*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---* """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" from STR Publishing Inc. """""""""""""""""" June 14, 1991 No.7.24 ========================================================================== STReport International Online Magazine¿ Post Office Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32205 ~ 6672 R.F. Mariano Publisher - Editor ----------------------------------------- Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EST BBS: 904-786-4176 USR/HST DUAL STANDARD FAX: 904-783-3319 12 AM - 6 AM EST ----------------------------------------- ** Fnet 350 * Fido Node 1:112/35 * NeST Node 90:3000/350.0 ** privately owned & operated STReport support BBS ALL issues of STReport International Online Magazine are available along with A worldwide list of private bbs systems carrying STReport __________________________________________________________________ > 06/14/91: STReport #7.24 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine! ------------------------- - The Editor's Desk - CPU REPORT - MAC REPORT - IBM & MAC - MS DOS 5.0 - 4MB FLOPPY! - QUICK ST 3 - 1.44MB FLOP RSN - WUZTEK UPDATES - WAACE/'91 - BLUE RIDGE FEST - LOYALTY???? -* INTERLINK FOR TT *- -* FAST TECH T-20 BENCHMARKS! *- -* CRYSTAL BALL DETAILED *- ========================================================================== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE¿ The _Number One_ Online Magazine -* FEATURING *- "UP-TO-DATE News and Information" Current Events, Original Articles, Hot Tips, and Information Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports ========================================================================== STReport's support BBS, NODE 350, invites systems using Forem ST and Turbo Board BBS to participate in the Fido/F-Net Mail Network. Or, call Node 350 direct at 904-786-4176, and enjoy the excitement of exchanging infor- mation relative to the Atari ST computer arena through an excellent Inter- national ST Mail Network. All registered F-NET - Crossnet SysOps are wel- come to join the STReport Crossnet Conference. The Crossnet Conference Code is #34813, and the "Lead Node" is # 350. All systems are welcome and invited to actively participate. Support Atari Computers; Join Today! ========================================================================== AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON: GENIE ~ CIS ~ DELPHI ~ BIX ~ FIDO ~ F-NET ========================================================================== > The Editor's Podium Last week, we published a piece to "set the record straight" about the beginnings of a representation group for developers. Never, in a million years did we expect the emotional 'over-reaction' from the ever present "crew" that everyone saw along with the very sad exploitation of the mat- ter by other, "Oh so interested" parties. However we thank them all for coming forward to verify and confirm our information. Unfortunately, there were some strange, but expected, casualties. It seems two "highly informed professionals" came forward and tried to state that the press, (STReport's R. Mariano), was asked to leave his own hotel room during the meeting! (Both were very much in character). The item in last week's is- sue was a _minor_ correction as we stated and, in our opinion, is still just that. In any case, thanks for the verification folks. Elsewhere in this issue, the Crystal Ball is detailed. As we stated last week, the information we presented was verified by four different folks who had access to the information, they all corroborated each other's story. To find "responsible" leaders in the industry attempting to "sidetrack or de-rail" the issues by clowning around only amplified the serious, deep reaching effect and validity of the information. Believe me, if the rumors presented had been totally wrong, it would have been vociferously pointed out. One point must be made, nowhere in the "Crystal Ball" article was it ever said that the rumored incidents were "cast in stone". I wouldn't be surprised if, because of the special "Crystal Ball" article, they 're-thought' the entire situation to one degree or another. Oh well, another week's worth of paychecks for the workers out there. As has always been our policy, STReport's first responsibility is str- ictly to our readers, not the politics, cliques, "special interests" or some bizarre concept of loyalty. STReport has always felt the readers, unlike some out there who seem to march to a different drummer, have a very high degree of intelligence and when presented with information, can and do readily make up their own minds. Besides it is they who really have the "serious money" invested, in their ST computer systems, out of tight budgets. It becomes necessary to point out that STReport was "threatened", "counseled", "informed", and to top it all off, "given a full lesson" about the "OSBOURNE SYNDROME". (Discussing new products whilst there is still the current product available for sale) For the Osbourne Syndrome to have any real effect, you first must be shipping an appreciable quan- tity of the product in question. Else, no syndrome! How odd indeed, that so much fuss should be made over "false rumors". Once again STReport must reiterate that until a full denial of ALL the information in our CRYSTAL BALL SERIES comes forth, we must categorically state; Atari has neither denied nor confirmed the existence of any item, situation or plan discussed in our Crystal Ball Series. The series was designed to give the users an idea of what's in store in the future, un- fortunately, it was not a picture of roses and ice cream. As we have stated before, our first allegiance is to the readers. Those folks who are the users, they are the bill payers. The top BRASS at Atari still HAS NOT learned this. My guess is they never will. The cus- tomers/users out there are the ones who are paying Atari's bills and keeping this company afloat! Just ask others, who thought they KNEW IT ALL and used to be in the business about who pays the bills. STReport will always be user oriented as we too, are users and fully understand what it means to be involved in this unique love/hate relationship that can only be reality with Atari..... To those of you who strongly support us, thank you very much! Ralph...... ps; we still use Atari Computers to do STReport. Not some "stiiiinking pee cee"! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! TODAY'S NEWS ..TODAY! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > STReport's Staff The regulars and this week's contributors! ================ Publisher - Editor ------------------ Ralph F. Mariano Staff Editors: -------------- Michael Arthur Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. Dana P. Jacobson Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Walter Daniel Oscar Steele Robert Allbritton John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Contributing Correspondants: ---------------------------- Michael Lee Richard Covert Roger Stevens Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Ed Krimen Tim Holt Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Ben Hamilton Doyle Helms S. Micheal Hallack IMPORTANT NOTICE ================ Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc... via E-Mail to: Compuserve.................... 70007,4454 GEnie......................... ST.REPORT Delphi........................ RMARIANO BIX........................... RMARIANO FIDONET....................... 112/35 FNET.......................... NODE 350 NEST.......................... 90:19/350.0 *********************************************************************** COMPUSERVE WILL PRESENT $15.00 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE TIME to the Readers of; ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" "The Original 16/32bit Online Magazine" NEW USERS; SIGN UP TODAY! CALL: 1-800-848-8199 .. Ask for operator 198 You will receive your complimentary time and be online in no time at all! WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (June 14) FINDING FILES FAST! During June, explore the many programs and files available in CompuServe's Atari ST Forums with File Finder -- now reduced to $6 per hour for all baud rates, including 9600. The Atari File Finder includes all files within the Atari Arts Forum, Atari Productivity Forum, and Atari Vendor Forum. Type GO ATARIFF to access this service. WAACE ATARIFEST INFO Information update for the WAACE 1991 Atarifest is now available in LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS). Don't miss out on the largest Atarifest on the east coast! MANAGING FILES MADE EASY! Direct-Drive makes managing the files on your floppy and hard disks simple, quick and painless. With a mouse click you can get a list of every file on a disk that can be saved, searched, sorted and printed. You can also print disk labels, format disks and much more! If you often waste time looking for files or thought you'd never get your disks organized, we think you'll find Direct-Drive indispensable! Download file DIRDRV.ARC from LIBRARY 1 ("New Uploads") of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO) for your copy of Direct-Drive. Available EXCLUSIVELY for download from the Atari Forums on CompuServe! NEW VERSION OF DC TOPPER FROM DOUBLE CLICK! DC Topper v1.2 automatically tops the window under the mouse. This new version works _much_ better in programs and will not 'click' a menu entry or file selector when over a non-active window. Works with NeoDesk 3, too! Download file DCTOP2.ARC from LIBRARY 13 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN). NEW IN ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM Custom Base, a program to turn your Portfolio into a data collection device, is now available in LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO APORTFOLIO). A copy of the File Manager program, distributed by Atari Corp. with all new Portfolios is now available in LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO APORTFOLIO) for those who purchased their units before the FM card was included. File provided courtesy of Atari Corp., all rights reserved. A new version of Don Messerli's PGSHOW and Judy Hamner's STReport Forum Notes are now available in LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO APORTFOLIO). THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION "GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM" *********************************************************************** > CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS ================= Issue #25 --------- Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. - Redmond Washington MICROSOFT INTROS DOS 5.0 ------------------ Microsoft has rolled out the latest version of its MS-DOS operating system. MS-DOS 5 makes more memory available for DOS applications and data files, including those running under the Microsoft Windows environ- ment, offers a new shell, online help, a task swapper that is similar in appearance to multitasking, and an undelete utility. DOS 5 is an upgrade and will install on machines that have DOS 2.11 or higher. The cost is $100. The product is already in some 7,000 stores and is available through the retail channel for the first time. This is the first upgrade on this widely used operating system since 1988. - New York, New York APPLE-IBM CHIP DISCUSSIONS ACCORDING ------------------ TO REPORT FROM NY TIMES According to a New York Times report of June 10th by Andrew Pollack, IBM and Apple are engaged in talks concerning "a far-ranging technology al- liance that could have a major impact on the computer industry." The ar- ticle states that Apple executives are meeting with IBM counterparts at IBM's Armonk headquarters. The New York Times article comes three days after a Wall Street Journal story which said that Apple was considering licensing IBM's RISC-based processor for use in a new line of microcomputers. While neither company has any official comment, an IBM executive who preferred to remain anonymous stated, "Such an arrangement would make sense. The licensing of our RISC technology is part of our overall stra- tegy to better utilize our production capability. The recent agreement with Hitachi that allows them to put their label on our 3090 mainframes is another indication of this strategy." Speaking to the part of the story that has IBM interested in Apple software technology, he said, "It is no secret that our relationship with Microsoft is a marriage of convenience and that we are interested in lessening our dependance on Microsoft." He added that he has not been a party to any discussions with Apple that "may or may not be going on" but that such discussions routinely go on within the industry. The report in the Times broadens the supposed scope of the discussions, saying that IBM may "even help develop basic software for a new line of Apple computers that will be a successor to its Macintosh family." One rationale given for the talks is the firms' supposed common desire to reduce the role of Microsoft as the dominant firm in determining the industry's direction. Microsoft is the leading provider of word processing and spreadsheet software for the Macintosh and is the sole source for the MS & PC-DOS, OS/2 and Windows operating systems and environments for IBM personal computers. - White Plains, New York IBM OFFERS TRADE IN AND TOUCH SCREEN ---------------------- IBM has introduced a family of 386SX PS/2 personal computers. Addition- ally, IBM announced a trade-in program for owners of earlier systems. The trade-in program, announced as running through the end of the year, will allow customers with older IBM personal computers as well as cer- tain models of computers from Apple Computer Corp. and Compaq Computer Corp to receive rebates toward purchases of IBM PS/2 systems. Also introduced was the PS/2 8516 Touch Display, a 14-inch color display that provides touch-sensitive response directly on the screen with the touch of a finger, the point of a pencil or any other touch medium. IBM's announcement positioned this device as an "ideal tool for product merchandising, interactive training and business transactions." - Santa Monica, California UNIX SYSTEM V RELEASE 4 SHIPPING ------------------------ FROM INTERACTIVE Interactive Systems announced that it has begun shipping Unix System V Release 4 for the Intel i386/i486 platforms. The i386/i486 are the chips used in the top-of-the-line IBM personal computers and compatibles. - Cupertino, California APPLE-ONLY STORES, MASS MERCHANTS --------------------- APPLE'S NEW STRATEGY Apple Computer has changed tack on its distribution strategy and signed up with discount superstore CompUSA and Dallas-based reseller CompuCom