ST Report: 22-Jan-93 #904
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 01/23/93-05:11:32 PM Z
From: aa789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 22-Jan-93 #904
Date: Sat Jan 23 17:11:32 1993
*---== STReport International Online Magazine ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
January 22, 1993 No.9.04
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STReport International Online Magazine
Post Office Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida
32205 ~ 6672
R.F. Mariano
Publisher - Editor
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_____________________________________________________________________
> 01/22/93 STR 904 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- NEW IBM PS1 UNVEILED - SAC EXPO NEWS! - 2.5" 340mb
- COMPATIBLE LIST - UPDATE PGST - FONT COPYRIGHTS?
- PMC UPDATES! - PHOTON COMPUTER - STR Confidential
-* REVOLVING DOOR AT IT AGAIN! *-
-* ATARI & NAMM'93 *-
-* FCC & ATARI *-
==========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
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* ATARI EDITION *
=============
COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME
to the Readers of;
ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
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"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198
You will receive your complimentary time
and
be online in no time at all!
WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (January 22)
AMIGA .HAM PICTURES - SUPERB GRAPHICS ON YOUR STE!
Download file AMIGAH.LZH from LIBRARY 4 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for superb Amiga graphics that were converted. A viewer is
included in the archive.
K&R COMPLETE "C" COMPILER/DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
Download file HSC140.LZH from LIBRARY 3 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for a complete C compiler system for the Atari ST. Includes
GemFast v1.8 GEM programming library. The compiler is based on the
Sozobon compiler, but contains many modifications, bugfixes, and
extensions. The compiler features an automatic installation process. Just
unpack the archive and run INSTALL.PRG to install and configure the
compiler.
CODEHEAD ANNOUNCED RELEASE OF CALLIGRAPHER 3...
Download file C3NEWS.TXT from LIBRARY 16 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO
ATARIVEN) for the official announcement of the release of Calligrapher 3
-- the next generation of the Ultimate Writing Machine. Read this text
file for details about the new version of this powerful word processor.
Information on upgrading from earlier versions is included.
MONOCHROME .GIF VIEWER
Download file MGIF40.LZH from LIBRARY 14 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for version 4.0 of the MONOCHROME viewer for GIF files.
Includes several general improvements and faster display.
SORRY! ON YOUR ATARI ST...
Download file SORRY3.LZH from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for the computer version of the board game Sorry!
NEW VERSION OF B/STAT!
Download file BSTAT4.LZH from LIBRARY 5 of the Atari Productivity Forum
(GO ATARIPRO) for version 2.44 of B/STAT. B/STAT is a shareware
statistical analysis and business graphics program. It requires a minimum
of 1 meg of memory and a double sided drive. B/STAT can use GDOS if
installed but does not require it.
EMPLOYEE SCHEDULING PROGRAM
Atari Explorer Magazine has uploaded file ON_SCH.ARC to LIBRARY 5 of the
Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO). This program is a monochrome
employee scheduling program.
NEW IN ATARI VENDORS FORUM (GO ATARIVEN)!
ICD has just made available their latest Host Adapter software. Look for
the file NEWHST.LZH in Library 7, ICD, Inc. This file inlcudes ICDBOOT
6.0.7, ICDFMT 6.06, HDUTIL 5.03 and other utilities.
NEW IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM (GO ATARI8)
Now available! A demo of the eagerly awaited MAZE OF AGDAGON, the first
multiplayer, multi computer, 3-D maze game for the 8-bit. From the
creative minds of Chuck Steinman and Jeff Potter, you won't want to miss
this one! File AGDEMO.ARC in LIB 10 [Games]
Lynxsters unite! Message section 16 and LIB 16 (both named LYNX) are what
you're looking for. Issue #2 of The Atari Gaming Gazette is now available
for download! Pick up the latest Lynx news, views, and hot tips from the
ultimate Lynx source. Available in both ARC and LZH format: AGG_02.ARC &
AGG_02.LZH in LIB 16.
Is Crime taking a Bite out of YOU, in the form of a certain Count?? If
so, check out Tom McComb's hints for DRACULA THE UNDEAD. File DRACUL.TXT
in LIB 16. Don't forget your notebook...
NEW FILES IN PORTFOLIO FORUM (GO APORTFOLIO)
You asked for it and SYSOP*BJ Gleason finally released it...
PPPP BBBB A SSSS III CCC 55555 000
P P B B A A S I C C 5 0 00
PPPP BBBB AAAAA SSS I C 55555 0 0 0
P B B A A S I C C 5 00 0
P BBBB A A SSSS III CCC 55555 . 000
The major change is that the serial I/O is now interrupt driven.
Download the following files from LIBRARY 8 of the Atari Portfolio Forum
(GO APORTFOLIO):
PBASIC.EXE - PBASIC 5.0 Interpreter ONLY, BASIC for Portfolio.
PBASIC.ZIP - PBASIC 5.0 Complete Package, BASIC for Portfolio.
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
Not much to report this week.... it seems the old cliche fits rather
well at this time. "All Quiet on the Western Front".... In any case the
entire Atari userbase, what's left of it, is anxiously awaiting the
arrival of the Falcon030. We are hearing reports of "tons of 'em sold at
Namm" etc... but then again we heard the same hype last year and most of
that was "rumored" to be exuberant prophesies. One can only hope that the
"hundreds" of music stores (dealers) that were signed on last year can
survive the ever present Atari drought. Many have not.
Hang in there bunky, you'll get a shot at owning a Falcon. Of that
much you can be sure. When?? Well, that's another question entirely. Our
snoop sez don't expect the Falcon030 to be arriving in big numbers until
after Easter... sigh. No ripe 'easter eggs' please.
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
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STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur John Deegan
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert Scott Birch
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Clemens Chin Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
Compuserve.................... 70007,4454
Delphi........................ RMARIANO
BIX........................... RMARIANO
FIDONET....................... 112/35
FNET.......................... NODE 350
NEST.......................... 90:21/350.0
GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
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STR'S "BELIEVE IT? OR.. WHAT?"
<>###############################<>
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"My new office, which has a better view than my old one, is so far
quite satisfactory. And Richard Miller is in my old office. The
Forbes article was a mish-mash and misconstrued article full of half
truths. We are anxiously awaiting the release of the Atari Falcon to
bring us back to the forefront. The article has given us some laughs,
but otherwise has not affected us."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"As I said before, all marketing announcements will be made at
Duesseldorf. I will not comment on future models of the Falcon.
WE ARE TALKING TODAY ABOUT A MACHINE.....
WHICH WILL BE SHIPPING NEXT WEEK."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"I've just returned from Asia, where I saw the first Atari Falcon
production coming off the lines. Let's hope this new offering will
make it in North America. I know that the specs are great."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"We have not yet even given the machine to the FCC. And we are only
applying for Class B approval. According to our "experts", it should
pass Class B."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"...... We are not working for Wall Street but to
make money for our shareholders and only think long term."
Sam Tramiel, 11/92
psssst.
FYI.... The Shareholder's equity is fine.... NOT!
The Stock is hovering around $1.12
CHRISTMAS '92 has COME and GONE...
FALCONS ....anyone?
By the Way.... Does the Falcon work well
with
any... of the SLM Laser Printers?? NOPE! NOT YET!
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> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #03
By: John Deegan
JOINT CHIP VENTURE - Hewlett-Packard Co. and Advanced Micro Devices
announced they are joining forces to develope technology to build
cutting-edge computer chips. The companies plan to develop the tech-
nology necessary to manufacture chips containing 5-10 million transis-
tors. The chip would be the densest arrangement of circuitry ever used
in mass production of microprocessors.
IBM FORMS FIREWORKS PARTNERS - IBM announced the formation of a unit
to develope multimedia applications for business and consumers. The
unit, called Fireworks Partners, will be part of the IBM Personal
Systems division, which includes personal computers and computer work-
stations.
CANON DEVELOPING 24-INCH LCD - Canon Inc. has made a 24-inch mono-
chrome liquid crystal display and a 21-inch color version. The Japan
firm says the units are the largest LCDs developed so far. Reports are
that Canon plans to launch the 21-inch version on the domestic market
this year for use in PCs, workstations and desktop publishing systems.
PACKARD BELL OFFERS '486 SYSTEMS - Using the company's new Power Pack
system to accelerate operating speed in graphical interfaces like Micro-
soft Windows, Packard Bell has interduced a new line of 486-based compu-
ters featuring enhanced graphics-handling capability.
The Power Pack incorporates a video accelerator into the graphics
controller chip, adding the system has 512K of video memory, which can
be expanded to 1MB.
IBM POSTS $4.96 BILLION LOSS IN 1992 - IBM has reported $4.96 billion
loss for the fiscal year just ended. In the 4th quarter alone, the com-
pany had a $5.46 billion loss, including a $7.2 billion pre-tax restruc-
turing charge.
Revenues for the year dropped slightly to $64.52 billion, compared
with $64.77 billion a year ago. However, for the fourth quarter,
revenues fell to $19.56 billion from $21.97 billion.
FUJITSU TO DEVELOP COLOR LCDs FOR PORTABLE COMPUTERS - Although years
behind its major competition, Fujitsu Ltd. has begun making color LCDs
for portable computers. Fujitsu sees major changes in the market, in-
cluding a rapid expansion for small computers and demand for multimedia-
related products.
TOSHIBA SAMPLES 340MB HARD DISK - Starting next month, Toshiba Corp.
plans to sell samples of a 2.5-inch 350MB hard disk drive. Toshiba feels
that worldwide demand for 2.5-inch disks will be 50% higher in 1993 than
in 1992.
NEW IBM PS/1 UNITS UNVEILED - IBM Personal Computer Co. has expanded
its Personal System/1 PC line with three new models. The new desktop
systems are called the Model 78, and there is a new model for each of
IBM's three lines of PS/1 computers.
The PS/1 Essential line is aimed at the small business market; the PS/1
Expert line is for the more advanced user who may aleady own a PC; and
the PS/1 Consultant line, is for those who do business or school work at
home.
The units are powered by a 486DX-33MH microprocessor and come standard
with 8MB of RAM and a 211MB hard drive.
_______________________________________________________________
> CIS Atari Fora News STR InfoFile More power in message systems
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
DISTRIBUTION LIST FEATURE ENHANCED
----------------------------------
CompuServe Mail added a new feature that automatically lists all
recipients of a message.
The new version of ASCII CompuServe Mail specifies all receivers as
primary (To) recipients. Users can keep the list private by
selecting "6 SET options" and then "6 Show Recipients" to toggle the
option to read "6 Show Recipients [NO]". When members receive a
message with ASCII CompuServe mail, they see the recipient list
appended to the end of the message. Distribution lists will also
appear on faxes, telex messages, postal letters. Beginning January
11, the Distribution list will include the To or Cc designations as
well.
CompuServe Mail now offers additional options for handling recipient
lists. Depending on what program is used to access Mail, senders can
specify that recipients are either Primary, Courtesy Copy, or Blind
Copy (To, Cc, or Bc). The list of To and Cc recipients is
automatically made available to readers of the message, while the Bc
recipients are never disclosed. Users also have the option of
keeping the entire recipient list private so that none of the readers
are shown who else received the message.
When members send a Mail message using the newest versions of the
CompuServe Information Manager, each recipient is entered as a To,
Cc, or Bc. Since the recipient list is available to readers of the
message, CIM displays it in a dialog box. CIM will also help readers
address a Reply To All just by clicking on a single button. WinCIM
and MacCIM users can keep the recipient list private by unchecking
the Show Recipients box on the Recipient List screen. DosCIM users
do so by unchecking the Show List box on the CC:List screen. To
utilize these features, GO CIMSOFT and obtain the latest version
DosCIM, MacCIM, or WinCIM.
Also beginning on January 11, when messages are sent with Show
Recipients [YES] to other mail systems such as MHS, Internet,
SprintMail, AT&T Mail 400 or Western Union 400 (Easylink) the
recipient list is transferred intact. Therefore, the specification
of To, Cc, or Bc will be sent to the interconnected mail system as a
header item SEPARATE from the message itself, and the distribution
list will NOT be appended to the body of the message. The receiving
mail system will then determine if the recipient list is displayed to
the reader and its format.
If messages are sent with Show Recipients [NO] to these other
systems, the recipient list is kept private. In messages to X.400
gateways, MHS and Internet, the list is hidden by converting all
recipients to Bc before transferring them across the gateway.
NEW NOTIFICATIONS FOR MESSAGES
Members sending messages from the new Windows CompuServe Information
Manager (WinCIM) have the ability to send messages with an expiration
date, a notation of priority, and a notation of sensitivity. These
capabilities will affect how messages are displayed to ASCII users of
CompuServe Mail.
Messages from CIM may be denoted as * Important * or * Private *.
These designations reflect the sender's assessment of the importance
or sensitivity of the message and DO NOT affect how CompuServe Mail
handles delivery of the message.
Messages may also display an expiration date. An expiration date
will appear if:
- the message was sent (from CIM) with an expiration date
- the message is SAVEd after reading
ASCII messages are stored in your mailbox for up to 90 days after
they have been read. Binary messages are stored for up to 30 days
after they have been saved. In the past, the expiration date of a
message has not been visible to the reader. You can now make the
expiration date appear, as explained above, by choosing to SAVE the
message after reading it. The next time you access mail, the message
will with an expiration date. For example:
1 Joe Smith/Test message
* Expire:(+90) *
In order to save the message for another 90 days, you must choose to
go in and SAVE the message again.
Remember: Type HELP at most any menu in CompuServe Mail for a
complete list of valid commands. Also, typing HELP "command" will
display even more detailed information about a specific command.
_____________________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Well folks, what can I say? Do you remember last week's column? In it
Ralph stated that I suffered a system crash just as I was finishing the
column. That's exactly what happened. I would have been fine if I had
saved the darned thing periodically, but I didn't. Well, thanks to Ralph
for standing in for me last week. I'll try to make sure that I don't have
the same problem this time around (he says as he saves this paragraph to
disk).
