell it
without having to burn it into ROMS. The fix some bugs and upgrade to TOS
3.1 for a more or less substantial fee. Again, no hassle with ROMS, quick
turnout, and many more people would buy it since it's so easy to install.
When sales drop of, fix some more or less trivial bugs and upgrade ....
And so on and so forth. At the same time make better machines and some
day everybody will upgradee anyway for the better performance if the new
system is relatively compatible to the old one and runs TOS 3.x.
Some day in the future you release TOS 4.0, 5.0, etc. And always
there'll be bugs to fix, features to add, upgrades to sell ... And all a
lot easier than with ROM based systems.
Yeah.
Martin
PS.:
Disclaimer: I hope you don't believe you've seen the above.
--
Email: in the USA -- mboening.pad@nixdorf.com
outside USA -- mboening.pad@nixdorf.de
Paper Mail: Martin Boening, Nixdorf Computer AG, SNI STO SI 355,
Pontanusstr. 55, 4790 Paderborn, W.-Germany (Phone: +49 5251
146155)
______________________________________________________
> MT C-Shell STR InfoFile? MT C-Shell Version 2.0 And VSH Version 2.0
=======================
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
--------------------
MT C-SHELL VERSION 2.0 AND VSH VERSION 2.0
==========================================
MULTITASKING JUST GOT BETTER
----------------------------
Those who are already familiar with Beckemeyer's MT C-Shell and VSH
products will be impressed -- newcomers will be astonished!
Version 2.0, the third generation of this mature and stable system, is
a major upgrade from previous versions. With Version 2.0, MT C-Shell has
been drastically revised and improved.
FASTER THEN EVER!
----------------
All 70 plus MT C-Shell commands have been upgraded and offer signific-
antly improved performance.
FULLY TT030 COMPATIBLE!
-----------------------
A new version of the Beckemeyer Real-time Multitasking Operating
System Kernel has been specifically designed for the new Atari TT com-
puter. This new operating system takes advantage of the 68030 processor
and implements new TOS system calls introduced with the TT. Of course MT
C-Shell and VSH are also fully compatible with the Atari ST computers as
well.
VIRTUAL CONSOLES
----------------
Now included with MT C-Shell is a system which allows you to switch
between multiple full-screen sessions using a "hot key". This feature
allows you to have multiple MT C-Shell sessions active concurrently, as if
you had several terminals sitting on your desk!
Some of the other new features of MT C-Shell Version 2.0 are:
o Now fully supports User ID and Group ID numbers
o Processes are assigned unique PIDs in subsequent incarnations
o Config program helps set options (e.g. Memory quotas)
o Pseudo-TTY driver with GEM Windowing interface included
o Many internal improvements and speedups
VISUAL SHELL MANAGER
--------------------
VSH is like a graphics workstation on a disk!
Just look at these new features in Version 2.0:
o Cut & Paste between windows
o Save window or paste-buffer contents to a file
o Set options individually for each window
o Choose fonts for each window
o Install custom program Icons onto the VSH Desktop
o Works in all resolutions, including TT and Moniterm
o Save settings and positions for all windows & icons
Also included are the following VSH Desk Accessories:
o Analog Clock
o CPU Load Monitor
o DEGAS Picture Viewer
With the new VSH Version 2.0, you can now install icons for your
favorite programs -- no more searching all over the place. The VSH icons
use the DC- ICE format, and can easily be customized. You can install
unique icons for all your programs.
UPGRADE POLICY
==============
The MT C-Shell upgrade is $39 US. You must send your MT C-Shell disk in
for update. There is a $5 fee for replacement disks. The VSH upgrade is
$15 for registered owners of VSH. If you are a registered MT C-Shell
owner, but you DO NOT have VSH, you can order VSH with your MT C-Shell
upgrade for the discounted price of $24. The suggested retail price of
VSH Manager is $34.95 US. The suggested retail price of MT C-Shell is
$129.95 US.
PLEASE CONTACT:
Beckemeyer Development
PO Box 21575
Oakland, CA. 94620
(415) 530-9637
BBS: (415) 530-9682
____________________________________________________________
> Stock Market ~ STReport? And the Band Marches On....