Systems. Additionally, the company has allowed its Apple-only distributors to open stores in Europe in an attempt to boost sales there, particularly of its low-end Macintosh Classic. The low-end Macintosh Classic and color Macintosh LC were introduced late in 1991 in an effort to increase market share in the face of heavier competition from IBM and compatible DOS-based microcomputers. The current agreements are seen as an extension of the policy and a further attempt to penetrate the low-end market. - West Chester, Pennslvania COMMODORE ANNOUNCES NEW CDTV FEATURES ------------------------- Commodore International has announced new features for its CDTV multimedia computer that improve the device's video capabilities. One new feature, CDXL, will let developers display video images from a CD-ROM disk on screen. CDXL can display about 12 frames per second, or half what is normally used for full-motion video. No additional hardware or software is needed to use CDXL, software developers simply need spec- ifications from Commodore to know how it works. - New York, New York VERBATIM SHIPS 3.5-INCH OPTICAL DISCS Verbatim is the first company to announce that it is shipping both read- only and rewritable versions of the new ISO 3.5-inch optical media. The new IBM 3.5-inch drive discs are designated O-ROM to distinguish them from the larger CD-ROM read-only discs because the CD-ROM standard includes a specific size. - Deerfield, Illinois TOSHIBA PREDICTS IBM TO SPUR ------------------- 4MB DRIVE DEMAND Toshiba is predicting that sales of the four megabyte (MB) "superfloppy" disks will increase from $20 to $300 million in the next 4 years. This prediction is based on IBM's inclusion of the 4MB (2.88MB after format- ting) 3.5" floppy disk drives in its new Personal System/2 (PS/2). The new 4MB 3.5-inch drive is downwardly compatible, which means the drive can read and format 2MB disks (1.44 MB formatted) and 1MB disks (720MB after formatting). It also "senses" the type of disk and formats or reads accordingly, without the parameter passing in the formatting commands that is required now. With the availability of DOS 5.0, which can recognize the 4MB drives, and the fact that IBM sets the industry standards, it is expected that other compatible manufacturers will follow also include the 4MB drives in their systems. The new drive does require a new controller card, a newer Basic Input/ Output System (BIOS) and DOS 5.0, so the expectation is consumers will purchase new, more powerful computers, rather than add the drive to an older computer. - Detroit Michigan MOTOROLA REPLACES INTEL AS FORD'S ---------------- CHIP SUPPLIER Ford Motor Company has announced that it is replacing Intel Corp. with Motorola as the supplier for computer chips that control car engines and transmissions. Intel has been supplying the custom designed chips since 1983, and Ford is the company's largest automotive customer. The change will be on a phaseout basis, with Motorola chips replacing Intel's by the year 2000. Ford and Motorola will jointly design a RISC (reduced instruction set computer) based microcontroller. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" IMPORTANT NOTICE! ================= As a reader of STReport International Online Magazine, you are entitled to take advantage of a special DELPHI membership offer. For only $29.95 ($20 off the standard membership price!), you will receive a lifetime subscrip- tion to DELPHI, a copy of the 500-page DELPHI: THE OFFICIAL GUIDE and over $14 worth of free time. NOTE: Special offers can be found in your favorite Atari magazines: START CURRENT NOTES ST INFORMER ATARI INTERFACE MAGAZINE SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI ====================== Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access DELPHI services via a local phone call JOIN -- DELPHI -------------- 1. Dial 617-576-0862 with any terminal or PC and modem (at 2400 bps, dial 576-2981). 2. At the Username prompt, type JOINDELPHI. 3. At the Password prompt enter STREPORT. For more information call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005 or at 617-491-3393 from within Massachusetts or from outside the U.S. DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, Mass. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT -------------------- The 20/20 Advantage Plan IS FANTASTIC! And it features 20 hours online for just $20 a month! The $20 is a monthly fee that covers your first 20 hours online via direct dial into one of DELPHI's two direct-access lines, or via a special Tymnet 20/20 Access code. It also gets you additional hours at just $1.20 per hour. And you get free access to several services on DELPHI as part of the Advantage Perks. Other telecom services may have additional charges. Canadian Tymnet users have an additional telecom charge. Office Time access (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays) may have an additional charge. And of course, other restric- tions may apply. But this is still an amazing deal! For more information please contact: DELPHI at 1-800-544-4005 and ask for Member Services. DELPHI- It's getting better all the time! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" > The Flip Side STR Feature "...a different viewpoint" ========================= A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT ================================== by Michael Lee Do you remember my discussion a couple of weeks ago about CIS and how it handles topics, how the 'threads' come unraveled sometimes? This week I have included a prime example of how the threads can change directions. It is a nice discussion from CIS about 1.44 meg disks, drives, and the TT. I found the discussion very entertaining and in-formative, I hope you will also. This will be my last article for a few weeks. It's summer time and my family and myself will be out of town quite a bit for a while. So, until I see you again... Goin' fishin', instead of just a wishin' ---------------- More on the new version of STeno and STalker - From RMORROW on Delphi... I called Gribnif today to find out the details on STeno 2 for pre- viously registered owners of STeno 1.03, the last release. They will support up-grades and should have a price available by the end of the week. STeno 2 and STalker 3 (when it's released late July or so) will not be sold to-gether as in years past. However, registered owners of the combined STalker/STeno package will be able to upgrade to both. Basically, I took that to mean that we'll be upgrading twice off of the same registration card they have now. ---------------- From Jim Allen (FAST Tech) about his new '030 boards - from the ST Roundtable on Genie... ...I will introduce the TinyTurbo030 and Turbo030 later this month... both have a 68000 to run old SW. It's doubtful that ANY up-grade will be usable inside the MSTE unless its guts are moved into another case. There is just no room, especially around the 68000 chip. ...the Turobo030...basically uses multiple mechanisms to achieve speed. It has a cache like the T20, only using 20ns rams instead of 100ns ones, and it also optionally has 4/16 Meg of 32bit ram. The ram is optional because the cache alone gives the system a healthy boost, and when the 32bit ram is installed the cache is there to speedup video accesses...ST or video card. The 32bit ram is real "page mode" in that we really use the page mode operation, a page is 128 longwords in length, so when the 030 is hanging around "on page" the rams run almost like static rams. We use 1Megx4 static column rams just like the Amiga3000, for maximum speed, and low power usage. It's a very sophisticated ram design with 030 burst cycles as quick as 325ns, which compares to 4000ns on a stock ST to move the same amount of data. The Turbo030 is 40Mhz, and we will only be making it at that speed. That's mighty quick, but the 030 price is still reasonable thanks to the MacIIfx and Apple's volume buying. The floating point performance of the Turbo030 is 78% the speed of the MacIIfx...a cache card later will even up the score. I am planning on a 32bit cache card for the T030 that also fits the TT, killing two birds with one stone. You will be amazed how much quicker a TT is with a cache card, the TT video memory is only twice as fast as the ST...same speed, twice as wide... the cache card will spiff it right up. Hope that wets your lips. I don't know what will be required to get Spectre to deal with the ram, the TURBO030 is an ST accelerator. As of September this year we will be able to provide 16Megs of 32bit ram, which is in addition to the 4Meg in your Mega....using only 8 static column drams...I'll have one 16Meg machine for Dusseldorf and WAACE show demos. The chips will be on sale in Sept. Only engineering samples are available now. Pricing will be introduced later in the month.... --------------- Question about the STacy from Michael D. Mortilla on CIS... ...Does anyone else have a STacy with a blinking drive A light? My STacy drive A light *always* has a very slight blink happening! All help is greatly appreciated. Reply from John Davis (Sysop) on CIS... My STacy winks at me a lot too! Sometimes, the 2nd light will flicker, and I hear a hard disk access. I've checked for virus', loose plugs, etc, but haven't found anything wrong. I guess it's normal - I don't worry about it anymore. Reply from Bob Retelle (Sysop) on CIS... ...your blinking drive light could possibly be just a somewhat more visible example of the normal polling of the disk drives that the ST does. On a regular ST, you can sometimes detect the drive activity lights flashing very briefly as the ST stays in contact with its drives. Maybe the STacy has more sensitive LEDs? If that's all it is, it shouldn't be a problem, it's normal. Reply from Tom Schwarz on CIS... ...all the 1040's here at work have "blinking" A drive lights. You cannot see it unless you open the case and look straight on the LED that is inside. It's nothing to worry about. Reply from Gordon Meyer on CIS... ...It sounds like the normal polling of the disk drives that all ST's do. If you turn out the lights in a room, and watch the drive lights on your 1040ST you'll see the same thing happening. Reply from Bill Rayle (Atari Interface Magazine) on CIS... ...it's not only Stacy that this happens on. Our Mega STE's floppy LEDs have a constant, faint flicker as well... ---------------- About the newest version of Quick ST - From Darek Mihocka (Branch Always Software) on Delphi... ....Quick ST 3.0 is going to start shipping in a few days to people who are upgrading or have pre-ordered it. It will start shipping to dealers in July. In a nutshell, the upgrade from 2 to 3 costs $15. This includes the upgrade to 3.0 as well as another upgrade some time after that. You do not need to send your Quick ST 2 disk back. All registered Quick ST 2 users will be receiving their summer BraSoft Newsletter in a few weeks giving more details about it as well as in- formation about the GEMULATOR. Unregistered users can also receive the newsletter by sending a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) to: Branch Always Software 14150 N.E. 20th St. Suite 302 Bellevue, WA 98007 Make sure we have your CURRENT mailing address by about July 15th if you want to receive the newsletter. ---------------- An interesting discussion about HD floppy drives (1.44 meg) and their disks from CIS... Question from Peter J. Joseph... Since HD [High Density] disks cost about twice as much as regular 720k disks, what is the advantage of a 1.44m floppy other than not having to swap disks as much. Dollar for storage there's really no difference, right? Answer from Bob Retelle (Sysop)... ...half as many disks for the equivalent storage is an incredible advantage. ...it lets you pack more large files onto a disk, with fewer "wasted" holes, or empty spaces. Fewer disk swaps is very nice too. ...Another advantage is being able to keep programs and their data files all on one disk, like a word processor and the text files you're working on. Makes it nice and neat without cluttering up a hard drive. You can always punch DD disks and pretend they're HD, just like formatting SS as DS, or "flipping" a SS 5.25" disk. You weren't supposed to do those kinds of things, but they worked. So does this. Comments from Randy Walters... Punching the hole in a DSDD disk to allow the drive to format it is not always a good idea...If the coating on the DSDD disk is not the same as the HD (cobalt coating) you are asking for trouble. The 1.44M mode formats at twice the magnetic strength of the 720K mode. This causes bleed-over between tracks on a 720K coating, which is why you may see fewer good sectors when formatting for 1.44M. Even if it formatted OK, I wouldn't leave valuable info on those disks for long. After a period of time the disks may suddenly start losing info due to the coating not being able to maintain track separation. This is all based on the disk manufacturer. If they use the same coating, but only have a difference in the case GO FOR IT and save some $$$$. Comments from John Davis (Sysop)... I've had exactly the same problem, only backwards - I've tried using 1.4 disks on 720K Atari, and they seem to format and copy fine. However, I can come back a few days later, put the copy in the drive, and 'The Disk in Drive A May Be Damaged...' The same disks worked fine, as long as I only used them in a 1.4 meg drive. Reply from Gary Gray... Don't use high density diskettes in the Atari ST. You are absolutely asking for trouble. Most STs can't format or even read a HD at 720k. I am a dealer and have seen this problem often. Reply from Jeff (INTERSECT Software)... It's similar to using "metal tape" on a tape player without that ability. It will usually play OK but you can't record on it properly. The bias is different! Metal tape doesn't require bias. HD disks also use the same type of media. Once written on by a 1.44 meg in 720k mode the ST can read it but you can't properly write to it with a ST (too much bias). 