Okay, I guess that you've had enough of this. After all you don't read
this column to hear my problems, do you? Well, in the words of that famous
mouse.... On with the show! haha
From The Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
One of the saddest stories in the Atari world right now is the "Double
Click Affair". Double Click is no more. Don't get the impression that
this is the end of the world for the ex-doubleclickers... these guys are
good! I'm sure that they will land on their own feet. The sad part is
that we, the users, will be without yet another top-notch developing
outfit. It has been said that a large portion of the programs put out by
Double Click will be released into the public domain. While this is good
news, it is still troubling to think that there will be no more new
programs with the DOuble Click label.
Mike Stockton posts:
"...I may now be able to get a complete version of Shadow. Because of
[The] Storm Double Click wouldn't sell me Shadow."
To which Dom Alvear replies:
"Actually, I don't think they can sell you Shadow because Antic still
has the rights to it. You might be able to get it from a vendor, but
that is about it. I also don't think that DC can put Shadow in the
public domain since they don't own the distributing rights to the
program.
It's too bad about Double Click. I was hoping that somebody might
pick up their remaining programs and update them, specifically the DC
utilities and DC Shower come to mind."
Mike tells Dom:
"DC were quite willing to sell me Shadow.They changed their minds
because of Storm and told me so.The problem I have is that the copy of
Shadow was obtained from a U.K.Public Domain library. DC told me that
they hadn't released it any part of Shadow into P.D.This P.D.version
has no instructions and is probably incomplete. I gave D.C.the address
of the p.d.library and they agreed to sell me a complete copy of the
program.Do you know if Antic have a U.K. distributor?"
While on the subject of Double Click, John Amsler asks:
"Is DC Showit (the version that runs on MegaSTes) still available by
any means? I used to run the public domain version on my old 1040ST."
Dom tells John:
"You could try any of the mail-order companies. Maybe, Toad or D&P
computers. They usually have good selections. Tell 'em Dom Alvear
sent ya. :-)
P.S. Here are their numbers:
Toad Computers: (800) 448-TOAD
D&P Computers: (800) 535-4290"
Meanwhile, back in the music studio, Charles Kivio tells us:
"Although I've been using my Atari for several years, only with one
program (CLab Notator) I have never learned how the machine really
works (operating system)
Last night one of my friends called me and asked some questions that I
couldn't answer for sure and that lead me into asking some questions
in this forum.
He said that he was going to buy an Atari Mega ST with 2 MB RAM but
the computer is an English one and wonder if he could use scandinavian
characters, for instance in a word processor. This guy also write in
slavic languages and want to use those specific characters too.
In my Atari manual there is a mention about 'language disk' that you
start the computer with. My question is how the Atari starts, what
happens and so forth. How can one use different character-sets and so
on...?"
Fellow Atari computer user and all-around well informed guy Boris Molodyi
tells Charles:
"While I'm not sure if English Atari would allow easy use of
Scandinavian letters (I hope somebody with experience with European
models will add something here), given proper software, you can use
almost any language.
I'm doing some Russian DTP and translating, and I quite successfully
use graphic word processors for slavic alphabets."
Tim Rule jumps in and tells us:
"The word processor you want is PROTEXT which allows you to use a
multitude of different languages."
Well, speaking of music (hey, it's a good lead-in 'cuz we were talking
about notator and such), one of the nice selling points of that new Kodak
Photo CD is the fact that you can play, aside from the photo-CDs that it's
intended for, regular music CDs. This means that you don't need two CD
players in the house... Well, it could be worse... you could have a CD-ROM
drive for your ST. That would have brought the total up to three
machines, right? Well now you can play music CDs through your CD-ROM
drive. Sysop Keith Joins posts the following:
"[70007,3615] Lib: 4
CD_AUD.LZH/Bin Bytes: 20992, Count: 1, 19-Jan-93
Title : CD Audio player version 1.2 (for CD-ROM drives)
Keywords: CD-ROM CD AUDIO PLAYER SHAREWARE ATARI ST TT
CD Audio player for CD-ROM drives. Includes documentation and is
shareware. This current version is 1.2 and works on both STs and
TTs. It should work with both asci and scsi ports. CD-ROM drive
required."
Next up is one of my favorite subjects: Null modems. If you are reading
STReport, chances are that you got it from a BBS or on-line service so you
probably already know what a modem is. For those who don't know what a
_NULL_ modem is, it's a cable that makes both computers that it's
connected to think that they are attached to a modem. Null modems have 2
major advantages: They are inexpensive, and they are capable of great
speeds (I use a null modem cable to transfer text between my Portfolio and
STe at 9600 baud and have used them successfully on other machines at
19,200 baud).
Dom Alvear tells us:
"I purchased these null modem cables from a company and it turns out
they sent me regular cables! Argh! I don't want to send back the
cables since it would be cheaper for me just to buy new ones or fix
the ones I have. Since these cables have snap-together hoods, it
would be a simple matter of switching around the correct wires. These
cables are 9-pin to 25-pin serial cables, so it should be a matter of
swapping just a few lines, right? Since the 25-pin side has more room
to play with please tell me which wires to desolder and switch."
But what must you do to construct a strange and wondrous device like this?
Dick Paddock tells Dom:
"All you need do to convert to a null modem is to swap pins 2 and 3.
They should be labeled somewhere, usually on the face of the female
connector.
Dom replies:
"That's it? Nothing else? I'll do that this weekend."
From The Atari ST Arts Forum
============================
I went to my User Group's monthly meeting and,as always, the subject of
games came up (hey, we're all just kids at heart, aren't we?) and just
about everyone had an opinion as to what the best game was. By the
following post I can tell that people really are the same everywhere.
Scott Hazdra asks:
"What do you all feel are the 10 best games for the Atari? I am wallowing
in a sea of no new good programs and I might be missing some old ones
which are
good."
John Damiano of Transierra tells Scott:
"I like Pacific Islands...Zenon II..Falcon.......Oids ......Stunt
Track Racer....Varoom......All the Sierra stuff is
good....Tetris...David Becker's stuff is great.....Flight of the
Intruder"
Hmmm... those all sound like winners to me. John did, however, leave out
my favorite... LEMMINGS!
While we're on the subject of games,John Amsler tells us:
"I did my testing tonight, finally.
The following games DO NOT run on a MegaSTe under TOS 2.06:
Sky Chase (Damn! This was a great one on the old ST.)
Flight of the Intruder (Double damn!)
Falcon (Ditto; see Flight of the Intruder <g>)
StarGlider
Chess Player 2150
DungeonMaster
Spitfire 40
The following games DO run on the above configuration:
Battle of Britain (installable on a HD!!)
BattleHawks 1942 (HD)
F-15 Strike Eagle
F-15 Strike Eagle II
StarGlider 2
Carrier Command
F-19 Stealth Fighter
Star Raiders (HD)
Silent Service
Dive Bomber
Jet
Universal Military Simulator (HD)
Nations At War: Universal Military Simulator II (HD)
Gunship
Colossus Chess X
Aces of the Great War (Blue Max) (HD)
Knights of the Sky (HD)"
Bob Ledbetter tells John:
"Thanx a BIG BUNCH for testing out those prgs on your MSTe. I hadn't
expected that much info! WOW! Bravo!"
John replies to Bob:
"Happy to be of service to the Atari community! As time goes on, the
list, er, liST, should expand to include PD and SW games.
I think I'm going to scout around and see if I can buy the disk
version of TOS 1.0 -- then ALL games will run on a MegaSTe!
(Oh, yeah, get a load of this: the FOTI box said, "Not compatible
with TOS 2.2." What the heck is TOS 2.2???!!!)"
It's an old story folks. You buy a computer to do one thing, and before
you know it, you can't live without it. Jeff Heft posts:
"My brother is a new computer user and bought his 1040 to use
specifically with sequencing software for his midi studio. Now that he
has tunes to send around to publishers he would like to dress up the
cassette packages with graphics and text. Finances being limited, he
is looking for an all-in-one package that will allow him to both
create simple drawings/graphics of specific sizes as well as type,
edit, and arrange text on specific sheet sizes. Failing an all-in-one
pkg he would like a word processor that can import images easily from
Cyberpaint ver 2. He is currently using an old version of Wordwriter
that does not allow graphics import. His setup is basic: a 1040
(bought in the last year so I'm not sure what version that is);
monochrome monitor; Panasonic 1123 24p dot matrix printer. Any
suggestions would be greatly appreciated."
Our own Dana Jacobson tells Jeff:
"It would really depend on what your brother wants to spend. Most DTP
packages will sell at $150-200 new (Pagestream, etc.) You may be able
to find Timeworks Desktop PublisherST (old) or the updated one from
GST. Calamus is good (mono only). Calligrapher is a word processor,
but allows you to import graphics. Personally, I use Pagestream _and_
Calligrapher. I do have the Timeworks package, and use it still on
rare occasions."
Jeff replies:
"...$200 is fine for the right program. When you mention that Calamus
is mono only do you mean monochrome monitor only and the others
(Pagestream & Calligrapher) support color monitors as well? You say
you use both the wp and the dtp pgms. What strengths/weaknesses of the
various prgs cause you to switch from one to the other? Does
Calligrapher accept the PI1 & PC1 formats of Cyberpaint V2?"
Dana tells Jeff:
"Yes, Calamus will only run on a monochrome monitor, only (actually,
the ideal resolution for DTP). But, you can use Timeworks,
Pagestream, and Calligrapher on either monochrome or color monitors.
I usually use a word processor to create my text files prior to
importing them to a DTP program because it's faster. Typing in a text
file with a DTP program is usually very slow; DTP programs are not
word processor programs although you _can_ type in text (or edit
imported text). I just find it much easier to use a word processor
first, then import the text.
As to art created from CyberPaint, yes, you can use Degas pictures for
most DTP packages. For Calligrapher, it primarily uses .IMG formats,
but it can import Degas and NeoChrome pix and convert them to .IMG for
you then import the resulting .IMG pic to Calligrapher."
From The Atari Vendors Forum
============================
What rights do you have as the purchaser of "second hand" software? I
guess that a lot depends on the the developer/distributer. Eric Hall
tells
us:
"I've just purchased PageStream from a formerly loyal Atari owner
who's gone over to the '486 camp. This is a fully registered copy of
version 2.1 with an upgrade to 2.2. I have all the original disks
and manuals, as well as a photocopy of the registration form. Is it
possible to change the registration to me and if so what is required
from me and/or the original owner to make this official? Also, is 2.2
the latest version?"
Michael from Soft-Logic tells Eric:
"Yes, it's easy to transfer your registration. You can get all the
details from our sales line. 1-800-829-8608. If you're outside the US
or Canada, call 314-894-8608. The latest Atari version is 2.2b, but
it says 2.2 at the top of the screen. You can ask your friend which
version he has. Unfortunately, we forgot to mark it with a b. I'm not
sure how many bytes either version is, but there is a kind of a test
you can do if you want to find out right now. Open up the font manager
(Save/Set Paths command, then the Manager button), hold down the Shift
key and click on Remove. If it doesn't crash, you have 2.2b. (That's
what we fixed in the 'b' version. ;-)"
Richard Gordon asks Mark at Gadgets by Small:
"Dave Small always provided the best service in the industry. What's
happened! No newsletters. No upgrades to software. And no Dave in
evidence. It's OK if you can't do system 7.0 on the ST and it's OK if
you can't provide MegaTalk on the old ST's, but don't lead us on. I
just bought a Powerbook 100 and I never realized how slow the 1040ST
and Spectre is. I always thought the hype has always been that's it's
faster than many of the Mac's. I know the Powerbook is faster than the
Classic/Plus, but I think the Classic is faster than the ST and a GCR.
Anyway how bought keeping us users a little better informed. I would
like to use system 7.0 on the Atari, but I would at least like a
little better compatibility with the newer programs."
Mark tells Richard:
"I will relay your comments on to Dave the next time I speak with him.
Rest assured, I >know< that Dave >is< working on Spectre 3.1. Why it
is taking so long??...I don't know. I will post any news when I get
it."
Adam Poole asks another "Gadgets" question:
"What do you have to do to connect an HPdeskjet to an Atari running
the Gadgets By Small Inc Mac emulator? Does it have to be a serial
HpDj that will only connect to Macs or is there an option to have one
Deskjet and to be able to run it from either the Mac emulator for from
the Atari and/or PC?"
Mark at Gadgets tells Adam:
"Just as with a "real" Mac, all you need is the proper printer driver.
Fortunately, in the Mac world, only one printer driver is needed for
each type of printer. This means that you will be able to print from
all your Mac applications once you acquire the proper printer driver.
My personal recommendation is PowerPrint from GDT Softworks. There
are others on the market such as MacPrint."
Well the news is out: The CodeHeads are almost ready to begin shipping
Calligrapher3 (the Ultimate Writing Tool). Doug Anderson asks:
"I own the Gold version of Callig2 but I'm sorry to say that it's been
gathering dust on the shelf because you can't change the screen
magnification. i do a lot of work at 6, 8, and 9 point and although
you can type it and print it, you can't read it on the screen which
makes editing rather difficult. Has this been corrected in version
3?"
Charles F. Johnson tells Doug Anderson:
"Calligrapher 3 still has no options for changing screen
magnification. Believe it or not, yours is the first request we've
had for such a feature; we'll communicate it to the developer in the
UK. (If you do that much work with really small type, you may be
better off with a DTP program than with a word processor.)"
John Damiano from Transierra asks another good question about the new
version of my favorite word processor:
"Does the new version include everything (Disk 5 and the Supp disk)
when you upgrade? I'm confused. It said it doesn't use GDOS but then
its sounds as if it does."
Charles replies:
"Yes, when you upgrade to Calligrapher 3, you receive all five main
disks and the supplementary disk....
