IMSI Publisher, Version 1.0 - Desktop Publishing Program
                       Copyright 1988 David W. Batterson

     PageMaker and Ventura Publisher are the giants of the burgeoning desktop
publishing (DTP) field.  IMSI Publisher is out to capture a piece of that
lucrative--and growing--pie.
     DPT programs can increase productivity and improve the quality of your
publications.  Combined with a laser printer and optional image scanner, they
allow smaller businesses and organizations to compete effectively.
     However, DTP programs aren't easy to master, and initially don't save you
time over traditional methods.
     IMSI Publisher [they changed the name from "PagePerfect" after complaints
and then a payment from WordPerfect Corp.] has speeded up the "learning curve"
though.  Keep in mind that this is a mid-range DTP program.  It's more complete
(and costs more) than PFS: First Publisher.  But it doesn't have the
sophistication and top quality of PageMaker and Ventura Publisher.
     The suggested list price of $495 (meaning a discounted price of under
$300) puts it smack dab in the middle of DTP price ranges.
     One nice touch is a built-in word processor, with spelling checker and
thesaurus.  Text commands are compatible with WordStar and MultiMate.  Use of a
mouse is optional, but highly recommended.
     You can load text files prepared with WordPerfect, Microsoft Word,
WordStar, MultiMate or Canon Expression.  With different word processors, save
your work instead as an ASCII (unformatted) text file.
     IMSI Publisher has an excellent graphics program, called Desktop
Publisher's Graphics.  This program helps you create top quality graphs and
drawings, or you can use clip art libraries.
     Graphics files are saved in the .CUT format.  This is the same format used
by Dr. Halo.  That's because IMSI publishes Dr. Halo too.  Many of the fonts
are those used in Dr. Halo; they have similar names like HALO201.
     With so many graphics formats in use, IMSI Publisher solves that problem
too.  It includes a file conversion utility called Reflection.  [This is
reviewed separately in PC REVIEWS.]  For instance, graphics produced on a
Macintosh can be transferred to a PC.  Reflection then converts those files to
the format used by IMSI Publisher.
     IMSI Publisher works with virtually all popular dot matrix and laser
printers.  I was a bit shocked, though,  to learn that it DOESN'T take
advantage of the high-resolution fonts contained within laser printers.  This
is one of the main advantages of laser printers: producing near-typeset quality
documents.  IMSI Publisher can't do this.
     IMSI Publisher uses Bitstream fonts.  Other fonts can be added through use
of the built-in Fontware program.  Other features include:  automatic as well
as manual kerning (adjusting spaces between characters); automatic paragraph
numbering, ability to view/edit two documents at once, and text "liftouts."
     Various document stylesheets are included, with more available at modest
cost.
     While the program will run with 640K RAM minimum, you would be wise to
invest in an expanded memory board if you're using DTP programs.  If you have
an H-P LaserJet Plus or Series II (or compatible) and want 300 dpi output, your
printer will require AT LEAST 1.5 MB of memory.
     I like the program's menus.  They have a unique style of their own.  There
are pop-up help windows at every level to keep you on track.  However, count on
at least a couple of weeks to master IMSI Publisher, as it has a large number
of commands to learn.
     A tutorial manual with color illustrations is useful, and clear.  Unless
you are a "power user," start out with the tutorial first.  Otherwise, you are
going to have tough sledding.
     Scanners are supported of course.  There were only four scanner models
listed for this version of IMSI Publisher I reviewed, but more have been added.
An updated version of IMSI Publisher is due out reportedly in the first quarter
of 1989.  If you plan to buy, make sure you are getting the latest version.
     Again, my only real objection to IMSI Publisher is that it doesn't let you
print with onboard laser fonts.  I think this is a mistake.  Even the lowly
PFS: First Publisher works with PostScript laser printers.  If that's not any
concern, then you should consider IMSI Publisher for your next DTP purchase.
     For more information, contact:  IMSI, 1299 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA
94901; 800-222-4723, 800-562-4723 (CA), 415-454-7101, FAX: 415-454-8901.
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     David W. Batterson is a computer journalist/reviewer and business
writer/editor.  Send comments via MCI MAIL: DBATTERSON.