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============((((((((((=========(((===((==(((((((==((((((((============ ===================((====((====((((==((==((==========((=============== ================((=====((((((==((=((=((==(((((=======((=============== =============((==========((====((==((((==((==========((=============== ============((((((((((=========((===(((==(((((((=====((=============== Z*NET ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE September 28, 1990 Issue #539 Publisher/Editor : Ron Kovacs Assistant Editor : John Nagy Z*Net New Zealand: Jon Clarke Staff Columnists : Terry May Advertising: J K Tarpinian Z*Net Canada: Terry Schreiber Z*Net Germany: Mike Schuetz Z*Net England: Paul Glover Contributor: Dr. Paul Keith Assistant: Lisa Kovacs ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ EDITORS DESK..........................Ron Kovacs Atari Elite VS The Community Z*NET NEWSWIRE.................................. Bob Brodie celebrates 1 year with Atari, WAACE Show A Go, and more news first! DON'T BUY ATARI???.....................John Nagy Reprint from ST-Journal Magazine. REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS.............Donald Thomas "Setting the Record Straight" Z*NET CANADA.....................Terry Schreiber Canadian Newswire Z*NET NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA...........Jon Clarke Down-Under Newswire and BBS Watch NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST..............Press Release Status Report TRACY PORTABLE ST..................Press Release Austech Computer Announcement ST-PLUG DISK MAGAZINE UPDATE.......Press Release Latest update SHAREWARE CONNECTION UPDATE.........Stan Swanson Previews and latest revision numbers ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ EDITORS DESK ~~~ BY RON KOVACS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ATARI ELITE VS THE COMMUNITY I was advised by my lawyer to stop publishing and posting messages until the Elite matter was resolved (See Z*Net Issue #538). I am obviously not taking his advice at the present time. Letters were alleged to have been sent out after a last week's discussion with Bob Brodie of Atari, Ralph Mariano of ST-Report and John Karlovich of the Elite. An agreement was reached and the Atari Elite matter was put on hold until after the WAACE Atari Show. One week has past since the letter announcing this was supposed to be sent and Z*Net has NOT received one. In issue #518, I wrote a Commentary (ie: opinion), based on reports received from Bob Brodie. These comments were based on information from Bob Brodie and not invented to damage the creditability of the PACE members or the Atari Elite. It is not my or Z*Net's intention to release information to intentionally hurt any event, person or prejudice anyone in matters not yet proven. I took the comments of an official Atari representative seriously and based my personal comments on them. Having great respect for Bob Brodie I find it highly unlikely that the reports were made up. Journalistic practice demands such commentary to be sprinkled with "alleged", "supposed", "reportedly", "if this is true then...". These are wiggle words that indicate that the author doesn't want to take responsibility for what he says. These words work in court. I didn't use them. I apologize or not using them. And I say this seriously not with humor because no person or group deserves to be declared guilty by the press. Our purpose and intent is to report both the information and the source of that information and it is the readers duty to judge the creditability of the report. I was out of line. I was wrong to have phrase my Commentary in terms that declared Bob Brodie's report as unchallenged fact. The Elite had and continues to have the opportunity to see to it that their side is told. I would encourage them to use that opportunity and tell their side rather then try to use force of law to prevent the original side from being told. The original request received from Mr. Speakman, the lawyer representing the Atari Elite Board of Directors, states that I issue a public apology and admit that my accusations of piracy and other misconduct were baseless and without foundation in fact. If I do not make this admission and apology I will be sued to seek vindication and damages. THis is a very difficult position for me. My Comments were not baseless, they were based on Bob Brodie's reports. Their foundation in fact is yet to be proved based on the correctness or completeness of Bob Brodie's report. So, If I make the statement that will satisfy the Atari Elite and avoid this law suit, I must lie. I am certain that the Atari Elite would prefer a true vindication to an empty per forma apology. It is my hope that the meetings between Bob Brodie and the Atari Elite, schedule to occur at next week's WAACE Atari show will result in findings of fact and agreements that will vindicate any wrongly injured parties. If this is the case, we will be pleased to publish that information which will clear the record. We hope that will end this matter and the legal matters of the Atari Elite. Z*NET NEWSWIRE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Atari News First BRODIE PASSES 1 YEAR Z*Net congratulates our former Z*NET correspondent who has just passed his one-year anniversary at Atari Corporation. Bob Brodie, Manager of User Group Services since September 1989, went to Atari after being both a staff writer for Z*Net and President of ACAOC, the Orange County, California user group. He was also instrumental in the organization of the original Glendale Atari Shows. In a year, Bob has become the most sought after public speaker for Atari, and the most respected source of information about Atari. Thanks for everything, Bob! BRODIE AT NEW DEALER OPENING Like this weekend, for instance... Bob Brodie will be attending the Grand Opening of the Los Angeles Area's newest Atari dealer. "The Computer Network", in Glendale, California, has their official Grand Opening ceremonies this weekend after 30 days of startup business. Bob will be there, along with many area Atari developers and publishers, to welcome another ALL-ATARI, ONLY ATARI dealer. The Computer Network will feature entertainment and productivity software and hardware, a rent-a- workstation and printing service, and complete repair facilities. Owners and operators Tony Lee, Bryan Cleano, Rick Vonk, and Mark Krynsky