ST Report: 28-Aug-92 #835
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 08/31/92-07:47:28 PM Z
From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 28-Aug-92 #835
Date: Mon Aug 31 19:47:28 1992
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine"
from
STR Publishing
""""""""""""""
August 28, 1992 No.8.35
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> 08/28/92 STR 835 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- FALCON 040? - People Talking - WAACE'92
- ATARI'S WAY - TREASURE CHESTS - FALCON POWER
- FALCON VIDEO - GLENDALE NEWS - STR Confidential
-* EYEWITNESS DUESSELDORF COVERAGE *-
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (August 28)
NEW GIF IMAGES WANTED!
In conjunction with the Graphics Forums, the AtariArts Forum is
participating in the GO GRAPHICS compendium on a quarterly basis. This
compendium catalogues the best GIF images from a multitude of CompuServe
Forums and is mailed to thousands of subscribers each quarter.
We're searching for new GIF images to include in this catalog! The staff
of the Atariarts Forum will be offering gifts of free access to
Atariarts/Ataripro Forums to the uploaders of the best images. Please
read message # 33672 in the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) for more
information.
FORBES ARTICLE AVAILABLE ONLINE
The recent Forbes article about Atari Corp. is now available in lIBRARY 15
of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) as filename FORBES.ARC. You've
heard many people talking about it, now read it in full.
NEW FROM ICD
ICD has uploaded the press release for their new "Link" SCSI host adaptor,
now in LIBRARY 7 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN).
ATARI CLASSICS MAGAZINE
The user-based campaign to create a dedicated 8-bit magazine yields real
results! ATARI CLASSICS magazine is a go. See ACANN.TXT in LIB 7 [News &
Reviews] of the Atari 8-Bit Forum (GO ATARI8) for the Official
Announcement.
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!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
This is the week... Duesseldorf! The Atari Show of Shows. Of course,
STReport was there in the presence of the very capable Oliver Steinmeier.
The report he filed indicates Atari means business... Now, whether its
"business as usual" or "business" has yet to be seen. For the sake of the
loyal userbase, and its dealers we hope Atari is on the "new" course we
have all been waiting for.
In any case, the Falcon is a delightful entry level home entertainment
computing center. Its the ideal mail order and mass merchandising product
in the computing world. What a concept! The Falcon 030 revitalizes Atari
and thus, enables the company to present the fabled 040 two piece unit and
so forth. It'll be nice...
Ralph @ STReport International Online Magazine
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's Staff DEDICATED TO SERVING YOU!
""""""""""""""""
Publisher - Editor
""""""""""""""""""
Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Charles Hill R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Lloyd E. Pulley Sr. Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert John Deegan
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Ben Hamilton Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
Clemens Chin
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
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GEnie......................... ST-REPORT
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"There is no comparison! The Atari Falcon
is far superior to the PC platform."
Sam Tramiel, 08/92
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Issue #35
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
-- IBM Raises Hardware and Software Prices
While most of the market is lowering prices, IBM has hiked prices 3% on
most of the hardware products it sells in the US, and increased software
prices 5%.
IBM says the only products excluded are: RISC System/6000, PS/1 and PS/2
computers, System/88, Token Ring adapters; network processors routers
and concentrators; midrange printers; AS/400 DASD; retail point of sale
terminals; and OS/2, DOS and RISC System/6000 (AIX) operating software.
-- Leading Edge Cuts Prices
Computer maker Leading Edge Products Inc. has joined the price cutters,
today announcing it is reducing costs of its product line by up to 30%.
-- Gateway Ships 2 3/4 Pound Notebook
Gateway 2000 has began shipping its 2.75-pound, $1,295 notebook called
the HandBook, which measures under 10-by-six inches. The system, which
has a meg of RAM expandable to 3MB and a 40MB hard drive, is built
around Chips & Technologies' PC-Chip processor and comes with DOS 5.0,
Microsoft Works, Laplink XL and Central Point's Desktop personal infor-
mation manager.
-- Nintendo Patents 3D Technology
Nintendo Co. Ltd. is said to have come up with a new special effects
"Super FX" custom microchip that allows its Super Nintendo Entertainment
System to offer true three-dimensional effects.
Nintendo President Hiroshi Yamauchi introduced the proprietary 3D chip,
based on reduced instruction set computing (RISC) architecture, at
Tokyo's Shoshikai Software show.
Reports from Nintendo of America Inc. say, "The Super FX chip will per-
form such high-level mathematical functions as texture mapping, shading
and real-time 3-D perspective" and that the first game using the new
technology will be released by February.
Yamauchi also said Nintendo will incorporate a new, custom 32-bit pro-
cessor for use with its CD-ROM accessory, saying this will provide a
quantum leap in the performance of video games over the Super NES
system.
Nintendo of America said its largest retail customers were reporting
sales of its 16-bit hardware for video games are more than double
initial projections.
-- Apple Sets New York Launch for New Mac
Apple USA President Bob Puette and Vice President Keith Fox say they
will be on hand next month for the New York City launch of a new line of
Macintosh systems they say are designed for families that are first-time
computer buyers.
In a statement this week, Apple also said it will announce "a new dist-
ribution and support strategy which targets the consumer marketplace."
The Mac launch is scheduled for Sept. 14 at the New York Public Library
on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street.
-- Electronics Jobs Down by 15,000
The American Electronics Association reports another drop in the number
of jobs in the U.S. electronics industry for the quarter ended June 30.
AEA says employment decreased by 15,000 or 0.6%, bringing total job
losses for the year to 55,000.
Job loss since the industry's peak employment month of August 1989 is
265,000, a more than 10% drop.
-- Admiral John Poindexter Now with TP Systems
Admiral John Poindexter is now working for TP Systems, the company that
is developing Analyst, a new debugger for developers to use with
Desqview. Poindexter was formerly National Security Advisor to President
Reagan during the Iran Contra affair.
Poindexter said his Ph.D. in Physics from California Institute of
Technology is the background he uses to work on the Analyst debugger
which will be marketed by Quarterdeck. Poindexter says he's programmed
for 30 years and is also credited with development of a multiport
communications system; an algorithm for detecting changes and patterns
in digitized video images in real time; and a laboratory data collection
and analysis system.
Poindexter is vice president of TP Systems. Also representing TP Systems
is Mike Todd, known for founding the Capital PC User Group and the IBM
Special Interest Groups on CompuServe, The Source, and Unison.
-- Digital To Build Its Own PCs
Digital Equipment has announced plans for a new line of personal compu-
ters, which the company will build itself rather than buy from other
manufacturers.
Reportedly, the new PCs will have prices starting at $899, and Digital
is expecting significant cost savings from manufacturing plans that
involve building most basic components and shipping them to several
plants around the world for final assembly.
In recent years, Digital has resold PCs built by Tandy, Olivetti, and
Intel. The last PCs the company built for itself were the Rainbow line,
which were launched shortly after the original IBM PC in the early
1980s, ran the CP/M operating system, and were never a success.
__________________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
From the Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
Technology changes. What was top-of-the-line state-of-the-art yesterday
is antiquated today. I remember well the day that I heard that the ST
would have a double sided double density floppy drive. 720 K was a lot of
storage room. Most other computers only had 360 K disks back then. Hard
drives were still pipe dreams for all but the rich. And even then, a 5
meg hard drive was "life in the fast lane". Well friends and neighbors,
times change quickly. Since the 1040 ST was introduced, high density
floppies have taken over. 1.44 meg of information on a 3 1/2 inch disk!
But wait, 2.88 meg floppies are just around the corner. It can't get any
better than this, right?
WRONG! David D. Hagood tells Albert Dayes of Atari Explorer Magazine:
"I got some information from a place called PLI: they are going to
release a floptical package for the ST. The package will include a
driver so that you could stick a 720K or 1.44 in the drive and read
it, then stick a 20M Floptical in the drive and read that (or the
reverse order). The company's address and phone number are: Peripheral
Land Incorporated 47421 Bayside Parkway Fremont, CA 94538 BBS:
(510)-651-5948 Tel: (800)-288-8754
Call them and get the info packet from them! After all, if they get
TONS of calls about Atari stuff (and tons of sales) they will be all
the more likely to support us!"
Albert replies:
"That will be great if the floptical's price is under $300 or so.
Thanks for the phone number for PLI too."
Most of us know that some ports on the ST are not exactly like those of
other computers, either in form or function. Debbie Hastings asks about
the cables themselves:
"Could you please tell me if the Parallel and serial cables that are
used by the Atari computers are the same or different from the ones
that an IBM uses...If they are different, will I hurt either my Atari
or my IBM by trying to use one or the other because I can no longer
remember which cable goes with which system?"
Sysop Bob Puff tells Debbie:
"Hi Debby,
Yes, you may use the same Parallel and Serial cables that are used by
IBM machines having the same connectors. Fear not! :)"
It's always good to check on things like that before you try it out. That
applies not only to cables and such, but also to computers and monitors.
Boris Molodyi tells Dan McNamee, Atari Softsource Administrator:
"I do not know exactly whom at Atari should I ask, but I'll ask you
;-) I'm still getting nasty interference waves on screen. They seem
to become stronger when program runs in TT RAM. With no hard drive
connected, it's a bit better.
We (dealer and me) tried using another TT (poor guy now has TT with no
sale for it), another drive etc. etc. Nothing helped. He told that my
only option is to yell at Atari directly, which I do <g>. Any ideas
as what can I do? I do not want to go blind any time soon. With best
wishes again."
Dan tells Boris:
"Where do you have your monitor in relation to the computer? Can you
move it away from the computer at all? Mine is sitting slightly back
and about 5 or 6" above the computer on a shelf. If that doesn't
help, you might try some aluminum foil between the two.
I do get a little screen interference when I load something into TT
RAM, but once it's done loading, the interference goes away."
Although the flurry of news has died down some about the FALCON, there are
still plenty of questions to be asked. One important question is asked by
Michael Lynch:
"This may be the wrong section for this question(somebody slap me
around if it is), but since we're talking about the Falcon, I'm
wondering if it will work for my purposes. I now have a 1040STf and
want to upgrade. 80% of my work is with Notator 3.1 from C-LAB, a
MIDI sequencer. I also use it for WP, and enjoy Animation, CAD and DP
programs in my spare time. I desperately need more RAM, I have only
1 Meg now, but people tell me memory upgrades for the 1040 are a
disaster. I also hate the damned keyboard, and the design of the box.
I looked at the TT but I hear because I have a dongle, the TT is not
able to access it or something like that. I have also looked and will
probably buy a Mega4STe w/ a built in 50 meg drive, San Jose Computer
has quoted me $995.
