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-
-
- *---== ST REPORT ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
- """""""""""""""""""""""""
-
-
- "The Original Online ST Magazine"
- -------------------------------
-
- April 14, 1989 Volume III No.83
-
- =========================================================================
-
-
- ST Report Online Magazine ©
- ------------------------------
- Post Office Box 6672
- Jacksonville, Florida
- 32236 ~ 6672
-
- R.F. Mariano
- Publisher - Editor
- _________________________________________
-
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- _________________________________________
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- and
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- carrying STReport™ for their users enjoyment
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- > Issue: #83 STReport™
- -------------------
- - DEVELOPERS - NO MORE TOS 1.4 RELEASES UNTIL RELEASED FOR SALE!
- - EYEWITNESS REPORT * COMDEX * ATARI * SPRING 1989.
- - Part TWO of "Setting Up MichTron's BBS Ver. 3.0".
- - Is Shiraz Shivji's departure really due to illness?
- - SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE COMMUNICATES.
- - Antonio Salerno "The Best Man for the Job".
- - Exploring the World of the ATW.
- - ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
-
- =========================================================================
- AVAILABLE ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ DELPHI ~ GENIE ~ THE SOURCE
- =========================================================================
-
-
- > The Podium™
-
- Usergroups are fun! No, they are informative..ah no, they actually
- are very necessary as they teach, assist and keep interest levels at a
- highpoint most of the time. The bottom line is, a Usergroup is all of the
- above and then some. One can't help but understand why a company, who
- has relied so heavily on Usergroups in the past, finds it easy showing
- it's appreciation in Michigan and other parts of the country. We say
- this after seeing a notice that Atari has announced that they will NOT
- have a booth at the MACE show.
-
- Atari Corporation representatives will be in attendance at the
- Michigan Atari Computer Expo, May 6 & 7 at the Detroit Metro Airport
- Hilton. Also, there will be Atari Manufacturer's Representatives for the
- Michigan Area. And, the Atari MIDI representatives for Michigan will be
- attending and presenting several seminars on MIDI music and music
- publishing. Finally, there will be representatives from Atari Canada
- attending the show. These are the same people who presented such a
- professional image for Atari at the Toronto Atari Show last November.
-
- Should Atari be involved? Answer? An emphatic YES. These
- usergroup sponsored shows are for and by the people, done for the benefit
- of the people and; ultimately, publicize the Atari computer line in a very
- positive manner.
-
- Comdex/Spring '89 has been an eye opener for fans of Atari Corp..
- The exhibit has been noticed by the best in the media, from USA Today to
- Network T.V. ..Sam has certainly taken steps to fulfill his promise to
- put the name of Atari all over the place. Taking on the the Atari
- "Portfolio" miniature MS-DOS pocket computer is a stroke of sheer genius.
- Take note dear hearts...all those Messy Dos supporters whipping out their
- hand held Ataris! Quite a sight ..it will be.
-
- Reserve your free copy of our NEW HARD COPY newsletter! Be sure to
- send us your name, address and telephone number in E-Mail....either here or
- our main BBS; 904-786-4176....The Bounty Atari ST BBS.
-
- Thanks for your support!
- Ralph.......
-
-
-
-
-
- "1989 - ATARI'S QUEST!"
-
-
- ************************************************************************
-
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- ************************************************************************
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-
-
-
- > CPU REPORT™
- ==========
- Issue # 17
-
-
- by Michael Arthur
-
-
- Remember When....
-
- Nolan Bushnell, after starting a computer company named Atari, and
- introducing the 2600 Game System and Atari 400 Computer, sold it to an
- entertainment corporation called Warner Brothers, going on to design
- electronic toys such as Teddy Ruxpin for Worlds of Wonder Inc., and
- recently building Axlon Inc., his own game company?
-
-
- CPU INSIGHTS™
- =============
-
- Comparison Contrast: The ATW and the 68030 TT
- ----------------------------------------------
-
- Part II
-
- In Part I of this series, CPU Report featured the ATW, or Atari
- Transputer Workstation (formerly known as the Abaq Transputer), and the
- 68030 TT, two new systems being produced by Atari, which are aimed at the
- high-end of the microcomputer industry. Since Atari is preparing to
- shortly introduce the ATW and 68030 TT in the United States, CPU Report
- provided an in-depth description of these systems, so as to enable current
- ST Users that choose to purchase either computer to be more informed in
- their buying decision.
-
- In Part II of this essay, the capabilities of the ATW and 68030 TT
- will be compared to each other, so as to both give a better perspective on
- features, and to see what markets they would be best suited for. Also,
- since both machines will have a list price of under 5000 dollars, it is
- prudent that we determine which one is the better machine, both in terms of
- price/performance, and in other important aspects of the computer industry,
- such as the versatility and functionality of a system.
-
- In addition to the information shown in last week's article, CPU
- Report now has some additional data on these two machines:
-
- There will be two models of the 68030 TT: The 68030 TT itself, which
- will simply be an upgraded, 32-bit ST (without Unix), and the 68030 TTx,
- which will come with AT&T Unix 5.3 and an 80 Meg Hard Drive....
-
- In order to reduce the ATW's costs, Atari has chosen not to come out
- with a model of the ATW that would simply be an add-on to current Mega STs,
- but will be making the ATW solely as a standalone unit. Since the ATW uses
- a stripped down Mega ST motherboard as an I/O processing unit, containing
- 512K of RAM on board, it COULD be feasible that if Atari chose to put
- TOS 1.4 ROMs on the I/O unit itself, then the ATW could have a "dual boot"
- option, where it could either run TOS 1.4 (using the Mega ST motherboard)
- or run Helios using its own hardware....
-
- In addition to the 4K of On-board Static RAM, the T800 has a number
- of programmable registers, for use by programmers. It is CPU Report's
- understanding that the T800 also has support for "workspaces" in this
- 4K of Static RAM, which could be used for microcoding.
-
- Since X/GEM is not a viable standard for a graphical Unix interface
- at this time, Atari has chosen not to use it, preferring to wait until
- AT&T and Sun Microsystems' Open Look graphical Unix environment to be
- introduced so they can use it in the 68030 TTx and ATW.
-
- The rest of this additional information has been integrated into the
- article itself. Also, it is important to remember that since the ATW is
- not shipping yet, and the 68030 TT's specs themselves are subject to minor
- change, one should expect variations between the 68030 TT's final features
- and the information contained in this article....
-
-
- Graphic comparison of the features of the ATW and the 68030 TT:
-
- ATW/68030 TT Features List:
- (Comparison of each Systems' Features)
- _________________________________________________________________________
- System Features| Atari Transputer Workstation | Atari 68030 TT/TTx |
- and Components | Cost: $5000.00 |TT: $2500 - TTx: $4500|
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Features of | 20 MHZ Inmos T800 RISC chip | 16 MHZ Motorola 68030 |
- Main Processor | running at 10 MIPS | running at 2-4 MIPS |
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Megabytes of | 4 Megabytes of 32-Bit RAM | 2 Megs of 32-Bit RAM |
- Standard RAM |1 Meg of Dual-Ported Video RAM| |
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Description of | Helios Operating System with | AT&T Unix Ver. 5.3, with |
- Operating | X/Windows V11, the standard | X/Windows V.11. Has TOS |
- Features | Unix windowing environment | ROMs for ST compatibility|
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Type of Bus | Proprietary 32-Bit Bus, with | 32-Bit VME Expansion Bus |
- Architecture | four Expansion Slots | with 2-4 expansion Slots |
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- | # of Displayable Colors | # of Displayable Colors |
- |Mode 0: 1280*960 w/16 Colors | 1280*960 in Monochrome |
- Graphic Display|Mode 1: 1024*768 w/256 Colors| 640*480 with 16 Colors |
- Resolutions and|Mode 2: 640*480 w/256 Colors | 320*200 with 256 Colors |
- Capabilities |Mode 3: 512*480 w/16 Million | |
- | | Also supports standard ST|
- |The ATW has a 24-Bit per Pixel| resolutions, and has a |
- | (16 Million Color) Palette | 4096 Color Palette |
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Standard Amount| 40 Megabyte Internal | 68030 TTx uses 40-80 Meg |
- of Mass Storage| Hard Drive | Internal Hard Drive |
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Built in I/O | Uses Mega ST Motherboard for | [1]SCSI - [1]ACSI HD Port|
- Ports | an Input/Output Controller | 1 Ethernet Port (TTx) |
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Sound/Audio | Unknown at this time | Not certain of sound |
- Capabilities | |capabilities at this time |
- ---------------|------------------------------|--------------------------|
- Networking | None, except the T800 is made| Sun Network File System, |
- Capabilities |to perform Parallel Processing| Ethernet interface |
- ---------------'------------------------------'--------------------------'
-
- Based on both this graph, and last week's System Descriptions, I have
- made a comparative analysis of both systems, and made these standings,
- which are classified according to the above topics:
-
- Main Microprocessor:
- -------------------
- First Place - Atari Transputer Workstation. Reduced Instruction Set
- Computer (RISC) chips and parallel processing promise to be a large part of
- the future of computing, and the Inmos T800 provides these technologies,
- while the Motorola 68030 does not. Simple, concise, and a good reason to
- use the ATW for future applications....