also are arranging a "classroom" in the store where they expect to tutor in both basics and advanced applications for the Atari. The Computer Network, 1605 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91201, 818-500-3900. FOSTER LEAVES ATARI Frank Foster, formerly Atari's music division head, left the company early in September. Frank came to Atari from HYBRID ARTS, a respected software development company that lead the way for early MIDI applications on the Atari. Although there is no official statement from Atari regarding his departure, it is believed to have been a mutual decision of Frank and Atari. It is known that Foster did not agree with some of the new policies of the new administration at Atari, and had recently failed to follow through on sales appearances and other commitments. Friends of Foster have said that he has moved on to a graphics company, a field Foster has had considerable experience and success in even while at Atari. His departure leaves Atari with no individual directly in charge of MIDI development and music industry support. MONITERM SELLS OUT? It is rumored (via frequently reliable sources) that Viking, makers of the big-screen Moniterm Monitors for the Atari, has shipped all remaining stocks of the much-desired 19" Atari monochrome monitor to a single location for final sale. This probably reflects their decision to concentrate on the 21" model and to leave the 19" market due to coming competition from PHILLIPS, who are expected to underprice and outperform the pricey Viking unit by a considerable margin. Still, if the 19" Moniterm gets cheap enough in the final sales, it is a VERY fine full-page-plus monitor... collect your spare change! ADVANTAGE PACKAGE TO TRY AGAIN AT COMDEX As Atari prepares for COMDEX, November's big Computer Marketplace of the World, the ATARI ADVANTAGE is being once again prepared for presentation. The Las Vegas, Nevada, show draws hundreds of thousands of people, and thousands of vendors to show their wares. Atari has said that they will have the TT READY FOR SHIPPING by the November show, and now, the focus is widening to cover the 520ST system (or possibly an STe?) bundled with an array of software for a blockbuster price. This time for SURE...? COMPUTER SHOPPER DROPS ATARI The editor of the largest computer magazine in the world, COMPUTER SHOPPER MAGAZINE, told his writers and contributors this week that his magazine will end its regular Atari coverage with the November, 1990, issue. Editor in Chief, Bob Lindstrom, said that it was a hard decision, and one that was just made in the last 30 days after considerable market and supplier research. Earlier rumors of their dropping Atari were neither based on fact nor were they an influence on the final decision. Computer Shopper is moving more and more towards being MS-DOS only, with Amiga and even MAC coverage under careful scrutiny now. Shopper will probably continue to run major stories covering Atari products when it is warranted, such as when major new hardware is introduced. MAC CHIP PIRATE BUSTED In a half-million dollar chip piracy bust that closed over two months ago and was reported by a Cincinnati newspaper in September, Dennis Hayes of Cincinnati plead guilty to operating a scheme in which he sold more than 5,000 bogus Macintosh ROM computer chips between 1988 and 1990. Macintosh 128K ROM software information was copied into the chips which Hayes sold for between 130 and 195 dollars per set. Hayes pleaded guilty to money laundering, copyright infringement, and structuring a financial transaction. Seized were $180,000 dollars in cash, $2,000 in traveler's checks and various guns, including four (4) Uzi semi- automatic weapons, Hayes' private airplane, etc. Hayes was one of several major chip suppliers for MAC ROMS, also used in Gadgets by Small's SPECTRE Mac Emulators for the ST. Small does not supply chip sets for their unit, and had no dealings with Hayes, although many Atari users bought chips from Hayes at several Atarifests. Rumors that tied the bust to a shortage of the Gadgets company's GCR product are unfounded and have drawn heavy commentary from Small and others on the major telecommunication services. The GCR emulator is simply more popular than production can keep up with, and was further put behind demand by a production problem in the mid-summer. WAACE SHOW A GO Next weekend the WAACE show will include Atari reps and many Atari developers. This is one of the premeire east coast Atari shows and one of the longest regular events for Atari enthusiasts. Please make an effort to attend this show next week! WESTERN DIGITAL ANNOUNCES 2.5-INCH DISK DRIVES Western Digital announced late last week that its WDAB130 and WDAH260, a pair of AT compatible, 2.5-inch, intelligent disk drives. The WDAB130 and WDAH260 are the industry's first 30 and 60 megabyte 2.5-inch disk drives. The WDAB130 features a formatted capacity of 31.5 megabytes with a 19ms average seek time. The WDAH260 features a formatted capacity of 62.9 megabytes with a 19ms average seek time. Evaluation units of both drives will be available in the fourth quarter, 1990, with volume production slated in the first quarter, 1991. Prices for evaluation units are $325 for the WDAB130 and $495 for the WDAH260. ACCOLADE BRINGS STRATEGO TO PC Accolade announced this week the release of the Milton Bradley game Stratego for the Mac. Stratego: The Computer Game is scheduled for release later this month for IBM PC, Tandy and compatible computers. The game's suggested retail price will be $49.95. DISKETTE DUPLICATION EQUIPMENT MissionSix has been formed by a group of veteran marketing and technical managers from the magnetic media and software duplication industries. The new company is to develop, manufacture and market a complete line of systems and equipment for various applications within the software duplication industry. MissionSix products will be marketed through distributors worldwide under the trade name of Xpress. The first products will be a series of diskette labelers in both automatic and manual models. COMMODORE INTRODUCES THE C64 GAMES CONSOLE Commodore's UK subsidiary has introduced the C64 Games System, a C64- based games console for Western European markets. The C64GS comes with a joystick and a port for cartridge-based software. Cartridges will include four games, a feature designed to give the C64GS a competitive advantage against other game-only