My question is: what computer should I buy? Is the Falcon the machine
for me? Money is no object, I want the fastest machine I can buy,
while staying on the Atari platform.
-ML
P.S. Someone told me Motorola now has a 050 chip. Is this true? Any
future plans for Atari to make the TT/050 or the FALCON/050?"
As helpful as ever, John Townsend of Atari answers:
"It sounds like the MegaSTE may be the choice for you. Especially if
you need the machine right away. Sam has stated that Falcon030 won't
be available in the USA until October. If you need further data on
the Falcon030, please don't hesitate to ask."
Michael says of Notator on the FALCON:
"I assume it worked? Every version of Notator that has been realized
has had the stupid dongle(sorry, let my opinion of them ooze out).
More than likely you tried it with 3.0 or 3.1, they are the most
popular. The FALCON sounds like a nice machine, but $799 for only 1
Meg and no hard drive...
The Mega4 w/ 50 Meg hard drive for $995 sounds like a heck of a deal.
The Mega also runs at 16Mhz right? So, could somebody explain to me
again what the FALCON has over the TT and STe's?"
Jeff of INTERSECT Software answers Michael's last question simply and
understandably:
"The Mega is a 16 Mhz 68000 running on a 8 Mhz machine. The Falcon is
a 16 Mhz 68030 running on a 16 Mhz machine. You really can't compare
the two machines."
From the Atari Arts Forum
=========================
Judy Golick asks:
"I am still looking for a summary of ST graphic file types. I don't
need the actual data format. Just a short description of what the
various extensions imply. .PI?, .IMG, .GEM, .GIF, etc."
Sysop Bob Retelle gives us all a pretty good primer on graphics formats:
"First, GIF means Graphics Interchange Format.. it was actually
invented by CompuServe to allow graphics images to be shared among all
types of computers. The images, no matter what kind of computer
created them, are compressed using an LZH type of compression routine,
with information about the original resolution and number of colors
stored in the file header. Then a GIF file viewer on whatever kind of
computer you want to use to view the files can uncompress the image
and fit it to whatever the best resolution that computer can display.
PI? means that the picture was created by DEGAS, one of the original
ST drawing programs. The last character of the filename extension
indicates the resolution of the picture: PI1 means low resolution, PI2
means medium res, and PI3 is high resolution.
PC? means the picture was created by DEGAS ELITE, the updated version
of DEGAS. The "C" in the extension means "compressed".. DEGAS files
originally all took up 32K each.. the compressed files of DEGAS ELITE
use considerably less. The "?" means the same as it does in DEGAS.
TNY (not seen very much any more) indicates a DEGAS style picture
which has been compressed with a proprietary utility called "TINY",
created by Dave Mumper.. also TN2, which was an updated version of
the program.
I think I'd better let someone else cover .GEM and .IMG formats.. I
only have a somewhat hazy understanding of those.."
Sysop Keith Joins picks up where Bob left off. Hey, what is this?
Tag-team Sysop night? ;-) And for those of you who don't know, the ;-)
symbol represents a smiley face indicating a joke has been made. Anyway,
back to Keith's information:
"GEM graphics are based on object information rather than pixel
information. They use lines, arcs, circle, etc. and usually give
better results over a wider range of sizes. Not sure on IMG format
either."
Since Antic Software no longer exists, the programs that they sold have
become scarce. Donald Zipf asks:
"Hey, can someone tell me whether or not Spectrum 512 is still
available, commercially or as shareware or whatever? If so, where can
I get my hands on it?"
Ray Parnell answers:
"Spectrum 512 is indeed available on one of the cover disks of the
current (September) issue of ST Format. I can pass you the relevant UK
addresses to contact if it would help."
From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================
One of the nicest things about Gribnif Software is the fact that they are
always open to suggestions for new features for their programs. Not only
has this made Gribnif popular among its customers, but it has made for
some of the best software available for any computer. Dick Paddock tells
the "Gribs":
"Now that much time has passed with NeoDesk 3.x in the field, it
finally occurred to me what feature I'd like to have included (other
than the usual HD floppy support.) I love the "post-it(tm) notes"
feature, and the way one can erase a note by bs/del. Now, if there
were just a way to either click-drag or lasso-drag those notes around,
so I could compact the block I have created in one corner without
having to retype everything."
Daniel Sjoberg asks about upgrades for SPECTRE GCR, the Macintosh emulator
by Gadgets by Small:
"Just wondering how I can update my software for the GCR thing. The
version I have is 2.65 (I think). I live in Sweden."
Mark at Gadgets by Small replies:
"I take it you are the original purchaser of the GCR? If not, has
the registration card been mailed in? In either case, simply send
your ORIGINAL 2.65 disk along with $20 to the Gadgets address. This
is all that is needed to upgrade you to version 3.0. (If you are
properly registered then you don't even need to send in the original
2.65 disk...just the $20 upgrade fee)."
Well, that's about all for this week folks. I had hoped to have more news
from the ATARI MESSE, the big Atari show in Germany commonly known as
Duesseldorf, but news has been slow to reach across the sea this year.
Tune in again next week to hear what they are saying when....
People are talking.
________________________________________________________________
> WAACE'92 STR SHOW NEWS THE PREMIER EAST COAST SHOW
""""""""""""""""""""""
WAACE'92
========
To all concerned:
The following Vendors have firmly committed to attend the 1992 WAACE
AtariFest.
D.A. Brumleve Debonair Software
Fair Dinkum ST Informer Magazine
Atari Interface Mag Clearthinking
Oregon Research Auccusoft ST
Taylor Ridge Books eSTeem Sortware
Joppa Software Development STReport International Online Magazine
Rising Star Computers Computer Studio
Missionware Software
Interest has certainly picked up in the last week. If your name does
not appear here as firmly committed, then your check has not arrived yet.
If you are not listed as having indicated interest then WAACE hasn't heard
from you at all yet
Remember, the 30% discount rate offer expires the 31st of August.
Your check for one half of the discount price must be here by the 31st of
August or you must pay the full price.....
Due to increased costs of this years show and some abuses last year,
WAACE decided many months ago to not offer free fest tickets to Sheraton
Reston hotel guests this year. We simply are not able to afford that
benefit this year. WAACE is striving to maintain all other benefits for
this years show. Vendors of course receive two show passes for the first
tablthey purchase and volunteers who work at the show also receive free
passes. If you plan to be a hotel guest and would like to volunteer to
work on the show you could qualify for a free pass. Pleas let me know if
you fall into this area. WAACE needs workers for registration snd other
activities...
To those people traveling to the Fest by Train....
To get to the Sheraton Reston hotel take the Red line train marked
"Shady Grove" to METRO STATION and transfer to the Orange line train
marked "Vienna". Proceed to the WEST FALLS CHURCH station and get off.
Take the Metro Bus number 5S and marked "Reston/Herndon" and get off at
the stop marked COLT'S NECK ROAD and SUNRISE VALLEY DR.... The hotel is
just one block away from this stop. Busses run into the evening and start
at 0930 Saturday Morning.....
The cost of the conference areas of the Hotel are tied on a sliding
basis to the number of room nights we sell. To minimize the facilities
cost we need to sell 400 room nights. So far we have only sold 109 room
nights. Please help by making your reservations now. Room rates and
availability are only guarenteed until 21 September... Rooms after that
time will cost more so act now!!!
Russ Brown WAACE Gen Info Spokesman
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
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SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
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JOIN -- DELPHI
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There is no signup fee for joining the Basic Plan. There is a fee of
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These connect rates apply for access via Tymnet or SprintNet (within
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:IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
DELPHI INTRODUCES THE 10/4 PLAN.
Effective July 1, 1992, all Basic Plan members will be upgraded to the
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Effective July 1, 1992, you may access DELPHI via SprintNet beginning at
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Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
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$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!
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> AN "OPINION" STR FOCUS! "Atari isn't a large company"
"""""""""""""""""""""""
ATARI'S WAY
===========
by Gordon W. Meyer
The following is an opinion. Specifically, my opinion. It doesn't
necessarily reflect the views of the management of this SIG, nor the
management of this service. But, it is a result of much consideration on
my part, and I have not arrived at it frivolously.
I've been an observer of the Atari community for about a decade now.
In all those years, I have heard much discussion about how Atari has
failed to properly support its users. It seems to arrive in waves, with
blame being cast on everyone from an allegedly unscrupulous local dealer
to the highest levels of Atari management. Yet, in all those years, I can
remember only a very few instances where all that discussion has led to
any positive change. But, I remember many instances of hard feelings and
escalated conflict, that did little to make the life of the average Atari
owner any better.
As in most 'Atari vs. the User' situations, I find myself a little
confused. While we all have a right to have an opinion about how any
company does business, the reality of it is that a company does business
in the way it sees fit to do so.
I seem to always find myself translating things into terms that I'm
more comfortable with, and once again, I'm going to do just that. I
operate a restaurant, and deal with customers on a face-to-face basis
almost every hour I work. And, while I'm aware that the customer is the
focus for my business, without whom I wouldn't have a job, I am also aware
that there are some people who I don't really care to have as customers.
I have no responsibility to cater to every whim of every person who walks
through my door. I have a product to sell, one I'm proud of. But, if it
isn't what a person wants, I can live with the knowledge that there is
someone out there who doesn't like what I sell. It doesn't make sense for
me to alter my product, just to please one person, who may or may not
return. While the customer is the focus, profits are the motivation.
I've had customers come up and tell me I should do this or do that to
improve my business. While I appreciate their suggestions, and listen to
them, I am the only one who can decide whether my business needs
improvement or not. Most people outside the restaurant business have
little concept of the costs involved in operating a restaurant, and so,
aren't always in a position to intelligently make suggestions about how
things should be done. Often, what they think would be an improvement
would prove to be a major expense, with little return. Anything I add
must be weighed pro against con. And if it fits with the concept, and it
would physically fit somewhere, and would provide enough income to pay its
way, and wouldn't detract from the existing products, then maybe, if I can
afford it and the promotion it would need to be introduced, I'll add
something. But, as a small business owner, I can't afford to take risks
with either my proven products or my finances. Any changes must be looked
at long and hard before being made.
I would assume similar decisions are made at Atari, with the same
careful consideration. That little feature that some user thinks would be
a wonderful addition to the STe might only add $5 to the production cost
of a machine. A pittance! But, when you're building 50,000 or 500,000
machines, that little $5 starts to add up to real money. And unless it
can increase the usefulness of the machine to the majority of the users,
can it really be justified? Bells and whistles are nice, but add little
real value to a machine. And, with Atari's small size, value is more
important than gewgaws.