-
- Inmos T800 Comparison:
- ---------------------
- The T800 has many advantages over many processors currently out on the
- market. Besides the fact that it is a RISC chip, and that it has parallel
- processing capabilities, it also has 4K of On-Chip Static RAM which could
- be used for anything from emulating programmable registers to a high speed
- CPU cache, and it has a 64-bit floating point math unit built-in, which can
- perform floating point calculations at a rate which allows a 20 MHZ T800 to
- be five times faster than a 68020/68881 combination in a standard Whetstone
- benchmark. Since it can also run at 10 MIPS, there is a lot of evidence
- suggesting that it is more powerful than the 68030 chip. However, since it
- does not have as much software available for it, the compatibility problem
- is a great hindrance. But with the help of the Helios operating system and
- the ATW....
-
- Motorola 68030 Comparison:
- -------------------------
- The 68030, while not providing some of the new technologies seen in the
- T800, has a huge advantage in its compatibility with previous Motorola
- 680x0 processors. Not only can Unix applications written for the 68000 run
- on the 68030 TT via minor porting, but the 68030's Memory Management Unit
- (MMU) will help the TT's version of Unix to handle "ill-behaved" Unix
- applications more efficiently.
-
- Operating System Features:
- -------------------------
- First Place - 68030 TT. In order to have full support of both the T800's
- parallel processing features, and to provide powerful multitasking
- multiuser operations, the ATW had to forsake Unix compatibility, and use
- the custom-made Helios Operating System. Since the 68030 TT uses standard
- AT&T Unix, even though Helios is designed to make porting Unix programs to
- it fairly easy, the 68030 TTx has an advantage in the area of software
- availability. Also, both versions of the 68030 TT have TOS 1.4 ROMs,
- enabling them to run current Atari ST programs. This capability should
- both help it to be more tantalizing to current ST owners, and to eventually
- become the successor to the Atari ST....
-
- ATW Comparison:
- --------------
- The Helios operating system was made to optimize the operations of a
- parallel processing chip such as the T800, as well as letting it be as
- Unix-compatible (through emulating Unix Version 7 calls) as possible. Even
- though Helios serves this function well, and has the potential of becoming
- the standard operating system for parallel processing microprocessors,
- since there are now very few programs available for it, the 68030 TT has an
- advantage in using standard Unix....
-
- 68030 TT Comparison:
- -------------------
- Unlike the 68030 TTx, the 68030 TT will only use its own TOS 1.4 ROMs to
- run current ST applications. Although there are some potentially crippling
- incompatibilities between the 68000 and the 68030, such as the MOVE
- instructions may do some things differently on both chips, and the 68030's
- exception stack frames being different from the 68000's, there is little
- probability that the 68030 TT will have significant problems running Atari
- ST applications. However, only ST GEM applications which have been
- STRICTLY written to conform to Atari's programming specifications will be
- able to use the 68030 TT's advanced graphics, and since 99% of ST GEM
- applications make certain "assumptions" about TOS, it seems that when the
- 68030 TT comes out there will be a deluge of updates and fixes, as
- developers rush to "clean up" their programs so they can maximize the TT's
- capabilities. Incidentally, it is these same "assumptions" that keep the
- possibility of Atari making a version of TOS which reliably multitasks all
- ST programs from being realized anytime in the near future....
-
- 68030 TTx Comparison:
- --------------------
- Along with running TOS 1.4, the 68030 TTx will come with AT&T Unix 5.3.
- Even though there are other versions of Unix which are FAR more powerful
- than AT&T Unix (Berkeley Unix, for example, has become a de facto Unix
- standard due to its superiority over AT&T Unix), since AT&T is the original
- developer of Unix, Atari must figure that AT&T Unix, logically, will
- continue to be the main standard. But then, Berkeley Unix has gained GREAT
- widespread use in the Unix community, and the NeXT uses Mach, a Berkeley
- Unix-compatible OS....
-
- Expandability:
- ------------
- First Place - Atari 68030 TT. It uses the VME Expansion Bus, which is
- not only used in Sun Workstations, but has been a standard since the early
- 1980's. As a result, there are hundreds of VME cards out on the market.
- In comparison, the ATW uses a proprietary bus, which, although being the
- most useful to the T800 chip, is adversely affected by the lack of
- compatibility....
-
- ATW Comparison:
- --------------
- In order to support the T800's parallel processing capabilities more
- efficiently, the ATW does not use an industry standard expansion bus, like
- the VME bus used in the 68030 TT, but uses a proprietary expansion bus,
- with address, data, interrupt and handshaking lines along with transputer
- link lines. There are actually two connectors; one for your typical bus
- and the other for transputer links. There will be a link switch card to
- allow the transputer network topology to be changed on the fly. This card
- will not take one of the four slots available on the ATW. But in the final
- analysis, the ATW expansion bus' lack of compatibility hinders it.
- However, since the NuBus is made to support multiprocessing, can be used
- with any type of processor, and is rapidly becoming a new standard in
- expansion buses, why couldn't have Atari used a modified version of the
- NuBus on the ATW?
-
- 68030 TT Comparison:
- -------------------
- The 68030 TT uses a full 32-bit version of the VME Expansion Bus, which
- was developed by Motorola and others. Besides being optimized for the
- Motorola 680x0 series of processors, the VME bus has been in use since the
- early 1980's, and as such, has a vast number of VME boards available for
- it. Ironically, though, while most VME cards will be able to work with the
- 68030 TT without modification, many boards which handle specific operations
- (such as 24-bit graphics cards, or coprocessor boards) will need to be
- modified to work at maximum efficiency with the 68030 TT, and the success
- of the TT in this area may depend on the makers of VME cards leaping to the
- Atari standard without hesitation....
-
- Graphics Displays:
- -----------------
- First Place - Atari Transputer Workstation. One of the policies that
- Atari uses for designing computers is to provide the maximum graphics
- resolution and color palette for a computer without slowing down its speed.
- Given that the T800 in the ATW can run at 10 MIPS, it would seem logical
- that the ATW would be far superior in graphics to the slower 68030 TT.
- However, the 68030 TT could have been considered best in terms of
- price/performance, but for one thing: 286/386 IBM compatibles using VGA
- graphics can provide the same performance for the same price....
-
- I/O Ports/Networking:
- -------------------
- First Place - Atari 68030 TT. Since the ATW uses a Mega ST motherboard
- as an I/O processing unit, it has all of the I/O Ports (including MIDI,
- DMA, and RS-232 ports) available on the ST. But since the 68030 TT ALSO
- provides all Mega ST I/O ports, and has an Ethernet port for advanced
- networking capabilities, as well as supporting Sun's Network File System
- for compatibility with current LAN networks (which will help the 68030 TT
- to be accepted in the business world), while the ATW only supports
- networking links for the T800's parallel processing operations, the 68030
- TT ends up having the edge....
-
-
- Market Outlook for the ATW and 68030 TT
- ---------------------------------------
-
- ATW Outlook:
- -----------
- The Atari Transputer Workstation is, undoubtedly, a VERY unique machine.
- Combining parallel processing and RISC technology with Helios, a
- custom-made, versatile OS, and combining them all with a VERY powerful
- workstation that costs less than some models of the Mac SE, the ATW has
- EXTREME potential. The most obvious market for it is in Research Labs and
- Universities, who would need its speed and graphics capabilities, as well
- as the lucrative image processing market. However, since systems having
- similar capabilities are priced starting from $20,000, the ATW would have
- few hindrances in becoming a standard in the growing workstation market.
-
- However, these hindrances are VERY serious. Even though the ATW can
- network T800's for parallel processing, the ATW does not support Ethernet,
- NFS, or any standards for LAN networks, and in order for it to become a
- popular business workstation, it NEEDS LAN networking capabilities. But
- the most serious problem it may have in the workstation market is its name,
- as even though we know Atari does not just make game machines, many
- prospective businesses may shun BOTH the 68030 TT and the ATW because of
- Atari's past reputation....
-
- And contrary to opinions of a few, even though a rose by any other
- name may still be the same, if Commodore had named the Amiga the Commodore
- Plus or C-1000, it would NOT have sold as well as it did, simply because
- the name 'Amiga' helped distinguish it from any of Commodore's any other
- products....
-
- 68030 TT Outlook:
- ----------------
- Since the 68030 TT runs TOS 1.4, has many improvements over its
- predecessor (including VGA-style graphics which rectifies the ST's
- unimpressive graphics), and outclasses its competition with the use of the
- 68030 chip, as well as an industry-standard expansion bus, the TT seems a
- fitting upgrade to the Atari ST. Priced at $2500.00 (the same as a Mega 4)
- with 2 Megs of RAM, the 68030 TT is obviously aimed at the low/middle end
- of the market which the ST is targeted towards, and is intended for the ST
- User who wants to upgrade to a more powerful system. Given all this, the
- 68030 TT seems destined to become the ST's successor.
-
- But since it is in the same price range as the Mega ST's, is aimed
- at the same market, and uses an industry standard bus (while Atari shunned
- the Mega ST's expansion bus to the effect that there are VERY few boards
- out for it), the 68030 TT makes the Mega ST obsolete. And since Atari will
- probably not allow ST owners to trade-in their Megas and upgrade to the
- 68030 TT for a small fee, the TT will be a harbringer of tough luck for
- present Mega ST owners. Also, it seems that with the 68030 TT out, Atari
- will have to make the 1040 ST or Mega 1 the 'low-end' ST, selling it in
- the home, education, and small business markets at a reduced price. Even
- then, in order to maintain continuity in its product line, Atari will need
- to sell the Mega 2 and 4 in the $1500-2000 dollar range. And since these
- Atari ST's are vying for the same market that the 68030 TT is....
