No Fragments Archive 12: Textmags & Docs/nf_archive_12.iso/MAGS/TEXTMAGS/ZNET/ZNET9151.ZIP/ZNET9151.ASC

Text File | 1991-12-06 | 89.1 KB | 1,760 lines

 | (((((((( |         Z*Net International Atari Online Magazine
 |      ((  |         -----------------------------------------
 |    ((    |         December 6, 1991             Issue #91-51
 |  ((      |         -----------------------------------------
 | (((((((( |         Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc.
 |          |         Post Office Box 59,  Middlesex,  NJ 08846
 |    ((    |
 |  ((((((  |                        CONTENTS
 |    ((    |
 |          |  * The Editors Desk............................Ron Kovacs
 | (((   (( |  * Z*Net Newswire........................................
 | ((((  (( |  * Chicago ComputerFest By Atari/LCACE...........Len Stys
 | (( (( (( |  * Greg Pratt Speaks At Chicago.................John Nagy
 | ((  (((( |  * Lynx Update...........................................
 | ((   ((( |  * Codehead Announces Midi-Spy..............Press Release
 |          |  * Year In Review: Education................D.A. Brumleve
 | (((((((  |  * Year In Review: Great Lakes Region..........Mike Brown
 | ((       |  * Year In Review: Atari in 1991.............Gordon Meyer
 | (((((    |  * Year In Review: GEnie Utilities.............Ron Kovacs
 | ((       |  * Perusing GEnie...............................Ed Krimen
 | (((((((  |
 |          |
 | (((((((( |  ~ Z*Net Newswire Ltd..........................Jon Clarke
 |    ((    |  ~ Contributing Editor.....................Bruce Hansford
 |    ((    |  ~ PD Software Reviews.....................Ron Berinstein
 |    ((    |  ~ Reporter....................................Mike Brown
 |    ((    |  ~ Assistant News Editor.......................Mike Davis
 |          |  ~ Publisher/Editor............................Ron Kovacs
 |          |  ~ Columnist....................................Ed Krimen
 |          |  ~ Editor.......................................John Nagy
 =======================================================================
 Z*NET- [phone]    CCBBS- [phone]   GARAGE- [phone]
 =======================================================================
 * THE EDITORS DESK                                        by Ron Kovacs
 =======================================================================

                             Happy Holidays!


 This week's release begins our annual series of articles "Year In Review
 - 1991".  There are a number of guests contributing to this effort and
 the first to accept was Dorothy Brumleve.  Her contribution begins the
 series.  If you have any feedback you would like to share with us,
 please send email.  You may also pass along your thoughts to our guest
 contributors, you may send them to Z*Net and we will forward them.

 Last week we ran an article written by our resident reporter at large,
 Mike Brown.  To those that read ST-Report Online Magazine, may have
 noticed that a similar article appeared there.  The article was written
 by Mike and sent along to ST-Report for publication to complete an
 arrangement made between the two parties.  We were not part of that
 arrangement, and glad to see that a good article was shared with more
 Atarians!

 This week we continue coverage of the recent Chicago ComputerFest.  We
 have included Greg Pratt's speech he gave at the event, Len Stys has
 also contributed his thoughts and interviews at the event.

 Next week we will continue our 1991 Year In Review.....


 =======================================================================
 * Z*NET NEWSWIRE
 =======================================================================


 NO 1 MEG ST-BOOK
 THe ST Book will not be built in a one megabyte configuration.
 Although the first production of developer machines may have one meg,
 all production built for sale will be 4 megabytes of ram.  This is
 because the design of the machine makes later upgrades impossible so all
 of the production units will be alike.  This will make the base price of
 the ST Book just over $2000.00 in the basic configuration.  Production
 is still slated for January 1992.


 PHONE RATES THREATEN BULLETIN BOARDS
 C&P Telephone of Virginia recently stated that the bulletin board
 services, commonly called BBS's are a business use, not residential, and
 should pay higher rates.  The new rates will raise phone bills $50 to
 $100 a month and take effect this week.  BBS operators who are opposed
 to these rates meet Thursday, 12/5/91 in the Virginia Beach Library to
 discuss strategy.  C&P officials have refused commentary on the matter.
 This matter has come up in other states resulting in a compromise.  A
 BBS  operator with two or three lines pays a residential fee, anything
 over pays the business rates.


 CODEHEAD ANNOUNCES SCANNER SUPPORT FOR MEGAPAINT PROFESSIONAL!
 Recently, CodeHead Software became the exclusive representative in the
 USA and Canada for MegaPaint Professional, an extraordinarily fast and
 feature-packed painting/drawing program developed by Germany's
 TommySoftware.  Now, CodeHead has added support for several popular
 scanners to MegaPaint Professional, through communication with Dr.
 Bobware's new low-priced ScanLite desk accessory.  ScanLite supports the
 Migraph, Geniscan, Golden Image and Daatascan scanners -- and now, so
 does MegaPaint Professional!  Charles F. Johnson, co-owner of CodeHead
 Software, said, "When I spoke to Dr. Bob at the Chicago Computerfest, I
 was excited to discover that he had built into ScanLite the ability to
 communicate with outside applications.  As soon as we returned from the
 show, I wrote a small external module for MegaPaint Professional that
 calls ScanLite and tells it to scan straight into the MegaPaint picture
 area."  Once you've scanned an image, you can then use MegaPaint's
 impressive array of drawing and painting tools to retouch it, enhance
 it, transform it, or anything else you can imagine -- all at incredible
 speeds!  In operations such as loading an IMG file, or rotating a block,
 MegaPaint Professional has been benchmarked at speeds almost 200 times
 faster than its closest competitor, Migraph's Touch-Up.  According to
 Mr. Johnson, "MegaPaint's ability to use 'external modules' means that
 it is the only ST/TT graphics package that will never go out of date."
 Programmers interested in writing MegaPaint modules should contact
 CodeHead Software for more details.