1.44 meg drives in PC's do two things when you install a disk in them. The notch tells the computer that it has a 1.4 meg disk in it and the drive uses a different bias when recording to the disk. The second thing is related to the format size you require: when formatting 1.44 meg the disk drive slows down. Comments by Willie Pelzer... ...I thought the 1.4 meg drives used a stronger mag field to punch thru on the HD disks? Maybe the ST drive doesn't have the strength to write to a HD disk? Reply to Willie from Randy Walters... The 1.44M drives do use twice the magnetic strength when writing in 1.44M mode. But they use the standard magnetic force when they write in 720K mode. That is why most drives (except IBM PS2 drives) have the hole sensor built into the drive. The sensor automatically adjusts the drive to the correct write current for the disk that it sees. That is why you shouldn't punch out the extra hole in a 720K disk to try to format it to a higher capacity (Unless of course you are absolutely sure that the disk manufacturer puts 1.44M coatings [usually cobalt] on their 720K disks.) Another reply to Willie, from Bob Brodie (Atari User Group Coordinator) That has nothing to do with using a high density floppy. The *only* consideration is the disk controller chip... ...The 1772 in use at present in TTs is the same chip that we've used all along in the ST, STE, Mega STE. It has not changed. In order to get to 1.44 meg floppyies (or higher) we need a chip that can handle the higher bus speeds that computers like the TT030 have. So, we are/have reverse engineered the 1772 to handle high density floppy drives and higher bus speeds. That chip, when available, will be pin compatible with the existing 1772s. All present TTs and Mega STEs are being sold with the 1772 socketed, for easy removal and replacement when the new chip becomes available...We could have abandoned the WD 1772, and with it, a heck of a lot of the software that runs on the ST *and* the TT. Since the chip is pin compatible, it should work in all existing mac- hines. Then all you will have to do is go out and get the best deal you can on a 1.44 meg floppy mechanism. Question for Bob Brodie from Bob Retelle (Sysop)... ...is the reason a lot of ST software wouldn't work if Atari went with a different floppy controller (for high density drives) because of copy protection relying on quirks of the Western Digital controller chip? I think I recall something about some protection schemes using illegal calls to the controller chip, or formats that the controller couldn't duplicate. Reply from Bob Brodie (Atari User Group Coordinator)... I was told that the reason was that we are closely tied to that chip on the bios level. To change from that chip would screw up lots of stuff. At this level, it's appropriate to say that I'm at the limit of my expertise on this particular topic. If you want/need more information, I'll be happy to get it for you. I'm not that techie, I'm just telling you what I was told. ---------------- About DEKA Upgrades from Paul Wu (WuzTEK/OMNIMON Peripherals) - from the ST Roundtable on Genie... ***** DEKA UPDATES ***** DEKA Firmware version 530 is now available to those who have phantom mouse click problems. This update adds a delay when DEKA sends data to the ST and has apparently eliminated any problems associated with the mouse. If you do not experience mysterious mouse clicks, you do not need this new chip. Version 426 was our previous release version and worked rather well with most system and programs...We are asking $19 for the upgrade to cover the cost of the micro-processor. About OMNIMON Rainbow monitor from Paul Wu (WuzTEK/OMNIMON Peripherals) - from the ST Roundtable on Genie... The specs for the OMNIMON Rainbow monitors: Physical : 14" CRT, 0.28mm dot-pitch, non-glare tube Resolution : Maximum 800x600 non-interlaced 1024x768 interlaced Video Bandwidth : 35Mhz Scanning Freq. : Horizontal 15-36 Khz Vertical 45-90 Hz Compatibility : Atari STs (via supplied OMNIX2 video controller) TT (via optional TT cable) PC CGA/EGA/VGA (via optional EGA or VGA cable) Macintosh (via optional Mac cable) Spec on OMNIX 2 video controller: size : 2" x 3.5" x 1" control : 2 button wired remote control audio : miniature phone jack *OMNIMON Rainbow monitor comes complete with the OMNIX2 video con- troller and a 1 year warranty. Regular price is $599. Mention GEnie Atari RT to receive $50 discount. OMNIMON Peripherals Inc. (formerly WuzTEK) 1 Technology Drive, E-301 Irvine, Ca 92718 Tel: 1-800-429-OMNI (in California) 1-714-753-9253 Fax: 1-714-753-9255 ---------------- Question from Timothy Tech - From CIS... I am interested in any users out there with Calamus and an Hewlett Packard LaserJet IIp. How is the speed and quality? Answer from Bill Rayl (Atari Interface Magazine) - from CIS... While I don't own a LaserJet IIp, I do use a LaserJet II and Calamus, as well as PageStream and a PacificPage Postscript cartridge. The output on any LaserJet with Calamus is very good. In fact, it's as good as Postscript output from PageStream. Comparing HP laser output from Calamus and PageStream, Calamus is the winner every time....for text and graphics. Almost forgot...you asked about output speed for Calamus. Calamus is impressively fast when outputting pages on our HP LaserJet. To really see Calamus fly, you should see it print to an Atari laser! Talk about zippy! ---------------- Information about the new UIS 3.3 from Bill Aycock (Sysop) - from CIS... ...Universal Item Selector 3.3 has been released now (I just got my disk in the mail today). This version is supposed to be compatible with Mega STe and TT computers, though I can't test either claim. For those who haven't heard of UIS: it's a replacement for the Atari item selector, very nicely done. Besides the usual item selector enhancements (like drive buttons, selectable extensions, saved paths and keyboard navigation), UIS also lets you copy, move, rename, delete, view, print, or change the attributes of files, or format floppies, any time you see the item selector. This version has a number of nice enhancements. My favorite: you can now re-size the UIS window by dragging the lower right corner of the box; this lets you fit a couple extra filenames in the UIS display. Also, UIS's 'quick extension' buttons have a new feature. You still have the four extension buttons always available, but in addition, if you right-left click on the left '*' button, up pops a menu of your favorite 24 extensions. There's one new feature that will take getting used to. In previous versions, you moved (or copied, or whatever) a group of files by first selecting the group, then dragging the group to one of the action buttons. That's not necessary any longer - once you select the files you want, simply click on one of the buttons to perform the desired action. (Lucky for me, the old way still works! :-) There are also scads of keyboard commands which may be handy. To upgrade, send in your original disk and $10, and they'll send the upgrade. For more info, you can contact: Application & Design Software 280 Peach St. Merlin, Oregon 97532 (503)476-0071 ---------------- About Masterblazer, a game like the 8-bit classic, Ballblazer - From E.BAIZ - Cat. 9, Topic 6, Message 1 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie... I just got this game and I must say I love it. It was everything I hoped it would be. The graphics are smooth & FAST and the sound is great. But I will admit the sound when playing the game is better on the 8-bit. I do like the feature that lets 8 people play in the tournament. Great game and a must for every gamer. About Speedball II, the sequel to Speedball - From E.BAIZ - Cat. 9, Topic 7, Message 1 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie... This one is great. The gameplay is fast and furious. The sound is just what you would expect from the Bitmap Brothers. There have been some new twists to the scoring (you do not have to score goals to win). The playing field has been tripled from the original game. This adds to the excitement. I just wish there was music playing while the game was going on like in the first one. But anyway, a great job again by the bitmaps. ---------------- Until next week..... ______________________________________________________________ > MAINLINES STR Spotlight "straight from the horses' mouth" ======================= STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES' MOUTH =============================== Issue #2 By Lloyd Pulley Well, I'm back...with some more information "straight from the horses' mouth". Recently there's been some rumors floating around the ST RoundTable on Genie about Interlink, Masterlink and refunds. With all of the conf- licting information, I decided to call Jeff Rigby at Intersect Software Corp. and get the 'straight scoop'. Intersect IS offering a refund to the Interlink owners who upgraded to Masterlink. If you are one of the 400 Masterlink owners, just send back your original Masterlink disk and you will receive a $20 refund. Make sure that you include your name and current address (you'd be amazed at the number of people who forget). There's a small catch. There is only $6,000 in the refund account and $7,000 worth of Masterlink's upgrades were sold. When the refund account is empty, there will be no more refunds. According to Jeff Rigby of Intersect, the reason we have not heard much from Intersect recently was the result of several factors. He admitted that Intersect 'bit off more than it could chew' with Masterlink. After several months of fighting to get it working smoothly, they gave up. You might say they suffered 'burnout'. About the same time, Randy (the main Interlink programmer) moved to Texas. To 'add insult to injury', soft- ware sales picked that time 'to fall through the floor'. Sales went from $60,000 the year before, down to $18,000 last year. Now for some exciting information. To paraphrase Mark Twain, "the rumors of Interlink's death have been greatly exaggerated". Future upgrades of Interlink are in the planning stages. BUT don't start calling them to find out when they'll be available. They'll be upgrading Interlink for _their_ use and will pass these upgrades along to us. As Jeff said, "the upgrades will not be driven by the market, but by what _we_ want. Like many people, we're hooked on Telecommunications." He added, "there is just not enough market to warrant the cost of normal upgrades." One of the first things they will be working on is a TT compatible ver- sion of Interlink - all resolutions except ST LOW RES will be supported (It works now in 'legal ST modes' but because of the ON-LINE screen the new TT modes crash). Text and background colors for the on-line screen and Buffer editor will be selectable. Another new feature being considered is a new script language for Inter- link by writing hooks for use by a compiled basic language. This would require a small library of Telecommunication specific basic subroutines, probably written in HiSoft or GFA basic. There's a ZModem protocol also in the works. Again, none of these ideas are 'set in concrete' and there is no definite date on their completion. Jeff gave me a hint to make Interlink load even faster if you have TOS 1.4 or above. Just set the FASTBIT on your .EMU or .TXF files. By doing this, you can shave 2-3 seconds when you execute Interlink. There are several programs available that will handle this. Both MAKEFAST and PRGFLAGS (from Atari) work very well. Just rename your .EMU or .TXF to .PRG and run MAKEFAST or PRGFLAGS. When you're finished, restore the original extensions back to what they were. Maxifile from the Codeheads is even easier to use. With it, you don't even have to change the file names. All copies of Interlink that have shipped after 6/5/91 all have had the program and loadable protocol directory bits set for FASTLOAD. Also, the disks have an auto folder which includes a demo version of QUICKST 1.7 and the TOS 1.4 patches that are required to fix memory management, necessary if you are loading and unloading protocols, and the CTS/RTS patch, which is necessary for MNP and v.42 modems to work properly. The DESKTOP.INF is set to AUTOLOAD Interlink when booting from the floppy disk (TOS 1.4 or higher) and a recording loads a tutorial into the editor window to help the beginner get started. Intersect Software 3949 Sawyer Rd. Sarasota, Florida 34233 Work: 813-923-8774 BBS: 813-924-4590 *********************************************************************** :HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT: _________________________________ To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369. Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that). Wait for the U#= prompt. Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN. **** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED **** The system will now prompt you for your information. -> NOW! GENIE STAR SERVICE IS IN EFFECT!! <- GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission *********************************************************************** > BLUE RIDGE FEST!! STR SHOW NEWS Big doings in ASHVILLE! =============================== The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) invite you to our 2nd Annual Blue Ridge AtariFest. THE BIGGEST LITTLE ATARIFEST IN THE SOUTHEAST Confirmed exhibitors: Atari Corp. (Mgr of User Group Services) ..... Bob Brodie Compuserve Atari Forem Sysop ................. Bill Aycock Double Click Software ........................ Mike Vederman Dragon Studio - MIDI demo .................... Mike Cloninger GEnie ST Roundtable SysOp .................... Darlah Pine Goldleaf Publishing .......................... ICD Inc ...................................... Jeffrey Williams ISD Marketing (Calumus, DynaCADD, etc.) and Pres. of the IAAD ......... Nathan Potechin KAUG; MIDI demo .............................. Eric White KAUG ......................................... Mary Pinckard kidprgs ...................................... D.A. Brumleve K5/K5M voice librarian demo .................. Dr. Timothy Brumleve ST-Report .................................... Ralph Mariano Step Ahead Software (Tracker ST) ............ Nevin Shalit Willard Productions (DeskTop Video) .......... Clifton Willard Tentative exhibitors: JMG Software (HyperLINK)...................... George Geczy Seminars: Bob Brodie ........ Atari Corp D.A. Brumleve ..... "Empowering Young Learners Through Technology" Dragon Studio ..... MIDI demo/performance by Mike Cloninger Goldleaf Publishing . Tim Brumleve ........ K5/K5M Voice librarian Demo MIDI STReport ............ Ralph Mariano Step Ahead Software . Nevin Shalit We would like for anyone interested to add his or her name to the list above in putting on a demo of what you do best with the Atari computer. (Word processing, Desktop publishing, games, graphics, etc.). Developers, individuals and user groups are welcome to reserve a booth space -- cost is FREE! Where: Westgate Shopping Center - Asheville, N.C. Take any major highway into Asheville (US 19-23, US 26 or I-40) to the I-240 loop, then take the "Westgate/Hilton Inn Drive exit" into the Westgate Shopping Center parking lot. When: 20 July 1991 Time: 12:00 to 6:00+ Points of contact: Van Estes, BRACE Pres. Clifford E. Allen, V.Pres. 704-685-8358 GEnie: C.Allen17 INTERNET: callen@UNCA.EDU 704-258-3758 Sheldon Winick GEnie: S.WINICK Computer STudio 704-251-0201 Come for the day or come for the weekend But please, do come and enjoy yourself. _____________________________________________________________ > SYS 7 GOOD? STR FOCUS "...is a backward step" ===================== THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG? ======================= by S. Michael Hallack One of the enhancements of Apple's new System 7 is not an enhancement at all; it is a backward step implemented to keep its GUI unique compared to Atari's. This new feature removes one of the original innovative functions of the Mac: the control panel document as an extension of a desk accessory. In Apple's new system, control panels may no longer be used through a desk accessory. In System 7, control panels are changed by actually going into the system folder, finding the folder which contains the control panel devices (CDEVs), and then double clicking on each separately. Previously, all that was needed to change a user preference was to pull down a desk accessory named "control panel" and pick from the list of CDEVs. Atari evidently admired this innovation and coded its own version of the control panel desk accessory and its control panel extensions (CPXs) for use with its own line of computers, earlier this year. Apple has also made it possible to drag any document or application into the DA folder in order to add it as a desk accessory. Why would Ap- ple, in the midst of simplifying and expanding the desk accessory system decide to drop one of its key elements? It would seem that Atari's ac- ceptance of this concept could possibly be the only reason. ________________________________________________________________ > MISSIONWARE STR InfoFile "...a brand new company" ======================== WELCOME TO MISSIONWARE SOFTWARE! ================================ Missionware Software is a brand new company that will be focusing it's development efforts for the Atari ST/STE/TT line of machines. We herald from Palatine, Illinois, and plan to be around a long time, depen- ding of course on your support for our products. About The Company and it's Founder... ------------------------------------- The President of Missionware Software is John Trautschold. John has been programming computers of all types for over 15 years. His first computer was the veritable Altair 8800 (which still runs by the way!) Later, he moved on to MSDOS machines, and of course, the Atari ST line. His experience ranges from assembler through C. Through the present, John has worked in television and radio broadcasting as an engineer, both hardware and software. In between the time he spends programming the ST, he works for CBS Television in Chicago (WBBM TV) as an engineer doing maintenance on high-end video tape and graphics systems. Additionally, he's developed a number of hardware & software microcontrollers for use at CBS. When John isn't programming a 68000 in the ST, he's programming and designing around the 68HC11 microcontroller. About Our Products... --------------------- Missionware Software begins its existence with two packages. lottODDS The first is called "lottODDS" and is a lottery number generation program. If you enjoy playing your state or local lottery, then this program will make that much easier and more fun to boot! lottODDS (pronounced "lotto odds") will help you maintain a database of numbers chosen over the years, which can then be used either for generating num- bers to play (using 7 statistical and proprietary methods developed in house by Missionware) or for your own statistical analysis. lottODDS picks numbers using a "least" or "most" algorithm, statis- tical averaging, "hot" numbers, and statistical "between", "consecutive" and "pairs" match ups. But lottODDS does much more than that! We've designed a special wheeling method that distributes the numbers picked more evenly and over a greater and more flexible range than any wheeling system yet developed. You have total control over how your numbers will be distributed. But that's not all! The program also permits you to enter your own numbers (if you wish to play birthdays, special dates, or any special numbers you wish). It will also generate random numbers (our own version of quick picks) and then permit you to wheel them for best distribution. Once the numbers to play have been chosen, by whatever method you decide to use, you can now print them out for transfer to your lottery playing tickets, or you can use the handy on-screen dialog to scroll through the chosen number. If you play a lot of games each week, lottODDS will also keep track of the numbers you've played. When the actual numbers have been picked by the lottery agency, all you have to do is enter those. lottODDS will then do a comparison between those numbers and the ones it (or you) picked and display the games that have matching numbers in them. lottODDS permits you to play in lotteries that pick between 3 and 10 numbers out of a field of 99 numbers. And that covers any known lottery currently in existence. You can also use the program to play multiple lottery games...just load in the file for the game you wish to play, and you're off! Everything is handled through the easy to control GEM inter- face. lottODDS is not copy protected (although you must "register" your software before it can be used) and is usable on either a color or monochrome system. It's also installable on your hard disk. The program lists for $34.95 and can be purchased directly from Missionware Software. Dealer distribution is also being setup, and for now you can also purchase directly from Pacific Software Supply. Printer Initializer The second program available from Missionware Software is called the "Printer Initializer". This is an ultra-handy utility program that's ac- tually two programs in one! But first, just what is "Printer Initializer" and what can it do for you? The programs (installation and desk accessory) give you something you've *never* had before...quick, total, and *easy* control over your printer's control functions. Now we know that most programs, such as word processors and database programs, have printer configuration menus. But for the most part, they're a pain to use and setup, and when you need to make a quick change in font style, line spacing, etc. not only do you need to remember how to do it within that program, but you probably have to dig out the printer operations manual to look up the codes. That all takes time, and time is what Printer Initializer gives back to you. It's there, waiting for you at the click of the mouse. Want to change tab spacing to 4 from within your spreadsheet? Good luck! With Printer Initializer, it's easy! So, what are the two programs you receive and how do they work? The first is called "Printer Install" or "pinstall.prg". This is the program you use to generate your own printer drivers. You can generate as many drivers as you wish, although you'll be permitted to use only six later in the desk accessory. You can generate multiple drivers for one printer or for multiple printers. As you generate the drivers, you can easily test the functions too...just to make sure that what you've created really works! The printers can be used from either the parallel or serial port. If you have multiple printers online (one to each port or through a selec- tor switch) the program will automatically set internal printer output redirection so that your GEM host program knows where to send it's printer output. The other part of the program is a desk accessory called, strangely enough, "Printer Initializer", or "prt_init.acc". This is the program you'd normally use on a day-to-day. The desk accessory is usable within any GEM based program that permits the use of DA's When activated, you'll see the same dialog screen that you saw when you initially configured your drivers, but now, instead of doing the configuration, you'll be activating the functions in your printer. that includes the output redirection bet- ween serial and parallel ports discussed earlier. The distribution disk includes two ready-made drivers, one for the Epson FX80 series of printers, the other for those cute Kodak Diconix 150 portable printers. The programs started out as an in-house utility for us at Mission- ware, but quickly became so useful, we decided to polish it up and offer it for sale. We think you'll quickly find the program indispensable too, and at only $24.95, it's truly a bargain. As do all of Missionware Software's products, these programs run in both monochrome and color. Although not copy protected, you must "register" the program before you can run it (a very simple software procedure!) and once registered, you can can use the programs on either a floppy or hard drive based system. You can order this directly from Missionware Software, or through the distribution network described earlier. Demonstration Programs Available... ----------------------------------- Demos are available of both of these programs. The demo itself (based on Atari's DemoPlay program) will run in medium res color only, although the programs themselves will run in either color or monochrome. In both cases, the demo programs are fully functional except for being able to save a file. You can find the lottODDS program uploaded as "lot- tODDS.arc" and Printer Initializer uploaded as "prt_init.arc". Demos are also available free of charge directly from Missionware Software. Just send us a blank, formatted disk with a self-addressed stamped return mailer and we'll get the demos out to you ASAP. Our address is: Missionware Software 354 N. Winston Drive Palatine, IL 60067-4132 Thank you in advance for your support. We promise to support you as well on most of the major online services. We're currently working on setting up support on BIX, CompuServe and GEnie. See you there! Telephone support is coming as well... Thank you, and we hope you enjoy Missionware Software products. Missionware Software is always looking for products to sell and support...if you have a product you'd like to have us consider publishing for you, please contact us either online or via our address above. Thanks! ___________________________________________________________ > UPGRADE OR NOT? STR FOCUS An overview of cost effectiveness. ========================= UPGRADE THAT FAITHFUL MEGAST? ============================= by Hugh Akston Okay, you've been hearing a lot about the new Atari TT030, and you figure that the TT might just be the ticket to increased productivity in your business, so you open up the latest Atari magazine to check out the prices. YIKES! A TT030/8 with an 80 meg Hard Drive and a Atari PTC1426 color monitor would be around $3800! There must be a cheaper way to upgrade your Mega to make it a "baby TT". Let's examine the costs involved in upgrading a Mega ST to make it just like a TT030. First of all, a TT has a 32 mHz 68030 CPU with a 68882 coprocessor. To bring your Mega up to that level, you need a 68030 add-on board. That will set you back $599. That is just for the board. To get a 33mHz 68030 and a 68882 coprocessor (and 4 megs memory to bring us up to TT030/8 level), you must shell out another $800 for a total of $1399. Wait! you're not done yet. A TT030 has a LocalTalk port. To add this to your Mega, add another $300 which brings us up to $1699, but that's not all. Everyone who has used the TT030 is impressed with the keyboard. It has an excellent feel, and is much better than the Mega keyboard. You can add an excellent IBM compatible to your Mega though. The adapter is around $100 and the IBM keyboard is around another $100. This brings our total up to $1899 and we still don't have the equivalent of a TT on our desk. The PTC1426 is a 14" .29 dot pitch color monitor which allows the TT030 to run in all ST resolutions, and also allows two of the three TT resolutions (TT Low with 256 colors and TT Med with 640/480/16 colors). Even though we've added a 68030 board to our Mega, we still only get 4 colors in ST med resolution, to get anything better we have to add a video board to our Mega. None have been released yet, so you'll have to guess at a price, but, for the sake of argument, we'll say that a video board for our "baby TT" will run about $300. We also need a new monitor to let our Mega match the TT030/PTC1426 combo and that will run about $450. We are now up to $2649! Oops! Almost forgot. The TT030/8 has an 80 meg hard drive. Tack on another $625 which brings us up to $3274. Gee, I'm getting forgetful. I forgot to mention that adding all those boards to your Mega will be too much for the Power Supply. A new one will run about $100. While we're at it, all that stuff has to be installed so let's figure another $100. This brings us to a GRAND TOTAL of $3474. We now have a "baby TT", right? Wrong. The TT030 uses TOS 3.05 which allows for all kinds of neat window, color and sound options. Our "baby TT" has TOS 2.05 which assumes that we are using a Mega STe and so, we don't have those options available to us. Not too bad, but we still came in a little over $300 less than buying a TT030/8 with an 80 meg HD and a PTC1426 color monitor. Think about this though. If you sold your Mega and your monitor, you could probably get at least $500 for it. Buy a TT030, sell your Mega and you come out $200 ahead! What a deal. You also get the advantage of the industry standard VME bus on the TT030. The bottom line is: Check it out before you spend a lot of money trying to save a few bucks. You might be surprised at what you find. __________________________________________________________________ > NEW WARES! STR InfoFile GREAT NEW WARES FOR THE ST ======================= STEALTH ======= Stealth, a revolutionary modem telecommunications terminal for the Atari ST, has been released. A major new stand-alone terminal has not been released for years and people have been out of touch with the latest technological enhancements. Stealth is perfect for new and experienced users alike. But most in- teresting is the concept of Stealth's emulation of other terminals such as Flash or Interlink. Users of these old and outdated terminals can easily start using Stealth right away!Stealth will convert data files from these terminal programs and will actually emulate them. Yes, that's right. We had to use Flash for years and it'd be tough to learn new menu bar slots and keyboard shortcuts. It's just like using one of your under-the-sink cabinet doors to hold the trash can for the past number of years. If the can gets placed in another door, you'll be opening the old door a couple of dozen times. The same goes for using a program. Not only that, but a construction-kit will be included in the near future. It will allow users to setup commands how they want them to be set up. What a simple yet revolutionary concept. But that's only the beginning. Stealth includes a built-in GEM based word processor that functions as its capture buffer (in fact, two capture buffers are offered). And it's just a click or keypress away. The Stealth interface is designed with somewhat of a concept of letting the user decide the best method of interfacing whether it be via keyboard, the menu bar, or icons. Stealth supports all major transfer protocols including X, Y, and Zmodem (as well as several variations such as Ymodem G). Stealth has a powerful script language with over 90 commands. It blows away Flash's . DO file system. Enclosed is ST Whiz, a GEM Desktop replacement program; and it's free (it normally sells for $15). Also free is a GEnie sign on pack. GEnie is the official support network of Atari and is very active. PDC will be offering tech support directly via GEnie. There's much more; Stealth is "one helluva program." Stealth retails for $39. 