-
-
- 68030 TTx Outlook:
- -----------------
- The 68030 TTx is directly poised at the new 'Personal Workstation'
- market, which promises to grow into a billion-dollar industry in the next
- few years. It meets all the requirements for a workstation, as it has AT&T
- Unix, compatibility with standard LAN Networking Systems, and graphics
- which, though not impressive, are common for many low-end workstations.
- Since similarly priced Unix workstations will not appear until 1990, the
- 68030 TTx has a great shot at propelling Atari into the middle/high end of
- the microcomputer market.
-
- The 68030 TTx will be especially popular in Europe, where there is a
- massive need for good Unix workstations, and where Atari has enough clout
- to make the TTx a standard in the business market. However, the TTx may
- not be so lucky in the US, where most people who need Unix are capable of
- buying Sun workstations, and when, given the choice of the Atari 68030 TTx,
- may choose to pay more for a Sun or IBM that is less powerful, because
- companies in those markets have two dominating advantages: They are more
- recognized for quality products in that market, and businesses are sure of
- their ability to FULLY support their Unix workstations. And unfortunately,
- those are two things that Atari is not known for in the US....
-
-
- But ponder, if you will, this question:
-
- 1) Given the 68030 TT and ATW's advanced features, what is the possibility
- of the main users of Unix workstations (mainly large universities, Research
- Labs, and corporations) not readily accepting the 68030 TT or the ATW in
- the US until the Atari ST's current status in the US computer market
- improves to a certain extent?
-
-
- -----========****=========-----
-
-
- CPU REPORT CONFIDENTIAL™
- =======================
-
-
-
- Portland, OR According to increasingly persistent rumors, Intel will
- ------------ officially introduce its new 80486 chip shortly after
- Spring Comdex. Among the many predictions about the
- 80486's capabilities, industry analysts say that most
- likely it will have a floating point math chip built in,
- have a virtual 286 mode (enabling the 80486 to multitask
- 80286 programs, just as the 80386 can multitask 8086
- programs in its virtual 8086 mode), as well as having
- 4K of RAM onboard as a data/instruction cache.
-
- It is also rumored that the 80486 chip will be priced
- towards the workstation or minicomputer end of the
- market. Unlike the 68040, though, the first 80486-based
- PC's are likely to be available soon after Intel debuts
- its new chip. Reason: IBM has had at least a dozen
- 80486 chips in its Labs since September 1988, and since
- it shouldn't be difficult for IBM to adapt its
- MicroChannel architecture to the 80486....
-
- Cupertino, CA Apple has recently introduced the Macintosh IICx, a
- ------------- compact version of the Mac IIx which uses a 16 MHZ 68030
- and has three NuBus expansion slots. Internally, it is
- identical to the Mac IIx, having the same logic board
- and the same speed. However, the main emphasis in the
- Mac IICx, which will become the "mainstream" Mac II, is
- in its modular design. The Mac IICx has a smaller
- footprint than the Mac IIx, and consumes less power than
- previous Mac II designs. Cost: $7800.00 with Apple's
- 80 Megabyte Hard Drive, which is the same price as a
- Mac IIx with an 80 Meg Hard Drive....
-
- Portland, OR Even though the 80386 is associated with high end IBM
- ------------ compatibles, roughly 30 percent of Intel's sales of the
- chip are for use in embedded applications, such as laser
- printers or fax machines, that are not technically
- computers. Seeing this, Intel has made the 80376, a
- version of the 80386 similar to the 80386 SX that is
- custom-made for this market.
-
- New York, NY The Open Software Foundation, an independent corporation
- ------------ backed by ten of the most influential Unix vendors in
- the industry (such as IBM and DEC), as part of their
- goal of establishing a new systems/software standard for
- UNIX, has adopted a standard Graphical User Interface
- for its OSF/Motif system. Out of 26 possible choices
- in graphical user interfaces (including AT&T's Open
- Look and X/GEM), the OSF chose the Common X Interface,
- otherwise known as IBM's Presentation Manager....
-
- Lest you be a tad bit surprised at the OSF's choice
- (read: sad mistake), remember that the OSF is using AIX,
- IBM's version of Unix, as the basis for its new Unix
- standard. One thing, though: IBM did NOT try to make
- Presentation Manager the OSF's windowing environment,
- since it was OS/2's interface, but it was Microsoft who
- registered and lobbied for it. Presumably with IBM's
- consent, of course....
-
-
-
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > COMDEX/SPRING 89 NewsPlus™
- =========================
-
-
- COMDEX/SPRING '89 REPORT
- ========================
-
-
- courtesy of: GEnie Information Services
- Topic 27, Category 14
-
-
- posted by JEFF WILLIAMS at 22:11 CDT
-
-
- There isn't much that is new being shown by Atari Computer at Spring
- Comdex that hasn't been shown elsewhere. But what is significant is
- Atari's pledge that all hardware being shown will begin shipping around
- June of this year. Yes, even in the United States! Here's a brief rundown
- of some new hardware being shown. There was virtually no spec sheets on
- the new items, so I'm doing the best I can from memory when it comes to
- describing what I saw, so I'm counting on John, Dan, or another of the
- Atari employees (or Comdex attendees) to set me straight if I should omit
- something or make an error.
-
- Clearly the biggest attention-getter is the smallest MS-DOS computer ever
- to come to market. The Atari Folio is barely the size of a video tape
- cassette, yet features a full keyboard (with small, but REAL keys that have
- a solid feel to them, or so I am lead to believe), a 40 column LCD display,
- 128K RAM (expandable to 640K), and built-in MS-DOS 2.11, word processor,
- spreadsheet (creating 1-2-3 compatible files), database, appointment
- calendar, and phone dialer (hold the phone handset to a built-in speaker
- and the Atari Folio will sound the tones of the number to be dialed).
-
- Disk drives are replaced by ultra-thin RAM wafers that plug into the side
- of the Atari Folio which appear to the system as very fast disk drives.
- Standard PC peripherals like disk drives, printers, and modems can be
- attached to Atari Folio with optional card- cables that slip into the RAM
- wafer slot.
-
- A "smart cable" will connect Atari Folio directly to an IBM, clone, or ST
- for direct transferring of data. People were crawling out of the woodwork
- to get a look at the Atari Folio. Priced at $399.95, the Atari Folio
- (which slips easily into a jacket pocket, brief case, or handbag) is sure
- to be the ideal "second computer" for the traveler, commuter, engineer,
- student, salesman, and so on.
-
- Another computer for people on the move is Stacy, the ST laptop. I have
- to admit, the photos I had seen of it had me thinking it was going to be
- too big and cumbersome, but seeing it in person alleviated that concern.
- It is just right (to quote one Miss Goldilocks). What can I say? It
- features an LCD twist display with a resolution of 640x400 (just like the
- SM124 mono monitor), a little trackball to control the screen pointer (as
- well as mouse and joystick ports), and all the other features of a 1040ST
- (1 meg of RAM, built- in double-sided drive, and all the same connectors,
- including a monitor jack for attaching to external ST monitors...mono OR
- color). There will be a few different configurations available beginning
- with one floppy drive for $1499.95. From there you can get the two drive
- unit (I didn't catch the price for that one). Or you can put a 20 Meg hard
- disk where the second floppy would have gone for a total of $1999.95.
-
- Atari Computer's MegaFile 44 was there too. Sporting a removable hard
- disk cartridge, the MegaFile 44 will be priced "under $1200" and additional
- cartridges will cost $150. The cartridges will hold 44 megabytes of data.
- I was told that no special software is needed to support the MegaFile 44.
-
- Of course, Megas and SLM-804 printers dominated much of the exhibit, with
- a number of third party developers showing their ST products. I'll try to
- follow up with some details of what they were showing in a later post.
-
- BTW, the IBM-COMPATIBLE PC-4 was also being displayed, but I have to
- admit I really didn't give it much attention today. I'll check it out
- tomorrow.
-
- The STacy was operating, but it was locked up inside a glass cube (as was
- the renamed Atari Portfolio). No, I haven't had the opportunity to put
- hands on either machine, but I've talked with some of the non-Atari folks
- that HAVE operated them so I'm convinced they're real.
-
- A blitter in the STacy? Good question. I don't know. I'll pass on that
- one for now (maybe I can find out and post it later. The Atari people are
- saying the base unit will be configured exactly like a 1040ST (1 meg, 1
- DS/DD drive) so if that is to be taken literally then I suppose there may
- not be a blitter. Consider also that this will normally be using that LCD
- screen. While the screen refresh is peppy, I just wonder if a blitter
- wouldn't be "wasted" on that screen.
-
- P.S. Atari assured me that STacey will ship with TOS 1.4 installed.
- -----------
- I'm not sure that I would agree that the STacy and Portfolio are not
- highlighted well...at least not to the point that it constitutes a major
- flaw in Atari Computer's presentation of these products at this show. They
- are in the center of the exhibition area in the most open space of the
- booth, constantly manned (womanned?) by Atari employees answering questions
- and extolling their virtues. Their location didn't keep USA Today from
- finding them Monday. NBC probably will find them easily enough tomorrow
- (yikes...make that TODAY!) when they come to shoot a piece on the
- Portfolio. Add to that the fact that Atari has a continuously running
- video (of British origin) featuring the Portfolio at the corner of Atari
- Computer's booth that faces the IBM exhibit entrance (very nice touch!). I
- think that the biggest problem with finding these products is the fact that
- there is usually quite a body of people surrounding them most of the time.