computers. The product will be sold in European countries, including the UK, which has become a new center for C64 software developers. NASHUA ACQUIRES PHD COMPUTER SERVICES Nashua announced this week that it has acquired PHD Computer Services, a remanufacturer of Canon cartridges, based in Brentwood, N.H. Cartridge remanufacturing involves replacing the worn parts, installing a new drum, and replenishing the cartridge with new toner. Properly remanufactured cartridges offer performance characteristics equal to those of new cartridges. Canon cartridges are used in more than 80 percent of all laser printers sold. ASHTON-TATE BEGINS BETA TESTING Ashton-Tate has announced that it began beta testing of the dBASE IV Server Edition, its front-end database product for the client/server marketplace. Designed for Intel 80286-, 80386- and 80486-based systems, the Server Edition will permit multiple personal computer users to access and manipulate data across client/server-based local area networks through the dBASE environment. LOTUS SHIPS 1-2-3 GOVERNMENT EDITION Lotus announced it has begun shipments of an enhanced edition of its 1-2-3 Release 3.1 spreadsheet designed specifically for users in the government market. Features unique to the new Government Edition include spreadsheet file translation capabilities for Multiplan version 4.0, Enable version 2.0, and SuperCalc version 4.0, enabling government users who work with different spreadsheet programs to easily exchange information with 1-2-3. Also included is Sideways, an add-in product from Funk Software that allows 1-2-3 users to print wide reports on dot matrix printers, and a DataLens Driver that provides direct access to information residing on Microsoft SQL Server databases. For more information contact Lotus (617) 693-1580. SIERRA ON-LINE UPDATE Sierra On-Line announced that it will assume European distribution rights to Sierra and Dynamix products on Oct. 1, 1990. Sierra will also distribute more than 12 new titles for the 1990 Christmas season, with the much anticipated King's Quest V, Space Quest IV, Quest for Glory II, Oil's Well, Jones in the Fast Lane and updated versions of King's Quest and Mixed-Up Mother Goose. Dynamix, a Sierra subsidiary, will offer a mixture of products including Stellar 7, Red Baron, Rise of the Dragon and Heart of China. ===========================DON'T BUY ATARI???========================= ====================================================================== ====================================================================== by John Nagy This feature is a reprint from the October/November ST-JOURNAL MAGAZINE, their third issue, and is presented here by permission. THIS ARTICLE MAY NOT BE REPRINTED IN ANY OTHER PUBLICATION OR NEWSLETTER WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION FROM ST-JOURNAL, 113 West College Street, Covina, CA 91723, 818-332-0372. Individual copies of the first issue of ST JOURNAL are available from the above address for the cover price of $4.50, and subscriptions are $29.95 a year. Is ATARI going to make it? Should we jump ship now, later, or never? What will happen to the ST? Frankly, I have no better answers than anyone else. But I suspect that across the next two years, the Atari ST and TT lines will continue at their current level of "success", or improve at least somewhat. So what do we do now? More of what we have been doing, I suspect. We writers will continue to alternately whine and praise the machines and the company, developers will continue to alternately drop out or return to the Atari market, and users will... keep using. As in the last of the 8-bit days, users can realistically say of their ST's, "Well, the company can fold tomorrow, and I'd still have enough great software to meet my needs for the next few years." But more of a problem for some of us is WHAT TO SAY TO OTHERS ABOUT ATARI. Sure, I am very proud of my Atari equipment, and even moreso of the top quality results I get from it. Co-workers are dazzled by the DTP work I do I home (the PC at work just doesn't compare...), the writing I do quickly and easily at home, the graphics I can create or display... and the games I can play (or at least show, who has time to play?). But the time comes over and over when a friend or co-worker asks for help choosing a computer for themselves. What can I say? Occasionally, I can confidently and honestly recommend that they buy ATARI computers. This tends to be when the person is a musician, a casual computer hobbyist-to-be, or a close friend who has witnessed the trials and triumphs of Atari in a continuing second-hand view by our association. These groups of users can be assured that they can affordably get what they want and need from the Atari line, regardless of what the future holds. The next group of people are just as easy for me to form my recommendation. These are usually co-workers or business associates who are looking for a "computer for home". You know the type, the secretary or partner that has used the PC at work for a couple years, gotten comfortable with it at last, and now wants to do some work at home. Many of these users should get exactly what they are used to and exactly what they think they want... an IBM or clone. They want to continue to do what they have done, and don't want to even think about a new operating system or compatibility problems. No Atari ST for these folks. (Of course, if Atari ever gets their PC line marketed in the USA, I could still recommend THEM... as I do PORTFOLIOs for some of our mobile friends who need far more than a notebook but far less than a laptop computer.) The hardest group to face is the middle ones. People who could REALLY gain a lot from the versatility of the ATARI, but who stand to lose in terms of compatibility, availability, and diversity in software selection. Last month, I was one of a group being interviewed for a study on desktop publishing needs at the State Bar of California. We had brought in samples of things we had done at work or at home to help identify what the real needs of the State Bar might be for DTP. It seems that a vocal contingent wants to get a lot of MACINTOSH workstations. Cooler and more frugal heads want to keep from buying new, high dollar hardware, but wonder about the capabilities of the PC for ease of use in DTP. Even there, they know that big dollars will go for expanded memory in both the PC's and the laser printers, not