The new version of Calligrapher does _not_ require GDOS any more...
the tasks which were formerly handled by the external G+Plus and
Line_Arc programs are now built into Calligrapher itself."
From The Atari Portfolio Forum
==============================
Mike Salmony, after being told about Atari's File Manager program, which
gives you a simple menu system for running and manipulating files, posts:
"Thanks for the hint about FM.COM ! I downloaded it and it is exactly
what I'm looking for. However I didn't see any documentation on it and
couldn't quite work out all its functions (e.g. what does ESC-Off do)
and I also had some problems (e.g. can't read a worksheet, how do I
start my comms program on a file to upload it, etc.). Also I managed
to corrupt my C: disk while using it ! Have you any more information
on how to use FM.COM since it really is close to perfection ?"
Sysop BJ Gleason tells Mike:
"The easiest way to find things out is to experiment with it.
ESC-Off turns the machine off. When you want to read a spreadsheet,
put the cursor on the .WKS file and press return."
Dom Alvear asks:
"Is there an easy way to tell if I need UPDATE.COM? And if I already
have v1.072 will UPDATE.COM just gracefully exit? I just did a "VER"
from FM and I got "DIP OS 2.11 v1.072" so does this mean I don't need
to run the update program?"
Sysop Ron Luks tells Dom:
"Even with ver 1.072 you need to run UPDATE.COM. Ity will only patch
those bugs necessary. Running UPDATE.COM cannot hurt the unit so if
in doubt, run it."
Don Thomas, Atari's Director of Marketing and Portfolio Guru, tells Dom:
"UPDATE.COM should be run from the AUTOEXEC.BAT files of all versions
of the Portfolio. This would likely be a permanent suggestion. With
any one given version of a ROM-based operating system, there will be
enhancements discovered after release. These enhancements cannot be
made on OS/ROM-based machines without using a small "TSR" "fix".
Well, folks, it's that time again. Time to wrap this all up. I've
just saved this file for about the 25th time so, of course, my system
hasn't even thought of crashing on me tonight. Better safe than sorry I
guess. Right?
Before I go I'd just like to put in a shameless plug for the ACT
(Affiliated ConnecticuT user groups) Swap Meet to be held on February 6th
in Stamford Connecticut. If you happen to be in the area (Anywhere
between Maine and Maryland) come on over and say hello to some good buys.
Stop by the C.C.C.C. table and ask for me and say hello.
Until next time, listen closely to what they are saying when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once
or twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET>
again. Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll
officially be a member of DELPHI!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (1/20/93)
STR903
PREMIUM MAH JONGG
AEO_0202.LZH
STZIP 2.1
NASTASSIA KINSKI IN PCS
NASTASSIA KINSKI
ZMODEMFX.LZH
TOS 2.06 W/O A TEC
GNU COMPILERS INFO
COLD REVENGE
All of the above files can be found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database for at
least one week after the posting of this list. Please Note that in the
case of online magazines, only the most current issue in the database at
the time of this compilation is considered for the Top 10 list. Also, for
all files, a submission is eligible for the Top 10 list for only four
weeks after its original uploading.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> NVN WANTS YOU! STR InfoFile Another Network Supports Atari!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
National Videotext Network (NVN) has recently added an Atari ST Forum
to it's growing lists of available services. The Atari ST Forum is going
through its final "construction" phases and will be available to NVN
members by mid-December 1992. U.S. Videotel, founded in 1986, is an
electronic information and interactive services provider. The U.S.
Videotel Network launched in March of 1989, and provided electronic
information services to the Texas market.
"The nationwide launch of the National Videotex Network, which
provides on-line data and information exchange services began on May
1, 1992." The future of NVN will be one which continues to remain
sensitive and responsive to market needs. Additional services and advances
in electronic information will continue to be added, to provide unique and
interesting services on an on-going basis.
NVN service offerings can be broken into three categories: Basic,
Premium, and Premium Plus.
Basic Services
--------------
Most of the Basic services are available 24 hours a day with no
connect time charges beyond the basic membership fee. However, a select
group have functions for which transaction fees are charged. Basic
services are accessible through a flat rate charge of $5.95 per month.
Premium Services
----------------
For Premium services, Members pay connect charges for the amount of
time spent in a particular service. Premium services are accessible Monday
through Friday for a connect time charge of $9.00/hour from 8 am to 6 pm,
and $6.00/hour from 6 pm to 8 am; and on Saturday and Sunday for a connect
time charge of $6.00 all day (6 pm Friday til 8 am Monday), central time
zone.
Premium Plus Services
---------------------
Premium Plus services are subject to the same type of connect time
charge as Premium services. However, a surcharge is also added to the
connect time for these services.
You can join NVN one of two ways. By voice phone 1-800-336-9096
(Client Services) or via modem phone 1-800-336-9092. You will be issued
an Account # (usually within 24 hours) and will be allowed to access
National Videotex Network.
_____________________________________________________________
> NAMM COMMENTS STR SHOW NEWS A few Comments about NAMM'93
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
CTSY GEnie's ST RT
Category 14, Topic 41
Message 87 Sun Jan 17, 1993
MUSE [Tomas] at 06:04 EST
Curt,
I just got home from the NAMM show. The Atari room had plenty of
Falcons running, lots of music and pretty steady activity most of the day.
D2D (Direct to Disk), Barefoot Software and others were showing stuff on
the big (four foot?) monitor at the stage end. John Eidsvoog and some
neophyte were demoing MIDI Spy and Calligrapher 3.
I was trying to get Bill Rehbock (gee, that spelling doesn't look
right.) to show me Speedo-GDOS and/or Atari Works and he disappeared to
get the disks, but then he got real busy.
Mostly NAMM is pianos and guitars and people. This is a really large
show. I noticed a Falcon030 on display at the Motorola booth. Other than
that I didn't see any Atari's outside of the Atari room. Well... I saw an
Atari _monitor_ at Dr. T's, but the ST/TT/Falcon was not in sight.
(Rumors that a guy wearing a CodeHead T-shirt was seen carting off a
Falcon could not be verified. <grin>)
The Steinberg people were right across from us and the stuff they were
playing sounded great! On the stage they were playing digital recordings
from the Falcon while a video played on the monitor. The Falcon was
scrolling text across the video and processing the effects for the live
guitar player and syncing the whole thing with SMPTE from the video. I
have to think there's a future for the Falcon, and I say that because I
didn't want to get my hopes up too much. For the Falcon to be successful
it has to find its niche. By Golly, those musicians at the NAMM show were
pretty impressed. Guitars players were looking at the direct-to-disk
recording capability and thinking, at last! You give these guys this kind
of musical power at these kinds of prices and they'll go nuts. The music
people see and use computers in a unique way. I would suspect that most
of them don't use or own a modem (hard to believe, I know). I've spoken
to some musicians who have used STs for years and never needed a text
editor! There is also the type of consumer that likes gadgets and toys,
video, audio and the like. He likes to put scrolling titles on videos of
the recent vacation, maybe even a little music and narration. Maybe he'd
like a photo CD setup. These people will buy if they hear about the
Falcon. When I say "hear about it," I'm not just talking about
advertising, but also word-of-mouth and identification with a certain
niche in the market, like the Amiga has with video, the Mac with DTP and
the IBM with cash registers <grin, wink).
Anyway, I had fun at the NAMM show.
===Tomas===
January 17, 1993 @ 1:48:24 am PST
------------
Category 11, Topic 9
Message 1 Mon Jan 18, 1993
T.MYNAR at 00:22 EST
Well, it finally started raining in California. It held off long enough
for everyone to move their stuff in on Thursday. Then it poured buckets
full on Friday. I didn't notice any leaks in the ceiling, but I could
just imagine what the damage would have cost if it had happened.
I am a user group volunteer working in the Atari booth to assist, direct,
point out "there's Gary Tramiel over there, go ask him", etc. We are
also responsible for assembling and disassembling the system setups. We
had approximately 16 Falcons, 4 TT's, 4 Mega Ste's and 2 1040Ste's
available. We experienced trouble with 1 Ste and about 6 Falcons. I
believe these units are from the Comdex show, with a few of them which are
actually brand-new. Atari has switched manufactures before making the
production runs. We have not identified which source the bad units came
from. But judging from my experience when the TT's first came out, these
seem to be much more reliable. Most of the problems have been traced to
the hard drives (why didn't they just put 2 SCSI controllers in these
things like the TT). I don't know if the problem is the IDE drives, the
power supply or the IDE controller circuitry. We also found that several
developers blamed the machine for failing, when it ended up being their
software (we went through 3 machines before they finally said, "Oh, we're
sorry...").
The discussion around the configurations were 1 mb, no HD; 4 mb, 65mb HD
and 14mb. The prices we were quoting were those from the Atari Explorer
magazine ($799, $1299 and $?1799?, respectively).
Most marketing complains came from Canada. It appears the trade agreement
between the US and our close friends has created some conflicts. This
information was not taken very lightly, as several "Employees" discussed
alternate supply routes and distributed many Dealer Promotion Kits (with
phone numbers and such).
It's a long show and substantially busier than Atarifest. Atari rented a
room off to the side. I believe this provided a much quieter environment
then other times. It appears that the Atari developers were much more
willing to cooriperate (sp?) with each other. Wheres, on the general
floor you cannot get away from one booth playing their guitar amplifiers
louder than the next. I don't know how many people attended this year, but
they were even using the Disneyland parking lot.
------------
Category 11, Topic 9
Message 14 Wed Jan 20, 1993
MUSE [Tomas] at 01:31 EST
One thing I thought might be of interest is a program from chro_MAGIC
Software (417-623-7393). These folks had a booth right next to the
CodeHead booth. They were demoing "Pianistics" a tool designed to help
piano players learn chords and scales in all keys. It also gives insight
into the concepts of improvisation and chord substitution.
The thing that caught my interest was the fact that they were working on
another program that would be similar to the Miracle Keyboard available on
other platforms. It would work with any MIDI keyboard. I believe they
are calling it "Pianistics Professor."
Also available from them: Pianistics Encyclopedia and Guitaristics.
===Tomas===
January 19, 1993 @ 9:33:28 pm PST
CTSY CIS Atari Fora
#: 36392 S5/Music/MIDI
21-Jan-93 20:26:16
Sb: #J. Grunke post-NAMM talk
Fm: Sysop*Brad Hill 75720,540
To: ALL
ALL,
This will summarize my conversation of 1/21 with James Grunke, the
head of MIDI development (I can never remember his exact title) at Atari.
We talked first about the NAMM show last weekend, and then more generally
about the Falcon's approach to the music market.
As might be expected, James was incredibly, effusively positive about
Atari's NAMM experience. As I mentioned in last week's summar of my talk
with Bill Rehbock, Atari had a separate room this year, featuring a main
stage and over a dozen Falcon workstations. James said that in his years
of NAMM experience, he has never seen anything remotely like the receptive
excitement that the Falcon generated last weekend. He reports that
dealers were "standing in line" to enter their purchase orders. The word
"incredible" was rolling easily off his lips. A press conference on the
first day saw the attendance of about 50 press reps, including
writers/editors from Keyboard, EM, Pro Sound News and others.
The Atari room scheduled 5 demos each day, featuring presentations by
D2D with their augmentations of the Falcon hard disk recording capability;
Oktal with their Multitude sequencer -- which, btw, I know nothing
about... anybody here used/seen it?; Steinber-Jones with Cubase. Reps
from Motorola, Yamaha and C-Lab (now E-Magic) participated. Come to think
of it, a good follow-up question would be what Yamaha's involvement is.
Suffice to say, James was very pleased with the NAMM experience.
It'll be interesting, in a couple of months, to see what the perspective
of the music magazines is, how much space they give the Falcon in their
overviews, and how much excitement is really being generated.
Moving on from NAMM, our conversation took a turn toward the vague
side, and James became a bit more elusive. My two primary concerns were:
1) What is Atari's marketing thrust going to be with the Falcon with
respect to the music community, and how will it be balanced between the
pro and reacreational worlds;
2) What will be done to rebuild relations with the development
community, and what music software might we see during the next year?
James made strong mentions of the EQ Magazine blue ribbon award after
the AES show (which was presented during NAMM), and the current (February
issue, not on newstands as of this writing) Byte magazine piece on the
Falcon, both of which have been mentioned here on the board. I was
surprised and disappointed by his emphasis on these two bits of publicity,
because they really do seem like "bits" to me (well, OK, maybe "bytes"),
small indicators of what I hope to see much more of. When I asked him
about marketing/advertising plans, he fell back on these two items as
indicative of the excitement being aroused in the cmputer industry, and
didn't have much else to say about what we might expect.
Generally, he represented Atari as being much more interested in the
recreational consumer than the pro musician/studio world. He allowed as
how the pro music niche is much too small to pursue in a big way.
Understandable, and if Atari can sell bunches of Falcons, I don't really
care at first who they sell them to. What made me more nervous, though,
was his statement that they would rely on third-party people to _develop_
markets for the machine.
I expressed the opinion that developers might be shy about their
involvement until they saw markets in place or growing -- the old catch-22
which I feel can only be broken by unprecedented boldness in Atari's
marketing -- but voicing that feeling brought us right back to the Byte
article.
Not much more to report. James's attitude was patient but defensive.
Follow-up questions are welcome here. (By me, I mean; can't speak for
him!)
-- Brad
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
GEnie costs only $4.95 a month for unlimited evening and
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electronic mail, online encyclopedia, shopping, news,
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MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month
of membership if you are not completely satisfied, just
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1. GEnie Voyager coupon program has ended........................