-
- Despite this, I'm sure Atari Computer could be highlighting these
- exciting new products better than they have. But I would be hesitant to
- suggest they're highlighting them poorly. Some of the third party Atari
- producers manning stations at the Atari Computer exhibit include:
-
- Atari (well, they're not a third party developer, but they are showing
- some new software):
-
- Featuring their line of educational products as well as some
- exciting new ones, like DeskSet II and WordFlair.
-
- TouchView:
- ---------
- Demonstrating their touch-sensitive system designed to automate
- ordering, inventory control, bookkeeping functions, etc. in a
- restaurant and bar operation.
-
- Timeworks: Desktop Publisher Soft-Logik: PageStream
- --------- ----------
-
- ISD: Calamus, DynaCad Mark Williams: Mark Williams C
- --- -------------
-
- MichTron:
- --------
- Fleet Street Publisher 2.0, HiSoft Basic, and a host of other
- productivity, developer, and entertainment software. They are
- also teasing us with a mock up of something called "Fast Fax",
- an ST fax hardware/software combo that is currently in development.
-
- Gadgets By Small:
- ----------------
- Neither Dave nor Sandy are here for the show, but Spectre *IS*
- being shown.
-
- Word Perfect: Word Perfect for the ST. Gribnif: Neodesk 2.03
- ------------ --------
- Migraph:
- -------
- Easy Draw, Touch-Up, and scanners. The scanners include a
- hand-held scanner to be bundled with "Touch-Up Lite" for $400,
- as well as their sheet-fed and flat-bed scanners.
-
- ICD: Their FA*ST Tape Backup system is being featured.
- ---
- Antic:
- -----
- GFA Basic 3.0 and their Cyber lineup are being featured, along
- with STart magazine and other products from their software catalog.
-
- Computer Avenue:
- ---------------
- "Mirror Image" is a new, very fast, hard disk backup utility. It
- produces image backups of the entire hard disk. I believe the
- price is $27.95 (it was either that or $29.95).
-
- Abacus: Featuring their software and book line.
- ------
-
- Biodata:
- -------
- This is a West German company producing "BioNet 100", an
- Ethernet network for the Atari ST which can connect via
- gateway to Novell and Dec Net.
-
- GEnie:
- ------
- Oops, sorry, GEnie isn't at the show. But Nevin Shallit is
- *EVERYWHERE*, talking to everybody. You can expect some
- excellent Comdex coverage from Nevin when he gets back online
- next week (the poor guy is modemless right now!) and in the
- next issue of ST-Informer (complete with photos!).
-
- Others I may have neglected mentioning:
- I'm sure I have unintentionally omitted some folks. One whose company
- and product name I just don't remember was showing an R/C
- plane/helicopter simulator, complete with an actual refitted R/C
- controller connected to a cartridge (which contains the software,
- making this the first "game" cartridge for the ST that I have
- seen). I regret if I've missed anyone else. I hope others
- who are attending Comdex will fill in possible omissions I've
- made.
-
- WordFlair:
- ---------
- A new document processor to be marketed by Atari, but is written by Blue
- Chip International. This GDOS-based product looks very sharp and very
- exciting. Listing for $149.95, WordFlair should be available by sometime in
- June. First, this thing is FAST. It doesn't appear to me that the fastest
- of typists need ever fear of out-typing WordFlair. It's much faster than
- Word Writer 2, MicroSoft Write, and WordUp.
-
- WordFlair allows the importation of graphics with automatic wraparound of
- text. WordFlair can import data from ASCII files, databases, and
- spreadsheets for inclusion in your document. It even has its own
- limited-feature database built into it. WordFlair can perform mail merges
- and can even create a number of different charts (pie, bar, line, etc.) in
- your document for you.
-
- WordFlair appears to make effective use of icons to select many of its
- features (similar to Calamus, but not anywhere as extensively as Calamus).
- I suspect many users will find the user interface to be very comfortable
- and well-implemented. While WordFlair includes several features normally
- found in desktop publishing software, it is not intended to substitute for
- DTP software. It is not really aimed at the word processor market either,
- because it is more than just a word processor. They label it a "document
- processor", but I imagine many folks will find it to be very suitable as a
- word processor.
-
- Jeff Williams
-
- ---=====**=====---
-
-
- ....many thanks to GEnie services for making the above available.
-
-
- Editor Note:
- -----------
- Jeff Williams, a dedicated Atari ST enthusiast, deserves a heartfelt
- thank you from all of us for a very fine, high quality summation of Atari's
- presentation at Spring Comdex. Job well done and I might add ..voluntary!
-
-
-
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > STR Spotlight™
- =============
-
-
- HOLOBYTE COMMUNICATES!
- =====================
-
-
- Dear Atari ST Users:
-
- Boy, are you guys active! I've read many of your letters regarding
- Falcon piracy and our Atari ST Tetris release. As with the reactions to my
- original letter on piracy, we at Spectrum HoloByte have had a lot of
- reactions to all of your comments.
-
- I would like to point out something: I wrote my letter for several
- reasons: First, to bring to everybody's attention the impact of piracy;
- second, to explain from a programmer's and publisher's point of view the
- market factors one considers when making a decision on which machine to
- support; and third, to say what other publishers are saying behind closed
- doors.
-
- Look, I know that many of you are upset about this entire issue of
- piracy. Some of you point out that we haven't taken out many ST ads.
- Others felt that we didn't have an effective marketing rollout campaign.
- Many feel that we should just shut up about the whole issue and go back to
- the IBM and Mac market. On the other hand, many have written us in full
- support (thanks!).
-
- Let me say this, Falcon has been a very "successful" ST product here in
- the United States...and I'm not talking about a financial success. Falcon
- ST has climbed to the top of the ST charts. On several charts, Falcon
- remains the number 1 best seller. I bring this up because if we are
- selling the most, I hate to see what those below us on the charts are
- selling. I personally want to say thank you to all those Atari ST users
- who did buy Falcon. They are the ones who put the game on the top of the
- charts. My company and I will totally support those people who have bought
- our programs by bringing out updates and making modifications to the
- programs as per their suggestions (so don't stop writing).
-
- Peter Szymonik brings up many good statistically correct points in his
- letter. Falcon has sold well in Europe, but that isn't the issue. Support
- for ST in the United States is the issue. First off, we only get a
- sublicensing fee from European sales of about $1-$2 per unit sold. I agree
- with Peter: Piracy is not just a problem with ST, but with all computer
- formats. It just hurts ST sales more because the installed base is so
- small, while it costs exactly the same to develop a title on the ST as it
- does on the Amiga or Macintosh. Peter, you're right on most points except
- you over look the most critical: if a company or programmers can't make
- money in a market, they won't support it--plain and simple.
-
- Peter also points out the lack of advertising as compared to the Mac,
- Amiga, and IBM magazines. It costs several thousand dollars to run one ad
- one time in the major ST magazines. If a best-selling program like Falcon
- only sells 8,000 copies, it cannot support the additional expense of a
- major ad campaign. A great deal of momentum for the ST version was built
- up during the year preceding its release.
-
- Editorial coverage during that year in ST publications was great. Readers
- were notified months ahead that Falcon was coming for the ST, and the
- program was given immediate reviews as soon as it shipped. Editorial
- coverage, which is far superior to paid advertising, has been nothing but
- great. So I can't buy the argument that nobody knows about the product,
- nor can I agree that the marketing method of the product is the cause for
- a lack of sales (remember Falcon is #1 on many distributors charts).
-
- One last point: We brought Falcon out on the ST because many of the STers
- ASKED for it when the Macintosh version came out. We spent the time and
- money to make it take full advantage of the ST and didn't simply make
- another port. In fact, the ST is better than the Macintosh version in
- almost every way (excluding sound). We also plan to revise the program to
- fix some of the control problems.
-
- Tetris is a different story. I've already had No. 19 reply to all of
- the notes and comments regarding Tetris. PLEASE DON'T ABUSE HER or her
- staff (me, I'm open game), since she supports the network and does much of
- her support work on her own free time. I must point out that most
- companies do not support online services or have dedicated support for
- these services. Most companies use online services only as a way to
- announce new products.
-
- I'm sorry that a few of you don't like the program, but the Beta Testing
- department has done a good job. The original ST Tetris program given to us
- to sell in the USA from Mirrorsoft in the U.K. was a disaster. The user
- interface stunk; it didn't follow any of the GEM rules; there wasn't any
- sound; and the graphics were awful. Beta Testing refused to publish it.
- The British refused to change it. We paid a British ST programming group
- to change the program. They added the graphics but then refused to do any
- more work on it since "there wasn't any money in the USA ST market".
-
- We ended up changing it internally to add the GEM interface, the sound
- (which the IBM doesn't have), and graphics, as well as improving the user
- control. Granted, we didn't print a special ST manual, and as in the Apple
- GS and Mac II versions, we didn't have a desk accessory version. Still,
- Tetris is a fun product on the ST and has received highly favorable
- reviews. In fact, in London, Mikhail Gorbachev is opening a trade fair,
- with ST Tetris as a representation of what East and West can do if they
- cooperate.