to mention needing mice... I was asked what I used... I said "ATARI" without pause, though noting condescending smiles from some corners of the room. To my surprise, one of the interviewing consultants responded, "ATARI! ALRIGHT!". He asked me to explain the reason I use Atari, and he was pleased to hear about the power, price, speed, and the best of the MAC interface for ease of use. He then asked if I would recommend that the State Bar buy and use Atari computers for DTP... The room suddenly got smaller and hotter. I felt the eyes of my boss drilling into me, with a half-scared look. "Not really," I said in a weak voice. My boss looked relieved. The consultant asked why not. I responded with a set of reasons paralleling those of why I thought we shouldn't invest in new MAC's... we already have hundreds of PCs... and then, I finished with the sad additional admission, "and I don't really know what Atari will be doing a year or two from now. You need to make platform decisions that can last and grow. The PC platform will be here, for better or worse, probably forever. As much as I know the Atari will meet your needs in DTP right now, I can't promise what tomorrow will bring." After a short pause, the topic changed, and the Atari consideration was history... if it ever was more than just a courtesy question. I felt like a Judas. When the spotlight came up on my chosen machine, I blinked. But I would do the same tomorrow. And feel just as bad. I hope the new administration at Atari can make a new tomorrow for Atari. I know that the ST is the best possible machine for my needs today, and that it deserves consideration by far more users and potential users than it does. But what will happen next? Frankly, I have no better answers than anyone else. [Reprinted by Permission of ST-JOURNAL MAGAZINE] REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS PART 33 Setting The Record Straight ----------------------------------------------------------------------- by Donald A. Thomas, Jr. (c)1990 ARTISAN SOFTWARE (This is PART 33 of a series of articles published and distributed by Artisan Software. Please feel free to copy and distribute this article as you please provided you include all unedited text. Also feel free to upload to boards and communication services. These articles are designed to entice you to take constructive action. Write to involved parties and tell them how YOU feel about the subject.) This article is in response to Frank Sommer's STUPDATE in the September issue of Current Notes. I have a clearly unique opportunity to not only be a software publisher, but to also be a part of the Atari Management Team. When reading articles and perceptions in various publications, I maintain an insight that few authors may enjoy. I deliberated with myself whether to respond publicly or privately with an article I recently found in Current Notes (Sept. '90) by Mr. Frank Sommers. The debate was largely influenced by my high regard for Frank and his writings. He is usually very credible and accurate, not to mention a consistently entertaining author to read. I obviously have chosen to address the subjects Frank wrote of in this particular article. I trust Frank will appreciate my effort to clarify the gray areas that are inevitable side effects of reporting. First off, I am glad Frank made an expedient apology to Mr. Ames-Klein. The story for which he apologizes was totally inaccurate and I believe it is to blame for a highly vocal and unreliable source. Mr. Ames-Klien has been actively concentrating on the challenges related to the Lynx and we have seen him responsible for never-before promotions which will be revealed in the near future. Mr. Elie Kenan is, indeed, on board and actively involved in the decision making at Atari for the marketing and sales of Atari products in the U.S. We all are aware that Atari has suffered great obstacles (some self-provoked and most trend based). I should hope he spends a great amount of time interviewing staff and collecting data from dealers and developers before making pertinent decisions. I suspect it will be many more 30 day periods before his influence is clearly visible by outsiders. I am not certain of what complaints or rumors Frank feels exist "around the corridors of Atari". I personally hear very positive things and unprecedented oohs and ahhs for his insistent desire to understand the marketplace and determine action and direction. Those who may doubt that may ask the exhibitors at the recent Glendale show where Elie spent two solid days visiting local dealers and interviewing the exhibitors themselves. Kudos to Elie! It has always been my contention that our leadership MUST get to the front lines and be prepared to absorb a few bullets while attempting to fully understand the situation. Frank Sommer's criticism of Dave Small's recent article (following brief praise) was, I think, out of place. David was successfully bringing in to perspective our habitual urge to bash Atari for the same things other computer companies can be found guilty of. Frank's association to Atari's lack of advertising is unclear to me. I can say this... If Frank is so certain that simply running millions of dollars worth of ads will solve Atari's problems, then I submit that he loan Atari the money to do it. I am certain Atari will gladly repay Frank should the campaign be successful. (Obviously I do not have the authority to guarantee that, so get it in writing first, Frank.) The truth is, Atari has spent a great deal of money on the Portfolio and the Lynx. The Portfolio's most successful response has been from airline magazines, so if you haven't seen the ads, you haven't flown lately. Lynx has been heavily promoted in gaming journals. No, I haven't missed the point... I know we all want extensive advertising on ST/MEGA/TT, but it will take more than just advertising to convince students to use a computer not used in the real world (DTP,CAD,etc.). And it will take more than just ads to convince users to buy something other than what they learned on in schools. There is a definite need for creative marketing and I know it is being looked at and I know I have to leave it at that for now. Frank then approaches several regrettable problems in some new product releases and these need to be addressed too. The STE did have hard disk problems. My understanding of what Garry Tramiel said was not that the accusation of faulty