=======================
THE TICKERTAPE
==============
by Michael Arthur
The price of Atari stock stayed the same on Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday. On Thursday, its price went up by 1/8 of a point, but dropped
back down 1/8 of a point on Friday, to end the week at $2.25 a share. The
price price of Atari stock was at the same price on November 9th that it
was on November 2nd.
Apple Stock was up 3 3/4 points from Friday, November 2, 1990.
Commodore Stock was up 1/4 of a point from 11/2/90.
IBM Stock was up 1 7/8 points from 11/2/90.
Stock Report for Week of 11/5/90 to 11/9/90
_________________________________________________________________________
STock| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Reprt|Last Chg.|Last Chg.|Last Chg.|Last Chg.|Last Chg.|
-----|-------------|------------|------------|------------|--------------|
Atari|2 1/4 ----|2 1/4 ----|2 1/4 ----|2 3/8 +1/8|2 1/4 ---- |
| | 9700 Sls | | | 8200 Sls |
-----|-------------+------------+------------+------------+--------------|
CBM |6 7/8 + 1/8|6 7/8 ----|6 7/8 ----|6 3/4 -1/4| 7 + 1/4|
| | | | | 110,200 Sls |
-----|-------------+------------+------------+------------+--------------|
Apple|33 1/4 +1 1/2|33 1/2 +1/4|33 1/4 -1/4|34 1/2 |35 1/2 + 1|
| | | | +1 1/4|1,769,900 Sls |
-----|-------------+------------+------------+------------+--------------|
IBM |107 7/8 -1/2|107 7/8 ----|106 1/2 |107 1/2 + 1|110 1/4 +2 3/4|
| | | -1 3/8| |2,274,200 Sls |
-----'-------------------------------------------------------------------'
'#' and 'Sls' refer to the # of stock shares that were bought that day.
'CBM' refers to Commodore Corporation.
________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL? "BLOCKBUSTER ATARI NEWS FIRST!"
=====================
- Sunnyvale, CA. MARKEN COMMUNICATIONS IS BACK!
--------------
Andy Marken of Marken Communications, was a very familiar face at
major shows last year where Atari was exhibiting. Atari and Andy parted
company early this year but its nice to see Andy is once again represen-
ting Atari. Andy, welcome back! STReport is confident you will, as
always, do a stellar job for Atari.
- Hadley, MA. GRIBNIF TO IMPORT TURBO C FOR THE ST!
-----------
Borland's Turbo C 2.0 for the Atari ST
--------------------------------------
For those who don't know, Borland Germany has released a special
version of their Turbo C compiler for the Atari ST. The entire compiler
and its error messages are in English, with the online help and documen-
tion in German. Currently there are no plans for a version with English
documentation (though we keep asking).
Some of the features of the package include:
o Full K & R implementation with ANSI extensions.
o Integrated GEM based editing and compiling environment.
o Handles both Borland and DRI object file formats.
o Libraries for TOS, GEM, Line A, and Borland Graphics Interface
functions.
o Profiling for management of multiple source files.
o 68881/2 match coprocessor libraries.
o Window based sources level debugger which allows for stepping,
break pointing, logging, and much more. (Package 2 only)
o Integrated Lint and Make.
o Robust macro assembler which can generate 68000 through 68030
compatible code with full coprocessor support. (Package 2 only)
o Turbo fast compiling which generates very tight code.
While in Germany at the Atari Fair in Dusseldorf we worked out an
agreement with Borland Germany. Under this agreement we would be able to
order copies direct from them for programmers in the U.S. and Canada.
TWO DIFFERENT PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE:
Package 1: $160.00 Package 2: $275.00
Turbo C 2.0 Turbo C 2.0
Compiler Compiler
Linker Linker
Editor Editor
Turbo Assembler
To order, send a check or money order (drawn on a U.S. bank) for the
correct amount along with $5 for shipping and handling to:
Attn:
Turbo C Offer
Gribnif Software
P.O. Box 350
Hadley, MA 01035
Be sure to include your name, address, and daytime phone number. If
you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (413) 584-7887. We
will keep you posted on GEnie as to the status of the order. Pricing
subject to change due to the nature of exchange rates.