-
- Please, keep sending in your comments, and we will try to make
- improvements to our programs.
-
- Piracy is not the only problem, but piracy is a problem. Perhaps I
- shouldn't have said anything about it. Perhaps it is a myth within the
- industry. Other companies have withdrawn from the market. They never made
- a public statement, they simply withdrew. When you ask them why, they
- simply say there isn't a market.
-
- I don't believe that. (Though, sometimes when I see free copies of our
- programs on bulletin boards or people with boxes and boxes of copied
- software, I scream out and tell myself I will never publish another
- title--and my staff just smiles and says, "There he goes again.") The
- Atari ST is a valid machine.
-
- We just have to figure out a way as an industry to allow programmers and
- companies to make money and earn a living at it. I don't have all the
- answers. I invite all of you to continue writing. I'll listen. But be
- realistic. Everybody has to win or everybody loses. I will continue to
- give you information and a publisher/programmer perspective.
-
- One last note, some of you have said that you'll never buy another
- Spectrum HoloByte product. I'm sorry you feel that way, but it's your
- right. I won't apologize for my letter because it's the way many of us
- feel in the industry. (It's just that nobody has been willing to step up to
- the table and say it.) Don't take it out of context. I look forward to
- reading more of your comments, and please direct your more brutal stuff
- towards me and not my staff. They really do care about what you think.
- They are just knee deep in work and sometimes can't get around to answering
- all the phone calls, letters, and network online services with a 24-hour
- turnaround period. Sometimes it takes a week. Please be patient. You can
- be assured that they are reading your comments and are taking them
- seriously, as am I.
-
- Gilman (Chopstick) Louie
- CEO Spectrum HoloByte,
- a division of Sphere, Inc.
-
-
-
- Editor Note:
- ----------
- Mr G. Louie has assured us that the support for the ST market place
- has not diminished at all, in fact, SH plans to launch a number of new and
- rather innovative products in the next few months. "We may even see copy
- protection not used at all"...he said.
-
-
-
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > Michtron BBS STR Focus™
- ======================
-
-
- Part II MichTron BBS Ver. 3.0
- =====================
-
-
- Getting acquainted with MCL...
-
- Michtron Command Language (MCL) is a compiled 'C' like language that
- is very powerful and extremely fast. It permits the sysop to build
- customized menus and add many features to the BBS program. Knowledge of
- MCL is not required to operate the Michtron BBS, however it's use provides
- an outstanding degree of flexibility to the sysop.
-
- Michtron BBS has a runtime interpreter built in, when an MCL file is
- read, the various commands in the file instruct the BBS to perform certain
- functions. The current MCL has 26 integer and 26 string variables. In
- addition, there is access to many of the internal procedures and functions
- of the BBS.
-
- An MCL file is a collection of MCL commands written in 'C' style,
- then compiled by MCL.TTP. This compiler not only does the compilation
- but will report any errors to the screen. Thus, designing, writing,
- debugging any custom routine becomes an easy task.
-
-
- Atari Corp. set up the Michtron BBS ver. 3.0 with a 5 line Double
- Click Multi-Line Port cartridge installed. Frankly, speaking the MichTron
- BBS is a fast reliable system that will not slow down at all with
- multi-line operation in place. It is capable of just about anything
- imaginable as far as customization is concerned. For those who wish to
- have carefree operation coupled with trouble-free operation, MichTron's BBS
- ver 3.0 and the Double Click Multi-Line Port are perfect.
-
- Now your Atari ST can multi-task!
- --------------------------------
-
- That's right, multi-task! MichTron BBS 3.0, the very first BBS program
- for th e Atari ST that performs true multi-tasking, is available right now
- from MichTron, Inc.
-
- Written from precise specifications, MichTron BBS 3.0 by Timothy Purves
- was engineered from the ground up with its very own multi-tasking kernel.
- What does this mean? Well, it means that MichTron BBS 3.0 can handle 1-5
- users at the same time with no noticable system slowdown.
-
- You don't believe it? Just call Atari Corp. very own BBS (ATARIBASE) and
- see for yourself why MichTron BBS is the program of choice for Atari Corp.
- You can download, upload, read messages, chat to other online users, and
- even have the sysop online at the console, and never notice a slowdown!
- This is true multi-tasking at work. And if we dig further into the BBS, we
- will see that MichTron BBS was designed with both the user and the sysop in
- mind.
-
- For the user, HOTKEYS (keystrokes that perform actions as soon as they
- are pressed) make moving around from one part of the BBS to the other very
- easy. Lightning fast algorithms provide for very fast response from the
- BBS no matter what is going on on the other lines. Assorted download
- protocals, private mail, and other features which can be added by the sysop
- make this BBS a 'fantasy' come true.
-
- For the sysop, the power of a BBS has never before been raised to such
- heights ! With the introduction of a new MCL (MichTron Command Language)
- compiler for th e BBS, the sysop can personalize the BBS beyond belief.
- What can be done in the MCL? Would you believe Electronic Mail, File Mail,
- Wheel Of Fortune game, a quotation machine, dating service, questionaires,
- etc. So many possibilities exist with the MCL. You could write your own
- message base, your own file sections, virtually customize any part of the
- BBS to perform the way you want.
-
- With syntax very much like 'C' the MCL is easy to learn and use. Here is
- a small sample of the MCL:
-
- new_procedure:;
- print("Please enter [Y] or [N] -> ");
- k = key_match("yn");
- print("\n\n");
- if (k == 'Y') {
- print("You pressed 'Y'\n");
- } else if (k == 'N') {
- print("You pressed 'N'\n");
- }
- return;
-
- A well established library of MCL routines (around 70) provide a lot of
- flexibility, more than has ever been available to a sysop before. Once the
- MCL program is written (using your favorite editor) you run the source code
- through the MCL compiler. Then when you run the BBS, the compiled code is
- executed directly from the BBS with amazingly fast results.
-
- Think about it. Users have been able to customize and write 'DO files'
- for many terminal programs for years. Why not extend that to the BBS?
- Indeed, why not? Well, the first step has been taken. And as a first
- step, it shows that the concept is sound, well implemented, and definitely
- deserving of further support and development.
-
- So what else does the MichTron BBS 3.0 offer? An extended protocal list,
- including Y-Modem Batch. The easiest to use sysops console, where you can
- view any users screen (while they are logged on!), view the system
- resources, edit user profiles, delete files, move/copy files, rename files,
- add files to the download listings, and much, much more.
-
- Did we mention that MichTron BBS 3.0 is multi-user? Of course we did,
- but wha t we didn't say was that each port can run at speeds up to 9600
- baud! That's rig ht 9600 baud and *NO* system slowdown. In order to use
- the BBS as a multi-user system, you would need to get the Double Click
- Software DC-PORT cartridge.
-
- "Compared to the other BBS programs available for the ST right now,"
- states Michael B. Vederman of Double Click Software, "MichTron BBS is by
- far the best thought out and designed BBS I have ever seen. It is designed
- with today's power user in mind, with features people have come to
- expect!"
-
- MichTron BBS is shipping right now! You can get an update for $35 from
- MichTron, or buy the MichTron BBS 3.0 for only $79.95.
-
- The next generation of BBS programs has come to light. Now see the light
- for yourself, call Ataribase at (408)745-5308 to see five lines in action;
- or call the MichTron support BBS at (313)332-5452; or call the Houston
- Atari ST Enthusiasts at (713)973-6665 or (713)973-6555.
-
- For more information about MichTron BBS, call or write:
-
- MichTron BBS Ver. 3.0 - Double Click Multi-Line Port
-
- ..are available from Your Dealer or:
-
- Michtron Inc.
- 576 S. Telegraph
- Pontiac, MI 48053
- 313-334-5700
-
-
- WANT TO GIVE YOUR ATARI ST COMPUTER THREE TIMES MORE COMMUNICATION
- POWER?
-
- You can do that with DC-PORT, the new hardware expansion cartridge from
- Double Click Software.
-
- WHAT IS DC-PORT?
-
- DC-PORT is a serial expansion cartridge that plugs into your ATARI 520,
- 1040 or MEGA ST cartridge slot. DC-PORT gets all power from the computer's
- cartridge slot. DC-PORT is completely interrupt driven. DC-PORT is BIOS
- compatible. DC-PORT is affordable.
-
- WANT MORE INFO?
-
- With DC-PORT you can use existing software and still utilize the extra
- ports. Imagine connecting to multiple BBS services using your terminal
- program. Imagine easily switching back and forth between the sessions in
- the same program. You can! DC-PORTs AUTO folder handler installs a
- special driver which allows you to redirect the STs standard RS232 port
- through one of the DC-PORTs. DC-PORT software also adds extra devices to
- the operating system, so you can easily add support for DC-PORT in your own
- programs.
-
- HOW EASILY CAN YOU PROGRAM FOR DC-PORT?