That concept of value has a major impact on upcoming Atari products.
The Falcon is intended as a mass market, low end machine. It has improved
graphics and sound, which are important to finding a place in the
multi-media market that seems to be on the horizon. To sell a product in
that market, certain concessions to economy must be made. One complaint
about the announced configuration of the Falcon is that it will reside in
the old 1040 case, with its built-in keyboard. That's the kind of
concession that keeps the Falcon's price within the range it needs to be,
to sell as a mass market, low end machine. Designing and producing a new
case is expensive. Dave Small estimated that the molds for the 1040 case
must have run in excess of $100,000, based on his experience with the case
for the Spectre GCR. That might not be a lot of money to IBM or Apple,
but it represents a major sum to Atari. One that couldn't be justified
for the Falcon.
Atari isn't a large company. And in the current economy, it has had
to get leaner than it might have wanted to. Some services have suffered,
but Atari is still in business, making computers that provide a great deal
of power at an affordable price, while still being friendly to use. Maybe
some of us have forgotten why we bought our Atari's in the first place.
Our computers are some of the finest tools available, without being
expensive. Just as they were intended to be.
Nobody at Atari ever promised me that I'd be buying the only computer
I'd ever need. They didn't say I'd be able to easily upgrade my computer
with every new generation of technology. They didn't lead me to believe
that my computer was the fastest, or the most powerful, or even the best.
They simply sold me a machine that would perform the things I needed a
computer for, and perform them well, without making me take out a second
mortgage on my house to afford. And it has done just that.
As our computing experience grows, so do our computing needs. While I
was perfectly happy with my old desktop publishing program when I started,
I outgrew its capabilities. So I got a new program, which has served me
well. Now, I find I need more speed from my machine, and will most likely
be getting something to accelerate it. But, that's a result of my growing
needs and expectations, not the fault of the computer. Many of us started
with some old beater car, and found down the road that we needed, or
wanted, something a little nicer, a little faster, and unfortunately, a
little more expensive. The same thing happens with our computers. I
didn't fault Buick when my '67 LeSabre just didn't cut it any more, and I
don't fault Atari that my 1040STe isn't as fast as I'd like it to be. I
bought my machine for the set of needs I had at the time. Now, those
needs have changed. There isn't any blame to lay at anyone's feet, only
reality setting in.
Reality reared its ugly head to the Director of Communications at
Atari Computer Corp. recently, as well. It is easy to get caught up in
one aspect of the Atari community, especially when it's as engaging and
active as telecomputing is. But, as important as being online seems to
be, in reality it is only a small part of the overall Atari experience.
According to a survey done by STart magazine back in 1990, less than 43%
of their subscribers used one of the national online services. Less than
27% listed telecommunications as one of the first 3 most frequent uses for
their computers. That's hardly a major concern. But, Bob Brodie has been
taken to task for not spending even more time online. What's the point
here? Is it fair to expect a corporate Director of Communications to
devote a disproportionate amount of his limited time on something that
represents a minor concern for most Atari owners? I don't think so. And
evidently neither does the management at Atari.
Some online representation should be available, but it needs to be
done with the proper perspective. For the most part, the online regulars
are a bit more experienced, more knowledgeable, and have higher
expectations of their systems. Perhaps online support should be provided
by more technically oriented Atari staffers regularly, with occasional
visits by the Director of Communications. Whether Atari has any tech
people who have the time to provide such support is another matter. Given
the restructuring of the company, uncommitted time must be limited, and is
probably spent carefully. Perhaps online support will be seen as a valid
expenditure of that time.
There will certainly be those who will view what I've written here as
an attempt to excuse Atari's less-than-sparkling performance of late.
That is not the intent, however. Too often, we find ourselves caught up
looking at trees without being aware of the forest. Taking a few steps
back, and trying to get a larger view of the whole situation sometimes
brings better understanding of the smaller events that occur. Finding a
more effective means of reaching a greater number of users should be seen
as a positive step in bettering overall customer relations, instead of a
slap at the relatively small number who are currently being reached.
After all, shouldn't as many users as possible have access to Atari
personnel, as directly as possible?
Don't get me wrong. I have questions about what Atari did in the
past. The purposeful non-conformity of many Atari system components seems
to have been counterproductive to my eyes. Why wasn't a standard graphics
bus adopted? There is a huge number of existing graphics boards
available, with a range of resolutions and palettes that we can only dream
of having without spending much more than our computers cost. Why develop
an entire font standard of their own? PostScript compatibility would have
made life much easier, and provided a whole range of existing products to
draw from. Why not design the motherboard to utilize as fast a CPU as
might be available, without crippling it with slower support chips? In
all these cases, the user has been limited in his or her choices about
what kind of machine they want to have. Perhaps the sophistication of the
user was underestimated, and it was assumed that such choices wouldn't be
desired. But, a base model could have been developed, with the built-in
ability for upgrade by owners who so desired, without detracting from the
salability of the product. Some effort to do just that was made in the
STe, so maybe that closed-end concept that plagued the early mass market
STs has changed.
But, all of those are things I have come up with after gaining a
certain level of expertise. They weren't part of my original decision at
all. So, while I wonder why things weren't done differently, I don't
blame Atari for not doing them that way. Hopefully, they will consider
that many of their users grow more sophisticated with time, finding they
have a need or desire to improve their computers after putting them
through their paces for a while. And build a machine that can grow with
their users. But, that's something for the future. The Falcon hasn't
been released, so whether the evolution of the Atari computer has
continued or taken a step back is yet to be seen. We can only hope the
tentative steps of the STe haven't turned into stumbles.
A Reply to Gordie's Opinions
============================
by Bryan Edwards
After reading Gordie's article(s) on recent Atari bashing, I felt
compelled to write an article on how I see things in the Atari world. I
know I'm not a major name, but I have owned Atari computers exclusively
since 1981 when I used an 800 and 410 cassette drive.
I feel that Atari has had a major problem these past few years, and
that has been a fear of risk-taking. I feel Atari has let opportunities go
by because of the financial commitment they required, but what Atari ended
up with is automatic failure in these areas for not trying.
Look at the Lynx situation. This product was poised to take over the
portable market as the only color portable, and the only portable against
the GameBoy, but a lack of development dollars left us Lynx owners with
only a few unexciting titles for a long time. This opened the door for the
Sega GameGear which now enjoys much greater success despite its
inferiority.
This is a situation where a firm commitment was needed and not
realized. Products do not sell themselves like they used to. Technology
has passed the average consumer by. Afraid of making a wrong decision they
must make choices based on what they have learned from others and what
they have seen in the form of advertising.
What will they hear from others? Ask any 10 people on the street what
kind of computer to buy and at least 8 will say to get a PC compatible. 1
or 2 might say get a Mac. The remaining person might say Atari, Amiga or
something even less popular, but probably not. Most people don't even
know Atari is still making computers. With the Falcon on the horizon, I
sincerely hope Atari starts putting their name out there. Maybe not with a
full-scale television campaign, but maybe start with popular magazines
(especially non-Atari computer magazines), and include an 800 number to
allow people access to more information in case they have no local dealer
(very likely).
This will help people say "What about this new Atari computer I've
heard about" and put Atari into the equation when people go to buy a
computer. Maybe they won't buy an Atari, but they at least thought about
it, and they will be more receptive to Atari advertising in the future.
This will require a financial commitment from Atari though. Maybe
even a risky one. The computer market gets more competitive every day, and
there's no guarantee that Atari or any company that doesn't sell "PC's for
less" will be here in the end, but the decision to make a real move can't
be put off much longer.
About the Falcon....
The Falcon is a real advance in technology not only for Atari, (who
must have some of the world's best engineers hidden somewhere) but for the
market as a whole. I do feel, however, that it has some drawbacks which
may play a part in it's success.
1. That 1040 case.
I know people who support the case say it's cheaper and that
will keep prices down, but unless Atari is only planning to
sell Falcons to 1040 owners, the case will get a poor
reception. To today's PC buyer, a detached keyboard and roomy
case spell "professional", and "business-like". People are
buying 486s for their homes, and that means the casual user
wants to feel like a power-user. A machine that doesn't look
like an oversized 130xe or Amiga 500 is important in
providing that new-tech feel. Plus the one piece case just
isn't as flexible because it won't support a monitor, and
requires that the keyboard stay on the desk. I feel that if
an existing case be used, A black TT case would be nice, and
hopefully not too much more expensive. Remember, Apple & IBM
never use one-piece cases, even for low end systems. Some
imitation is in order.
2. A 3rd style of expansion slot.
The Mega ST got the Mega-Bus, the Mega STE and TT got the VME
(Motorola standard) bus, and now the Falcon gets it's own
bus. I don't know how 3rd party developers are supposed to
keep up with the ever changing style of Atari expansion, but
this is surely going to keep the price of Atari cards up as
each developer has to make 3 versions of each card. I hope
the next Falcon returns to a VME style bus so some cards can
be made in quantity.
3. Weird connection options.
I don't know what part this will play in the Falcon's
success, but I'm troubled by the lack of an external floppy
port and ACSI port. While I realize that adapters will be
available, are these ports being phased-out? Bravo on the
addition of a SCSI port though.
I will be watching with interest to see what happens in the next few
months at Atari. The Falcon must bring in some money for a proper
launching of the Jaguar. The Jaguar should have a pretty good chance in
the fickle game market with the right kind of advertising image.
Atari will need to make that commitment though, and invest in the
future of their own products. The chance is here again, with a new
ground-breaking product. Lets hope they do it differently this time!
________________________________________________________________
> USR 28.8 KBS! STR InfoFile Blistering FAST.......
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
U.S. ROBOTICS ANNOUNCES:
THE LAST MODEM YOU'LL EVER BUY
==============================
U.S. Robotics announced an upgrade program for the CCITT-proposed
standard of 28.8 Kbps, previously referred to as V.FAST. The Courier
V.32bis, Courier HST Dual Standard and Shared Access Modem Sharing Kits
are the products currently included in the program. Field upgrades will be
available for $299 as soon as the CCITT 28.8 Kbps draft recommendation is
completed. Official approval of the standard is not expected until
January, 1994.
"The CCITT-proposed 28.8 Kbps standard won't be a reality for most
manufacturers until 1994," said Jonathan Zakin, U.S. Robotics executive
vice president, sales and marketing. "By offering modems ready for 28.8
Kbps now, we're providing insurance against technical obsolescence.