2. Multimedia terminal for the adult space fantasy...............FED
3. Learn all about Unix and the Internet - new conferences in....UNIX
4. Bill Gates & Michael Jordan biographers this weekend in.......WRITERS
5. JUNK FOOD APPRECIATION DAY - Take a DingDong to...............CHAT
6. Join KEVIN NEARY, Author of the ULTIMATE DISNEY TRIVIA book...FLORIDA
7. NEW PLAYER'S NIGHT, Tuesday, Jan 26th, in.....................GEMSTONE
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9. Read this - or miss the HOT ACTION in.........................SOFTCLUB
10. $47.97: TaxCut, TurboTax, MacinTax -- DOS & WINDOWS at........EXPRESS
11. Dallas...Buffalo...guess who will win the....................SUPERBOWL
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*** ** ***
The Official Online Resource of Atari Corporation *** ** ***
This month's Darlah's Treat [p 475;9] is a complete working Mono demo of
Calligrapher 3, the next generation of the ultimate writing machine from
CodeHead Technologies and Working Title. Calligrapher 3 no longer requires
the installation of GDOS or G+Plus. The Demo includes a thorough
walk-through of all features plus a listing of new features and upgrade
procedure. This Treat runs in Monochrome. To run this treat in COLOR
check out Treat II Product support is available in the Atari Bulletin
Board, Category 32, Topic 32.
Last Week's Top Downloaded Programs/Utilities:
---------------------------------------------------
27279 UPS_PRGS.LZH X PMC.INC 930109 17536 143 6
Desc: UPS Zone and Rate calculations
27328 SILKMSE3.LZH X M.SLAGELL 930114 19840 94 2
Desc: SilkMouse 3: even smoother & faster
27324 AUDIO_CD.LZH X S.FARSHIDGH 930114 17280 92 2
Desc: plays audio compact discs on ST/TT
27350 SYQ_BACK.LZH X LARRY.D 930116 21376 92 2
Desc: SyQuest Incremental Backup/Restore
27348 EXPAND14.LZH X A.CULLUM1 930116 25344 77 2
Desc: Expand-o-matic shell, version 1.4
27311 MNUMAK24.LZH X GRMEYER 930112 30464 71 3
Desc: MenuMaker v2.4 for GFA BASIC
27305 ALADSH02.ARC X T.WRATHER 930111 29696 70 2
Desc: Ver 0.2 of Aladdin file searcher
27310 XB32_GFA.LZH X GRMEYER 930112 27904 67 3
Desc: GFA code for do_sound() music + more
---------------------------------------------------
Regular Open Conference every Wednesday night, 10PM EDT, 7PM PDT
DTP conference every Monday at 10PM eastern in room 3.
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> FONT COPYRIGHTS!?! STR FOCUS! Will the REAL owner please stand up?
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
US FONT COPYRIGHT LAW
=====================
CTSY GEnie's ST RT Library
from the Federal Register Volume 53, Number 189
September 29, 1988
Copyright Office
[Docket No. 86-4]
Policy Decision on Copyrightability of Digitized Typefaces
AGENCY: Copyright Office, Library Or Congress.
ACTION: Notice of policy decision.
----------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that the
Copyright Office has decided that digitized representations of typeface
designs are not registrable under the Copyright Act because they do not
constitute original works of authorship. The digitized representations of
typefaces are neither original computer programs (as defined in 17 U.S.C.
101), nor original databases, nor any other original work of authorship.
Registration will be made for original computer programs written to
control the generic digitization process, but registration will not be
made for the data that merely represents an electronic depiction of a
particular typeface or individual letterforms. If this master computer
program includes data that fixes or depicts a particular typeface,
typefont, or letterform, the registration application must disclaim
copyright in that uncopyrightable data.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 29,1988.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dorothy Schrader. General Counsel,
Copyright Office, Library of Congress,
Washington, DC 20559. Telephone (202) 287-8380.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Background
Under section 410(a) of the Copyright Act of 1976, title 17 of the
United States Code, the Register of Copyrights determines whether
the material submitted for registration "constitutes copyrightable
subject matter and that other legal and formal requirements have been
met" before issuing a certificate of registration.
To be registrable and copyrightable, a work must constitute an
"original work of authorship." 17 U.S.C. 102. Useful articles are not
protected except to the extent the articles contain artistic features
capable of existing separately and independently of the overall
utilitarian shape. Variations of typographic ornamentation [or] "mere
lettering" are not copyrightable. 37 CFR 202.1(a). In Eltra Corp. v.
Ringer, 579 F.2d 294 (4th Cir. 1978), the Fourth Circuit upheld the
Office's refusal to register a claim to copyright in typeface designunder
its then regulation, 37 CFR 202.10(c)(1978) [ now codified in
the Copyright Act in the definition of "pictorial, graphic. or
sculptural works"]. The Eltra court reasoned that "it is patent that
typeface is an industrial design In which the design cannot exist
independently and separately as a work of art.- 579 F.2d at 298.
The decision In Eltra Corp. v. Ringer clearly comports with the
intention of the Congress. Whether typeface designs should be
protected by copyright was considered and specifically rejected by
Congress in passing the Copyright Act of 1976. The 1976 House Report
states:
A "typeface" can be defined as a set of letters, numbers or
other symbolic characters, whose forms are related by repeating
design elements consistently applied in a notational system and
are intended to be embodied in articles whose intrinsic
utilitarian function is for use in composing text or other
cognizable combinations or characters. The Committee does not
regard the design or typeface, as thus defined, to be a
copyright able "pictorial, graphic, or sculptural work" within
the meaning or this bill and the application of the dividing
line in section 101. [H.R. Rep. No. 1478, 94th Cong., 2d Sess.
55 (1976)].
In rejecting copyright protection for typeface designs, the Congress
in addition deferred a decision on a more limited form of protection
under proposed ornamental design legislation. Title II of the 1976
copyright revision bill as passed by the Senate could have protected
typeface designs but the House of Representatives had doubts about
even this limited form of protection. Consequently, only copyright
revision passed. H.R. Rep. No. 1476 at 50 and 55. Design legislation
has yet to be enacted, and Congress has chosen not to include
typeface designs within the Copyright Act's definition of pictorial,
graphic or sculptural works.
The Copyright Office has received applications to register claims to
copyright in material variously termed "data," "database," "computer
program," "compilation of data," and "typefont data set" which relate
to, or represent, digitized versions of typeface designs. A Notice of
Inquiry was published in October 1986 requesting public comment
regarding the registrability of this material. ((51 FR 36410 (Oct.
10, 1986)). The Notice raised primarily four questions about the
nature and extent of any copyrightable authorship in digitized
typography, apart from the typeface design itself: whether there
exist a variety of ways to express instructions for creating the same
typeface design: are there any copyrightable elements, apart from the
unprotectible typeface design, which comprise the "original work of
authorship:" does the "information," "instructions," or "data"
comprise a computer program, compilation or database; and, finally,
if registration is permitted, what would be the appropriate form of
deposit?
The comment period was extended twice (52 FR 3146 and 52 FR 23476) to
allow full public comment. A total or 19 initial and reply comments
were received, including a videotape demonstration of the
digitization process and other exhibits.
2. Technology and the Digitizing Process
In describing the process of the digitization of typefont characters,
the Office will employ technical terms for which we adopt the
following definitions "Digital typefont" is a bitmapped digital
representation of an actual analog typeface design, stored in binary
form on magnetic or optical media, or Read-Only-Memory (ROM) mounted
on a circuit board. Sometimes, the ROM on the circuit board is
assembled into a plastic cartridge which is inserted into a laser
printer or other microprocessor-driven device. When decoded and
interpreted by the "bitmapping code" software, the digital
representation of the design will reproduce the appropriate
character. "Bitmapping" refers to the technology that allows control
of individual pixels on a display screen to produce graphic elements
of superior resolution, permitting accurate reproduction of arcs,
circles, sine waves, or other curved images. A "bitmapped character,"
whether used on a computer screen or on a dot-matrix or laser
printer, is a dotted representation of an analog letter or character
image where dots are so close together that when reduced to actual
printed or displayed size, they form an image or character without
the need to connect the dots.
To create a digitized typeface from an existing analog typeface,
analog visual representations of characters are scanned and
represented as a collection of discrete picture elements, called
pixels. Pixels can be efficiently encoded in digital form on any
convenient storage medium. The medium can be magnetic (e.g. tape,
disk or diskette), electronic (e.g., ROM cartridge), or optical
(e.g., video-disk). The encoded digitized representation is then
organized as bits of information, manipulated and changed (usually
reduced to minimize storage requirements) and placed in a format
usable with a specific program and compatible digital typesetter.
Typically, a specialized computer circuit in the printing device
reads the information from the storage media or cartridge and causes
a laser beam to draw a representation of a particular typefont
character on a cylindrical surface in direct response to the digital
data and instructions in the media or cartridge. This image is then
transferred by a process, similar to printing, to paper from which
the information is read or the printer may drive a set or wires
against an inked ribbon that places dots on the paper. The visual
representation appears once again.
There are basically three techniques applied to represent characters
digitally: Bitmapping, outlining and stroke definition. A digitized
typeface could be prepared by bitmapping alone, but it is more common
to use a combination of the three techniques to improve the quality
of the typeface.
Bitmapping is a dot-by-dot representation of each character. A
different bitmap is required for each size and style of a character,
and there are several ways to create a bitmap. The most popular ways
are by scanning black and white images, scan converting a digital
outline representation (soft scanning) using software written for
this purpose, building up an image bit-by-bit using an interactive
editor on a computer, and through a combination of scanning and
editing.
In the outline method, lines or curves define the boundaries of
typeface characters. The outlines can consist of straight line
segments only or straight line segments along with abstract
representation of the curves. The digital information, comprised of
instructions and date, is fixed by a computer operator who digitally
locates only the outlines of characters. In order to form a completed
letter on a screen display or on paper when printed out, an outline
font program instructs a computer or printer logic to fill in the
outline of the character. If a laser printer is used, the beam sweeps
from side to side or up and down within the boundaries of the letter,
filling In the bounded area with dots that will show up as solids on
the paper or screen.
In the stroked definition method, characters are represented like the
"strokes" of a pen or brush following the path of a straight or
curved line. The computer operator must define the characteristics of
the "pen" or "brush," such as what occurs at corners and stroke
endings. Ultimately, these descriptions must be converted into
bitmaps.
Finally, digitization techniques may be used to create a new
typeface-one that has no prior analog counterpart.
3. Summary of Comments
The Copyright Office received 19 initial and reply comments in
response to its Notice.
Two comments maintain that the digitized typefaces are not
copyrightable. The first argues that the only difference between the
digitized version and the unprotectible typeface itself is that the
former is "read" by a machine to create the visually perceptible
typeface. The "look-up" table in a bitmap, this comment continues, is
a one-on-one correlation which involves no creativity. The algorithms
used in the outline method likewise involve de minimis judgment and
creativity. Finally, the commentator cautions that protection of
digitized versions of typeface may inhibit the standardization of
character matrixes that facilitate the compatibility of software for
personal computers.
The second comment opposing registration declares that bitmaps are
static data, fixed representations of images at a given resolution.
This comment compares the static dot pattern representation of each
letter to the patterns cast and carved onto metal in medieval times.
In support of registration, eleven comments espouse variations of the
basic proposition that the data and instructions which comprise the
digital typefont are computer programs, copyrightable databases or
some protectible hybrid of the two. The themes which run through
their various comments are that the data and instructions are a
"work" apart from the typeface itself the "work" is "used directly or
indirectly in a computer to bring about a certain result" and
qualifies as a computer program within the meaning of section 101 of
title 17, and/or the ultimate shape of the typefont character doesnot
predetermine its digital representation and elements of human
selection and arrangement are required, constituting a protectible
database.
One comment states that the "work" is a computer program which
operates on a data stream and is configured in a particular format.
Another amplifies this position, explaining that execution of the
program calls up stored data in the form of digitized typeface
instructions and converts the instructions into printed typeface
characters.
Two comments take the position that the "rule of doubt" should be
used. The first argues that digitized databases are both databases
and programs, and, since neither can be read by the Office,
ultimately the courts should decide on their copyrightability. This
comment advocates that, in any event, the "work' is protectible as a
program, compilation or separately as a literary work. Another
comment claims protection for the edited, complied set of
instructions and data as a literary work. The second comment
espousing rule of doubt would limit the registration to the typeface
database.
Several comments state that not all typeface programs and databasesare
protectible. Purely mechanical translations from analog to
digitized typefaces, they acknowledge, are not copyrightable. For
example, they state that protection should not be extended where an
analog typefont is merely scanned into digital form with no editing
or selection of font characteristics, or where there is mere
duplication of preexisting digital typefont without further editing.
One comment recommends considering typefont a special class of
program. Another one opines that the protectible work is a digital
photograph.
Copyrightable expression attaches, another comment contends, in that
programming choices exist apart from the functional data and
algorithms utilized in the program expressing the typeface design.
One comment recommends protecting the typefont as a software/database
hybrid. The "work" in the integration of all the elements of the
software and database. The software should be protected separately
also, this comment continues, because it is a different work then the
typeface, and programs am protectible, it is argued, even if they
ultimately produce an uncopyrightable end product.
Another comment describes the choices inherent in font digitization,
and argues that, the combination of data and instructions satisfies
the Copyright Act's definition of the term "computer program." The
digital image, it maintains, can be represented in different computer
languages using different techniques. This comment also states that
no distinction is drawn at the machine language level between data
and instructions. In general purpose programming languages, the
surface separation between data and algorithms is for the ease of
human programmers. Programs are like sentences: Algorithms (verbs)
act upon data (nouns). In some languages, data and algorithms are
tightly bound in a single program. In others, the date and algorithms
are initially stored separately, though they must be conjoined in
order for the computer to successfully execute the instructions for
rendering digital type. This comment further argues that the
conversion from analog to digital is not an automatic computer
process - different printers read different computer languages and
this must be factored into the translation: the translation is a
derivative work. Another comment states that programs to generate
typeface design can be written in various languages and for many
different machines with distinct programs. Typeface programs, it is
argued, are original and creative and should be protected.