-
- As easily as you can program for the STs main serial port. For example,
- if you have sample code that looks like this for the RS232 I/O:
-
- #define AUX 2
-
- while (TRUE) {
- if (Cconstat()) {
- if ((key=Cconin()) == '/') { /* get key until '/' character */
- break;
- else
- Bconout(AUX,key);
- }
- if (Bconstat(AUX))
- Cconout(Bconin(AUX));
- }
-
- Your new code to talk to DC-PORT 1 would be:
-
- #define AUX 2
- #define DCP1 0x8100
-
- int dcp; /* value of DC-PORT select */
-
- dcp = DCP1; /* assign this 0 if you want to use the main port */
-
- while (TRUE) {
- if (Cconstat()) {
- if ((key=Cconin()) == '/') { /* get key until '/' character */
- break;
- else
- Bconout(dcp|AUX,key);
- }
- if (Bconstat(dcp|AUX))
- Cconout(Bconin(dcp|AUX));
- }
-
- To set the RS232 parameters, you can simply do:
-
- #define DCP1 0x8100
-
- int baud = 7; /* 1200 baud */
- long uart_regs; /* uart registers */
- int dcp; /* DC-PORT select */
-
- dcp = DCP1;
- uart_regs = Rsconf(dcp|baud, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1);
-
- This example will return the status of the operation in the high word,
- and the uart registers in the low word. The status will be 0x0000 if
- success, 0xffff if fail (DC-PORT isn't connected).
-
- If you don't want to set the baud rate, but rather change one of the
- other parameters of DC-PORT 1, then you could do:
-
- uart_regs = Rsconf(dcp|0xff, -1, -1, -1, 9, -1);
-
- or (using the new 1.4 ROMs) to return the current baud value of DC-PORT 1:
-
- uart_regs = Rsconf(dcp|0xfe, -1, -1, -1, -1, -1);
-
- EASY?
-
- You bet it is! All BIOS and XBIOS calls which deal with the serial port
- are completely supported by the DC-PORT software handler.
-
- SO WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO WITH DC-PORT?
-
- You can run MichTron BBS 3.0! That's right, the multi-tasking multi-user
- MichTron BBS 3.0 supports DC-PORT.
-
- You can program your own applications to run at bauds up to 38400! You read
- correctly, DC-PORT supports baud rates up to 38400! You can bet that more
- software will be forthcoming to support the higher baud rate, including a
- networking system.
-
- DO I HAVE TO TALK TO DC-PORT TO GET INPUT FROM THE SERIAL PORT?
-
- No way! When DC-PORT is ready with a character it generates an interrupt
- to notify your program. You don't need to waste valuable program time
- constantly polling the ports, the ports notify you!
-
- HOW DOES DC-PORT WORK?
-
- DC-PORT plugs into your cartridge slot. All power is derived from the
- compute r all of the time. A cable from DC-PORT connects to the STs main
- serial port. Three additional cables come out of DC-PORT, which are DC-PORT
- 0 (the STs main serial port), and DC-PORT 1 & 2. RS232 pins DTR, Carrier
- Detect, Ground, Receive and Transmit are completely supported. All data
- to/from DC-PORT 1 & 2 is written to/read from the cartridge slot using the
- fastest algorithm possible for maximum throughput.
-
- WHERE CAN I GET DC-PORT?
-
- You can get DC-PORT directly from Double Click Software, at
-
- Double Click Software
- P.O. Box 741206
- Houston, Texas 77236-1206
-
- BBS: (713) 944-0108
-
- -or- from MichTron, Inc.
-
- MichTron, Inc.
- 576 S. Telegraph
- Pontiac, Michigan 48053
-
- Voice: (313) 334-5700
-
- DC-PORT is $199.95 for the cartridge, and
- $29.95 for three DC-PORT cables.
-
- The DC-PORT cables are RS232 on one end, and RJ12 (telephone jack) plugs
- on the other end.
-
- DC-PORT comes with a one year warranty on the cartridge and 30 days
- warranty on the cables.
-
-
- DEVELOPERS ..NOTE!
-
- If you are a software developer, and would like to add support for DC-PORT to
- your software, please contact us. We will arrange to get you a DC-PORT
- for your development purposes.
-
- We can be reached at our support BBS: (713)944-0108; on CompuServe:
- 76356,2510 ; on GEnie: M.VEDERMAN2; on USEnet: uace0@uhnix2; on BITnet:
- UACE0@UHUPVM1; and at the HASTE BBS: (713)973-6665 or (713)973-6555.
-
- FREE CABLES!
-
- And, as a special introductory offer. If you order before July 1, 1989,
- we will send you DC-PORT for only $199.95 including the cables! That's
- right, you get an automatic 15% discount.
-
- We accept all checks, money orders, and cash.
-
-
-
-
-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > HotWire™ STR Spotlite™
- =====================
-
-
- HotWire™ - NEW! from CodeHead!
- ==============================
-
-
- At CodeHead Software, we're obsessed with finding ways to extend the
- limits of the ST's operating system. HotWire carries on in the tradition
- of G+PLUS and MultiDesk, by adding new features to the ST's desktop.
-
- It functions as a sort of "command center" to allow you to quickly
- and easily run the programs you use, simply by typing a "hot"key. Imagine
- typing F and running Flash...or typing P and running Timeworks Desktop
- Publisher. All without opening a single window or wading through level
- after level of folders. And YOU tell HotWire which "hot" keys to use for
- which programs, with an ultra-friendly, intuitive GEM interface. If
- you're using floppy disks, you can simply insert a disk and hit a single key
- to start up any application...no more opening windows and double-clicking
- files.
-
- We've tested HotWire with a LOT of programs, and so far, it has been
- compatible with every single one of them...even the ones that other shells
- can't run! For example, HotWire is fully compatible with EasyDraw and
- OUTPRINT, CAD 3D 2.0, Timeworks Swiftcalc (and GRAPH.PRG),Base Two, and
- just about everything else.
-
- Here's a list of features:
- -------------------------
- o Run any ST program instantly simply by pressing a "hot" key from the
- ST desktop, or from the HotWire Menu!
-
- o Summon up the HotWire Menu instantly (whenever you're on the GEM
- desktop) with a keypress!
-
- o Auto-Start any ST program at bootup!
-
- o Hard disk users: no more slogging through folder after folder to run
- your favorite programs. Launch any program instantly with a single
- keypress, no matter where it resides!
-
- o Floppy disk users: just pop your program disk in the drive and hit a
- key! No more waiting for the desktop to open a window.
-
- o Choose from among over 400 possible "hot" key combinations!
-
- o The HotWire Menu displays up to 54 programs at once, with graphic
- representations of their associated "hot" keys! Each program can
- have a 20-character "title" (not just a filename).
-
- o Lists of programs can be loaded and saved, either with the file
- selector or with a single keypress!
-
- o An intuitive, aesthetically appealing GEM interface lets you easily
- customize the HotWire Menu to your own preferences.
-
- o Unique "work file" command line features make HotWire an excellent
- shell for developers working in C or assembly language. (In fact,
- HotWire was used along with Atari's MAD MAC assembler to develop
- itself!)
-
- o Runs either from your AUTO folder or from the desktop (it's NOT a
- desk accessory), and can either be installed as a resident program,
- or run like any other ST application!
-
- o If you have CodeHead Software's MultiDesk (which lets you load an
- unlimited number of desk accessories at any time) HotWire lets you
- use any of the accessories loaded into MultiDesk, without exiting the
- HotWire Menu! You must have MultiDesk version 1.8 or higher for this
- feature to be active.
-
- o Like all CodeHead Software products, HotWire is written entirely in
- assembly language. It uses only 40K of your precious memory.
-
- o Fixes the GEM desktop's "Install Application" feature, so that
- documents don't have to be in the same directory with their related
- applications! (No more editing the DESKTOP.INF file, or programs
- that can't find their resource files...)
-
- o Unlike most other "shell" programs, HotWire works properly with
- applications that communicate with desk accessories via the AES event
- system. (For example, Cyber Control with CAD 3D, Art Gallery or DEGAS
- Elite Fast Loader with DEGAS Elite, etc.)
-
- o Applications that are run through HotWire behave exactly as they do
- when run from the GEM desktop! No mysterious glitches, or unexpected
- results. The retail price of HotWire is $39.95, and it can be ordered
- directly from CodeHead Software. Call us at (213) 386-5735 to order
- by Visa, Mastercard, or COD, or send a check or money order for the
- amount indicated plus $2 shipping ($3 Canada, $5 Europe) to:
-
- CodeHead Software
- P.O. Box 74090
- Los Angeles, CA 90004
-
- P.S.
- A demonstration version of HotWire (called HOT_DEMO.ARC) is currently
- available on GEnie, Delphi and Compuserve.
-
-
-
-
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
-
- > ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL™
- ======================
-
-
-
- - Sunnyvale, CA. ***** SIG HARTMANN ASSUMES MORE RESPONSIBILITIES! *****
- -------------
-
- Sig Hartmann, a well known and respected Atari Corp. executive has
- assumed the duties of V. Giametteo. We know that as long as Sig is
- handling these duties, the affairs of Atari will not be neglected for a
- single moment. Sig's title is Executive Vice President of Atari Corp. and
- President of O.E.M. Sales. This means great things are sure to come. A
- new man, bringing a dynamic ability to lead with him from Borland, Antonio
- Salerno, is now Vice President of U.S. Software and as such, part of his
- responsibilities will be to head up Developer Support, Technical Support,
- Equipment Sales and eventually do many of the things Sig now does.