drives "was a bloody lie", but that releasing faulty STEs KNOWINGLY was untrue. In addition, any number released in a faulty condition is too many, but I am under the impression that everyone that received them spoke up making the entire issue look bigger than it was. There is a tendency to think that their must be a silent majority when, in this case, I think we just heard all of the few speak at one time. I have been told that everyone has had the opportunity to get the STE fixed. How much more fair can Atari be? The Portfolio was halted for shipping for about one week due to a short supply of File Manager ROM cards. This is entirely accurate except the halting was partially due to the fact that some of the people Sam Tramiel needed to counsel with on the matter were tied up at CES in Chicago. Sounds like a wise decision to me. After CES, the problem was corrected. Jumping to Frank's question as to why Sam Tramiel would not talk about a 32MHz TT. Simple. It's not Sam's responsibility... it's Elie's and, if it is true, Elie will announce it at the appropriate time. Frank spoke of the consumer not seeing the "Atari Adventure Package". What is that? Could he be referring to the "Atari Advantage Package", nah... writers do not make errors like Atari is accused of. Finally, Frank's article ended with a farewell to a Stalwart Atari Dealer. Hey Frank, why didn't you welcome the Computer Network in Glendale, California. Isn't it news when a new dealer opens up? Look, my effort here is that I think we need to be responsible and accurate. I happen to know about the ones above and can address them, but I see reporters attempting to sensationalize the news all the time in Atari Journals. I hope we can ban together. Atari needs our help. I am doing what I can to get new or potential users of Atari computers to subscribe to Atari magazines, and I do not think it is accurate reporting to have them read nothing but how Atari screws up. So what, we do screw up and there are a lot of people to blame not just one or two and not the Tramiels who have done a lot more than what we give them credit for. Maybe my days are numbered too, but I have discovered a direct relationship between positive mental attitude, productivity and job longevity at Atari. A lot of changes have occurred over the last decade. It's easy to cast stones, but someone has got to wake up and notice how long Atari has held in there against an IBM/MAC orientated marketplace. Any of you convinced you can do it without mistakes? P.S. Frank, I noticed many typing errors in your article. Thought I would tell you before you released it to the public. For information on how you can "JOIN THE REVOLUTION" and actively support the exposure of Atari computers, write: ARTISAN SOFTWARE, P.O. Box 849, Manteca, California 95336. Z*NET CANADA ----------------------------------------------------------------------- by Terry Schreiber HOTZ BOX TO BE TEST MARKETED The long awaited brainchild from Jimmy Hotz the "Hotz Box" is scheduled for test marketing next month. Murray Brown, British Columbia's local Atari representative attended the Glendale Atari Show where Jimmy was exhibiting. Murray, who has a former background in music as well as previously being an Atari music dealer, has been appointed by Atari to do a market study on the Hotz Box. The "Hotz Box", said to be the non- musicians answer to music, was first previewed about two years ago. Since that time it has been shown at many Atari Shows and been the subject of Atari's video tapes. The machine will be sent out to a few educational test sites as well as a recording studio in the Vancouver area. BACK TO SCHOOL BASH "Atari Canada's "Back to School" 520STfm promo met and broke all expectations" said General Manager Geoff Earle. Literally hundreds of these units were shipped during the last quarter with many dealers re-ordering a second and third time. The computer was bundled with ten pieces of software, seven Arrakis educational titles, Neochrome, Crack'd and Superbreakout with a suggested retail of $499.00. MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Atari Canada's MIDI promotion of last quarter met with such success that they are expanding on it. General Manager Geoff Earle stated that the promo they ran as a test marketing was accepted so widely by dealers that they are now looking into three new MIDI keyboards to offer. At publishing time there were no names set in concrete but they are definitely brand names well respected in the music industry. Along with these packages, look for some highly sophisticated entry level software for beginners as well as the novice. PERSONAL NOTE Over the last three months that I have been doing this column I have reported things that are happening here in Canada. To those of you in the U.S. it must seem like Canucks are eating their bowl of porridge whilst the Americans wait around to like the spoon. I have many friends in the Seattle area and we converse often about Atari in the U.S. and their short-comings, how we Canadians see everything first. I have it on very good authority that this is about to change. Watch for all hell to break loose after Comdex. Z*NET NEW ZEALAND ----------------------------------------------------------------------- by Jon Clarke LAPTOPS AND PALMTOPS Phillips New Zealand has dropped the price of its LTP 3230 laptop by $nz1000, from $nz7999 to $nz6999. This laptop features a 12mhz 80C286, with a 40 megabyte hard disk, and a backlit VGA screen. Leatham Electronics has also dropped it prices on the Psion laptops and Palmtops. These are the competition for the Atari Portfolio here in NZ. The Psion MC200 now sells for $nz1796.23. NEW NETWORK WP FROM ASHTON-TATE Ashton Tate has announced a network version of the MS_Dos based word processor called Multimate 4.0. Being a network version it allows users to share documents, macros, libraries, thesaurus and spell check dictionaries. It also has standard features like electronic mail, grammar-checking, and graphics for multi user systems. Ashton Tate also points out that all previous versions of Multimate are compatible with the new network version. NEW HP PRINTERS HIT NZ MARKET Hewlett-Packard announced the introduction of several new printers last week, including the HP Deskjet 500 which replaces the Deskjet Plus. Below is a list of features... [1] three text pages per minute. [2] two graphic pages per minute. [3] extra fonts. [4] better font