Customers can purchase a Courier high-speed modem or Shared Access Modem
Sharing Kit now and take advantage of the most updated technology
available. When the 28.8 Kbps standard becomes available later, they'll
already have a cost-effective upgrade option and won't have to re-invest
in new equipment."
"Key to the 28.8 Kbps program is the fact that the upgrade to the
Courier high-speed modems and Shared Access Modem Sharing Kits can be
completed by the end user at their worksite, which reduces their "down"
time and eliminates excess costs like shipping and handling," continued
Zakin. "You may hear about other 28.8 Kbps modems that are available now,
but until the standard is defined, no one knows what hardware will be
needed to comply. Our unique modem architecture makes future "field"
upgrades a realistic and simple procedure."
Because of U.S. Robotics' advanced modular modem architecture, the
company's Courier V.32bis, Courier HST Dual Standard, and Shared Access
modems are readily upgradable to 28.8 Kbps. The modems are made up of a
motherboard and a smaller daughterboard, which holds the modems'
microprocessors and firmware. The current, high-speed daughterboard can
easily be replaced with a new board containing the 28.8 Kbps CCITT
standard. U.S. Robotics is the only modem manufacturer to implement this
kind of flexible design.
"In the CCITT, the previously called "V.FAST" standard has gained
universal support at the 28.8 Kbps speed," said Dale Walsh, U.S. Robotics
vice president, advanced development and participant in the CCITT
committee on the 28.8 Kbps standard. "This is how our modular
architecture works. The data pump (which executes the modulation and
demodulation of the data), and the key controller functions (which
perform the data compression, error control and the AT command set) are
on one board, making upgrades simple. We can easily make the data pump
faster and upgrade the controller functions to keep up with the new speed.
It's all in just one small plug-in card."
Because compatibility with CCITT standards is crucial, U.S. Robotics'
availability and implementation of the 28.8 Kbps standard will depend on
the CCITT's progress. At this time, the standard is expected to define a
connect speed of 28.8 Kbps, two times faster than V.32 bis, the fastest
CCITT standard now available.
U.S. Robotics is one of the first vendors to announce a program for
28.8 Kbps compatibility. The company has a history of industry "firsts,"
including the first CCITT V.32 bis modem from a major manufacturer, the
first self-managing modem management system and the first portable CCITT
V.32 modem.
U.S. Robotics will upgrade any Modem Sharing Kit to 28.8 Kbps. Current
Courier models, which have the smaller footprint and a higher, 57.6 Kbps,
DCE to DTE (modem-to-computer) interface speed, are also upgradable. The
company's upgrade program does not include WorldPort and Sportster modems.
U.S. Robotics Courier modems offer a wide range of features, including
fax, remote configuration, and synchronous capabilities. The Shared
Access Modem Sharing Kits, which began shipping in March, 1992, allow
for the pooling of modems on a LAN so that a LAN user can access them for
dial-in or dial-out communications.
The following products will be upgradable to 28.8 Kbps:
Courier V.32 bis, internal and external (57,600 bps versions only)
Courier HST Dual Standard, internal and external(57,600 bps versions only)
Courier V.32 bis FAX, internal and external
Courier HST Dual Standard FAX, internal and external
Shared Access Modem Sharing Kit Single Port and Dual Port
The long awaited upgrades are finally here! Here is a brief synopsis of
the various upgrades and procedures.
U.S. Robotics is offering current participants in our Sysop Program the
first opportunity to participate. August 3 - August 21 is just for them!
Starting August 24 upgrades are available for all owners of U.S. Robotics
Courier Desktop and Internal (PC) High Speed modems. The entire program
will last through October 30.
Trade-In: The trade-in gives you the chance to upgrade to the new small
footprint architecture with fax. The trade-in involves staying
in the same product type. What this means is that if you own
an HST, trade-in your old modem for a new 16,800 bps HST with
fax! Or, if you own a Courier V.32 or V.32bis, trade it in for
a new Courier V.32bis with fax! Dual Standards work the same
way. Remember Trade Like for Like. All new modems also come
with BlastFax software. Price: $299
Trade-Up: The trade-up is really more of a trade across. You can go from
one product type to any other in the Courier High Speed line.
for example, if you own an HST, trade up to a Dual Standard.
Own a V.32bis, trade up to Dual Standard. Likewise, own an
HST, you can move across to a V.32bis. Any cross over of
product type is a trade-up in this program. Just as in the
Trade-In, the new modems are the small footprint architecture
and include 9600 baud fax and BlastFax software. Price: $349
V.32 Module: This is the V.32 module upgrade for certain versions of our
first generation 14,400 HST modems. Addition of this module
makes it a V.32 Dual Standard. U.S. Robotics will also
update to the newest code available for that model, including
V.42bis where applicable. Contact Customer Service to ensure
your modem is available for this upgrade. Price: $199
Fax Upgrade: We now offer an upgrade for owners of data only versions of
the small footprint Courier High Speeds. We will update the
modem to the newest available code (DSP and SUPV), add the
fax feature and bundle BlastFax software. Price: $75
You must contact U.S. Robotics Customer Service prior to shipping your old
modem to us. You may contact Customer Service either by:
Voice - 800-982-5151 or 708-982-5151
Fax - 708-982-0823 (please include serial #, return phone #, address)
Compuserve 76711,707 (please include serial #, return phone #, address)
We will issue you a reference number that must be placed on the outside
of the package. At the time of order we will give you a total price
including tax and shipping where applicable. For trade in/up the modem
must first come in house and inspected by our repair staff. Once it is
approved and the payment option is established (COD, Prepay,** Personal
checks add 10 days**) the new modem should arrive in 10-12 working days.
*** Questions regarding these programs may be directed to U.S. Robotics
***
Customer Service at:
Voice - 800-982-5151 or 708-982-5151
Fax - 708-982-0823
BBS - 708-982-5092
CIS - 76711,707 or GO USROBOTICS and see TINUP.TXT in
U.S. Robotics lib (library 4).
U. S. Robotics, Inc., (NASDAQ: USRX) is a leading designer,
manufacturer and marketer of data communications hardware and software.
Product lines include the Shared Access communications resource-sharing
products; Total Control modem management system for central data sites;
BLAST software products for terminal emulation, file transfer and remote
control; Courier data and fax/data modems for corporate users; WorldPort
data and fax/data portable modems for traveling professionals; and
Sportster data and fax/data modems for small business, home office and
entry-level users. Both corporate headquarters and manufacturing
operations are based in Skokie, Ill. U.S. Robotics owns and operates
Miracom Technology Ltd., Slough, England, and U.S. Robotics, s.a., Lille,
France. The company markets its products to business, industry,
government agencies and original equipment manufacturers.
___________________________________________________________
> A TRANSLATION STR OnLine So, what was really said?
""""""""""""""""""""""""
A Satirical Translation
of
the Delphi Sam Tramiel Online Conference
"A Political Primer"
by Tim Holt
ACCEPT
In this year of political intrigue, to be really on top of things, you
must be able to read through the elocution, and see what politicians
REALLY mean. Since the presidential debates haven't started yet, I
thought I would offer this primer on how to read what they MEAN into what
they say. As an example, I will use selected questions and answers from
the recent online conferences with Sam "THE MAN" Tramiel. Study this
carefully, then by the time the Presidential debates roll around, you will
be able to make a wise decision based on what you have learned. Good
luck.
SAM:
"Good evening, I'm very pleased to be here on in the Atari area for the
very first time! We're excited to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of
Atari Corporation this year. We're especially excited because this is a
time that we can introduce another milestone product to the world."
TRANSLATION:
I wasn't doing anything tonight anyway, since American Express took back
my Gold Card. Heck,I didn't even know this thing existed until Bob Brodie
told me about it last week. Besides, thanks to you nerds I am still
employed.
SAM:
Tonight, we're pleased to be able to finally announce the Atari Falcon 030
Computer. This computer will be unveiled to the buying public at the
Duesseldorf Atari Messe in Germany next week. The Falcon is a machine that
we're very excited about. We think that it places us back in the
forefront of the "Power without the Price" place in the market.
TRANSLATION:
This is it folks. If this puppy don't sell, I am out of here.
SAM:
Here's the specs on the Atari Falcon 030:
CPU: Motorola 68030 running at 16 Mhz
32-bit Bus
Optional 68881 or 68882 FPU
RAM: 1,4, or 14 megs
Standard Atari Cartridge Port
Motorola 56001 DSP chip
Expansion Bus:
Internal direct processor slot for 386SX PC emulation, or other
coprocessor
Graphics:
Super VGA graphics: 640x480 with 256 colors
True color 16 bit mode allowing a display of up to 65,536 colors
Accepts external video sync signal to allow high quality genlocking
Overlay mode for easy video titling and special effects
Overscan on TV's and ST Color monitors
262,144 possible colors
hardware-assisted horizontal fine scrolling
BLiTTER graphics co-processor
Sound features:
Eight 16 bit audio DMA record and playback channels
Stereo 16 bit digital DMA input
Stereo 16 bit DMA audio output
SDMA sound/DMA Coprocessor
Standard Ports
SCSI II port with DMA
High speed LocalTalk compatible LAN
Connector for analog RGB color (ST or VGA) or composite video
RS232C serial port
Bidirectional parallel port
MIDI IN/MIDI OUT
Stereo microphone input, miniature stereo plug
Stereo audio out, miniature stereo plug
Two joystick connectors
Two enhanced digital/analog controller/light pen connectors
Data Storage
1.44 Mbyte floppy disk drive
Optional internal IDE Hard Disk
System software
Pre-emptive Multitasking with adaptive prioritzation (MultiTOS)
Inter process communication
NewDesk desktop and eXtensible control panel
Multiple window user interface; number of windows limited
only by memory or software in use.
We see this computer as exceeding all of the multimedia expectations of
the computer buying public. As well as being an exceptional value as a
home computer system.
TRANSLATION:
We are finally catching up with the rest of the computer world.
SAM:
Extensive testing with the Falcon has already been done on existing
software. We are very pleased with the high degree of compatibility. For
instance, PowerNet, a increasingly popular LocalTalk networking solution
works fine with no modifications. Calamus SL, PageStream, WordFlair II,
Cubase 3.0, STalker 3.0, STeno, Arabesque, and many other well written
applications will work perfectly.
TRANSLATION:
I will still be able to run all of my neat-o games on it. And, I won't
have to buy a whole bunch of new programs. Besides, it costs a lot less
to write an upgrade for an OS that already exists than pay to have
somebody write a new one...
Now, for the questions from the audience:
Q:
What type of monitors will work with the Falcon?
