NewsMaster II - The Low End Newsletter Maker
                       Copyright 1988 David W. Batterson

     I took a look at NewsMaster last year, and wasn't too impressed.  So I
never got around to doing a review of it.  I received a review copy of
NewsMaster II at COMDEX, so thought I'd try another look.
     Right off the bat with NewsMaster, I was unhappy about the lack of mouse
support.  NewsMaster II doesn't work with a mouse either.  Will NewsMaster III
let you use a mouse?--stay tuned.
     I realize there are oodles of PC users who don't have a mouse, and don't
intend to buy one.  However, mice are, in my view, a necessity for all graphics
and desktop publishing (DTP) programs.  Usually, you have a choice of using a
mouse OR keyboard commands.  Not so with this program.
     According to the manual, "all the options can be quickly and easily
accessed using the functions or using the keyboard shortcuts."  In a graphics
environment, most people CANNOT move artwork around as quickly pressing keys as
they can with a mouse.  End of argument.
     NewsMaster II is designed especially for dot matrix printers.  If you have
a laser printer, my advice is to buy a different DPT program.  Why?--because
NewsMaster II doesn't support laser fonts.  The program works entirely on a
dots-addressable graphics basis.  In other words, all text is printed as a
graphic.  If you have a 24-pin letter-quality dot matrix printer, NewsMaster
will not take advantage of that quality.
     But remember that you get what you pay for.  Its fairly low price ($79.95)
means you aren't in the same league with Ventura Publisher.  In fact, the two
are playing two different games!
     I see NewsMaster II useful for schools, small organizations, churches and
so forth, where they want a simple and basic DTP program with no frills.  They
aren't looking for professional output but rather a step up from pasting up
typewritten copy.  If that's the need, then NewsMaster II is adequate.
     This is software that many users will soon outgrow, and pass it along to
the kids to play with.  Or they'll buy it for the kids in the first place,
since the clip art is similar to the Newsroom variety.
     NewsMaster II's interface is quite different from about any program I've
seen.  It uses collections of Function key commands in each menu and sub-menu.
For instance, to change to big cursor steps, you press <F2>, then press <F3>. 
Or you can use a speed key: <Alt>-B.
     It seems to me they are teaching the commands backwards!  It's better to
keep your hands on the keyboard, instead of moving them up (or to the left) to
hit those F keys.  I would have listed the F keys as the secondary choices.
     Usually you expect version two of a program to have a lot of improvements
too.  I didn't see a great deal of change.  Printing has been improved, by
allowing you to "smooth" out the jagged edges of graphics and text.
     For a little more money, you'd be happier buying PFS: First Publisher 2.0.
[See the review of it also in PC REVIEWS.]  However, if your budget is tight
and your newsletter needs are slight, NewsMaster II might be appropriate. 
That's a decision YOU will have to make.
     For more information, contact: Unison World, 2150 Shattuck Ave., Suite
902, Berkeley, CA  94704; 415-848-6670; FAX: 415-848-7359.
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     David Batterson writes computer articles and reviews.  He also writes and
edits newsletters.  Contact him via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.