- Las Vegas, NV. XOTERIX UNVEILS ITS NEW PORTFOLIO ADD-ONS!
--------------
Xoterix, a start- up company out of West Hills in California, has
expanded its range of Atari Portfolio add-on products. According to Mark
Henderson of Xoterix, the tiny pocket PC, The PORTFOLIO, from Atari is
being acclaimed in the U.S. with an equal positive sales response and
success as in the UK.
Xoterix, now into its second year of operation, specializes in sup-
plying add-ons for the Portfolio and, even more importantly, at prices
notably lower than Atari's competing product. Foremost among Xoterix's
new products unveiled at Comdex is a 512K RAM expansion module that's 3 x
4 x 1 inches that connects to the Portfolio, giving the Portfolio 636K of
total memory. The wonderful aspect is the outstanding fact that it has
twice the capacity of the Atari RAM module, yet it costs considerably
less, ($299). Available next month.
Xoterix also is showing its 20MB hard disk for the Portfolio. The $899
unit, which fits under the Portfolio case provides a 20MB hard disk, 512K
of RAM expansion (with a D: drive configuration to allow existing expan-
sion cards to be used on drive C:) and optional ser and parallel ports.
Addionally, Xoterix was exhibiting their Telecommunications package,
Terminal Plus software. Although Xoterix is a start-up company, interna-
tional support for its products is provided using the "Aportfolio" special
interest group (SIG) on Compuserve. The company's products are also
stocked by a growing number of dealers across the US.
- Las Vegas, NV. ATARI DEBUTS THE ELUSIVE MEGA STE!
--------------
The Mega STE series is essentially an existing STE motherboard fitted
into a slimline TT-style case, and targeted at new Mega ST users who want
a sleek low-profile case version of the Mega ST, plus an improved desktop
user interface coupled with 16Mhz switchable operation and the fancy new
TOS 2.2 in ROM. The Mega STE series is capable of being configured with
up to 4mb of RAM. The SLM605 laser, meanwhile, is bundled as a DTP laser
printer with the Mega STE series. A sample configuration with Mega STE,
50MB hard disk and SLM605 laser will sell for $2,800. This price includes
end-user training and support. Pricing on the individual Mega STe and
SLM605 laser printer along with many rumored "bundle deals" have yet to be
confirmed.
- LAS VEGAS, NV. "PROPOSED BUNDLE DEALS FOR 1990"
--------------
"Proposed Bundle Deals for 1990." Of course, most of us remember the
the "Advantage" Bundle form last year's Comdex. It too was touted as the
'marketing breakthrough for Atari. This year, from all indications, Atari
is prepared to not only deliver.. but to deliver in a big way. At this
point in time though, its a smart bet to 'wait and see'. After all, we've
been down this road before... more than once.
"PROPOSED BUNDLE DEALS FOR 1990"
--------------------------------
PORTFOLIO PC TRAVELER:
Portfolio computer, File Manager ROM card, PC Card Drive, and 128K Memory
Card.
$499.00
520STFM HOME ENTERTAINMENT PACK:
520STFM, Missile Command, Star Raiders, Crack'd, Moon Patrol, NEO-Chrome,
Joust.
$579.65
520STFM COMMUNICATIONS PACK:
Computer, SX212 modem, Strata's Stalker and Steno telecommunications
software.
$529.85
1040STE HOME DESK TOP PUBLISHING BUNDLE:
Computer, Migraph's Hand Scanner, Touch-Up, Easy Draw 3.0....
$1398.90
1040STE DELUXE PAINT PACK:
Computer, Electronic Arts' DELUXE PAINT ANIMATOR
$799.90
DTP PACKAGE #1:
Mega 2 computer, SM124 Mono Monitor, Megafile 30 hard drive, SLM605 Laser
Printer, ISD's Calamus.
$2199.00
DTP PACKAGE #2:
Mega 2 Computer, SM124 Mono Monitor, Megafile 30 hard drive, SLM605 Laser
Printer, Atari's Deskset II.