4. Policy Decision and Rationale
The proponents of copyright registration for data or other elements
related to digitized typefaces seek, as they must, to present
arguments for protection of data, or program instructions, or hybrid
works consisting of both data and instructions that are entitled to
copyright apart from the uncopyrightable typeface designs and
typefonts. Both the Congress and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
in Eltra Corp. v. Ringer decided that analog typeface designs are not
now copyright subject matter. The Copyright Office concludes that
typefaces created by a computerized-digital process are
alsouncopyrightable. Like analog typefaces, digitally created typefaces
exhibit no creative authorship apart from the utilitarian shapes that
are formed to compose letters or other font characters.
Congress has not only rejected copyright protection for typeface
designs, it has refused to enact a more limited form of protection,
the proposed "design protection law," which might be a vehicle for
typeface design protection.
In making this decision on registration for digitized versions of
typefaces, the Copyright Office has been conscious of the need for
caution to avoid a decision that would undermine the clear
congressional and judicial findings that typeface designs are not
copyright subject matter. Moreover, a typefont is not copyrightable
since it constitutes the useful article itself.
The issue then is whether the process of computer assisted
digitization of uncopyrightable typeface designs and typefonts
creates compilations of data or computer program instructions that
are copyrightable and separate from the uncopyrightable elements. We
conclude that computer programs used to control the general
digitization process and that otherwise meet the standards for
protection are registrable notwithstanding their use in generating
unprotectible typefonts, but the claim to copyright must exclude any
data that merely depicts the typeface or letterforms.
Although most comments favored protection of the data/instructions
actually depicting particular digital typefonts, our analysis of the
copyright statute and relevant judicial precedent, as well as the
arguments of the comments that opposed registration (and even the
comments of some of those supporting registration of some elements),
convinces us that any data that merely transforms an analog visual
representation of a typeface or letterform into a digital electronic
typefont or letterform is not protectible as a work of authorship.
The Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C.101 et. seq. (1976), defines the term
compilation as "a work formed by the collection and assembling of
preexisting materials or of data that are selected, coordinated, or
arranged in such a way that the resulting work as a whole constitutes
an original work of authorship." 17 U.S.C. 101. To be an original
work or authorship, a compilation must include subjective elements of
human selection and arrangement. Financial Information, Inc. v.
Moody's Investor Service, Inc., 808 F.2d 2D4. 208-08 (2d Cir. 1986),
cert. denied, 108 S.Ct. 79 (1987). Because the typefont data is
determined by the ultimate shape of the typeface character, and
requires de minimis, if any, selection and arrangement, it does not
qualify as a compilation or any other original work or authorship.
Proponents of registration argued that the data representing a
digitized typeface should be copyrightable because, after the initial
rendering of the letterform into electronic digital form, there is
selection, coordination, or arrangement of data/instructions in order
to generate an acceptable, final typeface image. One commentator drew
an analogy to "connect-the-dots" or "fill-in-the-blanks"
illustrations in children's books. The analogy is unpersuasive. A
"connect-the-dots" illustration is copyrightable only if the"connected"
illustration is a copyrightable pictorial or graphic
work. In the case of typeface "connect-the- dots," the "connected"
illustration is an uncopyrightable typeface, and the connecting
process is indistinguishable from the creation of the typeface design
itself.
Proponents also argued that the data representing a digitized
typeface is copyrightable even though the end result a typeface or
typefont is uncopyrightable. By analogy to a cookbook, they argued
that the explanation and illustration of recipes is copyrightable
even though the end result-the food product-is not. The Copyright
Office agrees, of course, that original explanations and
illustrations in cookbooks are copyrightable. But neither lists of
ingredients nor the method of preparing the food product is
copyrightable. The Copyright Office finds that digitized typeface
data is more like an uncopyrightable list of ingredients than a
copyrightable explanation or illustration of a process.
Before the advent of digitized typeface technology, arguments weremade
that, in creating new typeface designs, artists expended
thousands or hours of effort in preparing by hand the drawings of
letters and characters that ultimately would lead to the creation of
an original typeface design. After several years of consideration and
a public hearing, the Copyright Office found that this effort did not
result in a work or authorship. The Office refused to register claims
in typeface designs or in the drawings or the letters and typefont
characters because the design choices were responsive to the
functional characteristics or typefonts used in high-speed printing.
That is, no work or authorship existed separate from the utilitarian
aspects or typefonts and letterforms. That decision was upheld in
Eltra Corp. v. Ringer.
Under earlier technology, typeface designs were fixed in wood blocks,
in cold metal, or in film fonts. With computer-digital technology,
the typeface is fixed in an electronic font. The Copyright Office
finds that no work of authorship is created by the process that fixes
or depicts a particular typeface in a digital electronic form. Like
analog typeface design, the design choices or any selection of data
involved in the bitmapping, outlining, and stroke definition
techniques are limited by the objective of rendering or fixing the
uncopyrightable electronic font. This finding applies both to the
initial scanning of the letterforms and to the subsequent refining of
the typeface by "curving," "connect-the-dots," ; and other
techniques. The data created is an electronic depiction of the
typeface. In fact, there are fewer authorship choices involved in
transforming an existing analog typeface to an electronic font than
in using the digitization process to create a new typeface design.
Yet clearly the typeface design and the process of creating it are
uncopyrightable whether the process is digital or analog. The use of
the computer in this process neither diminishes nor adds to the
factors that determine copyrightability.
The Copyright Office observes that more digitization of even a pre-
existing copyrightable work does not result in a new work of
authorship. The digitized version is a copy of the pre-existing work
and would be protected as such, b tit no new work of authorship is
created. A novel may be digitized and stored in an electronic medium.
Protection depends on the status of copyright In the novel;
digitization does not add any new authorship.
Although the master computer program used to control the generic
digitization process is protectible and may be registered, if
original, this protection does not extend to the data fixing or
depicting a particular typeface or typefont or to any algorithms
created is an alternative means of fixing the data. The Office will
register a program that can be used to create digitized versions of
various typefaces but will riot register the data used to depict a
particular typeface or individual letterforms if the computer program
submitted for registration Includes data that fixes or depicts a
particular typeface, typefont, or letterform, the Office requires an
appropriate disclaimer of copyright on the application to exclude the
uncopyrightable data.
The Copyright Office in this decision has been conscious of the
interests of typeface developers and the interests of typeface users,who,
in accordance with a congressional decision not to protect
typefaces, are entitled to copy this uncopyrightable subject matter.
While copyright protection is not available for digitized versions or
typefaces, the typeface industry has other avenues of protection
through unfair competition laws, contract, and perhaps trade secrecy
and trademark protection.
On the other hand, the congressional decision not to protect typeface
designers, in addition to adhering to traditional standards of
original authorship, reflects a concern about inappropriate
protection of the vehicles for reproducing the printed word. If
copyright protection existed for the data representing a particular
typeface design, a printer who innocently used an infringing
electronic typefont to print a public domain book would presumably
infringe the copyright in the data fixed in the electronic font. The
Copyright Office is persuaded that this result would undermine the
congressional policy against protection for typeface designs.
The Office therefore concludes that, if copyright protection for the
master computer program alone is not adequate to encourage creativity
in the field of computer-assisted typeface design, any broader
protection, if appropriate, should be legislated by Congress rather
than established by administrative decision-making. Congress is the
appropriate forum for debating the concerns that infect the question
of legal protection for typeface designs or digitized representations
of typefaces. Congress con legislate limitations on the scope of
protection, including any appropriate exemptions for printers or
other secondary, "Innocent infringers."
Dated: September 13.1908.
Ralph Oman,
Register of Copyrights.
Approved by:
James Ii. Billington,
The Librarian of Congress.
[FR Doc. 88-22394 Filed 9-28-88; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1410-07-M
IN CONTINUATION.....
Popular opinions are however, another matter.....
From GEnie's ST RT..
Category 16, Topic 18
Message 57 Tue Jan 19, 1993
POTECHIN [RT~Sysop] at 09:20 EST
Once upon a time, someone uploaded the "font law" file #19963. I have
recently been asked some questions about this file and I wanted to post
it here to learn what you all had to say in response. If anyone cares to
contribute to this discussion, please do not hesitate to do so.
****
I down loaded your article on font law the other day. It was
interesting reading. I would very much like to have you clearify
what I think I read???
QUESTION 1: According to the U.S. Congress the shape and image
of a type face cannot be copyrighted.
QUESTION 2: The method by which the font is produced (PostScript
Language, Calamus Program Interpreter, Bit Stream Interpreter, etc.)
can be copyrighted.
QUESTION 3: (hypothetical) If I make a copy of the Times type face
using an Adobe compatible type designer am I violating Adobe's right
to the Times type face.
QUESTION 4: (hypothetical) If I make a copy of the Times type face
using a Calamus compatible type designer am I violating Adobe's right
to the Times type face.
QUESTION 5: (hypothetical) If I scan an image of the Times type face
from a book or other source into any type design package and create a
copy of that type face am I violating anyone's right to the Times
type face.
QUESTION 6: (hypothetical) If I sell a copy of the Times type face
created in question 5 am I violating anyone's right to the Times
type face or am I doing something that's just plain unethicle.
Thanks for your time.
****
I am NOT a lawyer and do not claim to know the right and wrong
here. However, I do have an opinion. :-) In my opinion, #1 is
wrong. #2 is correct! The mathematical formula used to produce
the formats can be copyrighted as software. #3 Yes, because Adobe
has a stipulation in their contract when you purchase it that the
font cannot be used in more than one output device. #4 Yes, for
the same reason. #5 is a yes and no. ;-) Yes, because some
typefaces have some design registrations attached to them whereas
others do not. It becomes a point of ethics when the person that
originally spent hours, days, months and years designing the
original and you choose to simply scan it in and recreate it,
where does that leave the original designer? He receives no
recompense in this regard and probably will not do it again
making us all the losers. Different countries have different
laws. If a Designer has been dead 100 years then there are other
considerations. Personally, if I use something, I pay for it.
That's the way my mother raised me. #6 Yes, in my opinion you
have no right to sell it as you are violating someones rights
and I believe it is unethical.
I know, look around me. Sigh. The fact that it is not unknown to
see exactly what the above questions suggest, does not make it
right, not morally, ethically or legally.
Nathan @ DMC
------------
Category 16, Topic 18
Message 58 Wed Jan 20, 1993
S.SAMUELS [ORCA] at 01:08 EST
Morals and ethics aside for the moment, if you really want to know what
the law in the USA covers or doesn't, I'd suggest you phone the copyright
office in Washington DC. They have a special person and dept. in charge
of precisely this area of concern. You can ask them all the
'hypothectical questions' you want and they are happy to answer them.
Morals and ethics are your own problem, depending upon how well you like
to sleep.
Opinions are opinions, but the law is the law.
------------
Category 16, Topic 18
Message 59 Wed Jan 20, 1993
ISD [Mario] at 23:55 EST
Laws Change, Hopefully they will tighten up these laws to give designers
more control over their typefaces ... I don't care If the limit the
protection to true font renderings that are backed with development
studies ... and that adhere to strict design standards and not the Lazy
drawings of untrained typefans.
this would allow trained artists to create and benefit from their
creations ... The US has some of the most lax Copyright laws in existence
and seem to benefit the pirates and freejackers rather than the creators
of Type. There is one more factor to consider a well thought out typeface
should take a least 60 hours to render .. it has been known to take
months ... You tell me, how is your time worth?
A concerned artist/designer ... Mario @ DMC Publishing
------------
STReport would like to hear from you... let us know what you think
about the copyright laws when they pertain to fonts, font technology and
the "ownership" of a font or its properties...
__________________________________________________________________
> PMC Removables STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PMC LETS YOU MOVE MOUNTAINS
===========================
January 20, 1993
PMC is proud to introduce a new line of removable media, the PMC Removable
Mountain (TM) Drives. Well known for their incredible prices on Floptical
drives, PMC continues to offer a lot of power at a low price. The new
drives are available in three versions:
Removable Mountain 44MB - $429
Removable Mountain 88MB - $549 ** Special Intro Price **
Removable Mountain 88MB+ - $719
Synopsis:
--------- * cartridge included
* very fast drives * metal under-monitor case
* portable media * two power outlets
* SCSI pass-thru port * SCSI ID switch
All drives read/write the popular Syquest removable media and include a
cartridge with each drive. Removable Mountains consist of true Syquest
drive mechanisms and Deluxe cases that feature power supplies with extra
power to support Syquest drives properly, quality metal constuction, two
power outlets for other devices, a SCSI ID switch to easily select the ID
number without opening the case, and a SCSI pass-thru port for additional
devices.
TT/Falcon cables included. For ST we use we recommend the Link from ICD
which we can offer for $85 (limit 1 per drive). Cases are available for
$109.95 each. Extra cartridges: 44MB = $69, 88 MB = $99.
*HOT NEWS*
----------
The Removable Mountain 88+ is the newest in the line of Syquest drives!
It offers the special feature of reading AND writing 44MB cartridges (the
standard Removable Mountain 88MB read/writes 88MB cartrides and READS 44MB
cartridges) for compatability with all the older cartridges.
PMC has become a major contendor in the Removable Media Drive market and
we
support our customers:
"I have recommended your company to many people that I know, with the
secure feeling that they will receive the same outstanding service and
product that I have. Thanks again..."
- Dennis H. Yogi
Send check (takes 2 weeks to clear) or money order (for immediate
processing) in US funds to PMC. Add $15 for shipping and insurance via
Federal Express (ask about multiple-drive discounts on shipping). 15%
restocking fee.
GEnie: PMC.INC
Purple Mountain Computers, Inc. (PMC)
15600 NE 8th St. Ste. A3-412
Bellevue, WA 98008
206-399-8700
___________________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- Sunnyvale, CA THE REVOLVING DOOR IS BACK!
-------------
Atari's sales coordinator, A. Preczinski, is no longer with Atari. It
appears D. Thomas has been appointed Directer of US Sales although this is
not confirmed, Thomas has, in the past, handled the sales and product
support admirably for the Portfolio.