95 with shipping/handling an additional $4. MONSTER STEREO CARTRIDGE ======================== The ST's sound capability is just now being tapped with TCB Tracker and amazing game programs being released with sounds that blow you away. The only problem is that it's hard to be blown away by the ST's puny monitor speaker. And it is very puny, ja? It needs to be pumped up. That's where the Monster comes in. The Monster Stereo Cartridge (MSC) that is. MSC allows users to pump the ST's sound through a stereo, boom- box, or mini-speakers. There have been others, but nothing like the Monster. Tweetyboard required extensive installation. MSC is a simple plug in device, no soldering! Playback from MichTron is not only more ex- pensive, but it also ties up the cartridge port, and that's a major pain. MSC plugs into the printer port, and is easy to unplug without damaging the delicate cartridge port. What does it do? Specifically, it channels all ST sound through the MSC into any sound equipment (via RCA jacks). It utilizes newly written stereo software (such as TCB Tracker) to play in true stereo. Now your ST can have the power of an STe! TCB Tracker and many other programs have been updated to support the MSC. The Monster Stereo Cartridge retails for $69.95 + $4 shipping/handling. XTRA-RAM/XTRA-RAM STE/FORGET-ME-CLOCK II ======================================== PDC proudly announces that PDC is now the exclusive supplier of Fron- tier Software products in the USA. Frontier offers the best in quality RAM upgrades for the ST and STe line of computers. The Xtra-RAM upgrade for ST computers comes in three formats: Unpopulated, .5 MB (which upgr- ades a 1/2 meg ST to 1 MB), and 2.5 MB (which upgrades Mega 2 ST's to 4 MB and other STs to 2.5 MB). The Xtra-RAM STE upgrades STE's to 2 MB to 2 Xtra-RAM STE's will upgrade the STE to 4 megabytes). All upgrades are solderless and very easy to install. They are totally compatible with all software. Each Xtra-RAM upgrade is supplied with free RAM-testing, RAM disk, and printer spooler software. Also available is the Forget-Me-Clock II, which is a clock cartridge that doesn't tie up the cartridge port. Other cartridges can plug into it while the Forget-Me-Clock II remains totally invisible to them. The package also is supplied with time/date setting software, as well as with an auto-run program that automatically sets the clock. Built-in setting software offers the ability to stop the Forget-Me-Clock II to save its battery life when it is not being used. All products include professional and colorful packaging, as well as complete documentation. But what's especially amazing is that PDC offers a 10 day money back guarantee. If the user is dissatisfied for any reason, he or she may return it for a full refund within 10 days of pur- chase! No other RAM upgrade house offers that! But the support doesn't stop there! All RAM upgrades carry a full twelve month guarantee. And the Forget-Me-Clock II carries a two year guarantee. The RAM upgrades are guaranteed to use new memory chips to make sure that the upgrade boards are the most reliable anywhere! PDC is introducing these products at a special introductory price. Prices are as follows: Standard Retail Special Price Xtra-RAM Unpopulated $129.95 $ 99.95 Xtra-RAM .5 MB $179.95 $139.95 Xtra-RAM 2.5 MB $299.95 $199.95 Xtra-RAM STe 2 MB $149.95 $129.95 Forget-Me-Clock II $ 69.95 $ 49.95 Shipping is $6 per order. PDC will have a representative at the Vancouver Atari Show demoing all of our products, as well as selling them at massive discounts. Be there! ________________________________________________________ > STALKER 3.0!!!! STR InfoFile UPGRADING STALKER & STENO ============================ Gribnif Software Press Release June 12, 1991 For Info Contact: Gribnif Software P.O. Box 350 Hadley, MA 01035 Tel: (413) 584-7887 Fax: (413) 584-2565 GRIBNIF SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES UPGRADE PROGRAM FOR PREVIOUS OWNERS OF STENO(TM) AND STALKER(TM) HADLEY, MA -- Gribnif Software announced today its upgrade plans for the STeno(TM) and STalker(TM) programs, recently acquired from Strata Softw- are. Since the new STeno 2.0 and STalker 3 packages are being released independently, the legitimate owners of previous versions of these prog- rams have two different upgrade plans available: 1. Upgrade to STeno 2.0 (available immediately) for $15.00. Upgrade includes the new 2.0 version of the program, a 40 page illustrated manual, and free technical support from Gribnif Software. 2. Upgrade to STalker 3 (available July 31st, 1991) for $20.00. Upgrade includes the new version 3.0 of this amazing terminal program (including the new BackTALKTM script language, GDOS support, and more), a complete illustrated manual (still being written), and free technical support from Gribnif Software. If you upgrade to both now (for only $35.00), you will receive the new STeno 2.0 package first. The STalker 3 package will be shipped as soon as it is released (July 31st, 1991). Or, if you want, just upgrade one now and later on upgrade the other. To get the upgrades, follow these easy steps: 1. Mail us your original STeno/STalker disk. 2. Include a note with your name, address, and daytime phone number (in case we have some questions about the order). 3. Enclose a US Bank Check, US Money Order, or Credit Card for the cor- rect upgrade fee (see above) and the additional shipping and handling charge: Shipping charges are $2 for U.S. orders, $3 for Canadian orders, and $5 for all other Foreign orders. Note: If ordering by credit card, it must be a MasterCard, EuroCard, or Visa. With the order you should include: 1) Credit card number. 2) Expiration date. 3) Name as it appears on the card. 4) Cardholder's signature. 4. Wait between 3-4 weeks. The orders will be processed and sent out on a "first come / first serve" basis. If you have any questions regarding the STeno and STalker software pack- ages, please feel free to give us a call at (413) 584-7887. STeno and STalker are trademarks of Strata Software. Exclusive world wide marketing and distribution by Gribnif Software. _________________________________________________________ > ATARI PLATFORM? STR FOCUS TO BE A "LEMMING" OR FREE THINKER! ========================= AT WHAT PRICE? -> LOYALTY ========================= "Are you FOR or AGAINST the Atari platform" by Ralph F. Mariano In most every situation in today's fast moving world, there must be decisions to either support, quietly not support or vocally oppose the ideals or policies of others. Especially when it directly effects you or your circumstances. Its usually these times that try, to the very limits, the patience of friends and acquaintances alike. A time such as this is upon us now and its a dilly. Just last week, I was asked .. "Are you FOR or AGAINST the Atari platform". The answer to such a question is intri- cate and really, to be replied to properly, would take the writing of a book. Neither I nor you have the time to invest. But.. I will try to answer this question briefly. At first glance, I felt utter revulsion at being hit with such a loaded question that was obviously aimed at drawing out an emotional reply. Thankfully I waited and after having read and re-read the passage in which it appeared, things began to fall into place. What is this ques- tion really asking? I said to myself a number of times. Finally, it came together... It was asking if I cared to follow the 'faithful few' with an unquestioning loyalty. Honestly speaking, I am not and will not. Politicians utilize 'platforms' all the time. Certainly you have heard of the "party platform" and the "platform" the candidate is running on. This platform business is, when boiled down to its simplest terms, nothing more than one person's opinion that some followers have agreed to support. Nothing more and nothing less. In the business world, "platforms" per se, have absolutely no realis- tic justification. Why? Because the bottom line in business is profit and growth. Not ideals and/or surrealistic beliefs. To this end, I must say I hold positively no feelings pro or con to any so-called platform. If however, one were to ask.. do I recommend the Atari hardware (computers, etc.) there is an "emphatic" YES. Do I support the company? Again YES. Do I embrace all of the company's policies and decisions? No way, in fact I would be the first to say I disagree with many of the decisions made in the last few years. From mid 1989 'till now it has been a steady, progressive comedy of errors. Of course to go back and list them all is redundant as most of us are very well aware of the "litany of errors". I am FOR the success of the hardware and the company and I am AGAINST the continued blunders and permissiveness of allowing "special interest types" to assert themselves upon Atari. This vertical market business is the latest that needs addressing. Last year the expression; "the tail wagging the dog" appeared to be an appropriate phrase to describe the good the vertical market was doing in bringing the Atari computer into the light of positive notoriety. How very true. The DTP "spoke" in the big wheel of the Atari marketing scheme of things does indeed highly compliment the computer and its potential. Whatever became of the highly publicized Midi market, the Hotz Box, Application and accounting and last, but certainly not least, the Entertainment markets? Once most folks got past the tail of the dog, they'd find the dog really had NO TEETH. Where are the substantive application programs for the Atari computer. When was the last time we saw a major NEW application released for the Atari Computer. And why hasn't there been? And whose responsibility is that? The developers? The users? Atari itself? The major portion of the responsibility is Atari's. The USA marketplace demands a definite set of marketing and sales rules that simply put, must be followed. They NEVER have been even closely adhered to. In a nutshell; - ADVERTISE THE PRODUCTS - PRODUCE THE PRODUCTS TO MEET THE GENERATED DEMAND - SELL AND SHIP THE PRODUCTS This is the time proven formula prescribed universally to achieve a sales and marketing success. Its no secret. Really it isn't. On the other hand, Atari's people have been the most responsive they have been in quite some time. The users, developers, dealers and other interests have all expressed great pleasure in their ability to reach someone at Atari and be heard. The credit for this belongs to Bill Reh- bock, Bob Brodie, Don Thomas and the others who have realized that Atari desperately needs their input to help formulate plans for the future. These folks are doing a great job for Atari and deserve both our support and thanks. ____________________________________________________________ > USERGROUP IV STR Feature The Organization of a Usergroup ======================== SO YOU WANT TO START A USER GROUP? ================================== Part IV A primer for starting your own user group by Tim Holt ACCEPT of El Paso Hello, meet Uncle Sig... Hello again! Last time out, we looked at some ways to keep your members interested and coming back for more. Hopefully, you saw that using "non-traditional" topics is a good way to keep then coming back. Today, we will look at special interest areas within your group, pros and cons of multiple platforms, and some common problems faced by user groups all over the place. Each user group has a variety of people in them, unless you only have two people in your group, that can serve as "experts" in a particular area. Why did you buy your computer? Chances are, the guy that is vice president of your club has a very different reason, and that little kid in the back has another reason as well. Music, games, word processing, data bases, video production, animation, all are very well served by the Atari plat- form. The larger your group, the greater the chances of fragmentation. This is where the idea of SIG's, or Special Interest Groups comes in. Becuase of time limitations, chances are, you cannot cover everything you want to in your regular club meetings. But, who ever said that you were set to just the "official meeting" time and places? When your club gets enough people, it is time to start thinking about SIGs. A sig group can meet at the same time as the regular meeting, a sort of "meeting within a meeting", or you can even schedule them at different times, when it is convenient for those that are interested to get together. The sig can meet at a membrs house, and can be quite informal. Whenever there is a special interest, there can be a sig meeting. Let me give you some examples: Say Paul and Pete and Suzy all use WordPerfect at work. Well, Paul knows all the tricks of WordPerfect, Suzy knows a few less, and Pete just got it slapped on the computer and he stares blindly at the screen at work. This is a great time to start a sig. Meet a Paul's house, have a few refresh- ments, and review, and enjoy the single topic of WordPerfect. The entire club doesn't have to show up, only those that are interested in learning WordPerfect. The pace is relaxed, and they don't have to talk over the din of the rest of the meeting. However, it is important that ALL members of the club are aware of this sig meeting, and that they are all welcome if they choose. you don't want to start little groups within your group that feels superior to everyone else.