$2099.00
Plus there are "other" exciting, yet to be announced, bundles in the
pipeline at this time.
____________________________________________________________
> Chet & Bob STR Feature? ..........Please!
======================
SAVE THE TREES & THE ENVIRONMENT!
=================================
Dr. Bob and I would like to clear something up. When WizWorks! tra-
vels to shows, we offer a $2.00 discount on our products MUG SHOT!, MVG,
and IMAGE CAT if the purchaser is kind enough to buy them without the box.
That means that they get the program disks, the manual and everything
else that is necessary to run and register the product. The only thing
missing is the glossy box and the "fluff" that goes with it. We want to
emphasize that we sell SOFTWARE, ** NOT ** packaging. We also do not
offer bags at our booth. Bring your own!
This is also true of shipments to folks who order directly from us.
We ship as inexpensively as we can, hence only the envelope (and that made
of recycled paper and we hope that the customer will re-use that even!).
This enables us to ship to US adresses at no charge. FREE shipping! We
eat the cost of shipping in order to save the environment. We figure that
the end user will just set the box on the shelf or worse, toss it out so
it contributes to filling our waning supply of already too full landfills
across the nation. We don't ship fluff! We ship good software!
When we tell folks this at shows, some of them just kind of look at us
with crossed eyes as if they don't quite understand. The most asked
question is, "Is everything there?" YES! Everything you need is there,
except the fluff, which you don't need, we don't need, and that we sell
SOFTWARE, not packaging!
Now, we have considered changing our packaging for shipments to deale-
rs, but we figure that our stuff will get relegated to the back of the
shelf if we do, so we still send the "fluff" to the distributors because
of that. We wish it were different. We wish we could ship to dealers in
just shrink wrap and forget the fluff. But, the American mentality is
just not ready for that. Most Americans must feel a large box and "some-
thing significant" in their hand when they leave the store.
We want ** YOU ** to change all that. We want ** YOU ** to say, "No
FLUFF! No bag! look I brought my own bag! Hey, there's a nice SMALL
package. I bet there's some good stuff inside. Not much color, not much
fluff. There's some smart folks who care about the environment. Let's buy
that one!" Since we are part of a unique group of people who are "into"
electronic media, then we have a unique opportunity to be the leaders in
the "no fluff" movement. We can really contribute!
But, until most of you folks show us different, then we must still
send the fluff to dealers. We wish we didn't have to. We don't want to!
Please say you agree. And if you do, tell your friends about it. Say,
"NO FLUFF!" Oh, and bring your own bag!!!
Sincerely,
Chet Walters WizWorks!
W.D. Parks Dr. Bobware
__________________________________________________
> AUA & PIRACY STR Feature? The Law is Clear!
========================
THOU SHALT NOT DUPE: Piracy Kills the Atari ST
==============================================
Public Service Announcement by the AUA
Either Way It's Wrong
---------------------
People who would never walk into a store and shoplift a software
product think nothing of making several copies of the same software. The
results are the same. The act is just as wrong.
When it comes to unauthorized duplication of software, many people do
not realize the costly impact on the software developer and the customer
community. The relationship between customer and developer in a software
transaction is one of mutual trust. The customer trusts that the devel-
oper has produced a product that will deliver the desired result, performs
according to specifications, and is properly documented and supported.
The developer trusts that the customer will make use of only those copies
for which he has purchased a license.
Unauthorized duplication and use of software violates the U.S.
Copyright Law, and unfairly deprives software developers of revenue they
are entitled to receive for their work. Software developers find that
thousands of illegal copies have been made by customers who either in-
nocently believe they are doing nothing wrong or simply choose to ignore
the law.
The Law is Clear
----------------
Reproducing computer software without authorization violates the
U.S.Copyright Law. It is a FEDERAL offense. The money paid for a soft-
ware product represents a license fee for the use of ONE copy. It does
not represent an authorization to copy. Civil damages for unauthorized
software copying can be as much as $50,000 or more and criminal penalties
include fines and imprisonment. Bills have been introduced in Congress to
strengthen the law and increase penalties.