SAM:
The Atari Falcon030 will work with any VGA, or Atari ST Color Monitor
SC1224 or SC1435
TRANSLATION:
We ran out of money before we got to the monitor stuff.
Q: Suggested retail price?
SAM:
Sorry, tonight we will not be giving out the suggested retail price of the
Atari Falcon030. That information will be announced next week.
TRANSLATION:
Our accountants still haven't figured out how we can make a 200% profit on
this baby.
Q:
Will there be a trade in plan?
SAM:
It is not our practice to offer a trade in plan directly from Atari.
TRANSLATION:
What planet are YOU from?!
Q:
Why no detachable keyboard?
SAM:
We felt that offering the unit in this configuration was the most cost
effective. Also, using the 1040STE case allowed us to save on design
costs, as it is the only unit (until the Atari Falcon030) that has analog
joy sticks in it.
TRANSLATION:
We still have over 100,000 1040ST cases sitting in a warehouse in East LA.
Q:
Has Atari finally hired a good technical writer, to document system
interconnectivity, and add ons?
SAM:
Our developer documentation for the Atari Falcon030 has met with rave
reviews from all of the developers that are in possession of an Atari
Falcon030. YES, the documentation is greatly improved.
TRANSLATION:
We had David Small write the manual.
Q:
MultiTOS- how is it configured, ram or rom, and what software will run on
it?
SAM:
MultiTOS is a combination of rom and disk based software. Most well
written applications seem to work fine. We've made certain that our
developers have been closely involved in the enhancements of MultiTOS.
I'm confident that it will be HIGHLY compatible with your software
library.
TRANSLATION:
It bombs with the new TOS just like everything else you own.
Q:
Is there anything being done with multimedia, and/or speech recognition
software?
SAM:
Yes, Multimedia is one of the key area for the Atari Falcon030.
TRANSLATION:
We are still fighting it out with AMIGA for the bottom of the market.
Q:
Will it be advertised? How big is the budget, is there an agency, will it
be in mainstream media, or specialty publications?
SAM:
Sorry, we're not going to enter into those kinds of specifics
tonight.
TRANSLATION:
No decent ad agency in their right mind would touch our account. Even the
people that handled Michael Dukakis laughed when we called.
Q:
Any dealer incentive programs?
SAM:
Again, we will not discuss the marketing issues tonight.
TRANSLATION:
If the dealers are still in business, we figured that they are probably
selling more PC's than Atari's anyway.
Q:
Any bundled software with the Falcon?
SAM:
Yes, there will be a number of things packaged with the Atari Falcon030.
There will be a couple of games written especially for the Atari
Falcon030...Land Mines, and a BreakOut kind of game. We will also have a
Rolodex type of application called Cal/Apt, a calculator application
called ProCalc, and a Talking Clock desk accessory.
TRANSLATION:
We went through all of the GEnie PD library and found these three programs
that run on it.
Q:
Will there be support for the future release of Apple/IBM OS "Pink"?
SAM:
When we see it, we'll answer you. It's still in development.
TRANSLATION:
Gee those guys sure make a lot of new stuff.
Q:
Will it be able to run other operating system and which ones?
SAM:
With plugging in optional third party coprocessor boards, you will be able
to run PC type software, and maybe even MacIntosh software.
TRANSLATION:
We hope that Supercharger can be adapted somehow, and that David Small can
come up with another miracle.
Q:
Will memory upgrades be through SIMMs?
SAM:
Memory upgrades will be through a "Atari Falcon" ram board.
TRANSLATION:
We are hoping somebody can figure out how to upgrade this thing. So far,
we can't. What is Jim Allen's number?
Q:
Sam, congratulations on the Falcon its quite the promising NEW product. I
understand 500 are to reach Europe within two weeks. What is the time
table for North America and the States in particular?
SAM:
I'm happy that you have information on what is going to Europe. But,
you're wrong, the plans are for North America to have machines by mid to
late October.
TRANSLATION:
How did this guy get a hold of my morning briefing?
Q:
What kind of keyboard will the Falcon come with? The old mushy ST-style
version, or the newer Mega ST/Mega STE/TT one?
SAM:
The Atari Falcon030 keyboard is the same wonderful keyboard that you can
find on a 1040STE.
TRANSLATION:
We have 100,000 keyboards in that East LA warehouse too.
Q:
When will development tools that support the 68030, math coprocessors and
DSP56001 be available?
SAM:
The developer machines that have been shipping to select developers for
the past few months, have all the tools. A complete 56000 debugger will
begin shipping next Thursday.
TRANSLATION:
We expect to see it about the time the CD ROM player comes out!
Q:
How will the TT and the Falcon relate compatibility-wise?
SAM:
They are very compatible. The Atari Falcon030 is actually more STE
compatible than the TT030.
TRANSLATION: The folks that bought Mega STE's really got screwed.
Q:
In light of the recent Forbes article, how do you feel the Falcon will do
to re-establish Atari in the marketplace? It sounds like the Falcon will
be the finest Atari computer yet to come.
SAM:
Regardless of the Forbes article, we feel that the Atari Falcon030 is a
giant step in personal computing. It will help Atari re-establish itself
in the North American market.
TRANSLATION:
PLEEEEEEEASE BUY THIS COMPUTER.PLEEEEEASE!!!
Q:
In a previous message, you said "and maybe even MacIntosh software." Does
this mean that the Falcon isn't compatible with Spectre?
SAM:
The Atari Falcon030 does not have an external floppy connector, and this
of course makes it difficult to connect the existing Spectre GCR. We
simply do not want to comment on Dave Small's behalf. :)
TRANSLATION:
I hope Small can figure out a way around this major goof by the design
team.
Q:
Two questions, first off, could you list the various developers which have
been working on products for the Falcon? Any who previously dropped our
computer and have show a renewed interest with the Falcon?
SAM:
On the question regarding developers, there are too many to mention now.
And yes, some that were not working on our system are now. Such as NeXT
developers because of the DSP 56000 which opens the world to really
exciting software.
TRANSLATION:
The usual suspects are writing upgrades, and two NEXT nerds that used to
work for Atari are writing a shareware midi programs in their garage.
Q:
Sam, all my info may not be accurate, but that is not the question, I
asked; "What is the timetable for North America and in particular, the
USA?"
SAM:
With all due respect, we've already answered you. The US is part of North
America, and we plan mid to late October.
TRANSLATION:
Late October 1994 that is...
Q:
If not tonight, when will we learn what marketing strategy Atari has for
the Falcon?
SAM:
We felt that the present ST/STE family was not strong enough to market in
the US. We have been waiting for this new product, and we do plan to
support it and market it in the US. It will be a hard battle, but we will
put a good effort behind it.
TRANSLATION:
Our motto about advertising is like 7-UP: "Never had it, never will."
I hope that this excursion into how to "read my lips", or in this
case, "read my blips", was a helpful one. Thanks to the people that
participated in the online conferences for the questions, and to GEnie and
DELPHI for having the conferences.
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service:
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 Announcements (FREE)
1. The NEW Windows RT opens horizons of opportunities tonight....WINDOWS
2. Final week to turn your friendships into prizes...............*BUDDY
3. Special ST offer, for MEMBERS ONLY in.........................SOFTCLUB
4. HURRICANE EMERGENCY MESSAGES sent to loved ones by ham radio..*RADIO
5. Amiga Library Holds The Biggest Catches of the Summer.........STARSHIP
6. Special RTC on 8/30 with TOM CLANCY...........................WRITERS
7. BOOKS - BOOKS - BOOKS: 20% off every title at.................READ-USA
8. A Dozen Roses Delivered Overnite - ONLY $39.95 at.............LDROSES
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14. Darlah's new FREE treat.......................................ST
15. Communication Software (MS-DOS) is our specialty in...........MUSTANG
ST Roundtable Realtime Conference Special Events
September 2nd Fair Dinkum Realtime Conference
(Wednesday) featuring a NEW product announcement.
September 9th Atari Falcon 030 RTC - Part II.
(Wednesday) Atari's Bill Rehbock provides a post-Duesseldorf followup
to the Sam Tramiel RTC. Bill will provide more info on
technical specifications, Falcon applications, pricing,
and more.
All conferences begin at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Last Week's Top Downloaded Programs/Utilities:
25390 MPLAY_13.LZH X A.DOLORICO 920822 27776 149 29
Desc: ALLMusic player for ST/STe v. 1.3
25389 PAULA20.LZH X OUTRIDER 920822 61056 130 29
Desc: Paula 2.0 - the Ultimate MOD Player!
25388 ZOO214.LZH X W.PIKE 920822 81408 112 40
Desc: Version 2.1.4 of ZOO File Compressor
25394 SPC-3375.LZH X J.PIERCE5 920822 13696 103 2
Desc: DMJ's SPC-3375 v1.5 - New Features!
25287 HZ_FLIP.LZH X GRMEYER 920815 2432 74 2
Desc: Flip-flop between 50/60 Mhz
25355 GOGOST50.LZH X M.CAWTHON1 920817 51712 69 2
Desc: Gogo->ST v5.0 (File Launcher, best)
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> DUESSELDORF 1992 STR SHOW NEWS WORLD PREMIER OF FALCON 030
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The 1992 Atari Show in Duesseldorf, Germany
===========================================
World Premiere of Atari's new Falcon 030
========================================
by Oliver Steinmeier
August 21 - 23, 1992
The sixth Atari show in Duesseldorf gripped the attention of the
worldwide Atari community. More than 50,000 Atari fans and professional
users from many different countries came to see and buy new products from
166 exhibitors. Atari itself finally presented the long-awaited Falcon
030, which will be the first member of a new generation of Atari
computers. This report covers only selected highlights of the show. The
October edition of Current Notes magazine will feature greatly expanded
coverage.
Atari Germany boss Alwin Stumpf, Atari president Sam Tramiel, Leonard
Tramiel, Richard Miller, and Bill Rehbock led off the show with a press
conference. Stumpf provided the first information that anyone had seen
about prices for the Falcon. The smallest version (1 meg RAM, no hard
drive) is going to cost 1398 marks, a 4 meg version with internal 65 meg
drive costs 2298 marks, and the fully equipped 14 meg version, also coming
with a 65 meg drive, will be available for 3298 marks. In an interview
Sam Tramiel told me the prices for the US market. The smallest machine
will cost $799, the 4 meg Falcon will probably cost $1295.
Given all of the technical data that had appeared in online
conferences and magazines the crowds were naturally eager to see the magic
Falcon "in action".