-
-
-
- - Sunnyvale, CA. ***** SHIRAZ SHIVJI HAS LEFT ATARI *****
- -------------
-
- It appears that there was a conflict of some sort in the shadow of
- the Fuji Symbol. To make a long and tacky story short ...Shiraz had
- fifteen folks working in his area (dep't.), for some reason all but three
- of these folks were transfered out of his dep't. At this point, Shiraz
- decided to head for greener pastures. Why? you ask? ...The old adage of
- blood being thicker than water prompted his decision. RESULT... Atari no
- longer enjoys the benefits of having the fine mind of Shiraz Shivji at
- it's disposal. So goes ..the "Father of the ST".
-
-
-
- - New York City, NY ***** MONITERM MIFFED AT ATARI *****
- -----------------
-
- You be the Judge, a company comes along and spends literally
- thousands of Dollars developing a product that will enhance the
- performance, desirability and value of company B's product's. Does company
- B show any appreciation? Yes of course they do, they want to get PAID by
- company A for the right use a 1k driver!! We are confident Atari will
- rectify this small but aggravating situation.
-
-
-
- - Trenton, NJ ***** USERGROUPS WAIT, WATCH and SEE *****
- -----------
-
- Noting that a news item appeared last week stating that Atari will
- not have a booth at the M.A.C.E. show, major Usergroup leaders around the
- country have had the opportunity to observe,(with keen interest), the
- direction and posture Atari is taking. It is sad to see them doing this,
- after all of us stuck by them when they had almost nothing to offer but
- talk, remarked one of the UG Presidents. Atari needs to offer more
- support to it's usergroups and remove the commercialization of the
- Usergroup's shows and income. Even with the confirmation that Atari will
- have a booth at the MACE show, leaders of the various Usergroups around
- the nation are taking a 'wait and see' attitude towards the traveling show
- idea.
-
-
-
- - London, UK ****** ATW IN PRODUCTION ******
- ----------
-
- The first production run happened last week in West Germany. Initial
- machines are being sent to important and strategic developers. Atari U.S.
- is ..according to speculation not going to push the ATW in the States.
- Here we go again folks....Actually, the ATW is not for everyone, we know
- and understand that fact. We feel the users in the USA deserve the right
- to make that choice. If need be, we will carry a regular column direct
- from the UK dedicated the ATW.
-
-
-
- - Sunnyvale, CA ***** NO FURTHER TOS 1.4 ON DISK *****
- -------------
-
- When we saw the problems rising around TOS 1.4, it became very easy
- to say "the old footshot is back"! The number of developers in the field
- who could have assisted in the polishing of TOS 1.4 is strong enough to
- warrant it being released on disk. Now, to compound matters, the same
- decision making process has stated that there will be NO further releases
- of TOS 1.4 to developers. How very bright. This is a perfect way to make
- sure that all new software has some problem with the release version of
- TOS 1.4. We certainly hope this type of thinking is thoroughly reviewed
- and the decision reversed.
- --------
- While TOS development was under the guidance of Goode and Ferarri
- there were faithful periodic releases of the disk version to developers.
- Thus, progress moved right along at a brisk clip. Experience has taught
- that, when one changes a canoe midstream, the paddle is often lost. We
- are beginning to see the results; ..recalls, broken code, frazzled nerves,
- distressed programmers, etc.
-
- The elders absolutely made the right choice in placing Sam Tramiel at
- the helm. Lord help us if had been * anybody * else.
-
- As an after-thought, the vocal complaints about the gruff treatment
- given them over the last year and now this devastating decision to keep
- TOS 1.4 a "secret" until released, may be the "final straw" for many of
- the vendor/developers who energetically voiced their displeasure to the
- Atari principles attending Comdex/Spring '89.
-
-
-
- - Dallas, TX ***** FEDERATED HEADQUARTERS & 15 STORES CLOSED *****
-
- ----------
-
- Atari Corp. has closed 15 of the electronics stores in the
- Federated Group chain and dismissed a little more than 400 people.
- Additionally, Atari closed the Dallas Federated headquarters and moved
- the entire operation to Sunnyvale, California. As reported earlier in
- STReport, the Federated chain lost $106.3 million for the fourth quarter
- ending Dec. 31. Since moving the headquarters, a skeleton executive crew
- is now in place to wind down Federated's affairs and discontinue it's
- operations.
-
-
-
- - Sunnyvale, CA ***** ATARI IS ADDING MORE DEALERS DAILY *****
- -------------
-
- After hitting an all time low in participating Dealers, (200) just
- after 12/88, Atari is now on a full rebound. Reportedly, they have been
- adding new dealers at the rate of close to 150 est. per month since the
- beginning of the year. "At this pace, they'll have a firm grip on the
- market by year's end", said one industry observer.
-
-
-
-
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > Atari Stock ~ STReport™
- ======================
-
-
- THE TICKERTAPE
- ==============
-
-
- by Glenn Gorman
-
-
- ATARI Corp. has been quoted as one of the stocks, on the American
- Stock Exchange, to watch. So, I've been keeping track of it and thought
- that others would also be interested.
-
- Atari Stock went up an 1/8 on wednesday, but dropped an of a 1/8
- point on Thursday. Winding up the week at 6 1/2 points.
-
-
-
- ATARI STOCK WATCH
- -----------------
-
- Week 04-03 to 04-07
- =========================================================================
- | | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
- +-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
- | Sales | 391 | 717 | 228 | 301 | 117 |
- +-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
- | Last | 6 1/2 | 6 1/2 | 6 5/8 | 6 1/2 | 6 1/2 |
- +-------+----------+-----------+-------------+------------+-------------+
- | Chg. | ----- | ----- | +1/8 | -1/8 | ----- |
- =========================================================================
- | From -> THE CAVE ST BBS <-> 609-882-9195 <-> 3/12/2400 <-> F-NET #351 |
- =========================================================================
-
-
-
-
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > ATW INTERNATIONAL HOTLINE™
- =========================
-
-
- EXPLORING THE WORLD OF ATW
- ==========================
-
-
- Compiled by Bruce Porter
-
-
- The transputer product was originally to be called the Abaq. Due to
- previous registration we are unable to use the name Abaq, and are currently
- referring to the product as the Atari Transputer Workstation, abbreviated
- to ATW.
-
- The specification for the production model is a follows:
-
- Housing: Single box in floor standing tower case.
-
- Processor: Main processor T800-20 (20 Mhz). The T800-20 can perform 10
- million instructions per second (MIPS), has 4 Kb of very fast on chip RAM,
- and a floating point arithmetic processor.
-
- A 68000 (8 Mhz) processor relieves the T800-20 of any I/O tasks to be
- performed. The 68000 I/O sub-system is connected to the T800 via a
- transputer link communicating at 20 Mhz.
-
- Memory: The T800 has access to 4 Mb of fast dynamic RAM (120ns) which
- can be expanded internally to 16 Mb (and eventually to 64 Mb).
-
- The 68000 I/O sub-system is supported by 512 Kb RAM, and can be expanded
- up to 1 Mb [Ed: RAM size/expandability may change...].
-
- Video Memory: 1 Mb of fast dual ported dynamic RAM (100nS), ports
- connect to both the main bus and the video bus.
-
- I/O: All I/O is the responsibility of the 68000 I/O sub-system. The
- sub-system is based upon the Atari MEGA specification and is able to
- function independent of the host T800 main system. The following I/O is
- supported via the 68000 I/O sub-system:
-
- · SCSI
- · ACSI
- · Floppy Disk (3.5" or 5.25")
- · RS-232
- · Parallel port
- · MIDI ports
- · Mouse port
- · Joystick port
-
- All standard Atari ST range peripherals can be connected to the 68000
- I/O sub-system. These include:
-
- · Atari SLM804 Laser Printer
- · Atari CDAR504 CD ROM player
- · Atari Megafile Hard Disks
-
- The 68000 I/O sub-system will be capable of supporting its own RGB or
- composite monitor independent of the main system monitor.
-
- Storage: The ATW will be supplied with a 40 megabyte SCSI hard disk.
- Additional or higher capacity drives will be available as options.
-
- Video: The ATW will support the following screen resolutions:
-
- Mode Resolution Bits per pixel Colours Colour Pallete
- 0 1280 x 960 4 16 4096
- 1 1024 x 768 8 256 16 million
- 2 640 x 480 8 256 16 million
- 3 512 x 480 32 True colour All pixels a different colour.
-
- Suitable monitors:
-
- · NEC Multisync Plus/XL Mode: 1, 2, 3
- · Hitachi 4615-D-BB-3 Mode: 0
- · Philips M1964 Mode: 0
- · Taxan UltraVision 1000 Mode: 0, 1, 2, 3
-
- The graphic processor (called Blossom) relieves the T800 processor of
- memory refresh and data transformation between linear and planar address
- spaces. The graphic processor is capable of addressing the entire user RAM
- area in addition to the video RAM.
-
- Additional graphic processor specifications:
-
- · functions designed specifically with X-windows in mind
- · 32 x 32 pixel mask
- · 16 bit wide functions on source and destination
- · 4 linear comparisons on each pixel per cycle
- · square area fill up to 128 Mpixels/sec
- · line drawing up to 32 Mpixels/sec
- · trapezoid fill up to 32 Mpixels/sec
-
- Expansion: Both the main T800 system and the 68000 I/O sub-system can
- be expanded:
-
- · 68000 bus is available for expansion via 1 expansion slot
- · T800 bus is available for expansion via 4 expansion slots
-
- The T800 expansion slots will support additional transputers and/or
- RAM. The T800 bus is also available for adding support cards such as:
-
- · X.25
- · Ethernet
- · Link cross-bar switch (based on C004/T212)
-
- Up to 16 additional T800-20 can be added to the ATW. There is no limit
- to the number of processors that can be added externally. (See
- reference to the Polyhedron expansion unit).