Myths and Facts of Software
---------------------------
Let's start by dispelling some myths with a few facts. First,
software developers DO NOT condone unauthorized copying in order to gain
market penetration. Second, the price of software DOES NOT make unauthor-
ized copying justifiable. The cost of a software product to a consumer
represents only a small fraction of the publisher's development and marke-
ting costs. Third, although the cost of 'softlifting' is borne initially
by the software developer, it is paid for ultimately by legitimate users.
What it Means to You
--------------------
It's obvious that legitimate software users are paying for theft
along with software developers. It's obvious too, that no one is going to
put up with it for much longer. Think twice before you ask someone to
give you an illegal copy of their software. Think THREE times before you
offer to do it for someone else! Software piracy is not only a crime,
it's simply wrong!
SOFTWARE PIRACY IS KILLING THE ATARI ST!
DON'T HELP TO KILL MY COMPUTER!
_____________________________________________________
> Hard Disks STR InfoFile? Affordable Mass Storage....
=======================
NEW LOW PRICES! & MORE MODELS!!
===============================
HOLIDAY SPECIALS!
** EFFECTIVE -> 11/19/90 **
ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC.
P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_____________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-
(you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!)
(all cables and connectors installed)
* ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS *
* ICD ADVANTAGE+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED *
* SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS *
Conventional Shoe Box
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb 28ms 3.5" Y 519.00
SGN6177 62Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 619.00
SGN1096 85Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 649.00
SGN6277 120Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 889.00
SGN1296 168Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1069.00
SGN4077 230Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1669.00
==================================================
WE HAVE A COMPLETE LINE OF 3.5 LOW PROFILE HARD DRIVES
for
USE IN MEGA ST COMPUTERS AND RELATED CONFIGURATIONS.
20mb #AI020SC 379.95 30mb #AIO3OSC 419.95
50mb #AI050SC 449.95 65mb #AI065SC 499.95
85mb #AI085SC $559.95
MEGA ST Internal Hard Drives
CONNOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MECHANISMS
>>> ALL ABCO DRIVES ARE HIGH SPEED UNITS <<<
(500 - 600k per sec @ 23 -33ms)
CALL FOR SUPER SAVINGS ON ALL OUR OTHER CUSTOM UNITS
FROM 30mb 28MS @ $419.00!
Ask about our "REBATE SPECIALS"
--==*==--
SHIPPING AND INSURANCE INCLUDED IN COMPLETE UNIT PRICE!
============================================
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCO "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
- SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADVANTAGE PLUS H/A
- ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable
- Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply
(1) 44 MB Syquest Cart.
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
--->> SPECIAL NOW ONLY __$719.00__ <<---
*** SPECIAL SYQUEST OFFER!! ***
ORDER YOUR CUSTOM SYQUEST UNIT NOW AND GET A SECOND COMPLETE UNIT!
***** for $50.00 LESS! *****
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1329.00 **
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
50mb SQG51 $1039.00 30mb SQG38 $1019.00
65mb SQG09 $1109.00 85mb SQG96 $1119.00
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
(over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
*** ALL Units: Average Access Time: 24ms - 34ms ***
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - SPECTRE/GCR
LARGER units are available - (special order only)
*>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*
- Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets -
* SLM 804 Replacement Toner Cartridge Kits $46.95 *
Replacement Drums; CALL
Keyboard Custom Cables Call for Info
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
Personal and Company Checks are accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service
9am - 8pm EDT
*** Tues thru Sat ***
____________________________________________________________
> A "Quotable Quote"?
=================
"Those who congratulate themselves....."
".....leave very few enlightened or encouraged!"
..Alfred E. Newman
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport Online Magazine?
Also available on more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport? "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" November 16, 1990
16/32bit Magazine copyright = 1990 No.6.46
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors, staff, STReport? CPU/STR? or ST Report?. Permission to
reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint
must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's
name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in
any way without prior written permission. The contents, at the time of
publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors,
contributors and/or staff are not responsible for either the use/misuse
of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
--
Kevin Steele (aj205.Cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
-----------------------------------------
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