Atari was able to show some 30 machines at the show in their display
area and at least another 40 machines in all the other Atari related
displays. Visitors had plenty of opportunities for some real hands-on
"getting acquainted" with the new Falcon 030. The main disappointment,
however, was the hard disks in the new Falcons being devoid of all but the
must have software. The control panel, a breakout accessory, and a
graphics demo were about all available. MultiTOS, the new multitasking
TOS operating system, was not installed.
The only cosmetics that set the machine apart from a 1040 STe were the
slightly darker keycaps with white letters. The machines at the AtariMesse
did not have a darker case, contrary to some published reports.
At the press conference, Alwin Stumpf announced special training for
dealers who desired to sell the Falcon. This is to ensure that highly
qualified dealers will be able to help new Falcon owners get the most out
of their "personal" computers. According to Sam Tramiel mass production
has already started. Dealers and all interested developers will probably
get the first Falcons near the end of September, with major shipments to
arrive in Germany during October. (Question: Don't a number of German
developers have them already? Doesn't this last sentence imply
widespread availability to developers in September?)
Stumpf also stated that there will not be any other models of the
Falcon family introduced this year, thus attempting to quash rumors of a
Falcon 040 that had been appearing in magazines and the online services.
Although the demo Falcons did not sport much software, most developers
have announced new products or updates for the new machines. A PC
emulator board is being developed by Compo, HiSoft is working on a
low-cost graphics program, and Trade It has already adapted all its
products to the new machine. Also many programs that were written for the
old ST line run on the Falcon without any problems, although it was
surprising to many visitors that this software did not appear on the
machines.
The Lynx II was shown in Duesseldorf together with a new game
cartridge called "Batman Returns." Atari bought the exclusive rights for
this game for the rest of this year, and they expect to come out with 3
new games each month until December.
In other news a Swiss developer showed a 68040 extension board that is
said to be available for all STs and TTs in about two months. It is an
external board that is supposed to be placed in a separate tower case.
The speed of the prototype was very impressive; it scrolled a text in
wordplus faster than Tempus could do it on a regular ST. The price will
be about 3000 marks ($2200).
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.
For more information, facts, and rumors from the AtariMesse don't miss
the expanded coverage in the October edition of Current Notes.
Made for the Real World: A Personal Media System
================================================
Most computer manufacturers seem to think that the real world is black
& white, or drawn from a limited palette of colors. That sounds are
nothing more than lo-fi noises. And that the real world consists of
people who don't care about cost, compatibility of new machines with older
software, or "improved" operating systems that cause problems instead of
solve them (and who never need to work on more than one task at a time).
At Atari, we know better. Atari's world includes a vision in which
advanced technology meets cost-effective production to create not just a
great computer, but a great personal media system. We built the Atari
Falcon 030 as a personal media system for the real world - a world with
vibrant colors, crystal-clear sound, and people who want a computer to
make their lives easier, not harder. Our personal media system allows
manipulation of video, audio, text, animation and telecommunications -
easily and affordably on a quality home system. Atari's personal media
system for consumers is was multimedia systems should be for business
people.
The Atari Falcon 030 is a "musical instrument". A "special F/X
optical bench" for video. A better-than-CD-quality "digital recorder".
An electronic canvas with more than a quarter million possible colors. A
graphics workstation. An animation studio. A multimedia production
center. An unflagging helpmate around the house. An experience that
you've never experienced before. Simply stated, the Atari Falcon 030 is
the first system that makes personal media possible. Here's why.
Proven Technology, Proven Software
----------------------------------
The Atari Falcon 030's heart is a Motorola 68030 processor (the same
blazingly fast chip used in computers other companies sell for thousands
more). It's teamed with a 32MHz Motorola 56001 Digital Signal Processing
and a special Atari custom chipset that delivers state-of-the-art audio
quality for music,speech, or special effects. With most computers, this
kind of extraordinary audio capability is an expensive ad-on (if it's
available at all). But in a personal media system, we design in quality
audio from beginning. The Atari Falcon 030 delivers audio power without
the price.
For video, the Atari Falcon 030 doesn't just offer Super VGA graphics,
but also true color 16-bit mode (up to 640x480 resolution and up to 65,536
on-screen colors). It accepts external video sync for high-quality
genlock, and - thanks to a unique overlay mode - makes titling and special
effects a breeze. Graphics are fast, too, because of a dedicated,
high-speed graphics coprocessor chip. Unlike computers that require
costly (and sometimes temperamental) optional hardware to do pro-level
video, the Atari Falcon 030 already includes what you need.
This level of integration and performance is what you'd expect from a
company that has been making personal technology products since 1985.
Yet, as the Atari Falcon 030 looks forward to the new generation of
creativity and productivity, it hasn't forgotten the past. It will run
virtually all programs for the industry-standard Atari St (as Europe's #1
computer during the '80s, a vast selection of pro-level ST programs are
already available). But that's not all: there's standard MS-DOS file
compatibility, and a wealth of ports for communicating with existing
peripherals - as well as optional soon-to-be-released '386 PC emulation,
or, Macintosh emulation, and several other exciting new types of
peripherals planned for the future. In short, Atari has combined all of
the ingredients for a true personal media system for use at home -or at
the office.
A Sound Investment
------------------
MIDI is the world-wide standard that allows technology products to
communicate with today's musical instruments, recording devices, and stage
lighting. Atari made the first computer to offer a built-in MIDI
interface, which for all other computers requires an extra card or
external box. Now Atari has upped the ante by adding the next logical
step: integrated, high-quality digital audio. Whether you're a musician
in need of digital audio recording or synthesis, a video production, an
executive who saves time with voice mail messages, or a speech therapist
rehabilitating children, the Atari Falcon 030's digital audio
capabilities can provide the answer to your needs.
Yet even that just scratches the surface. Digital Signal Processing
can produce special effects such as reverberation or echo, and hook into
your home entertainment system to provide options like synthesized concert
hall ambience. Professional-quality speech compression and decompression,
also available out of the box, are essential tools for those who need to
fit sound to picture. For digital recording, the Atari Falcon 030 handles
8 discrete tracks at a time, without add-on boards or issues of
compatibility. Between MIDI, digital recording, and multitasking, the
Atari Falcon 030 provides the same - if not superior functionality to
digital recording systems costing literally thousands of $ more.
A Colorful Sight
----------------
Artists can never have enough colors. That's why the Atari Falcon 030
can display more than 65,000 colors from a palette of 262,144 colors, and
all of this can - if needed - be genlocked to professional video
equipment. Corporate presentations take an astounding vibrancy. New
vistas open up for the electronic artist. Programs become more intuitive,
thanks to the sophisticated use of color. And entertainment - well, let's
just say you've never seen this kind of richness before on any system.
You no longer have to settle for anything less than a virtual rainbow of
color.
The Fun Factor
--------------
The best tools should be fun to use, and the Atari Falcon 030 is just
that.Already, major software developers are so excited about this stunning
personal media system that they've committed to providing programs that
take advantage of the Atari Falcon 030's ground-breaking capabilities,
we're not just talking ports from other platforms. You think you've seen
flight simulators before? Just wait.
The Atari Falcon 030 finally delivers on the promise of a true
personal media system for the home - that's equally comfortable adding
surround-sound to your VCR, delivering interactive education, running a
home security system, or simply providing entertainment after a day's
work.
Power Without the Price
-----------------------
Atari is dedicated to bringing high technology into the real world,
for real people. We don't charge more than we need to just because we can
get away with it. Our audience is not pinstripe clones or "blind
lemmings", but those everyday users who want powerful, efficient,
cost-effective tools.
The Atari Falcon 030 has been years in the making. It marries the
business experience we've gained with the Mega and TT line, the musical
edge that the ST series has always had, and the incredible color and speed
that remain the hallmark of our video game technology. From these three
apparently divergent sources, we've crafted a platform that's ready for
your most challenging creative tasks - where color and sound blend
seamlessly into a system that can truly be any kind of personal, creative
tool you want.
Article 6415 (4 more) in comp.sys.atari.st.tech:
From: aeg03@rrz.uni-koeln.de (Jan T. Kim)
Subject: Re: Atari Messe News
Message-ID: <1992Aug25.111751.190949@rrz.uni-koeln.de-
Date: 25 Aug 92 11:17:51 GMT
References: <1992Aug24.085607.25593@prl.dec.com-
Organization: Regional Computing Center, University of Cologne,
F. R. Germany
Lines: 46
In <1992Aug24.085607.25593@prl.dec.com- amos@prl.dec.com (Samos) writes:
[...]
-For the caracteristics, here we go:
-Bad News : nothing about multi-tos in the Falcon there..
It is, let's say, at least generally believed among the Atari people
that MultiTOS will be shipped on disks along with the Falcons, which will
become available during october. They kept telling people that TOS 4.0
in ROM and MultiTOS on disk is a good thing to have for the transition
period, so people can test whether their software runs with MultiTOS but
still have a chance to run those programs that crash on MultiTOS until
the upgrades arrive.
The DSP is here, (we knew that, okay..) The falcon works on any
monitor, VGA for example it has the old st resolutions, but also
interlaced ones that flickers on a 'common' atari monitor, but not on a
VGA one.. There is a new SCSI-II port and the bad news: The ACSI port is
gone. But then, I'd speculate it won't be too difficult to construct an
adaptor for using ACSI devices from the SCSI port of the Falcon.
The actual keyboard is looking like an ST one, but the buttons are
black (this is important..), I mean they didn't change the design as they
told it.
What's really important: The keyboard looks like the 1040 ST one
(except ofr the darker color), but it doesn't feel like one. It's much
rather comparable to the TT, but with the advantage of having the classic
F-keys.
The new TOS is beautiful, the icons are like on the MAC, that means
they are 3D, the windows have a shadow and I'll bring you more information
during the day, when I get in touch with other friends...
+- Jan Kim -- X.400: S=kim;OU=vax;O=mpiz-koeln;P=mpg;A=dbp;C=de -+
| Internet: kim@vax.mpiz-koeln.mpg.dbp.de |
| |
*----=< hierarchical systems are for files, not for humans -=-----*
On a more distressing note, they said that from the looks of things, Atari
hasn't changed a bit as far as their attitudes are concerned toward
marketing and such. But on a brighter side, they mentioned that a
prototype 68040-based Falcon was displayed and that another company has an
040 board for Mega ST's for around 3000DM (around $2000).
Atari UK's favourite dealers have been promised stocks of Falcons by the
end of September, no idea on quantities but these are likely to be the 4mb
machines with no hard disk retailing at 499 UKP.