- Denver, CO SUPER PHOTON FAST COMPUTER
----------
A Research Team at the University of Colorado has developed the
world's first fully-optical general-purpose computer, using photons
rather than electrons to carry data. Photons travel faster, and can be
used in closer proximity to each other, than electrons. Future machines
based on this model could be faster and smaller than current technology
permits.
-Denver Post 1/13/93
Dauphin Technology has announced what it calls the smallest 486-based
personal computer on the market. The device is being aimed at the
hand-held personal communicator market. Weighing 2.2 pounds, the DTR-1
measures 9" x 5 1/2" x 1 1/4", and is priced at $2,500.
-Chicago Sun-Times 1/13/93
- Baltimore, MD FALCON "OVERHEATING" REAL?
-------------
According to our snoop, the rumor about the Falcon overheating is
still persisting. It seems some are pointing out the close proximity of
the Hard Drive, Floppy Drive, power supply and the fan itself. It blows
straight down under the Falcon. The fan itself is a small diameter device
with low CFM. Additionally it was made mention of the heat that is
exhausted by the fan, rises by convection right back into the Falcon.
- Laurel, MD FCC & ATARI CERTIFICATION
----------
A few weeks ago, we presented the FCC certification number for Class B
on both the Falcon and the TT. To date neither machine, in a class B
certified version, has been either manufactured or sold to the public.
Rumor has it now, there may be further involvment with the FCC over the
final sheilding arrangements concerning the Falcon. On top of which, the
dispute with the manufacturing facilities may give rise to further delays.
One individual, who requested to be un-identified, made mention; "if the
machines from the first manufacturing facility were defective, why were
the not defective for the European market too?"
- Sacramento, CA SAC EXPO IS ON FOR SURE!!
--------------
The Sacramento Atari ST User Group (the 'Mighty SST') is going all
out for a wing ding of a rompin' stompin', Fuji flippin' fandingle called
the "SAC Expo." Saddle up 'old Paint' and hit the road for Sac town to
join the wildest bunch of crazed Atari maniacs ever to braze the old
trail.
Carouse with the Codeheads, run barefoot through the Barefoot booth,
watch out for diamond backs in the Oregon Research booth, and do you know
the way to the San Jose Computer booth? Our own STeve's Software will be
rustlin' up deals in his corral, and you won't find Marcel Software
clowning around; they'll be too busy debuting their new product! Help
yourself to some Cottonwood Computer candy and make sure you mosey on over
to the fabulous SST booth and have a chew with the gang!
All this merriment and frivolity will take place the 13th and 14th of
March 1993, at the Towe Ford Museum near old town Sacramento. There are
zillions of ways to find out about the SAC Expo!!! Call the Towe Museum
at (916) 442-6802. Call Sports Leisure Travel (for hotel or travel
bookings) at 1-800-321-4758 (ask for Mark or Del). Write GEnie Mail to
SST's own Mark Warner at M.WARNER8. Or shucks, just call the newly
elected SST President/SAC Expo vendor coordinator Nick Langdon at (916)
723-6425. It couldn't be any easier!
Tickets for the show are $6 for one day and $10 for both. As an
added convenience, advance tickets may be purchased by mailing a self
addressed stamped envelope, and the appropriate amount of funds to:
SST
P.O. BOX 214892
Sacramento, CA 95821-0892
And don't forget folks! Paid admission to the SAC Expo also
entitles you to the auto exhibits of the fabulous Towe Ford Museum. The
Towe has the largest collection of antique Ford automobiles in the WORLD!!
So dash out of your dude ranch and come see how the Towe's Ford Falcon
compares to Atari's version. See ya at the SAC EXPO!
______________________________________________________________
> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
"""""""""""""
STReport's MailBag
""""""""""""""""""
Messages * NOT EDITED * for content
-----------------------------------
FROM GENIE'S ST RT
YOO HOO...... HEY Goldleaf, anybody there??
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 135 Wed Jan 13, 1993
D.D.MARTIN [Swampy] at 04:28 EST
VERN --
I'm reading, but I don't have any answers fer ya. :(
From all I've seen and heard, Goldleaf has some definite customer
relations problems. I wish you luck in getting a response and/or
satisfaction.
I've been following this thread (when there _is_ any activity) to
determine if either Didot or Retouche would be of benefit to me, but there
doesn't seem to be much support or activity here.
Hugs...Swampy
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 136 Wed Jan 13, 1993
AEO.3 [Lyre] at 06:45 EST
VH,
While I am not a user, I do have an interest in Retouche. However, I have
been "lurking" (well, really Aladdin has the topic marked and with few
messages, I have not been drawn into the "conversation" here).
So, while I'm not a user, you are not "alone" in this topic.
Lyre
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 137 Wed Jan 13, 1993
D.STMARTIN [Binary Ink] at 07:44 EST
Me Too! I'm interested in Retouche. I left mail here asking for
information. After an extended delay they got back and asked for an
address (which I had provided in an earlier message). I sent E-Mail with
the address. Guess what. . . YUP! No info on Retouche has arrived to
date. I guess they aren't very interested in selling their products, and
it makes one think HARD about their after-market support....
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 138 Wed Jan 13, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 18:01 EST
Supposedly there is a demo version of the $199 DIDOT LINE ART. They refuse
to upload it here and will only ship it out for $5.
I asked for a feature list of Didot Line Art (the $199 version). They're
too busy to post one. They offered to send me some literature. I sent my
address. They sent me page after page of material on all of their high
end multi thousand dollar offerings. The ONLY mention of the $199 version
of Didot Line Art was it's price.
Duh.
They aren't very interested in selling their products.
-Tom McComb
{1:06 pm} Wednesday, January 13, 1993
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 139 Wed Jan 13, 1993
S.KALEITA [SAK] at 19:37 EST
Lurker #3 here...GEE; didn't this happen before.
I requested some info a while back and received it; but I was not
impressed. I saw a demo of the color version at the last Milwaukee show. I
have some customers that are IBM and MAC based and were interested in
seeing some printed samples and professional literature. I just quietly
stopped trying to convince them of the systems capabilities, because the
info I received didn't represent the true potential I thing the system
has... That's not good!
I hope they realize this and attempt to impress the hell out of us, in the
near future.
SAK :)
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 140 Wed Jan 13, 1993
V.HUTZ at 20:51 EST
Hello, Swampy, SAK,Lyre,STMartin, and all! I have almost 1K invested in
these two products but I guess I have to go the whole banana to get them
to work on a TT. In the magazine news Goldleaf and Atari seemed to be
bedfellows about 2 years ago! Goldleaf was almost Atari's Golden Boy? I
don't wish to scare them off--John especially has been very helpful when I
have called him direct-- my intention here is to open up some discussion
on these products. It will benefit everyone more if we get this topic
rolling---and just maybe it will sell a little product, which helps us
all! I liked retouche particularly, on my ST but it will not work on the
TT and I think I spent $450 on it. Didot (entry version) was ok but I
spent the additional $375 on the color version only to find out It was of
little use without a graphics card.
I could (or should) have been told that when I ordered it! My personal
concern is that because there are so few of us users that GoldLeaf may be
focusing on the clone market. I want them to succeed this is too good a
product not to be supported!
Swampy, that was one great hug! Hope to get another at WAACE next year!
Topic Police?? You're just jealous!
Vern
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 141 Thu Jan 14, 1993
V.HUTZ at 23:22 EST
IS ANYBODY OUT THERE??? Come in Goldleaf!!!
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 142 Fri Jan 15, 1993
D.D.MARTIN [Swampy] at 18:34 EST
Yeah, Vern, WAACE hugs are wonnerful! <g>
Hugs...Swampy
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 143 Fri Jan 15, 1993
M.LEE3 at 23:25 EST
V. Hutz,
I have the programs too. I've been told they will work on the TT under ST
modes. I too, wish it was in TT Mode. The only ones that will work in
the TT is the upper-end programs, they are also color too. Too bad my
wallet wasn't big enough to get the upper-end ones.
Mike L.
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 144 Sat Jan 16, 1993
V.HUTZ at 23:44 EST
Mike,
I can't get Retouche to work in any mode on the TT!! Just keep asking for
at least 640x480 resolution?? I thought that was what I was already
in!!!!!!!
Think I will check around to see if Goldleaf is supporting anything they
have been selling? Sort of a self appointed support patrol.
Vern
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 147 Mon Jan 18, 1993
D.HELMICK at 21:41 EST
Mike & Vern,
There is a separate version of RETOUCHE for the TT. Goldleaf's online
silence doesn't bode too well, but try doing what I did a few months back:
write the company directly, inform them you're a registered RETOUCHE
owner, and ask for the TT version. They should mail it to you free.
Believe me, it's worth the trouble to obtain this version, too! I
couldn't get anything out of the program in ST high res...but the TT
medium res display is amazing! Even with 16 greyscales, it's picture
perfect.
Donavan,
How do you load your halftone images from RETOUCHE into PAGESTREAM? The
best I've been able to manage is exporting the images as IMG files, then
loading them into TOUCHUP for conversion to TIF. Still one step too many,
if you ask me...
Dan
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 148 Tue Jan 19, 1993
AEO.3 [Lyre] at 21:40 EST
Mike & Vern,
Assuming that you do follow Dan's advice, also include a comment about
your being available on GEnie. If GoldLeaf begins to see a lot of their
customers using GEnie they might stop by more frequently.
Lyre
8:02 pm, January 19, 1993
------------
Category 35, Topic 6
Message 149 Tue Jan 19, 1993
V.HUTZ at 22:14 EST
Lyre, they should be here---they have half a dozen other products to
monitor and support also! They don't need reminded about the only two of
us who bought their Graphics programs. Smell the coffee! Sell to a
bigger market and devote support time to it and so what if a couple one-
time buyers in a finite market are lost. Not right but it seems about
right. I hope I am wrong. I know if I called direct I would get the
answers I need, but this could be easier and more beneficial to anyone
interested! When I am ready to jump I will go the direct route.
Thanks, Vern (only somewhat frustrated with all of this)
------------
Editor Note:
Perhaps the users in distress would like to contact Mark at San Jose
Computers...
Falcon delivery having an impact.... of sorts.
Category 17, Topic 3
Message 197 Sun Jan 17, 1993
S.JOHNSON10 [Steve] at 02:14 EST
OUTRIDER, G.FUHRMAN, & NTACTONE - The problem isn't that I don't want to
pay for MultiDesk Deluxe, but it's just that I'll be getting a Falcon030
in a few months and don't want to buy any more ST upgrades (or things that
will not or may not be needed on the Falcon030). No offense to the
Codeheads, but spending $40 now for something I might not need in a few
months is kind of a waste to me. I won't need Chameleon either in a few
months, so I guess I can just wait.
------------
Category 14, Topic 41
Message 112 Tue Jan 19, 1993
B.REHBOCK [BILL@ATARI] at 12:32 EST
Everyone, please move this stuff over into cat 18.
Ron, Thanks for posting the specs. They do correctly state the 32-bit
architecture of the '030.
BTW, there is a group that has done bus-bandwidth comparisons of the A1200
and the Falcon030; the Falcon030 is coming in over 25% fast than the
A1200. I hope to have detailed results toward the end of this week. BTW,
does anybody know if the A1200 can display 640x480x256 on a VGA monitor,
completely non-interlaced?
Somebody asked about shipping times: We are shipping developer units right
now, and dealers should have them on their shelves within 6 to 8 weeks
max.
-Bill@Atari
P.S. Thanks to all of those who gave input re: Bundling, Languages, Demos,
etc. I think you'll be pleased.
------------
Category 14, Topic 41
Message 114 Tue Jan 19, 1993
ROB-G [Rob] at 20:57 EST
Dot:
I'm not surprised. I'm VERY glad I bought my Amiga 1200. I guess it's
time to post the rest of my ST stuff for sale. Atari's lost me for good.
Soul Manager:
As a 10-year Atari owner, I know where you're coming from. BUT, I
ventured into the Amiga RT last month and started monitoring things and
asking questions about the Amiga. I openly stated I was an Atari owner
thinking of switching. I got NO flames or insults. Instead, I got a lot
of intelligent answers. I also cleared up a few misconceptions about
Atari and the Falcon. I don't dislike the machine. I dislike the company
and it's constant crap.
Rob
------------
From Delphi's Atari Areas.........
and still MORE because of the Falcon .....
46705 15-JAN 11:46 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46675)
From: OCS To: CMILLAR
> Come on, Oliver, you know better than that. I find it extremely hard
> to believe that you think Atari doesn't "know" how to make computers.
> It's not about intelligence or foresight, it is about economics, and
> always will be...
Depends on how you define the word computer, and what you expect from a
computer in the year 1993. After all it seems to me that Atari is the
only company that tries to get away with developing a computer that is
half as fast as a computer that they came out with three years ago
(Falcon030 vs. TT). Oh, right, I forgot, the Falcon030 is just the home
user machine... but WHEN can we expect the Falcon040 to appear, and when
will it be shipped?
There won't be any professional customers anymore by the time Atari comes
out with it. A 16 MHz 68030 is NOT state-of-the-art these days, and the
NeXT had the DSP back in 1988/89.
They "know" how to make computers? Well, some people at Atari should learn
to read specifications. As those ST users who had their sound chip blown
up because the parallel port of the ST does not comply with the Centronics
specifications. How come that 3rd party developers have to offer special
centronics interfaces to allow you to hook up your standard printer to the
"standard" centronics port?
Another point: have you ever tried to develop software for the Atari?
Professional software? Like an operating system? If yes, you'll certainly
have noticed the weird hardware architecture of the ST line. There are
chips like the sound chip who do several other things in addition to their
primary job. Of course, this saves Atari a few bucks. But when you try
to develop a modern operating system for such an architecture you'll
notice that the Atari design (even though it has many nice features) has A
LOT of flaws.