(And we all know how those WordPerfect people feel superior to us peons...evil grin) Always make the sigs open to everyone. Okay, so you have a WordPerfect sig. Do you see how ANY program that people express an interest in can work here? Let's take another example: Falcon is (or was) a very popular game for the ST. It is REALLY neat if you hook your Falcon game up to another ST through a null modem cable. I can easily imagine a sig for just Falcon players. They have Falcon tour- naments, and have a Falcon Championship. Again, everyone in the club should feel welcome to the tourney, but if they do not want to show up, fine. There are several games that allow hookup through null-modem cables, like Falcon. Midi Maze comes to mind immediately. Just as you can have unlimited types of demos (see last column) you can also have unlimited types of Sigs. A Mac sig, an IBM sig, etc. The limit again, is your imagination. However, some warnings about sigs: You do not ever want the sigs to become more important than the club itself. If that happens, the people in the sig will be reluctant to renew the membership for next year. This is a reason many clubs have sig meetings inside a club's regular meeting. Multiple Platforms: There is a serious question for you to consider when you are starting your club: Do you wish to limit it to JUST the Atari platform? There are good arguments on both sides. I will try to give you both: If you decide to go with multiple platforms, you have to decide which platforms you want to go with. Just Macintosh? Just MS Dos? Or both? well, let me tell you what our club has done: We sat down one afternoon, and talked about the future of Atari computers. Perhaps it was a after a bad week for Atari, or maybe Pete's stock dipped into the $1.00 range. Whatever the reason, we decided that Atari was not going to be around in the computer arena for as long as Macintosh, or MS Dos. Maybe it will be around for as long as our club is in existence, maybe not. We were losing members, many of which were not quitting because they disliked the club, but because they had sold their Atari's and had bought another type of platform. We wanted to keep members, but we are wise enough to know that folks are not as impressed with their systems as they once were. We changed then and there. Atari Computer Club of El Paso Texas (ACCEPT) became Advanced Computer Club of El Paso Texas (ACCEPT). Any type of computer platform that the Atari ST could emulate was now wel- come to join our club. Has this helped? Yes and no. Yes, now the other members are not afraid to admit that they use IBM's at work, and now we have a real Mac expert at each meeting. No, we haven't gotten many more non Atari members, but we really haven't tried. To the minus side of this is that you do not want the Atari members, your bread and butter, to be alienated by the new group. Everyone should be equal. You do not want the famous "My computer is better than your computer" argument to rise up. In this case, and really in all cases, anybodies cmputer is just as good as anyone else's. be on the lookout for these types of problems. Problems problems everywhere... Eventually, you will run into problems. As sure as the sun rises, your club will face the following: No money, apathy, losing members, low tur- nouts, and bad demos. Let's look at all of these: No money: Okay, even though you have 200,000 members and each has paid their membership fee, you find that the costs of newsletters, and other fees has drained the treasure chest. How do you raise money? Well, one of the best ways our club has found was to have auctions. These work by mem- bers bringing used original computer goods, and trying to auction them off. In our club, we charge a 10% fee to the SELLER of the final auction price and let the seller get 90%. You would be surprised how many people have relatively new programs and equipment that they just do not use. Suppose you sell WordPerfect at auction for $75. Well, the club would get $7.50, and you would make $67.50. Not bad, especially if the program is just sitting on the shelf collecting dust. I have a rule when deciding what to sell: If I haven't used it in 1 year, then it goes to auction! Please make sure, however,that everything that is sold is original! Another nice way of getting money is to have doorprizes, and raffle them off. 50 cents a ticket for the doorprize. You won't get a lot of money on doorprizes, but it is money, and could pay for this month's issue of AIM. You can also have special raffles, at Christmas, like raffling off a LYNX like our club did. However, you want to make sure that the prize is not more than the amount of money you will get in the raffle. Raffle off a Spectre GCR, or even a 1040 ST if you wish! A membership drive is another way to get new money. have a contest. The member that gets the most new members to join wins a prize. If each member gets one new member, then you double your membership! Pretty good! Apathy is the scourge of all clubs. I don't know about you, but when I am asking folks to help, and only one person out of 20 says boo, then I get pretty upset. You can plead, you can beg, you can cry, and they still sit there and look like a bunch of stumps. I have found that the only way to get people to get off their duffs is to just ASSIGN someone to do something. Bob, would you do this for me and have it done by Friday? Pete, could you please scan this for me? I really need it. Just ask, it might surprise you how many actually do what you want. many club members are like lost sheep, and really are pretty impressed when the President asks them to do something. You could go the old threat route, "I won;t show up until you guys get to work", but that rarely works. If you do it enough, the club realizes that you are crying wolf, and won't do anything for you. Low turnout at meetings is seasonal. Christmas and summer are the worst. The best way to get folks to show up is to have the best meetings at those times. Have the auctions in July, and December. Also, have someone in the club call all the members before each meeting, reminding them about the meeting. Please make sure however, that you get someone reliable. The kid that plays games all day probably won't want to spend two hours on the phone calling people he doesn't know. Don't get discouraged if the meetings don't set attendance records every time. You are going to have low turnouts, you are going to have times when everyone forget there is a meeting! Our club meets the second Saturday of each month. When the Satur- day is on the 8th, members tend to think that is the first Saturday of the month. Once, we had 2 members show up at the regular meeting, but 22 showed up the next week, a week late! get that caller calling! And speaking of meetings, sometimes, an expected demo just will not work. No matter what you do, that scanner won't scan, the hard drive won't boot, etc. Always have a "plan B". This could be a pd program that hasn't been demoed, like ArcShell or Vanterm, or something like that. It WILL happen, and it will be embarrassing. However, if the members see that the leaders are on top of things, they will get a warm fuzzsy feeling inside and elect you president again next year! Next time, where to turn to for help, and how to keep those pirates out of the club... ____________________________________________________________ > STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date... ================================ THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ========================= On CompuServe by Judith Hamner 72257,271 A new upload by B. J. Gleason, DRYACT.ZIP, will convert .dry files for use with the ACT contact manager software. Another new upload, HP9114.THD, captures the thread on the Interloop HP9114 disk drive. On the hardware front, Craig Davis reports his experience with the Megabyte 512K upgrade. Sysop Marty Mankins has posted the commands needed to use the Practical Peripherals Pocket Modem with the Portfolio. The latest word in software is that Power Basic should be ready to ship soon. Watch for an official announcement. Jim Straus reports that he is re-coding his outliner in assembly for speed and compactness. _________________________________________________________________ > WAACE/'91 STR SHOW NEWS "The Premier East Coast Show!" ======================= WAACE/'91 ATARIFEST UPDATE ========================== This posting is an attempt to answer some questions that have been posed in recent weeks. Hardcopy vendor packets will be sent out around the 15th of June. WAACE, Inc. AtariFest '91 Dates: -------------------------------- The Fest is scheduled for 12 and 13 October '91. The show hours are from 10 to 5 both days. We also expect to sponsor some special events on Friday evening. The show will feature a full round of seminars and demonstrations. There will also be a swap meet. There will be a cocktail party and a ban- quet on Saturday evening. Location: --------- The Fest will be held at the Sheraton Reston Hotel in Reston, VA, which is within 20 minutes of downtown Washington, DC and within 5 minutes of Dulles International Airport. This is the same location we used last year. For those who did not make the '90 event let us simply say that this is a pleasant, spacious conference facility located in a parklike suburban setting with plenty of free parking. Hotel Rates: ------------ Hotel rates are $59 per night for single or double occupancy, $66 for triple and quad. These rates are valid from October 10th through the 13th. Virginia hotel tax (4.5%) must be added to the above prices. In or- der to obtain these rates you must mention WAACE AtariFest '91 when making your reservations. Admission Prices: ----------------- The admission price has not been determined yet except to say that show visitors who are guests of the hotel will receive a free ticket for each night that they book (limited to two tickets per room per day). Registered show workers will also receive free two-day passes. Members of non-WAACE Atari User groups may register as show workers and receive a free two-day pass. Please contact the WAACE representitives below for details on registering as show workers. Vendor Information: ------------------- The basic rate for a single booth will be $500. There is a 30% dis- count for vendors who reserve their booth space before 31 July (by includ- ing a 50% deposit with their reservation). The booth payment is for a single 8 x 8 ft booth. Pipe and drape decoration, electrical outlets, tables, and chairs are provided. Prices for multiple booths are as follows: 2 - $850, 3 - $1100, 4 - $1350. A one half page ad in the WAACE Atarifest '91 Program is included in the single booth price. Vendors may upgrade the half page ad to a full page for $75. Standard full page ads may be purchased for $125. Note: Small vendors that wish to pool their resources and share a booth space may do so, but must elect a single point of contact with WAACE for vendor business transactions. Misc. Information: ------------------ In addition to participating as a vendor at the AtariFest, WAACE prov- ides additional areas for Atari developers and User Groups to participate: Seminars : One hour long presentations of topics of interest to the Atari community. Interested seminar presentors should contact the General Chairman below to reserve a seminar slot. Please indicate the topic of discussion as well as a preferred time slot. Demo Rooms: On going demonstrations of special interest topics (i.e. MIDI, DTP, Games, MAC & IBM Emulation, Productivity, Swap Room). Any Atari User Group or individuals interested in helping out in a demo room should also contact the General Chariman. Demo rooms also feature periodic demonstrations by Atari Developers of the latest hardware and software. Fest Program: Features articles written by many popular magazine authors in the Atari community. Interested authors should include a brief summary of their article to the General Chariman. Further Information: -------------------- For additional Information please contact either of the following: General Chairman Vendor Coordinator Charles S. Smeton John D. Barnes P.O. Box 0122 7710 Chatham Rd Columbia, MD 21045-0122 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 GEMail: C.S.SMETON GEMail: J.D.Barnes CIS: 73047,2565 DELPHI: JDBARNES FNET: Charles Smeton Internet: JOHNBARNES@ENH.NIST.GOV Node 500 WAACE Inc. 1991 AtariFest Vendor Price List ------------------------------------------- Booths Ad Pages Standard Price Discount Price ** ------------------------------------------------------------ 0 1/2 $ 75 $ 53 1 1/2 $ 500 $ 350 2 1/2 $ 850 $ 595 3 1/2 $1100 $ 770 4 1/2 $1350 $ 945 0 1 $ 125 $ 88 1 1 $ 575 $ 403 2 1 $ 925 $ 648 3 1 $1175 $ 823 4 1 $1425 $ 998 ** To qualify for the discount price a 50% downpayment must be received with the reservation by July 31, 1991. Payment may be in the form of check or money order for all payments made by September 12, 1991. Payment after this date must be in the form of money order, travelers check or cash (sorry, no exceptions). _____________________________________________________________ > FAST TECH'S T-20! STR InfoFile "...sweet and to the point" ============================== THE GREAT T-20 from FAST TECHNOLOGY by Doyle Helms "But officer, I was only doing 20... Sonny, couldn't you see that the Chip is posted at 16?" T-20. FaST. 'Nuff said! The following will be short, sweet and to the point. I have attempted to capture some of the "real world" times (or benchmarks) for some of the most common programs. For safety sake, let me first list the results of some of the benchmarks programs available for those of you who hold great faith in them (grin). Quick Index 2.1 Auto programs: NONE Accessories: NONE Monochrome 8Mhz 20Mhz Function B.off B.on B.off B.on -------------------------------------------- CPU memory 100 100 197 197 CPU register 100 100 254 254 CPU divide 100 100 254 254 CPU shifts 100 100 259 259 TOS text 100 110 202 196 TOS string 100 106 189 187 TOS scroll 100 132 115 141 GEM dialog 100 133 195 239 -------------------------------------------- Now let's load the system down (or up) some. Auto programs: TurboMono 1.84, G+Plus, LGSelect, Hotwire 3.0, DCshowit, DCmshift, Codekeys Acc.'s: G+Plus (mini), Hotsaver, Multidesk, Codekeys Monochrome 8Mhz 20Mhz Function B.off B.on B.off B.on -------------------------------------------- CPU memory 91 91 189 189 CPU register 91 91 244 244 CPU divide 91 91 244 244 CPU shifts 91 91 248 248 TOS text 172 172 406 406 TOS string 1161 1168 2558 2558 TOS scroll 124 127 139 139 GEM dialog 232 245 448 473 -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- Now for one more benchmark program from Jim Ness(NBM 0.7) | 8Mhz | 20 Mhz Function | B. off B. on | B. off B. on -------------------------------------------------------- Math test(cache) 16.55 18.07 7.51 7.86 Memory fetch/store 16.23 17.71 8.88 9.37 Dialog box draw 22.84 16.14 13.40 9.43 Floppy read/write 59.35 38.98 59.35 38.38 -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Now to the "Real World BenchMarks"(or what the mind perceives as real). I will be running the RWBM's with the system "loaded" as shown above in Quick Index 2.1 (BM #2). ----------------------------------------------------------------- Test 1: CALAMUS Calamus load and display a full page DOC file of 127K (390 frames): 8Mhz= 49.9 secs 20Mhz= 23.3 secs Change view and redraw from FULL page to ZOOM setting: 8Mhz= 7.8 20Mhz= 3.8 From ZOOM to FULL view: 8Mhz= 12.3 20Mhz= 6.4 Print file in Landscape Mode(180x180 Epson LQ510 24 pinner): 8Mhz= 4min 56 secs 20Mhz= 4min 15secs ----------------------------------------------------------------- TEST 2: PageStream 1.8 Load and display DOC file(306492bytes) 8Mhz= 12 secs 20Mhz= 6.3 Change view from NORMAL to FULL: 8Mhz= 6.14 20Mhz= 2.52 Change view from FULL to 200%: 8Mhz= 16.3 20Mhz= 6.3 Change from 200% to NORMAL: 8Mhz= 7.3 20Mhz= 3.1 Print file 180x180 dpi on Epson LQ-510 (24 pin) 8Mhz= 5min 35 secs 20Mhz= 3min 41secs ----------------------------------------------------------------- Now for a couple of the commonly used program among computerists. TEST 3: UNLZH172.PRG UnLZH of a file (1029532compressed/2196729uncomp.) Total files in LZH is 10 (219672 bytes average size) 8Mhz= 3min 31 secs 20Mhz= 1min 26 secs TEST 3b:LHarc 1.1319 (Quester) Move 10 files (219672 average size) into Archive. 