____________________________________________________
> FALCON RESOLUTIONS STR InfoFile "There are too many resolutions!"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Resolutions available on the Atari Falcon 030
=============================================
Written by John Townsend
(c) 1992 Atari Corp.
A couple of notes: Unlike previous machines, there are just too many
resolutions to give each resolution a name. Therefore, I will do my best
to describe what the resolution is and which monitor it is on.
- NOTE: TV and a Color Monitor are the same.. by Color Monitor, I am
talking about the standard SC1224. By VGA, I mean a standard VGA
Monitor.
40 column modes ( "column" means the number of x pixels divided by 8)
---------
------
4 color, normal, TV: 320x200, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, normal, TV: 320x200, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, normal, TV: 320x200, 256 colors, 8 planes True color,
normal, TV: 320x200, true color
4 color, interlace, TV: 320x400, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, interlace, TV: 320x400, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, interlace, TV: 320x400, 256 colors, 8 planes True color,
interlace, TV: 320x400, true color
4 color, normal, VGA: 320x480, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, normal, VGA: 320x480, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, normal, VGA: 320x480, 256 colors, 8 planes True color,
normal, VGA: 320x480, true color
4 color, line-doubling, VGA: 320x240, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, line-doubling, VGA: 320x240, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, line-doubling, VGA: 320x240, 256 colors, 8 planes True color,
line-doubling, VGA: 320x240, true color
80 column modes ---------------
2 color, normal, TV: 640x200, 2 colors, 1 plane
4 color, normal, TV: 640x200, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, normal, TV: 640x200, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, normal, TV: 640x200, 256 colors, 8 planes True color,
normal, TV: 640x200, true color
4 color, interlace, TV: 640x400, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, interlace, TV: 640x400, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, interlace, TV: 640x400, 256 colors, 8 planes True color,
interlace, TV: 640x400, true color
2 color, normal, VGA: 640x480, 2 colors, 1 plane
4 color, normal, VGA: 640x480, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, normal, VGA: 640x480, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, normal, VGA: 640x480, 256 colors, 8 planes
4 color, line-doubling, VGA: 640x240, 4 colors, 2 planes
16 color, line-doubling, VGA: 640x240, 16 colors, 4 planes
256 color, line-doubling, VGA: 640x240, 256 colors, 8 planes
and lastly.. there are compability modes for ST Low, ST Medium, and ST
High on both VGA monitors and SC1224 monitors. (On a color monitor, ST
High is achieved by using the interlace mode).
Also, the ST Monochrome monitor (the SM124) will work with Falcon030 as
well. However, it only supports one resolution: ST High Resolution.
All modes on a TV can be overscanned. This means multiplying the X and Y
resolution by 1.2. For example, modes with 320 pixels of horizontal
resolution (X res) will become 384 pixels across, and modes with 640
pixels will become 768 across. Overscanning is done in the X and Y
resolution. You can't do them independently. Special Note: On a VGA
monitor, overscan is "faked".. since the video hardware doesn't have the
capability to do overscan on a VGA monitor, we made it so that if a
overscan mode is set on a VGA monitor, you still see the normal size
screen, but the screen is a window onto the bigger overscanned image. Make
sense? We did this for compatibility. This way if a game that has an
overscanned starup picture can use the same pic on both the VGA monitor
and the TV monitor. Pretty cool, eh? <grin>
BTW.. Overscan can NOT be set from the desktop. The AES and Desktop will
work just fine with it, but because you can't see the parts of the screen,
we thought that that option shouldn't be available from the desktop. We
don't want to confuse people. However, Overscan can be set using a new
XBIOS call (Vsetmode()).. so it is still available.
I hope I haven't made any mistakes. I triple-checked this document in
search of errors and I couldn't find any. If you do find some, send me
Email on GEnie (to TOWNS) or CIS (70007,1135) and let me know.
-- John Townsend, Atari Corp.
PS. Anyone would would like to reprint this message, please do so!
The smaller the number of times I have to type that message, the
more my fingers with thank you! ;-)
After looking at this one more time.. one point to clear up: By
saying SC1224 Color Monitor, I mean any Color Monitor that Atari
have manufactured for the ST/Mega/STE/MegaSTE computers. Clear
as mud? ;-)
_______________________________________________________________
> Glendale Show STR SHOW NEWS Jewel of the West Coast
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
GLENDALE SHOW
=============
PRESS RELEASE UPDATE
--------------------
The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 12-13, 1992 at the
Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1041 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA. Hours are
10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday.
General Admission is $6.00 per person with a two day pass costing only
$10.00. If you plan on attending and you live outside of Southern
California you may get FREE admission by sending a self-addressed, stamped
#10 envelope to:
H.A.C.K.S.
249 N. Brand Bl. #321
Glendale, CA 91203
And get a one day pass for two. SASE must be received by 9/4/92 to insure
delivery.
For those of you who will be needing lodging we have made arrangements
with the Burbank Hilton. Regular rates are $119.00 per night but if you
mention ATARI you will get a room for $65.00 per night, single or double
occupancy. Executive suites are also available for a per night charge of
$95.00. Reservations may be made by calling the Hilton at 800-643-7400(in
California), 800-468-3576(inside the USA) or at 818- 843-600(outside the
USA). The guaranteed reservation cut-off date is August 20th. If you are
quoted another rate ask for Roy Butler, Sales Manger.
This year The Glendale Show will be holding Desk Top Publishing Classes.
There will be a $25.00(US) fee for these hands-on classes. DMC (ISD) will
be holding Beginners and Advanced classes for owners and prospective
owners of Calamus SL. Classes will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
Classroom size is limited. Make your reservations by sending a check for
$25.00(US) payable to H.A.C.S.K., 249 Brand Bl. #321, Glendale, CA 91203.
Be sure to state the preference of day and class level. A confirmation
will be sent, ten days prior to the show, by return mail stating which
class you will be enrolled in. Enrollment in the classroom will also
entitle you to admission to the rest of the show for the day of your
class. Registration must be postmarked by 9/1/92.
Look for our full-page advertisements in upcoming issues of AtariUser and
Atari Explorer magazines.
If you have any questions send mail to:
H.A.C.K.S.
249 N. Brand Bl. #321
Glendale, CA 91203
or
leave GEmail to John.King.T
or call:
John King Tarpinian at 818-246-7276.
List of the exhibitors and demonstrators for the THE GLENDALE SHOW
ATARI CORPORATION
THE COMPUTER NETWORK
COMPUTER SAFARI
OREGON RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
CLEAR THINKING
D.A. BRUMLEVE
SUDDEN INC.
FAIR DINKUM TECHNOLOGIES
MICRO CREATIONS
BRANCH ALWAYS
MID-CITIES
COMP-SOFT
FREEZE DRIED SOFTWARE
McDONALD & ASSOCIATES
WINTERTREE SOFTWARE
BEST ELECTRONICS
JMG
COMPO
ICD
S.D.S.
CODEHEAD
FAST TECHNOLOGIES
LEXICOR
MIGRAPH
DRAGONWARE
GENIE
ISD/DMC
BECKEMEYER
BIO ILLUSTRATIONS
GRIBNIF
GADGETS BY SMALL
ST INFORMER MAGAZINE
ATARI EXPLORER MAGAZINE
ATARIUSER MAGAZINE
PLUS DEMONSTRATIONS BY:
BAREFOOT SOFTWARE
STEINBERG/JONES
DIGITAL F/X
GOLDLEAF
SOFT-LOGIK
USER GROUP BOOTHS:
A.C.A.O.C.
SOUTH BAY A.C.E.
NOCCC-ST SIG
R.A.M.
L.O.C.H. ACE
H.A.C.K.S. (host club, no booth)
John King Tarpinian
Faire Chairperson
The Glendale Show
___________________________________________________________________
> THE TREASURE CHESTS STR Feature NEW AVAILABLE FILES
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
GOODIES GALORE!
===============
By Doyle C. Helms Jr.
Software Editor @ STReport
The summer months are SLOW months for computer users and software
developers alike. I can't say that I blame anyone for wanting to get
outside and away from the keyboard during the warm beachy days. I have
sliped away from mine more than usual the last few months. Surely as Fall
approaches so will the influx of new software both of the PD/Sharware type
and hopefully the commercial genre also.
So when you log onto your favorite BBS (either pay-for-service or user
group type) and you don't find volumes of new software posted, don't
despair, remember this is summer, and unlike the flood of summer rains,
the floods for computer software/hardware come in the fall and winter.
The STaR Value rating is scaled from 0 to 10. 10 being the highest
(best) rating.
On with the show...
FILENAME : TERADESK
SIZE : 135936 bytes
UPLOADER : GRMEYER <GEnie>
STaR Value: 6.5 for users of TOS 1.6 and below, 2 for TOS 2+
DESCRIPT :
This is a relative new desktop replacement similar
to TOS 2.05/6. The program is easy to install and
contains many of the same features as the new
TOS's have. Custom program and drive icons are
permitted. The documentation for TERADESK is in
German but the "desktop" is in English. If you
are not a user of NEODESK or KAOSDesk or you don't
have TOS 2.5+, then give this program a good
looking over.
FILENAME : ZOO 2.1.4
SIZE : 81408
UPLOADER : W.PIKE<GEnie> FREDTUT<DELPHI>
STaR Value: 7.5
ZOO version 2.1.4 is a must have if you are to
have a complete set of extraction programs. ZOO
2.1.4 is GEM interfaced for "standard" usage.
FILENAME : SHADOW TERM II
SIZE : 176768
UPLOADER :FREDTUT<DELPHI> M.FORGET<GEnie>
STaR Value: 7.5 (*DEMO*)
Shadow Term II is a very nice looking Terminal
program that uses standard GEM type user
interface. There are some nice features in this
program and it is a worth the D/L time to examine
this program.
FILENAME : MULTI-PLAYER 1.3
SIZE : 27776
UPLOADER : FREDTUT<DELPHI> A.DOLORICO<GEnie>
STar Value: 8.5
Latest version of MPLAYER. This is a desk
accessory that allows the ST and STe to playback
MANY different types of "chip" music including
Amiga MODs. This is an excellent program!
FILENAME : PAULA 2.0
SIZE : 61056
UPLOADER : OUTRIDER<GEnie> LUXFRANK<DELPHI>
STaR Value: 8.0
This MOD player is greatly improved (wasn't bad
to begin with) with this version and has many
nice features added. Close call when deciding
between PAULA 2.0 and MultiPlayer 1.3.