-
- Benchmarks: The ATW benchmarks at the following:
-
- Whetstone/S Dhrystone/S
- ATW (20 Mhz) 3774 6572
-
- ATW Concept: The ATW is designed for flexibility and future expansion.
-
- The ATW can be used as either a standalone workstation or as part of a
- larger network of workstations. As a stand alone workstation the ATW can
- support up to 17 transputers internally. Additional transputers are added
- by inserting a transputer farm card. (A collection of transputers is known
- as a transputer farm). A typical farm card consists of 4 T800, each with
- its own 1 megabyte of RAM.
-
- Each transputer has four links and can be linked to other processors in
- different configurations to resolve different problems. Linear arrays, two
- dimensional arrays, and cube arrays can all be constructed by changing the
- link connection between processors. These links can be dynamically changed
- by using an optional cross-bar switch.
-
- Additional processors can be added externally by extending the transputer
- links outside of the ATW.
-
- A network of ATWs can thus be created by connecting the ATW via the fast
- transputer links. An ATW on the network can use the latent processing
- power of the entire network. Networks of any transputer based systems can
- be connected.
-
- Perihelion Polyhedron:
- ---------------------
-
- The Polyhedron contains 12 transputer farm cards, each supporting 4 T800
- and 4 megabytes of RAM, a total of 48 transputers. Link control cards,
- controlled by a T212 and C004, each control the dynamic linking of 4 farm
- cards, ie. 16 transputers each. A fully populated Polyhedron will contain
- 48 T800 and 4 T212, which is able to supply 500 MIPS. When included within
- a network of ATW, the processors are available to any process within any
- workstation. The user or program need not be aware of the use or location
- of the remote processors, as the Helios operating system is responsible for
- the task allocation to the different processors. The Polyhedron can offer
- supercomputer performance at about 250 dollars per MIP.
-
- Operating System: The operating system, Helios, is a true distributed
- operating system. There are no central services upon which the entire
- system relies, thus making the system more fault tolerant. The distributed
- nature of Helios is transparent to both the user and programs.
-
- Helios is multi-tasking and designed specifically for a multi-transputer
- architecture. The Helios environment, with its C shell and UNIX compatible
- command set and libraries, will be familiar to all UNIX programmers and
- users. Helios is responsible for distributing program components to the
- appropriate processor in the transputer network.
-
- Languages: The ATW and Helios are expected to support all major
- languages including:
-
- · ANSI C
- · Fortran 77
- · Modula 2
- · Lisp
- · Prolog
- · Basic
- · occam
- · Ada
-
- User Interface: X-Windows Version 11 runs on Helios. The X-Window
- system is the standard for controlling window based graphics on
- workstations. It is flexible and powerful. A desktop representing data
- and facilities as icons will simplify the UNIX style interface of Helios.
- A mouse pointer will enable easy selection of icons and pop up menus.
-
- Applications: The ATW is suitable where processor power and graphic
- power is required.
-
- Processor Power Applications:
-
- · Simulation
- · Robotics
- · Emulation
- · Speech recognition
- · Speech synthesis
- · Artificial intelligence
-
- Graphic Power Applications:
-
- · Desktop Publishing
- · Image Processing
- · Ray Tracing
- · CAD
- · TV and Film
-
- Product Status:
-
- The development stage of the project has now been completed, resulting
- in 50 development systems being distributed throughout the world.
-
- Pre-production systems are being produced and should be available during
- May 1989. The initial 50 development systems were restricted to software
- developers able to provide languages and graphic development tools. Unlike
- the development systems the pre-production systems will not be a restricted
- release, although companies producing a commercial application will have
- priority. If you are interested in obtaining an ATW please write and
- indicated the purpose for which you wish to purchase an ATW.
-
- Full scale production is expected to start during June 1989. The ATW
- is expected to retail for under $10,000.
-
- Below are a few of the "expenditures" one can expect to make when
- becoming involved with the ATW.
-
- The 'Blossom' graphics processor can access all RAM.
-
- Graphics functions "designed with X-Windows in mind": 32x32 pixel mask;
- 16-bit wide functions on source and destination; 4 linear comparisons on
- each pixel per cycle; square fill up to 128 Mpixels/sec; line drawing and
- trapezoidal fill up to 32 Mpixels/sec
-
- Expansion slots:
- ----------------
-
- 1 for 68000 4 for T-800 (suitable for Perihelion support cards as well as
- RAM and T-800 / T-414 farms). The Polyhedron card frame is used to
- support up to 12 extra boards. A system providing 500MIPS can thus be
- constructed.
-
- Prices: (current conversion rate: (£1 = $1.70):
- ---------------------------------------------
-
- ATW, 40M HD, 4M RAM, Helios, X-windows £4500 ($7650) 15" Modes 1,2,3
- color monitor (NEC) £799 ($1360) 20" Mode 0 color
- monitor (Hitachi) £1750 ($2975) 20" Mode 0 mono
- monitor (Philips) £750 ($1275) Farm card F101
- (1xT-800, IM RAM) £1350 ($2295) Farm card F104
- (4xT-800, 4M RAM) £3950 ($6715) Dram Card M112
- (8M RAM) £3450 ($5865) E101
- Ethernet interface including TCP/IP £750 ($1275) X100
- X-25 interface £750 ($1275) L001
- PC-link AT-transputer adaptor 20Mbits/s £250 ($0425)
-
- This is not a complete price list but gives the general idea. A
- 500MIPS number-crunching system consisting of ATW, Polyhedron and 50
- additional transputers, each with 1M RAM, would cost about £61K ($103K).
-
- If anyone wants more information, call or write:
-
- Perihelion LTD.
- 33 Bridge Street
- Cambridge, CB2 1UW, UK
- Voice: Cambridge area code 0223 - number 356555
- Fax: 311475).
-
-
-
-
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > M.A.C.E. SHOW NEWS™
- ===================
-
-
- MOVING FORWARD WITH M.A.C.E.
- ============================
-
-
- Atari Corp and MACE (the Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts)
- present the Michigan Atari Computer Expo on May 6 & 7 at the Detroit Metro
- Airport Hilton. Expo hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, May 6 and 10 am
- to 5 pm on Sunday, May 7.
-
- Atari Computer Users and User Groups are invited to attend the MACE
- Expo to see new products from many large and small developers, to receive
- discounts for these exciting products from distributors and dealers, and to
- participate in seminars given by both developers and users.
-
- Seminar speakers include:
- ------------------------
-
- Tom Harker, ICD speaking on Hard drives and kits
- George Morrison, Alpha Systems speaking on Copy-protection
- Shelly Merrill, USA Media speaking on ST-like Operating Systems
- Rick Flashman, Gribif speaking on NeoDesk
- Gordon Mella, WordPerfect speaking on WordPerfect
- Wayne Buckholdt, SofTrek speaking on Speeding up the ST
- Charles Johnson, CodeHead speaking on Copy-protection
- Micheal Groh, Atari MIDI Rep. speaking on Music Publishing
- Dave Sullivan, Total Control Sys speaking on ST-like Operating Systems
- Chuck Steinman, DataQue speaking on Speeding up the 8bit
- Darek Mihocka speaking on ST Xformer
- Bob Puff, CSS speaking on the Future of Shareware
- NeoStag Users Group Rep. speaking on MIDI Music
-
- Besides seminars, there will be door prize drawings ranging from
- new software to hard drives to a 520STfm complete system drawing given by
- Rite Way Computers, a local dealer. There are no additional charges for
- the seminars. The seminars are different each day of the show, and your
- ticket is good for both days.
-
- That's right, your $5 ticket will get you in the door to see
- exhibitors and seminars both days. You should also check with your User
- Group to see if they have discounted tickets. If they don't, you can
- obtain advanced tickets from MACE at only $4 each (children 12 and under
- are admitted free of charge ).
-
- Please make checks payable to MACE, and send your ticket request to
- the Michigan Atari Computer Expo, 3487 Braeburn Circle, Ann Arbor, MI
- 48108. User Groups should call Pattie Rayl at (313) 973-8825 to obtain
- information on discounted advance sales tickets.
-
- The Detroit Metro Airport Hilton is offering discounted rooms to
- attendees of the MACE Expo. Double and Single occupancy rooms cost only
- $55 a night, and you can make your reservations by calling the Hilton at
- (313) 292-3400. Please indicate you're attending the show to receive this
- discount.
-
-
-
-
-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
-
- > A "QUOTABLE QUOTE"™
- ==================
-
-
-
- A well educated man once said;
-
- "YOU ARE ...WHAT YOU EAT!"
-
- or
-
- "FOLLOW MY DIET ...FOR; * I * AM ALWAYS RIGHT!!"
-
-
- he was lobotomized three hours later.
-
-
-
-
- "1989 - ATARI'S QUEST"
-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ST-REPORT™Issue #83 "Your Independent News Source" April 14, 1989
- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © copyright 1989
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those
- of ST Report™ or CPU Report™. Reprint permission granted, unless noted
- otherwise. All reprints must include ST Report or CPU Report and the
- author's name. All information presented herein is believed correct, ST
- Report or CPU Report, it's editors and staff are not responsible for
- any use or misuse of information contained in this publication.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-