8Mhz= 16minutes 20Mhz= 6min 47 secs(wow!) UnLZH (Extract) same file w/ Quester 1.1319 8Mhz= 4min 41 secs 20Mhz= 2minutes TEST 3c:ARC 6.02 Move same 10 files into archive using 6.02: 8Mhz= 13min 37 secs 20Mhz= 5min 43 secs (oh yea!) UnARC (Extract) same w/ 6.02 8Mhz= 5min 4 secs 20Mhz= 2min 13 secs TEST 3d:Dcopy 3.6 Move same 10 files into archive using Dcopy 3.6: 8Mhz= 6min 6 secs 20Mhz= 2min 41 secs UnARC (Extract) same w/Dcopy 3.6 8Mhz= 4min 3 secs 20Mhz= 1min 50 secs ----------------------------------------------------------------- Now for something completely different... These two tests will consist of using some of the functions (options) in Touch-Up and MVG. This will also include load times for compressed IMG files. TEST 4: TOUCH-UP & MVG Program load: TOUCH-UP 8Mhz= 7.7secs 20Mhz= 4.3secs MVG 8Mhz= 2.4 20Mhz= 1.9 Load IMG file: TOUCH-UP MVG Filename size sec(8Mhz) sec(20Mhz) sec(8Mhz) sec(20Mhz) 1.IMG 85658 59 24 5.2 2.5 2.IMG 54922 68 27 4.3 2.3 3.IMG 79614 58 23 4.6 2.5 4.IMG 109771 70 28 6.2 3.0 5.IMG 67487 64 25 4.4 2.4 6.IMG 19932 13 5.7 1.4 0.9 7.IMG 114377 69 28 6.2 3.2 8.IMG 45431 28 11 2.8 1.5 9.IMG 42818 31 13 2.8 1.5 10.IMG 41376 31 13 2.8 1.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 22avg. 49avg. 4.06avg. 2.13avg. TEST 4a: TOUCH-UP function times: 10.IMG file used for below tests. *Clean up(Both): 8Mhz= 22secs 20Mhz= 10.8secs *Bold(horz&vert): 8Mhz= 15.6secs 20Mhz= 7.9secs *Outline: 8Mhz= 25.9 20Mhz= 9.9 TEST 4b: MVG function times: 7.IMG file used for below tests. *Rotate 90: 8Mhz= 20.7secs 20Mhz= 8secs *Dither(option 1 Lighten & Darken): 8Mhz= 21.8secs 20Mhz= 8.5secs *Flip Horz: 8Mhz= 7.5secs 20Mhz= 3.4secs *Flip Vert: 8Mhz= 1.2secs 20Mhz= .9sec *Resize: (75%) 8Mhz= 23.2secs 20Mhz= 8.8secs (50%) 8Mhz= 12.7secs 20Mhz= 5.0secs (25%) 8Mhz= 5.1secs 20Mhz= 2.1secs *Shrink (Darkest & Lightest): 8Mhz= 14.8secs 20Mhz= 5.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TEST 5: Word Writer (Search for xxxyyyzzz & Replace with aaaaaaaa) Test file STR 720(xxxyyyzzz planted at end of file) STR 720 Load: 8Mhz= 28.1 20Mhz= 13.4 Search & replace: 8Mhz= 27.5 20Mhz= 14.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Conclusion: After using this board for only a few days I have found it VERY dif- ficult to return to 8Mhz mode! The speed increase is EXTREMELY nice and the "wait states" are almost none existent! I cannot say enough good stuff about this high quality product, so I will just let the above stated numbers do the talking(they can be much more eloquent). Customer service at FaST Tech is above reproach. I had some slight trouble with MY Mega and not T-20 and Jim Allen helped me to rectify it when he was under NO obligation to do so! Thanx Jim!!! Hopefully the above information will help in your decision to purchase the new T-20(Turbo 20) accelerator board from: FaST Technology 14 Lovejoy Rd. Andover MA. 01810 (508) 475-3810). Any questions concerning the T-20 test results should be directed to me at D.HELMS(GEnie) or STARTWO (Delphi-The ST Advantage!) ________________________________________________________________ > STR Crystal Ball THE DETAILS....... ---------------- As promised, the details of last week's revelations. RE-ALIGNMENT - LAYOFFS - BELT TIGHTENING CONSOLIDATION "THE IDES OF MARCH IN JUNE?!?" Not really, the Ides belong in March not now! The moves being done or contemplated are hoped to do the right thing by helping to provide Atari added strength, cash and perhaps, an ability to grow and prosper. The CRYSTAL BALL is glowing WHITE HOT! Could it be true? Sure its true, the Crystal Ball IS glowing WHITE HOT. How do you think I am keeping my coffee hot? I know, bad joke. Truth is its still glowing white hot and will for some time to come. Is there going to be anywhere between a 30-50% layoff? More than likely, if at all, it'll be considerably less -> 1/5 - 1/3. IS... "HE BACK IN CHARGE?" HE...Jack, has always been there. Lately he's made his presence a little more obvious. What? Did you really expect that he'd sidetrack all three and run the whole thing himself? Get Real. I'd like to see that but it will never happen. Is there really going to be a consolidation of subsidiaries? Atari Canada and Mexico have already "trimmed the fat" and there is a pos- sibility of the operations being "centralized" in Sunnyvale. Are there to be DEMOTIONS, TITLE CHANGES, MORE WORK-NO RAISES? As stated last week, these contemplated actions were verified. Whether or not they actually occur is of course, another story. After all, its mere- ly good business sense to do so with a tight economy at hand. No "TAMALES OR MAPLE LEAVES" just one big bag of tricks? Tamales refers to Atari Mexico and of course, the maple leaves refers to Atari Canada. The bag of tricks refers to the whole thing being put under a common umbrella. "DOWN UNDER" being throttled back? Down Under refers to Atari Australia and its exercise in "trimming fat". What do you mean; YOU DON'T LIKE RIDDLES! Only those who fantasize old Batman scenarios do! And that's strictly kidstuff, what's happening at Atari is for real and NO laughing matter. How about; "TV STARS FINISH LAST!" Refers to a TV interview conducted at Atari with Gregg Pratt as the center of attraction. G. Pratt was the person being interviewed when the discontinued Panther and its alleged CD-ROM Drive was inadvertently shown repeatedly as they panned the Atari lab as part of the interview. Pratt has his own problems now, (Mercury News, San Jose, CA. (06-12-91). The incident in the San Jose Mercury News is SAD! And may drag Atari into even more mud. Yo Adrian! We ain't talkin' about the Johnny Carson show! How very true... Jay Lenno IS! For the whole story ..... stay tuned!! Now, how about all the hack 'n' slashers who immediately cried impen- ding doom? Here's the real scoop, four independant sources from around the country verified the information presented above and last week. In any case, if anyone were to stop and THINK for a moment or two, the moves described are the moves a company would most definitely make only if they were "hell bent" on succeeding. Certainly, if Atari were in the midst of doing anything but, the least expensive way would be to simply shut the doors. I, like most of you have always admired the business prowess of Jack Tramiel. And, I might add this is not the first time its been rumored that "he is back" it was done last year by another publication. You see, Jack is a very positive symbol of success to most all of us. That image will never change. He is "good medicine". Marken Communications, a Public Relations firm, is no longer under contract to Atari. The contract has been terminated. That too, has hap- pened before. It appears "in-house folks" at Atari will be assuming Marken's duties. But the big picture here is very informative. Atari seems to be trim- ming away expenses, consolidating its power and reserves to ensure the smooth flow of product to its markets. Personally, I find all the moves Atari has made or is about to make to be quite positive and for the ultimate good of both the company and its future. This does not by any stretch of the imagination mean I am now "blinded by the light". There are policies at Atari I still disagree with and I am sure there will be more in the future. _____________________________________________________ > STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard" ============= STReport's MailBag ================== In response to STReport's request for reader opinions on the future of Atari and ideas that may help...... from GEnie Category 26, Topic 14 Message 74 Sat Jun 08, 1991 R.WATSON15 [Wayne Watson] at 12:20 EDT First, let me say that I have been a LONG time user of Atari products. I first bought the Atari 400 then moved up to the 800, 65XL, 130XE and then finally the 1040ST. I love the Atari ST and would not trade it for anything. I have supported Atari from the day I started user their computers and will probably continue to use Atari computers. But... Atari's future in my opinion does not look good. I don't think that the ones in charge want the Atari ST/STE/TT to really succeed here in the US. They act like they are trying to mess things up so that the other stock holders will pull out and leave them with the full ownership of the com- pany again. I feel like the crap that goes on at Atari is done on purpose. Maybe those that saw the revolving door knew too much and they were can- ned. Atari in my opinion is constantly screwing things up in a computer that could blow the doors off of the other computers. First, they fixed it so that you could not upgrade the 520STFM to 1 meg by redesigning the board. The same goes for the Mega ST 2. Now comes the TT and they say, "Yeah, you can expand the memory but, you have to pay dearly for it". From my understanding, in order to upgrade the memory in the TT (TT Ram), you have to purchase a daughterboard from Atari. What a crock! Look at the price difference between a TT030/2 and a TT030/4 or a TT030/4 and a TT030/8. They have got to be crazy. I can purchase 1 MEG 80 ns SIMMs for $50 dollars on the market now. Why does Atari continually limit their computers. They should have pl- aced a 6U VME bus in the TT instead of crippling it with the 3U. Whoever makes these stupid decisions at Atari needs to see the revolving door. Until Atari gets their heads screwed on straight and act like they want their computers to succeed, they will not have a future. It is the same old story all over again. When Warner owned Atari, they did minor enhancements to the computer just to keep others happy so that they could use Atari for a tax write off. I do not believe Atari wants to succeed. Jack should sell the company to someone who wants ATari to succeed and truly produce a computer that will make others stand up and listen. Atari by now should have been in the position that when someone says 'Atari", they listen. Jack and his sons have made Atari a laughing stock of the computer world. Just mention Atari and watch people laugh and say, "You program on a game machine" and you sit there while they walk off laughing so hard that tears come to their eyes. I say it is time for Jack and company to either get off their lazy, greedy butts and make the Atari computer a computer that people will beg to get their hands on or sell it to someone who will. They have screwed up the company and the computer long enough. I will still keep my ST as long as I can. I will by an SST board and upgrade my ST before I purchase a TT though. *** NOTE *** This message may be re-printed with minor changes to correct spelling, etc. The context should remain though. I am not that good at writing so please, bear with me. """" In STReport 7.23, Ed Krimen presented an essay about Atari... Here is a comment about that article.... Category 26, Topic 9 Message 228 Thu Jun 13, 1991 S.WINICK at 07:04 EDT As you know, I periodically wander over here and share some opinions and ideas. Generally, it seems my disagreements with Ralph and his wri- ters get more attention than anything else. Ralph an I actually get along quite well, although we obviously don't agree all the time. But that's what makes life interesting, isn't it? ;-). But we do agree on enough things about the Atari platform that he's not only coming up to Asheville for next month's Blue Ridge AtariFest, but he'll also be participating by conducting a seminar session during the afternoon. But to get back to my real reason for this post. There has been some discussion in other categories about the general negativeness of this week's issue of ST-Report, including the essay by Ed Krimen. So I decided to read it carefully myself. I've corresponded with Ed previously on the national ST-Echo (before our local access BBS went down), and he and I have not always agreed on everything there either. But after carefully reading his essay in ST-Report, I'd like to compliment him on a fine piece of work. He offered an excellent analysis of the Atari marketplace, his own feelings and opinions, and most importantly, constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. Ed's essay conveys his knowledge about the Atari marketplace through years of experience, as well as his knowledge of the principles of successful merchandising in general. Lets hope that his offering isn't misinterpreted as an excuse for another round of emotional bantering, but is instead analyzed carefully by our friends at Atari as the feelings of a devoted Atarian seriously concerned about the current state of affairs in the American marketplace. Thanks, Ed, for sharing with us your observations and recommendations. Sheldon Winick (Computer STudio/IADA) """" Here we present a selection of the replies from our recent request, as- king for our reader's opinions pertaining to Atari's future. from CIS Date: 09-Jun-91 23:11 EDT From: bill devonshire [73707,1656] Subj: Atari Live/Die The Future of Atari ------------------- I can't help but think that I am a fortune teller or sooth-sayer as I sit to type out my impressions as to the future of Atari. Usually, as I tend to predict the future of anything, I look to the past to see what has happened. The history of any Company is the stockmans key to the future. We too are alot like investors, wondering what Computer will be the best investment for the future. Track record plays a big part. When you have an ocean of preference staring you in the face against a tablespoon of water, it is hard to say, "I'll go with the tablespoon thank you very much". In bold print PC/MAC/AMIGA far outweighs ATARI, and support for it dwindles with every passing day. I live in a small town, and felt the dread of death when the Towns name was removed from the local maps. So too I