This is not necessarily the fault of the designers, who might have had
financial restraints ("make me a computer that can be produced for no more
than $xxx!"), but this "excuse" doesn't make the hardware better. (BTW, I
don't like the PC architecture better, don't get me wrong).
For your information, I have been involved in the development of a
multitasking OS which was first implemented on the ST. It was a research
project at Karlsruhe University.
> Re the 16 bit bus: Come on now. The TT doesn't have a 16 bit bus,
> and remember the Falcon030 IS the low-end machine, so, please, give us
> all a break.
So where is the high-end machine then? Again, Atari is the only company
that I know of that dares to come out with a machine slower than the
predecessors. And don't tell me about the DSP now... tell my compilers,
word processors, telecom programs etc. etc. how to run faster with the
DSP! I can still live with my 8 MHz ST from 1986, but if I decided to
upgrade to a new machine I would want something real fast, not something
that is just a little better (and certainly slower than a TT).
I do know that there are people who will be able to make use of the
improved sound features and the DSP (the graphics is not an improvement in
my view). I never ever plugged anything into my Midi ports, and I don't
plan to learn how to make music other than putting a CD in my CD player,
so I don't need all that. I just hope for you, for me and for the rest of
us that there are enough people who will buy the Falcon 030 because of the
DSP and the sound system. I won't.
Oliver
46725 16-JAN 00:14 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46721)
From: NORMW To: CMILLAR
Perhaps you are too young to be aware of all the difficulty ST'ers had in
using HP DeskJets with the Atari's. The parallel interface is poorly
implemented and requires a fix. HP was so annoyed by ST'ers, they
specified that the DeskJet was _not_ Atari compatible.
The people you pick arguments all have far better credentials than you.
Your actions seem to portray a big mouth with nothing behind it.
Norm
46733 16-JAN 02:03 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46725)
From: CMILLAR To: NORMW
Doesn't it seem strange, then, that I have had no problems using the
DJ500 with any of my systems?
Frankly my friend, I find it extremely annoying to be discriminated
against due to my age. The only "credentials" I have seen from those
that you are referring to has been a stagnant and continually abusive
attitude. All I have done thus far, is point out the obvious. And,
pointing out that Oliver HAS been "whining" about the F030 is obvious, if
you follow what he says in this Forum and in conference. I do not think
I have heard a single positive comment from him concerning the F030. All
he keeps saying is, "It doesn't have this, it doesn't have that." In
other words, it is not good enough for me, or anyone else. That, my
friend, is whining.......
Exactly what have I said that needs to be "backed up"?
46752 16-JAN 10:21 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46721)
From: OCS To: CMILLAR
> You claim that Atari is the only company who "dares" release a
> computer that was slower than its predecessors. Unfortunately, for
> you Oliver, Apple does it ALL the time! Hell, even the LCII is
> *SLOWER* than the original LC......
But the difference is that there are high-end machines available! Quadra,
usable powerbooks... A lot of power-users here bought Ataris when the
machine came out in 1985/86. Even universities used them, because they
were cheaper than Macs and PCs with similar power. This has changed.
> Hmmmmm, my DeskJet 500 never blew out anything on ANY of my >
computers...... 520 ST, 1040 ST, Mega STe......
Lucky you! I know people who had this problem with the DJ500 and with the
NEC-P2200 (I owned both printers, and use a special printer interface with
some driver ICs!). The magazines here were full of articles and warnings
about this problem a few years ago.
> I never used the MIDI ports, either, but I cannot wait to start doing
> digital recording............Frankly, I think you sound like a big
> baby; whining because ATari hasn't made the perfect computer for you.
> I see a lot of potential in the Falcon030, and a large consumer base
> - if you aren't one of those people....oh, well......
I am not whining! Atari has made a good computer for me, the 520 ST+ back
in 1986! It was not perfect, though, and I can't stand it when people
talk about their computer like it was their baby, their girlfriend or
something they love! After all it is a machine!
And right, the Falcon is certainly not the machine I want. The problems I
have with the Falcon unfortunately concern many other people here as well.
As a matter of fact many, many people here use applications like GNU C and
TeX, so I guess the user base here is a little different from the user
base in the US (which can also be seen when reading MausNet here and
comparing it with Delphi, or when comparing German software to US
software). The problem for Atari is that Germany is the largest market.
I still like my Atari, and it still serves my needs in almost all cases.
But -- and that was my point -- if I wanted a new computer I wouldn't buy
something that was just a bit faster than what I have now, something that
has graphics only a little bit better than what I have now. So I guess I
have to wait for the Falcon 040, I guess.
Oliver
46756 16-JAN 10:21 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46733)
From: OCS To: CMILLAR
> And, pointing out that Oliver HAS been "whining" about the F030 is
> obvious, if you follow what he says in this Forum and in conference.
> I do not think I have heard a single positive comment from him
> concerning the F030. All he keeps saying is, "It doesn't have this,
> it doesn't have that." In other words, it is not good enough for me,
> or anyone else. That, my friend, is whining.......
<< humor mode on >>
Gee, you are quite still young, so you probably are more familiar with
"whining"...
<< humor mode off >>
But seriously... I have posted messages about the Falcon 030 stating that
the Falcon is not the machine _I_ want, but I always emphasized that this
is my personal point of view, and that the Falcon 030 does not serve _my_
personal needs.
> The only "credentials" I have seen from those that you are
> referring to has been a stagnant and continually abusive attitude.
You claim to be so well-informed, better than any developer or the press I
sometimes believe, so you certainly read my articles about the Falcon
debut in Duesseldorf in STR and Current Notes, right? Now, tell me again
that I didn't say any positive things about the Falcon! My review
certainly was a positive one! Guess why? Because as a journalist I am not
supposed to present my personal view of a computer. I am not supposed to
say whether it serves my personal needs. I have to see the new machine
with a more global view. Here on Delphi I am telling you about MY needs,
and that the Falcon is not what _I_ want. YOU, however, do not have this
ability of a certain degree of objectivity, I think. You see everything
with your pink (or Atari blue glasses), whether it is good or not.
> Frankly my friend, I find it extremely annoying to be discriminated
> against due to my age. All I have done thus far, is point out the
> obvious.
Yes, the obvious wrong! You say you don't have problems with the parallel
port, and that means nobody else has them. Very intelligent indeed, this
generalization.
> Exactly what have I said that needs to be "backed up"?
What about the printer port thing? I can prove that certain Mega STs
cannot properly work with the DJ500 unless a special interface is being
used. I invite you to come over and see this nice little effect.
Oliver
46783 16-JAN 14:26 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46755)
From: CMILLAR To: OCS
I apologize. I did not mean to imply that I "knew everything". I *DO*
find it strange, though, that mine has worked flawlessly. Hmmm.......
46784 16-JAN 14:35 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46756)
From: CMILLAR To: OCS
1.) I never said that you were lying about the DJ500/printer port fiasco.
I merely inquired as to why mine would work flawlessly.
2.)I have no objectivity? Come on. I do not waste my time reiterating
the same thing to the same people, day in, day out. I am fully aware of
the problems Atari is having, but I do not waste my time dwelling on them.
What is the point? I know things are bad, but unless I am willing to do
something about the problems, what is the point of saying anything?
The "problems" that I am referring to are the same damned problems that
have been going on for years. No offense to ST Report, but the magazine
dedicates an enormous amount of space to outline the same thing, every
issue!
How about instead of wasting that time and effort, we dedicate it to
coming up with a solution, and organizing the people who want change into
a unified voice that packs some punch. THEN we will have the right to
"bitch and whine", but until then, everything is counter-productive......
46757 16-JAN 10:22 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46736)
From: OCS To: CMILLAR
> I give Oliver all the credit in the world for
> his accomplishments in supporting the Atari platform, but since all iI
> have heard from him in the last few months, (i.e. Negative commentary,
> negative articles, and specifically stating that he could not >
recommend an Atari to a friend), makes me wonder what he is actually >
trying to accomplish.
So, what negative articles? I want references! And I want proof that what
I said in the article was a lie! I want to hear from you HERE where I
wrote something negative in a magazine that was NOT true at the time I
wrote it! No excuses, facts!
In a previous message you said:
> Exactly what have I said that needs to be "backed up"?
So, it's your chance now. Back up your claim that I only wrote negative
articles in the last couple of months, and make sure to prove that my
critics (if you find some) were unjustified. And please, hurry!!!
Otherwise I'll prove that you are wrong, which is fairly easy, because I
have the editions of four years of Atari Journal here, full of articles
written by me.
As for the recommendations, it is _MY_ business whether I recommend a
friend (going to law school) an Atari, a Mac, a PC, or a C64. This is
_NONE_ of your business! You don't even know under which circumstances I
made this recommendation!
> Yes, I did call him a "big baby", more or less.
Well, maybe I might help your memory out! You said:
> I think you sound like a big baby; whining ...
Very friendly, actually... Oh well...
Oliver
46961 18-JAN 00:31 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46858)
From: NORMW To: CMILLAR
You still don't know that much. Remember, I used to be an owner of a
store with a repair department. If you have never required a repair of
you computer, you are a rare person indeed. I had almost no experience of
Atari before the ST, except for brief possession of a 2600. I was used to
more sophisticated machines than the 400/800 stuff and went for an ST
because it was a reasonably priced 68000 computer. In fact, I was going
to buy an Amiga at the same time, to compare them, but found that the ST
was all I wanted.
Later, when I owned the store and we were selling Amigas as well, I got a
500, which I couldn't stand and sold. I do appreciate good machines and
good engineering. It wasn't until much later that I found out that
Warmer's had done the engineering on the ST, and that the Tramiels had
almost no competence in any direction, except to do things on the cheap.
So we've seen the introduction (very slowly) of the STe and the TT.
Nothing clever in their evolution, the good engineers left long ago. The
Falcon was done by a group in Texas, not in Sunnyvale, and when it was
ready...over two years ago...it would have remade Atari's reputation. But
two years have passed.
The final comment is that what Kevin Traherne says is absolutely accurate.
The Tramiels cannot aim the Falcon at existing Atari users, a quickly
diminishing number, but must attract new users. That doesn't seem to be
the case.
I have great respect for good machines and good programming. I bought an
ST for those reasons, not for any regard of the Atari name. Indeed, there
seems to be no continuing reason to respect the Atari name. I would
respect any company that could actually produce something like the Falcon,
and follow up on it. I don't think such a company would involve the
Tramiel family.
46890 17-JAN 09:49 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46853)
From: OCS To: CMILLAR (NR)
> Re the STReport issues. I will check them out - perhaps I am
> confusing you with another person; which is something that could very
> well have happened. If it turns out that way, you have my humblest
> of apologies.
...and I thought I was unique... <grin> Oh well...
Let me help you out with quotations from my article in Current Notes (
October 1992, page 16-21) titled "The World Premiere of Atari's New
Falcon030":
- Demos of two video games, specially developed for the Falcon, gave
- everybody the chance to get an impression of a new generation of
- computer games that make use of the fantastic sound effects and
- graphics qualities. "Space Junk" from Mirage Technologies, UK, is a
- game commissioned by Atari that will make use of digitized video
- clips.
- [...]
- Was the 1992 Atari Show the success Atari needs so badly? It's hard to
- tell at this time; most of the visitors seemed to be very satisfied
- with the show, and particularly with the Falcon. The exhibitors sold
- a lot of products, and therefore were satisfied with the show itself.
- The developers and dealers, however, are still skeptical about the
- Falcon's ability to bring them (and Atari) the success they need to
- survive. The technical "wizards" have done their job, it's now up to
- the marketing guys to make the Falcon the dream machine of a new
- generation of computer owners, to make it the "multimedia computer"
- and workstation for everybody's home.
-
- A first step on this way might be Atari's participation at Germany's
- largest consumer computer show in Cologne, Germany, in early October.
- The Computer Shopper Show (CSS) is the successor of the traditional
- Amiga show and is now open for all other systems as well. Its main
- focus is on home applications and personal use of computers, and the
- multimedia machine Falcon 030 definitely could prove to be the "Amiga
- Killer," provided that Atari manages to have some neat video games and
- other software available for the show to convince Amiga and PC users
- of the superior features of the new machine.
-
- The Falcon 030 is the first step on the way to a new Atari era. But
- it is no secret that power-users will definitely need a more powerful
- and more extendable version with better graphics resolution. It is
- very important that this so-called "Falcon 040" is introduced soon to
- complete the Falcon family. The Falcon 030, however, has the potential
- to win the mass market. Let's hope its manufacturer has this potential
- as well...
NOTE: if you find that the text in Current Notes differs from this one be
aware that this comes from the text file I sent to the editors of CN.
They might have edited the text for clarity or to brush it up
grammatically or stylistically.
My brief article in STR was merely a subset of what was printed in Current
Notes.
Now, is that Atari bashing? Or Falcon bashing?
> Perhaps my wording is not totally accurate. When I say "Falcon
> bashing", I think I am trying to say more that you are "kicking a dead
> horse". The issue(s) that are being brought out and debated have
> already been dealt with, to the point of cliche - that gets
> irritating.
Hmmm, the Falcon is a dead horse?
> I'm sorry if I had not talked about this before, but, yes. Your
> position as a Comp Sci graduate places you in the position to evaluate
> Atari's hardware and software - but from an ideal perspective only.
I know that. I haven't found the perfect computer yet. And even then this
computer would most likely not be your perfect computer.
> Just as in physics, there is no "ideal world", and design has to be
> sacrificed in many cases because of money. A compromise is made, and
> then we see the results. For the PRICE, the ST was designed
> exceptionally well, I believe - from my "uneducated" opinion, of
> course. <G> I think one thing that people must realize is that the
> Tramiels are fanatical about MONEY. They may be ridiculously poor
> market-strategists, but they are masters of finance....
With very little effort some things could have done better. Like the
printer port. In general I agree, though. That's why I bought my ST back
in 1986. Because it had the best concept/design for the price.