spacing. [5] Microsoft Windows 3 compatible. [6] cost $nz1555 HP also announced a new 'Water resistant, smearless ink'. The new ink cartridges will be available in December of this year for $nz43 each. These will be able to be used with the Deskjet and Deskwriter. Also announced was a new eight-page-a-minute LaserJet IIId printer which will replace the IId model. Below is a list of it's features... [1] Designed for shared printer environments [2] Advanced paper handling [3] Advanced duplexing [4] PCL 5 compatible [5] Cost $nz7950. KODAK MAKES MOVE INTO EP, [Electronic Photography] Building on the widespread acceptance of compact disk technology, Kodak last Tuesday launched a product that will allow people to store their photo and slide images on special CD_ROMS and play back the images through a TV set, and even some computer monitors. The Photo CD was developed jointly by Kodak and Phillips of Holland. It is expected on the US market in 1992 with a retail price of $us500. Each CD_ROM will hold 24 pictures and cost about $us20. TELECOM UPGRADES V22BIS PDN/PSN PADS Telecom International and Networks limited will complete a nation wide upgrade to the V22bis / 2400 Public Data Network in NZ called 'PacNet', this Monday the 1st of October. It will allow for full Xon-Xoff flow through the x25 pads, and elevate the existing problems. Along with the upgrade Telecom have allowed and increase in usage and installed further stepping groups for remote areas of the country. MSDOS ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE NOT GOOD Recent checks on virus detecting/killers here by a prominent computer based company came up with some startling results. Of twenty four MS_DOS based virus detectors only four of them could find the more common virus's like "Stoned" and "Friday the 13th". They concluded programmers will have to do a lot of catching up. [ more on this next week] NEW ZEALAND BBS WATCH STarlight BBS, an Atari ST based BBS here in Auckland has had rave reviews on the new on-line game called "Cows" by its users and seems set to top the chart on this BBS as the most used game. STarlight is the beST on-line games system in Auckland for Atari users. [Express ST] Harbour BBS, the W.A.C.E BBS in Wellington has had it share of ups and downs over the last few years and is rumored to be on the move the next few months. WACE is the largest Atari User group in New Zealand and is one of the oldest user groups for that matter, having been formed in late 1980. [FoReM ST] MACE BBS, the M.A.C.E BBS in Blenheim {in the South Island} is awaiting the CDAR504 CD_ROM for their users. (This will make three Atari BBS's in New Zealand running CD_ROM's.) Martin Lees Public Domain list for schools is on the here. MACE is one of the few NZ BBS's catering for the local schools as well as the Atari Users. [Express ST] Pandora's Box, an Atari 8bit BBS in Auckland has just added a 40 megabyte Hard disk for its users running on Oasis software under SpartaDos. This BBS is a true blue BBS run on a 800xl with 256k, things BBSing are made of. The comments from the users has been one of elation. [Oasis 8bit] STaTus BBS, an Atari ST BBS, has added several new items this week. Usenet replies for all its users. Two new on-line magazines. For all the southern users in NZ STATUS has gained access to the Paxus Fax Network which will allow users in Wellington to call toll free to them via this network. I am lead to believe this may extend to Sydney, Australia in the next six months when Paxus Fax-Net put a node [2 meg line] over there. This BBS is one of the other BBS's in NZ to run a CDAR504 CD_ROM. [MichTron Version 3] GOSSIP FRONT Mumblings that Tinkerbell may resurface in Auckland after this BBS went on the move with its author several months ago. Southern Express, an Atari 8bit Express BBS has moved from Dunedin to Christchurch {in the south Island}, and Phill is thinking of putting it back on the now spring is here and he has a a little more time. This will make 3 Atari BBS's in Christchurch. //////NEW ENGLAND ATARIFEST '90\\\\\\ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- S*T*A*T*U*S R*E*P*O*R*T Confirmed to exhibit as of 25-Sep-1990: ////////////////////Manufacturers, Developers, Etc.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o Atari Corporation (U.S.) o Gribnif Software Sunnyvale, CA Northampton, MA Bob Brodie Rick Flashman, Dan Wilga & Tricia Metcalf o Beta-Cad North Attleboro, MA o Bill Jensen Dick Barlik Jamaica Plain, MA o Codehead Software o Chor-Ming Lung Los Angeles, CA Boston, MA John Eidsvoog o Dr. T's Music Software o Taylor Ridge Books Boston, MA Manchester, CT Al Hospers Clayton Walnum o Fast Technology o TidBit Software Engineering North Andover, MA Maynard, MA Jim Allen Jeff Lomicka /////////////////////////////////Dealers\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o Bit Bucket Computer Store o Granite Computers West Newton, MA Nashua, NH o Computer Bug o Micro National Hadley, MA Danvers, MA o Computer Zone o Syntronics Computer Center North Attleboro, MA Boston, MA o ERM Electronic Liquidators Melrose, MA ///////////////////////////////User Groups\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o Atari UG of Greater Hartford o Rhode Island ACE Hartford, CT Providence, RI o BCS/Atari o South Shore Atari Group Boston, MA Hyde Park, MA o Nashoba Valley Atari Users' Soc. o S.T.A.R.R. Acton-Boxboro, MA New Haven, CT o N. Attleboro Atari Computer Club o Valley Atari ST North Attleboro, MA Methuen, MA /////////////////////////Seminars (Titles Tentative)\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 0915 "GEnie STAR*SERVICES" Darlah Pine, GEnie Atari RoundTables 1000 "COLOR DTP WITH PAGESTREAM", "TRACKER/ST" Nevin Shalit, Step Ahead Software 1100 "CALAMUS AND OUTLINE ART" Nathan Potechin, ISD Marketing, Inc. 1300 "NEODESK 3: THE ULTIMATE DESKTOP" Rick Flashman, Gribnif Software 1400 "WHATEVER COMES TO MIND" Jim Allen, Fast Technology 1500 "ATARI SPEAKS" Bob Brodie, Atari Computer (U.S.) /////////////////////////////Accomodations\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Susse Chalet Boston $43.70/night single 900 Morrissey Boulevard $47.70/night double Dorchester, MA Phone (617) 287-9200 ///////////////////////////Show Information\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Location: UMass/Boston Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm Harbor Campus Dorchester, MA Admission: $5.00 Date: October 27, 1990 Free Parking /////////////////////////////For more info\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ o GEnie: Email D.JACOBSON2 o DELPHI: Email DPJ or NORMAN238 ST RT Cat 11 Top 20 ATARI/SSAG sig, DELPHI/Boston o BCS/Atari BBS (24h, 3/12/24/96) o N.E. AtariFest '90 info-line (617) 396-4607 (617) 527-4952 (recording) o Write: New England AtariFest '90 c/o Boston Computer Society One Center Plaza Boston, MA 02108 Tables are still available ($150 single, $275 double, $35 UG single). Address inquiries to any of the sources listed above. Make checks payable to Boston Computer Society, and send to the address above. TRACY PORTABLE ST ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Release The "Tracy" Portable ST will be a possible alternative to the Stacy Laptop Computer. Austech Computers in Australia has just completed the first prototype of the new portable ST and is fully functional. The Unit is based all on the 520STFM within the standard Atari case, which contains: * "Built in" 40 M/B voice coil hard drive 720K Floppy Drive (soon to become 1.44 Megabyte) * 286 Pc Emulator * Spectre 128 (Possible Spectre GCR in near Future) * Tos 1.4 * 2 Megabytes of Ram expandable to 4 Megabytes All the above all resides in the Atari Standard Case, and the only differences that can be spotted is a hard drive activity LED located above the function keys near the floppy drive. The case has been modified for a new drive and a switch on the back to disable the Spectre 128 so the cartridge port still works as normal if required. "We will be looking into doing the same thing to an STe in future as well as a 68030 from Fast Technology, yet to be fitted." This unit will be very useful to musicians and teachers. A teacher will find the unit easy to carry around and easy to use by just plugging into a television or the Kodak Datashow overhead projector unit. The other possiblity is getting a carry bag made up that is similar to the Macintosh Plus bag and have it hold a Mono Monitor and the ST sideways. Once we have standardized the Base features of the unit, we will look into making a "KIT" available for dealers. The individual components may be sourced through convention channels (ie: 286 Emulator, Spectre and Hard Drive while our Kit will Contain all Cables, Mounting brackets, Interface Board and Instructions. For more information: Lucas Lozo Austech Computers 157 Whitehorse RD Blackburn 3130 Victoria, Australia Ph 61 - 3 - 894 1652 Fax 61 - 3 894 1161 BBS 61 3 894 2155 ccitt ST-PLUG DISK MAGAZINE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Release ST-PLUG 1670 Heron Road, Box 22026, Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1V 0C2 Tel. (613) 731-2779 ST-PLUG DISK MAGAZINE ST-PLUG is a North American disk-based Atari ST newsletter containing news, reviews and software for the Atari ST. Each disk is crammed full of the best software available to ST-PLUG from around the world. These files are compressed into self-extracting LZH files to give the ST-PLUG purchaser the 'most' for his/her money. Each ST-PLUG issue also contains the ST-PLUG newsfile. This file is read through our text reader program called 'PERUSER'. With the help of PERUSER, readers can find out the latest Atari ST news, read product reviews, as well as view screen dumps of the products mentioned in the newsletter. ST-PLUG is now being sold world-wide! A recent agreement with Budgie UK in England has indicated a massive growth of distribution for ST-PLUG. ST-PLUG is very reasonably priced. Only $5.00 for each issue for what we consider to be 'a superb information source'. * A minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12 ST-PLUG disk magazines may be subscribed to at one time. * All ST-PLUG disks are guaranteed free from defect. Should any error appear, return your disk to ST-PLUG and a working version will be returned to you free of charge. * All ST-PLUG subscriptions are guaranteed. If at any time you wish to discontinue your subscription, write to ST-PLUG and request your refund. All remaining issue monies will be returned to you. * ST-PLUG will try to publish every 4 to 8 weeks, or as often as reviews, programs, etc. can be gathered to produce a complete and full ST-PLUG disk. ATTENTION USER GROUPS ST-PLUG will allow User Groups to reproduce its disk magazine by simply purchasing ONE original disk and additional ST-PLUG disk labels. Each ST-PLUG disk sold MUST have the ST-PLUG label attached. These labels can be purchased for $2.00 each (in American or Canadian currency). BACK ISSUES OF ST-PLUG Issue 12 - April 1990 Issue 13 - June 1990 Issue 14 - August 1990 (Before issue 12, ST-PLUG was published in a newsletter format. These issues are no longer available.) STUFFED DISK MAGAZINE ST-PLUG has obtained the distribution rights to Floppyshop's disk magazine, STUFFED. Based in Aberdeen, England, STUFFED is touted as being 'The No. 1 Disk-Magazine For The Atari ST'. Published four times a year in February, May, August and November, STUFFED is a welcome compliment to ST-PLUG's already successful North American Atari ST disk- based magazine selling under the name of ST-PLUG. STUFFED is priced at $7.00 per single issue with a subscription rate of $24.00 for 4 issues. This is a direct monetary exchange from the selling price of the STUFFED disk-magazine in Europe. Should you wish to obtain an issue of STUFFED or subscribe, please use the order form attached to this document. Back issues are available. BACK ISSUES OF STUFFED Issue 2 - May 1989 Issue 3 - August 1989 Issue 4 - November 1989 Issue 5 - February 1990 Issue 6 - May 1990 Issue 7 - August 1990 ST-PLUG is also the sole North America distributor of BUDGIE UK products. For a complete list of all our products simply drop us a letter, phone, or leave us your name and address on the following systems: GEnie: D.PANKE CompuServe: 73257,2635 THE SHAREWARE CONNECTION UPDATE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- by Stan Swanson INTRODUCTION Welcome to the first Update Edition of The Shareware Connection. Beginning with this month's issue, we will try to upload an Update Edition around this time of the month to cover some of the things which may have missed that month's deadline and any other information which may be of interest to ST enthusiasts. ISSUE #16 AT A GLANCE Subscribers to The Shareware Connection should be receiving the September issue about this time. Our focus for September