have felt this dread when I no longer saw new software listings for the ST in Compuserve monthly, and the same when Atari appeared under the old "Other" computer category. At work we wade through volumes of uploads to the PC forums weekly, while I can wait a week to get a smattering of uploads for the ST. I see magazines dropping the line, developers switching enmass to PC's and software companies discontinuing support. My closest Atari dealers are an hours drive away, so I rely on mail order quite a bit. The dealers I do confer with seem lacking in knowledge and drive to actually sell the Computers that gather dust beside the PC's in their show rooms. This is not a good sign for the future! On the up side, the developers that are in the game are very keen and are struggling hard to make their products known and available. Atari has upgraded the ST line and produced some very nice new computers, completely upward compatible with the existing line. VME, UNIX and upward compatibility will help Atari to maintain its existing base while attempting to open up new areas, and new user bases for its higher end machines. This new influx of equipment cannot overcome the existing PC user base and its massive influence on the future of hardware and software development for the Computer community at large. To stay alive and kick- ing, even Atari has been forced to enter the DOS market. There is a lot of potential in the ST/TT line, but it is being eclipsed by the present state of the art, and very little is being done to promote this potential. The one thing that I do not see is dealer participation and drive. There must be at least 20 Computer shows a year in my area, and not one is fre- quented by Atari. Instead, all I find is a terrain of PC's smattered with MACs. Maybe the Atari dealers are there, but they are pushing PC's!! How is the public going to know that Atari even exists if no one ever brings it out of the closet and shows it off. The Industry is only now beginning to reach the system enhancements that we have been living and working with for years, and even then, the others are making a botch of attempting to copy the interfaces. The best I can say is that the Atari line of computers has great potential. Some of its power has been tapped by a few developers over the years, and they have produced some very dynamic software packages (ahead of their time). Without the drive and determination to show off the prowess and potentials of this true "family of Computers" and to get this message out to people enmass, the ST/TT line will fade into the history of the computer revolution. Atari will, however, survive! Bill Devonshire Compuserve: 73707,1656 """" Date: 04-Jun-91 03:29 EDT From: Name withheld at request of sender.. Subj: STR Feedback To: 70007,4454 You requested feedback in ST Report - here's my 2 cents worth: All I know is what I read about STEs and TTs not being available in the US. It seems rediculous that nobody can buy one, as I'm sure they could be put to good use. I would like to have a 1040 STE, if just for the expanded colors and stereo sound. They say the Atari software market is drying up as a result of Atari abandoning the US market. Well, I have trouble keeping up with the many recent upgrades of the ST software I use - mainly MIDI, other commercial software like Codehead, and programs writ- ten by people on CIS and uploaded there. Since using my ST is strictly my favorite hobby, I can take my time learning how these many programs work, and believe it or not, there's still a lot I'm fascinated with in Degas Elite and learning how to use GDOS fonts. I guess I'm way behind, but there just seems to be enough ST software to keep me busy for a very long time (not to mention the hundreds of games I haven't tried yet). It is heartbreaking how Atari has such loyal users in the US but they have been abandoned. But if Atari won't do anything to fix this, I don't see what the users can or should do. Surely they're aware of all of us. Meanwhile the upgrades from software companies keep coming faster than I can absorb them. There's a psychological angle that I can't ignore. In a way, I like my ST being a well-kept secret. Mine can do tricks that other computers can't easily do, and I don't feel like I have to blow my horn about this to the world. Part of this is fear, I admit, that people will challenge me with the "game machine" rap and put me on the defensive (very uncomfor- table.) In another way, I do want to show it off and be able to brag about the great Atari support for my baby, but then I realize it's my ego wan- ting a few strokes. So, if I'm ranting and raving about how Atari is dragging it's feet, I just have to ask myself why. It's OK to be that way - we are human after all, kind of like feeling proud of a new sports car. But what it comes down to is how I use my computer and if I enjoy it. Even if Atari went under, I get this feeling that the userbase would sur- vive. And if some users move on to other brands, so what? It doesn't change it's usefulness to me. When I first got an Atari 400, then an ST, it WAS because of the games at first, then I began to learn on my own about other programs (midi, First Word, Degas, etc.) I always felt like I was in elementary school, though, because I knew NOONE ELSE who had an ST. Seriously, I got depressed over feeling like I wasn't getting anywhere, and being looked down on from the Mac and IBM users. But then...THEN somehow I decided to get a modem and everything changed when I got on CIS a few years ago. It was like night and day - these new people were ^[very supportive and knowlegable, and yes, numerous (compared to what I had before.) All of a sudden I could do what I had been wanting to do - use my ST productively. Next thing I know, everybody's bashing Atari and predicting certain doom, while I'm sitting in this huge pile of new software surrounded by knowlege and inspired ideas, and I'm going "Huh? I don't know what Atari's up to or not up to, and I'm sure I don't have any control over it, and it doesn't seem to be real anyway because look at all of this!" """" from the FNET Conf : ST Report Msg# : 12778 Lines: Extended Read: 1 Sent : Jun 2, 1991 at 5:32 PM Recv : Jun 4, 1991 To : Ralph Mariano From : Gaius Salvius Liberalis at ///Turbo Board Support BBS Subj : Re: <12729> The "NEW" Atari????? The incompetent Tramiels are still heading Atari, and Atari still isn't doing much in the way of marketing -- Atari Canada does place ads, but not nearly as many as they should. To top it off, Atari is losing market share in Europe, and from reports in this very base, Atari UK is screwing its customers, developers and dealers. What would I like to see Atari do? Aside from doing some serious marketing, I think what they should do is improve their OS. GEM and TOS are nice, but one can't deny the fact that they're limited. GEM still can't multitask, and there is no inter-application communication whatso- ever (If you count Atari's clipboard, there is, but only three programs use it. Atari needs to completely re-do it, and support it.) Yesterday, I was watching the show "Tomorrow Today", a technology show, on Newsworld (Canada's 24-hour News channel), and they had a segment on System 7.0. They showed shots of it in use, and it looked even more impressive than it sounds in print. Now why can't Atari do something like that? One could reply that Atari doesn't have the time, but Atari doesn't have anything that comes even *REMOTELY* close. Atari makes FSM/GDOS (admittedly, it sounds nice), but it is non-standard. To top it off, they want $100 for it. That's too much, if you ask me. I'd imagine that most people wouldn't want to pay that much, either. """" Conf : Atari 16/32 Bit Msg# : 18476 Lines: Extended Read: 1 Sent : Jun 1, 1991 at 9:29 AM To : NINJA From : Electron Beam at Bloom County #75 Mtn. View, CA Subj : Re: <18437> MegaSTE In reply to: - As for the Tramiels and Atari, when I do see something wrong I don't - hesitate to point it out. In fact, sometimes I go overboard and really - insult Atari. You try to see things clearly I understand. But in the - process of bashing the Tramiels, you end up damaging the ST's reputation - and help drive away potential ST users. Ninja, I saw your message the other day appropriately laying the blame for the Word Perfect Fiasco at the feet of the Tramiels. Now, I thought that was the first time I ever saw you do this. If you say it has happened before, I'll believe you. But, I did almost have a heart attack when I saw that... 8-) I would like to point out one thing to you and all others afraid that criticizing Atari will sink the machine. Not criticizing them is FAR WORSE!! US car manufacturers did not start listening to the public and start making better cars because they felt like it. They were responding to huge sales losses and incredible pressure from the buying public. The Tramiels will never start behaving like responsible corporate managers unless they are subjected to enough pressure to make them respond. As long as enough people excuse their endless mistakes they will continue to be the incompetents they are... Think about it... Atari is already all but doomed...no matter how rosey the glasses are you are wearing. If the Tramiels don't get their act together soon, Atari is history. And I don't consider hollow lies from Sam Tramiel to constitute getting one's act together... So far, STReport has received well over 50 responses to our "open opinion poll and suggestion campaign. We will continue to present a cross section of those responses here. We will send all the responses received to Atari at the completion of this campaign. Of course, we will remove all names and IDs of those so requesting. STReport can sympathize with those who do not want to leave themselves open to retaliation from certain people at Atari. Temper tantrums and revenge seem the "norm" at the "kinder and gentler" Atari. ____________________________________________________________ > Hard Disks STR InfoFile ***** ABCO PRICE CHANGES! ***** ======================= ** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! ** ABCO COMPUTER ELECTRONICS INC. P.O. Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672 Est. 1985 _________________________________________ Voice: 904-783-3319 10 AM - 4 PM EDT BBS: 904-786-4176 12-24-96 HST FAX: 904-783-3319 12 PM - 6 AM EDT _________________________________________ HARD DISK SYSTEMS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET _________________________________________ All systems are complete and ready to use, included at NO EXTRA COST are clock/calendar and cooling blower(s). *-ALL ABCO HARD DISK SYSTEMS ARE FULLY EXPANDABLE-* (you are NOT limited to two drives ONLY!) (all cables and connectors installed) * ICD HOST ADAPTERS USED EXCLUSIVELY * OMTI HIGH SPEED CONTROLLERS * * ICD ADSCSI+ HOST ADAPTERS * FULL SCSI COMMAND SET SUPPORTED * * SCSI EMBEDDED CONTROLLER MECHANISMS * WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!< Deluxe 2 bay Cabinet w/65w auto-switching PS Model Description Autopark Price ================================================== SGN4951 51Mb 28ms 3.5" Y 479.00 SGN1096 85Mb 24ms 5.25" Y 549.00 SGN2055 105mb 17ms 3.5" Y QUANTUM 699.00 SGN6277 120Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 789.00 SGN1296 168Mb 24ms 3.5" Y 1019.00 ================================================== FULLY ASSEMBLED SCSI DRIVES DEDUCT $60.00 ADD $35.00 for 4 BAY SUPER CABINET w/250w PS PLEASE NOTE: The above is partial listing only! CPU ACCELERATOR & MEMORY UPGRADES AVAILABLE & INSTALLED >> ABCO is now taking orders for 1040 & MEGA STe Computers! << Call for VERY special Introductory prices! If you don't see what you want listed here, call us. Odds are we have it or, can get it for you! AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE! "We service what we sell. (when necessary)" ****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ****** * SYQUEST 44MB (#555) >> ABCO "44" << REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE * - SYQUEST 44 MB DRIVE - ICD ST ADSCSI PLUS H/A - ICD Utility Software - 3' DMA Cable - Fan & Clock - Multi-Unit Power Supply (1) 44 MB Syquest Cart. --->> SPECIAL! NOW ONLY __$ 645.00__ <<--- **** SCSI UNITS -> ONLY $585.00 **** WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!< COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND READY TO RUN! Cart and Utility Software Included! EXTRA CARTS: $ 74.50 DRIVE MECH ONLY: $ 349.95 ****** SPECIAL - SPECIAL ****** * TWIN SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVES ... PROGRAMMER'S DELIGHT * SPECIALLY PRICED ** $1019.00 ** Includes TWO cartridges! * SYQUEST 44MB REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE AND HARD DRIVE COMBINATIONS * - Syquest 44 Model [555] and the following hard drives - 50mb SQG51 $ 819.00 85mb SQG96 $ 1019.00 LOWBOY - STANDARD - DUAL BLOWER CABINETS CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!< Listed above are a sampling of the systems available. Prices also reflect various cabinet/power supply configurations (over sixty configurations are available, flexibility is unlimited) ALL UNITS 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 - * SLM 804 Replacement Toner Cartridge Kits $42.95 * * Toner Starter Kits $49.95 * * Replacement Drums $183.95 * >> MANY other ATARI related products STOCKED << ALL POWER SUPPLIES UL APPROVED -* 12 month FULL Guarantee *- (A FULL YEAR of COVERAGE) WE PAY SHIPPING!!! >BLUE LABEL UPS!< QUANTITY & USERGROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! _________________________________________ DEALERS and DISTRIBUTORS WANTED! please, call for details Personal and Company Checks are accepted. ORDER YOUR NEW UNIT TODAY! CALL: 1-800-562-4037 -=**=- CALL: 1-904-783-3319 Customer Orders ONLY Customer Service 9am - 8pm EDT Tues thru Sat ABCO is EXPANDING!! CALL FOR INFORMATION! ____________________________________________________________ > A "Quotable Quote" ==================== "WAY TO GO, GREGG!" Alfred E. Krebbs (Why worry?) """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport International Online Magazine¿ Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide! """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" STReport¿ "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" June 14, 1991 16/32bit Magazine copyright ½ 1987-91 No.7.24 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors, staff, STReport¿ CPU/MAC/STR¿ or ST Report¿. Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in any way without prior written permission. The entire contents, at the time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors, contributors and/or staff are not responsible for either the use/misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""