FILENAME : MODS Volume 13
SIZE : 512994
UPLOADER : BIBLINSKI<DELPHI>
STaR Value: 8.5
Here is a set of 10 MOD files. Excellent quality.
BEAT_MAS-DELROUS3-EXILE-HYMN-LITTLECH-NO_SENSE
PT-SHADOWFI-UNDERGRO-VERTICAL
FILENAME : REFBASE 1.4
SIZE : 217171
UPLOADER : BIBLINSKI<DELPHI>
STaR Value: UNRATED
REFBASE 1.4 is a database program for storing
scientific references. Primarily designed for
handling titles for publications which have
appeared in journals. The documentation give MANY
features for which I am unable/unqualified to
use/verify.
FILENAME : Spectrum NUDES
SIZE : Varied
UPLOADER : A.FASOLDT<GEnie> GREGTATE<DELPHI>
STaR Value: 6.0 - 8.5
This group of GIF -> SPC conversions are of good
to very good in quality. 29 total files.
FILENAME : TURBO ASSEMBLER PACKAGE
SIZE : 186052
UPLOADER : BIBLINSKI<DELPHI>
STaR Value: UNRATED
Turbo Assembler package from Sigma Software(the
MIDI MAZE II folks). This is touted to be a nice
shareware assembler package. The documentation is
in German. :(
FILENAME : MODULA2 Package
SIZE : 330309
UPLOADER : BIBLINSKI<DELPHI>
STaR Value: UNRATED
Shareware version of a supposedly good Modula2
compiler package also from Germany. Documentation
is in German. :(
Here is a QuikLook at some of the other fine uploads to be
found on the Major PFS(pay-for-service) networks:
FECYPHER<GEnie> - File encryption
GOGOST5.0<GEnie> - File Launcher
ST2TTPIC<GEnie> - Spectrum/Raytrace to TT .PNT Convert
T-TERM12<GEnie> - TeddyTerminal file tranfers shell.
MENUMAKE<GEnie> - Menumaker for GFA BASIC (updated)
HZ_FLIP<GEnie> - Flip-flop between 50/60 Hz
SLACKPAK<GEnie> - "BOB" Picture files- GREAT!
RAYVERT2<GEnie> - V2.0 Raytrace to Spectrum converter
Well, that is just some of the highlights of the last week, there were
MANY more files and pictures and demos and informational postings and ...
I think you understand. If you drop by ANY of the PFS networks, drop me a
line in E-Mail and say hello (or critques). My online address on GEnie is
D.HELMS, Delphi-STaRtwo and 71053,44 on CIS. Look for an upcoming review
of MegaCheck 1.22 and the latest update to Touch-Up, version 1.8.
Until then... G'day
__________________________________________________________
> STReport CONFIDENTIAL "Rumors Tidbits Predictions Observations Tips"
"""""""""""""""""""""
- Hartford, CT SHOW ORGANIZER MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR GRAND PRIZE TT!
------------
During an interview with Brian Gockley, show organizer of the recent
CTFEST'92, it was mentioned that the TT030 given away as a Grand Prize at
the close of the show was a last minute decision by Gockley. Its being a
Grand Prize to be given away at the show was not cleared with Atari, Bob
Brodie stated he had to get it cleared and if not the TT would have to be
paid for at developer cost. When asked about the TT and the story of its
being used and having commercial software on the hard disk, Brian replied
it was new and the software was being used for demonstration purposes
during the show. The TT030 was new and opened for the show it had all of
two days use at the show. While certain developers may have been somewhat
upset by their software being left on the TT's hard drive it was an
innocent decision to leave it there at the time it was won. The original
plan was for the winner, Kevin Champagne to wipe the drive clean.
Apparently is process of selling to the TT030 at the last minute, it was
overlooked. Gockley said. Brian Gockley went on to apologize for any
inconvenience he may have caused.
- Boca Raton, FL CIS'S RON LUKS ANNOUNCES REHBOCK CIS CONFERENCE
--------------
Announced today, Compuserve will host an online conference featuring
Atari's Bill Rehbock in the Electronic Convention Center (go convention).
The Convention Center will feature special rates for this event. It will
be held on Sept. 08, 1992 at 8:30pm EDT - 5:30pm PST. The Falcon and its
technological wonders are part of the conference's featured areas of
discussion.
- Reston, VA WAACE SHOW PRINCIPALS & ATARI MAKING PLANS
----------
In a short discussion today it was revealed that WAACE officials are
in communication with Atari and they hold great expectations for the show
and Atari. Most observers feel that Atari's presence should be more than
evident since the WAACE show is the annual east coast traditional event.
WAACE is where everyone on the eastern side of the USA "celebrates Atari".
Besides, it makes good sense to put a smile on everyone's face when Atari
is debuting the new Falcon 030.
- New York City, NY MANNY'S TO DROP ATARI LINE?
-----------------
According to our source, Manny's Music, a long time Atari dealer in
the Big Apple is quite upset with Atari as a result of the information
they received about the Falcon's disappointing holiday timetable. STR's
correspondent was told; "When they were told it would be another dry
Christmas all hell broke loose!" Hopefully, renewed negotiations will
perhaps bring about a change of heart.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> A "Quotable Quote" "I've got a Bridge in Brooklyn for sale..!"
"""""""""""""""""
"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
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> ABCO SPECIALS! STR InfoFile * NEW 1992 Prices! MORE Products! *
""""""""""""""""""""""""""" --------------------------------
** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! **
NOTICE: ABCO will BEAT OR MATCH * ANY *
Advertised or Invoiced price * WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!
ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
_________________________________________
Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT
BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST
FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT
_________________________________________
HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET
_________________________________________
All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST
are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s).
*-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-*
(you are NOT limited to two drives)
(all cables and connectors installed)
- Available for all Platforms -
-* ICD LINK HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY *-
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE!!! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
VISA - MASTERCARD - NO SURCHARGE!
*** NEW!!! ULTRA MODERN "SUPER STYLE" CABINET ***
DELUXE 2 bay Cabinet W/65w Auto PS & Blower $119.00
Cabinet & ICD LINK Host [Hard Disk Ready] $ TBA
Model Description Autopark Price
==================================================
SGN4951 51Mb 3.5" Y 419.00
SQN1096 83mb 3.5" Y 519.00
SQN2055 120mb 3.5" Y 574.95
SQN1296 213mb 3.5" Y 839.00
SQN4055 340mb 3.5" Y 1310.00
==================================================
Standard "Shoebox Cabinet style is also available
MODERN TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
Many other configurations available.
20mb - 3.5gb
NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE - NOTICE
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SPECIAL PURCHASE! * 83mb - 1345mb * Hard Disk Mechanisms
Call for SUPER PRICING!! Limited Time Only!!
FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES w/o ICD LINK Available
ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250+w PS
EXOTIC TOWER CABINETS AVAILABLE Call for Info!
PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only!
FAST TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED
*****
>> ABCO proudly offers ATARI PRODUCTS <<
Call for ABCO's * HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICING! *
ATARI COMPUTERS * STILL THE BEST VALUE!
*****
Original Atari Mouse replacement: $35.00 NEW!
If you don't see what you want listed here, call us.
Odds are, we either have it or, can get it for you!
* GUARANTEED * AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE! *
** 800-562-4037 **
"WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL"
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCOFILE "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE *
--->> LIMITED TIME SPECIAL! NOW ONLY __$ 579.00__ <<---
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN!
Cart and Utility Software Included!
EXTRA CARTS: $ 69.50
DRIVE MECH ONLY: $ 339.95
****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ******
* TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT *
SPECIALLY PRICED ** $895.95.00 **
Includes: * TWO * cartridges!
* SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS *
- Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives -
** 50mb SQG51S $759.00 105mb SQG105S $959.00 **
Or, YOUR choice of Hard Disk Mechanism!
LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE
** ANNOUNCING THE NEW! -> ABCO CD-ROM! **
:Special Introductory offer:
ABCO CD-ROM $489.95
Listed above are a sampling of the systems available.
Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations
(over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited)
* IBM - MSDOS - AMIGA - ATARI - APPLE - MACINTOSH *
ALL UNITS COMPATIBLE WITH --> SUPERCHARGER - AT/PC SPEED - GCR
LARGER units are available - (Custom Configurations)
*>> NO REPACKS OR REFURBS USED! <<*
- Custom Walnut WOODEN Cabinets - TOWER - AT - XT Cabinets -
Atari SLM 804, SLM 804PCV Laser Toner Kits
Memorex 2108, 5287
Oasys Laserpro 5287, 5308, Express 830, Express Series II
Silver Express, Gold Express
** $41.95 shipping Included **
Atari SLM 605 Laser Toner Kits
AT&T 593, CAF Laser, DSI Laser, DTP Systems, Epson EPL-6000
Facit P6060, Fontx Syslaser, Harris3M 2006, M-Tally MT905
Microtek Turbo PS, OAS Laserpro Executive, Packard Bell 9500
TEC LB 1305, Toshiba PageLaser 6
** $41.95 shipping included **
(TWO Toner Carts Incl.)
Panasonic Laser Toner Kits
Panasonic KX -P 400 series, Panafax UF-750 Facsimile
** $41.95 shipping included **
-- ALL TONER KITS * IN STOCK * --
* Toner Starter Kits-$62.95 *
* Replacement (804) Drums-$186.95 *
ABCO is PROUD to announce the acquisition of
the exclusive U.S.A. distribution rights for
** Bitblit Software's ///Turbo Board BBS. **
This fine Atari ST BBS system software and
user support is available through ABCO to all
Turbo customers in the USA. Call for current
pricing.
>> MANY other ATARI related products STOCKED <<
ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED
-* 12 month FULL Guarantee *-
(A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE)
WE PAY SHIPPING & INSURANCE! >UPS!<
(Cont. USA)
QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
_________________________________________
DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED!
please, call for details
VISA - MASTERCARD - NO SURCHARGE!
Personal and Company Checks accepted.
ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY!
CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319
Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service
9am - 8pm EDT
Tues thru Sat
ABCO is EXPANDING!! CALL FOR INFORMATION!
SEND FOR YOUR NEW ABCO CATALOG TODAY!
THE CATALOGS ARE DONE! & BEING MAILED!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STReport International Online Magazine
[S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport
Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" August 28, 1992
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-92 All Rights Reserved No.8.35
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors/staff, PCReport, STReport, AMReport, MCReport. Permission to
reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint
must include the name of the publication, date, issue number and the
author's name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be
edited in any way without prior written permission. The entire contents,
at the time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The
STR editors, contributors and or staff are not responsible for the use or
misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
-----------------------------------------
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