Also everybody makes mistakes. Most people, however, learn from their
mistakes. I sometimes have the impression that some people at Atari are
just not willing to listen. Why would it otherwise have taken so long to
get the serial port bugs fixed? Or why do they always come out with this
1980-style design? Okay, it's cheaper, but it is no problem to offer two
different cases. Every Taiwanese clone manufacturer does it. I'd be
willing to pay $100 more for a machine in a tower. Buying the Falcon030
and putting it in a case myself costs me much, much more money.
Hmmm, masters of finance? I hope so.
Oliver
46831 16-JAN 23:40 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46733)
From: NORMW To: CMILLAR
What needs to be backed up is your confidence in then F030. I know
developers who have them, and have found numerous faults in them. But
even if they performed perfectly, and were available in quantity, they
still would be a mediocre computer. The screen resolutions have finally
caught up with VGA, except everyone in the PC world uses SVGA. The DSP is
fine for specialized uses, but they are available for other machines if
you need them. The keyboard is not detachable, and if it were, there
would be no third-party ones to replace it with.
As to your printer, maybe H-P altered their interface in order to
accommodate the poorly designed Atari one. I have a DeskJet Plus, and I
had to put a diode in the cable to get it to work reliably with the ST.
Oliver and I, and many others here, have lived for years with Atari's
broken promises and ineptitude. Because of your age, you have not been
around long enough to have experienced this. So that is why we treat your
comments with disdain...you really don't know what you are talking about.
46834 16-JAN 23:48 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46741)
From: NORMW To: DOMINGO (NR)
Dom,
I had a career designing electronic equipment, including five years
designing computer printers. The design flaw in the Atari parallel
interface was due to amateurish engineering. I assume you are not aware
of the legions of ST owners who blew out the chip driving the parallel
port because they connected a printer while the power was on. I owned an
Atari dealership, and our repair department did a lot of those.
So, yes, it is a very black mark against Atari engineering. The people on
this Forum who complain the loudest about Atari's faults are the people
who are qualified to judge.
Norm
46838 17-JAN 00:06 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46790)
From: NORMW To: DOMINGO (NR)
Dom,
Read your own words. <buffering the lines shouldn't cost...>
The problems with the parallel port were mainly that Atari didn't buffer
the lines....and any junior engineer of that period knew that you don't
connect complex NMOS chips to the outside world without buffering...except
the incompetents at Atari.
46839 17-JAN 00:15 General Information
RE: Falcon in Byte (Re: Msg 46816)
From: NORMW To: JGALLARDO
That's nice, but Jerry Pournelle saw the Falcon at the Glendale show last
September, and still hasn't mentioned it in his column.
46844 17-JAN 01:23 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 46837)
From: TRAHERNE To: NORMW (NR)
That's the SINGLE biggest hurdle for Atari. We Atari fanatics can buy
Falcon030s and Falcon040s until we crap RAM chips, but that process will
NEVER result in the hoped-for expanded user base that Atari Corporation
AND Atari users so desperately need! Atari developers need to put food on
the table and in their children's (if applicable) mouths - that's their
bottom line.
47043 18-JAN 13:11 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 47009)
From: OCS To: ABARBIERO
> There are many reasons why things have not worked for Atari, but the
> biggest is the personal attack....
You mean the "biggest" reason for Atari's problems is that people are
telling Atari or Atari employees what they want? Without users telling
Atari what they want I don't think we would have (in chronological order)
a) a 32 (!) MHz TT
b) TOS 2.06 for all STs
c) a Falcon with re-designed DSP (hopefully soon)
d) MultiTOS for all STs (hopefully soon)
e) a redesigned ST BOOK (hopefully in 1993)
Oliver
47087 19-JAN 00:12 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 47009)
From: CHRYSTAL To: ABARBIERO
I've been following your conversation with Norm, and find myself chuckling
and getting frustrated with it. I'm probably the proto-typical "end user"
here, because I know little or nothing about programming or the technical
aspects of compute. I'm not affiliated with Atari and have never tried to
sell Atari products. I simply like my ST and think (having looked at many
other machines) it works reliably and well. It does what I want it to do.
I really don't think the average buyer cares how fast a computer is, or
how pristine the graphic images are. Only the rare buyer checks out the
stats and then, shrugs his shoulders and buys the machine which has
greatest appeal, or "looks good." Compatibility is probably the most
important factor, so IBM and the various clones sell well. After that,
well . . . how many computers do you think are sold sight unseen over
television?
I would add that if a computer has an engineering flaw, the average buyer
simply takes it back on warranty and says, "fix it." How many products
does the average buyer purchase which need repair?
Atari has fallen down in the marketing department, plain and simple. The
Falcon seems to be a reasonably good product which will sell -- or remain
on the shelves -- based upon the way it is presented to consumers. The
Jerry Pournelle's of the world matter not to the average buyer. Looks do
matter. Price is an important factor. The casing may or may not be
important. Software availability is important, too, and Atari would be
wise to include its new software guide with every Falcon.
Other than that, Atari should dedicate some of its spare cash to
advertising. If they can hook up with Lechmeres or some-such store,
wonderful, even if that does reduce their profit for each machine. The GE
repair deal makes sense. Maybe they can get some super-model to wiggle
onstage next to a Falcon, Cindy Crawford preferred. I do _not_ think a
rocket scientist is needed to show the Falcon in a credible light.
Will they do it? I am betting the Tramiels will. Why?? Because they own
most of the stock in Atari, and want to see it go up.
'Nuf said.
-- Chas.
47137 19-JAN 23:34 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 47002)
From: NORMW To: ABARBIERO (NR)
But you are speaking from you own experience, which is a limited sample. I
speak for the experience of retailing and repairing ST's. And you'd better
believe there were plenty of them that had many troubles. In fact, repair
is the main profit center for an Atari dealer. On the other side of the
coin, there are many PC's that work long and consistently.
And speaking as a electronic design engineer, you better be able to plug
and unplug devices with the system powered on, with impunity. People trip
over cords while the system is running (like you and me, sometimes). If it
breaks because of that, it is badly designed. The interfaces on the ST
have been badly and incompetently designed, period!
47138 19-JAN 23:43 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 47008)
From: NORMW To: ABARBIERO (NR)
I'm sorry, Andreas. You are an enthusiast who knows just enough to be
dangerous. You do not understand which parts of the ST design are good
and which are not. You don't understand that the good stuff was done
_before_ the Tramiels took over.
You will, in your zeal, lead many people down the garden path...but not
enough to save Atari's bacon. And you are still inexperienced enough to
think you are getting the straight scoop from Atari Corp., that you are a
privileged insider. I hope your education isn't too painful.
Norm
47140 19-JAN 23:58 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 47014)
From: NORMW To: MERICKSON (NR)
The Falcon does not keep up with current screen resolutions. It's top, in
color, is 640 x 480. Try to find anybody selling PC's with that limited
screen, except as a low-end "come-on".
As to DSP, read the page in the current BYTE magazine about the Falcon.
The author mentions that NeXT uses the same one as Atari, but everybody
else including Apple, is using something else. In a year, when newer and
better DSP chips are becoming common, I'll be able to buy a card with them
for my PC, upgrading the older one. My Falcon will be stuck with older
technology. Despite it's promise, it may already be becoming passe'.
The virtual mode is in the works, if it isn't already working. But every
other computer will be able to do that, too.
If you don't think detachable keyboards are important (or using SIMMs for
memory upgrades) you'd better read some of the messages aimed at Bob
Brodie.
You mention the equipment you have used, but don't say if you have had a
DeskJet printer. That is what showed up the parallel port flaw. (And,
yes, I have a 520ST from '86 still working. So what?)
47143 20-JAN 00:20 General Information
RE: Rumor (Re: Msg 47139)
From: NORMW To: CMILLAR (NR)
I used to like ST's very much, but they've become mostly obsolete. I was
enthusiastic about the Falcon, when i first heard about, a year and a half
ago. But it _still_ isn't out in any quantity, and it's getting left
behind technologically. I would like to be designing product for the
Atari's. I've got software and hardware designs partly done. But I, like
most Atari developers, am loathe to put in effort when there is no user
base to sell to. The existing, dwindling userbase is not enough.
But I'd _like_ to see them regain popularity! I know it is very unlikely,
under the present management, however. But what got me talking here is
YOU. Your mindless, unthinking praise of ineptitude and mediocrity had to
be answered. Andreas is equally guilty, and he should know better.
Norm
From CIS Atari Fora.....
More about Atari's great Marketing efforts....
#: 36297 S3/ST Graphics
18-Jan-93 14:06:36
Sb: #36268-#.FLI to Cyber
Fm: SYSOP*Ron Luks 76703,254
To: Jim Ness 75300,3155 (X)
At the last CES, in the Trade Show Daily publications, writers talked
about the Lynx in terms like: "Surprisingly, in spite of a total lack of
3rd party support and Atari Corps marketing track record, the Lynx seems
poised to survive and almost prosper for at least 6 more months...."
The article pretty much implied that the employees of Atari Corp were
doing a good job in spite of insurmountable obstacles (the Tramiel Family
management). Its the first time since the Forbes article that I've seen
this impression expressed in print.
and now, some comments about NAMM'93 and its 'backscatter'
#: 36420 S5/Music/MIDI
22-Jan-93 08:47:35
Sb: #36394-J. Grunke post-NAMM talk
Fm: Atari Explorer mag - AEO 70007,3615
To: Sysop*Brad Hill 75720,540 (X)
Brad,
Thanks for the post. James Grunke is Corporate Director of international
music markets.
-- Albert Dayes @ Atari Explorer magazine
#: 36426 S5/Music/MIDI
22-Jan-93 09:34:14
Sb: #36394-#J. Grunke post-NAMM talk
Fm: John J. Amsler 70275,676
To: Sysop*Brad Hill 75720,540 (X)
Brad:
Pardon me for butting in a domain (business) where I have little
expertise, but:
Atari "expects" third-party people to develop *markets* for the Falcon???
Isn't that the task of the marketing/advertising division of a company?
(Other than that, I'm VERY glad to hear that Atari had such a smashingly
successful NAMM show! Onward and upward, Falcon!)
- John
#: 36442 S5/Music/MIDI
22-Jan-93 13:49:32
Sb: #36426-J. Grunke post-NAMM talk
Fm: Sysop*Brad Hill 75720,540
To: John J. Amsler 70275,676
John,
>> Isn't that the task of the marketing/advertising division of the
company? <<
You've got that right, IMO. When James told me that they would rely
on 3rd-parties to develop their markets, I (after a short stunned silence)
tried to diplomatically express my doubts, but was left with the
impression that Atari is not interested in building cooperative
relationships with developers. (Keep in mind, though, that is a big
assumption to be based on a short phone conversation with a single
executive. Still, that's what interviews are for.) I've always been
concerned and dissatisfied with Atari's feeling that building a cool
machine is all that's required; as if the _machine_ should do the work of
market building, or as if Atari is _owed_ market loyalty simply because
the hardware exists. This is my impression of James's attitude. He said
at one point that the HD recording facility of the Falcon would generate
interest in the pro music area. This will be true to an extent... but
it's _publicity_ which generates interest. There are suddenly a gazillion
HD recorders entering the marketplace, and the Falcon, unsupported by
strong, educational, excitement-generating hype, gets less cool every day.
I'm NOT slamming the Falcon -- from what I can see, it definitely has VERY
cool potential; just saying that ANY innovation needs publicity to fly,
especially in a brutal marketplace.
-- Brad
#: 36427 S5/Music/MIDI
22-Jan-93 09:34:24
Sb: #36394-#J. Grunke post-NAMM talk
Fm: SYSOP*Ron Luks 76703,254
To: Sysop*Brad Hill 75720,540 (X)
James's comments echo those made by other folks at Atari outside of the
music division. The Falcon seems to be a capable machine and the company
would prefer to target it to the much larger consumer audience than
professional audience for obvious financial reasons but they still don't
seem to have a comprehensive plan for nurturing 3rd party developer and
marketing support.
Its the same Catch-22 Atari has faced for years (who puts up the big
investment in time and money to do the proper marketing-- Atari Corp or
3rd party folks) and the end result is a lot of abortive starts without
sufficient depth and followthru.
Like most of the 3rd party folks, I tend to feel that Atari has to make
the big $$$$ commitment to ensure the success of the machine. Its the
same story of Atari having $50 million in the bank but are they willing to
spend it (and more) now that the machine has been developed? Only time
and actions (not words) will give us the answer.
Uh Oh, what's not on time?
#: 36339 S10/Atari Expl Online
19-Jan-93 21:56:15
Sb: #AEO
Fm: Dazzz Smith 70374,2241
To: 70007,3615 (X)
Albert,
I perceive a problem with Atari Explorer On-line magazine if it
continues in its current format, because the magazine is fortnightly it
tends to cover things that have already been covered in Znet and ST
Report, most noticeably on-line conferences and to a lesser extent press
releases.
Unless AEO has outlets not already covered by both Znet and ST Report I
think you may find that people will start to ignore the mag, as they don't
want an 80-90k download to find that a fair proportion of the mag
(Conference Transcripts most notably) have already been run by the other
two publishers already, and in some cases a week before.
I appreciate that a lot of the other stuff in there is different to the
other two, but I honestly think that it may well be necessary to
reconsider the conference transcript issue, to avoid people thinking it
isn't worth downloading something they may have read at least once
already.
Dazzz
Comments welcome, especially from R.K. and R.M. the other publishers.
#: 36340 S10/Atari Expl Online
19-Jan-93 22:19:25
Sb: #36339-AEO
Fm: Atari Explorer mag - AEO 70007,3615
To: Dazzz Smith 70374,2241
Dazzz,
This very issue has come up many times previously with regards to AEO. It
makes perfect sense too. Bi-monthly rather than weekly can cause problems
with the timeliness (sp?) of information.
I'll be sure to pass your comments along.
If you have any other comments you can either send e-mail or post them.
-- Albert Dayes @ Atari Explorer magazine
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