is Word Processing and we take a look at several great programs and utilities in this area. Other areas of interest in this month's issue include our regular Quickview and Update features, our Current Versions list and much more. We've also included a complete listing of our Disk-of-the- Months from May 1989 to the present. Readers will also find Part 1 of our TSC Cross-Reference Guide which covers all of our articles from our very first issue! SHAREWARE MARKETPLACE If you're a shareware author you might want to check out the newest concept in advertising which now appears monthly in The Shareware Connection. Our new MARKETPLACE feature is basically "shareware advertising". The response has been great! "You and your newsletter are certainly trailblazing into new types of advertising with this revolutionary concept," says shareware author Gerry Genson. Programmer Albert Baggetta told us "Thanks for the opportunity to advertise at reasonable rates. You are certainly doing your part to support the shareware concept." And Gordon Meyer of Do Not Stamp Software said "I think your marketplace offer is a darn fine idea!" If you need more information about the Marketplace or would like to look at a sample copy of The Shareware Connection, drop us a line or give us a call... ATTENTION WRITERS If you enjoy writing and you enjoy telling other ST users about your machine and all the great shareware and public domain software that's available, we can put your talents to good use! We are currently looking for reviewers and/or columnists for our publication. Contact Stan Swanson at CPU for more information. SHAREWARE QUICKVIEWS There's always something new and interesting in the ST world. Warren Standiford's ST COMICS certainly falls into this category. This unique concept combines the arts of computer animation, colorful graphics and clever story lines to bring these comic book adventures to life. Clever puzzles and other mind twisters are included to keep the "reader" entertained. And if you haven't had a chance to check out ST COMICS, now's your chance. The first 5 issues are now being offered for just $10. They are available from W.S. Publishing Co., P.O. Box 2713, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. And all of you football fanatics and prognosticators should take a look at Gerry Genson's newest version of the NFL ANALYST. Version 2.5 is ready for the 1990 NFL season (new 17 week season) and will help predict NCAA games as well. If you hate to spend hours typing in stats, then NFL ANALYST is for you as it uses just each week's scores to calculate the outcome of upcoming games. NFL ANALYST is available from Gerry Genson, 131 Lincoln Blvd., Kenmore, NY 14217. ATTENTION DM PLAYERS If any of you still haven't finished Dungeon Master from FTL, now's your chance. (And if you haven't ever even played it, you don't know what you're missing.) FTL/Software Heaven has now officially released the newest version of the DUNGEON MASTER ADVENTURER'S HANDBOOK authored by yours truly. They've done a great job with updated and extremely accurate information. (Yes, I admit I missed a few things here and there...) It looks terrific and I'm very proud of it, of course. Next time you drop into your local computer store, take a look at it... PICKS OF THE MONTH Our September issue also introduced another new feature as our Picks-of- the-Month premiered. Each issue of The Shareware Connection will now designate 3 public domain/shareware programs as the best of that month. There's always room for more credit and special honors for ST programmers and this is our way of giving them a little more recognition for their endeavors. Our Picks for September were BIG COLOR 2 (a great color emulator for all you monochrome owners out there), STDCAT (one of the best disk/file librarians available for the ST at any level) and SIMPLE CINEMA (a nifty little animation program for the younger set from Al Baggetta). For more information on these great programs, check out our current issue... CURRENT VERSIONS BLINK............. 2.0 BR UTILITIES........ 1.7 DATA HANDLER...... 3.0 DESK SWITCH......... 1.1 DJ ENVELOPE....... 1.2 GRAND PRIX.......... 2.1 HAGTERM ELITE..... 4.0 HYPERSCREEN......... 1.31 NFL ANALYST....... 2.5 POSTAL.............. 2.0 PILE UP........... 3.0 RAM PLUS............ 1.22 SHREDR............ 1.1 STDCAT.............. 4.3 ST SENTRY......... 3.0 TAC CAT LIBRARIAN... 2.12 VALGUS............ 2.0 ULTRA DELETE........ 1.04 COMING SOON Lots of interesting things coming up. Our October issue will focus on Business and Personal Productivity software. We'll also have Part 2 of our TSC Cross Reference Guide. In November we'll have a special issue focusing on shareware authors with our Programmer's Profiles feature in which you'll be able to "meet" several shareware programmers up close and personal. In December we'll take a look at PD disk dealers. Who are they? Where are they? What do they have to offer? A great look behind the scenes... And in January we'll bring in the New Year right with our 2nd Annual CPU Awards for Public Domain and Shareware Software. (So if you haven't subscribed, do so now!) THE SHAREWARE CONNECTION Published Monthly by Computer Publications, Unltd. P.O. Box 2224, Arvada, Colorado 80001-2224 303/423-6805 GEnie Address: S.SWANSON1 Editor/Publisher: Stan Swanson 12 Issues: $14 (Renewals: $12) 6 Issues w/Disk: $28 12 Issues w/Disk: $48 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Z*NET Atari Online Magazine is a weekly publication covering the Atari and related computer community. Material contained in this edition may be reprinted without permission except where noted, unedited and containing the issue number, name and author included at the top of each article reprinted. Opinions presented are those of the individual author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of Z*Net Online. This publication is not affiliated with Atari Corporation. Z*Net, Z*Net Atari Online and Z*Net News Service are copyright (c)1990, Rovac Industries Incorporated, Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0059. Voice (908) 968-2024, BBS (908) 968- 8148 at 1200/2400 Baud 24 hours a day. We can be reached on Compuserve at PPN 71777,2140 and on GEnie at address: Z-Net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Z*NET Atari Online Magazine Copyright (c)1990, Rovac Industries, Inc.. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~