                           PRODUCT INFORMATION
                 ---------------------------------------
 MegaPaint Professional, $175 Retail, Available from: CodeHead Software,
 P.O. Box 74090, Los Angeles, CA 90004, Tel [phone], Fax 213-386-
 5789.  ScanLite, $20 Retail, Available from: Dr. Bobware, 180 N.
 Hazeltine Ave, Campbell, OH 44405-1024, Tel [phone].



 ATM SAFETY TIPS
 People who use automatic teller machines to withdraw cash are becoming
 targets for thieves, particularly during the rush of holiday shopping.
 But a manufacturer of ATMs recently said the risk can be lessened by
 taking several precautions.

  o Be aware of your surroundings when you approach an ATM.  If you
    notice anything out of the ordinary, visit the ATM later or use
    another ATM.

  o Always look inside an enclosed site before entering.

  o Ask a friend to come along with you if you need to visit an ATM at
    night.

  o Have your card ready and in hand, along with other transaction
    materials, before you approach an ATM.

  o Stand close to the ATM when entering your personal identification
    number.  Do not allow anyone to watch.

  o Wait until you leave the vicinity of the ATM to count your money.

 For people who use a drive-up ATM machine...

  o Pull up close to the ATM.

  o Remain in the car while conducting your transaction.  For added
    security, keep car doors locked and windows rolled up before and
    after making the transaction.

  o Keep the car running while operating the ATM.

  o Drive around the machine first if it is in a kiosk, or drive by it,
    checking between parked cars, if it is a wall-mounted unit.



 =======================================================================
 * CHICAGO COMPUTERFEST BY ATARI-LCACE                       by Len Stys
 =======================================================================
 By: Len Stys, Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG           telnet 129.22.8.75


 On Friday, November 23rd, I sat in my room at college and flipped coins
 to decide if I should go to the Chicago Atari show or study for finals
 the upcoming week.  Well, I guess you know what I decided to do since
 you're reading this article.  I'm glad I went because it was a great
 event and I found out a lot of information.

 At the Atari Entertainment seminar, Robert J. Schuricht, the National
 Sales Director answered questions about the Lynx, new games, and the
 Jaguar (future tabletop video game system).  Robert stated that there
 were over 1 million Lynx systems sold world-wide and that half of those
 systems have been sold in the United States.  He went on to say that the
 "Lynx Deluxe" package is being test marketed in California at a price of
 $129.95.  This package consists of the NEW Lynx, AC Adaptor, ComLynx
 cable, California Games, and a Lynx pouch.  Robert made clear that this
 is a Christmas Special and may not be offered in 1992.  The peculiar
 thing about this is that I have received many reports through Internet
 about it being sold nationwide--not just in California.  I found the
 Lynx package to be so impressive that I picked one up at the show for
 $125.00.  If you think you may want one, you better find one quick since
 Robert stated there are no more Lynx systems left for Atari to ship.
 The Lynx has done so well that Atari cannot manufacture them fast enough
 to meet demand.  When Robert was asked about the Lynx distribution
 problem, he said there wasn't a distribution problem.  He said the
 problem isn't getting places to sell the Lynx, he said the problem is
 getting enough Lynx systems to these stores to sell.  Robert was then
 asked why Atari is having production problems with the Lynx.  He said
 Atari doesn't have enough factories to make them and this is because of
 their sales quota for the Lynx.  To sum it all up, Atari didn't expect
 the Lynx to sell as well as it has.  If the store near you has sold out
 of Lynx systems and you are wondering when to expect more, the next
 shipment comes in December 15.  Since many Lynx game players complained
 about the game instructions on the back of posters, Atari decided to go
 back to the booklet form and include a poster.

 Do you ever wonder why the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Game Gear are
 advertised weekly in Sunday toy store advertisements and the Lynx is
 not?  Robert says it is because Atari has to pay for these toy stores to
 advertise the Lynx.  They do not advertise it themselves.  Nintendo and
 Sega are both making a lot of money on their home video game systems and
 since Atari isn't really that big of a company, they do not have the
 funds to advertise as Nintendo and Sega does.  If you remember the
 Toys'R'Us advertisement of NFL Football that never was released, you may
 wonder what happened.  Atari spent $30,000 to advertise the game and it
 was actually planned to be out by then.  The reason it wasn't is because
 Atari reviewed the game and even though it was good, the Lynx developers
 thought they could make it better.  Robert Schuricht emphasized the fact
 that only quality games will be released for the Lynx.  NFL Football and
 other sporting games will not be released this year but instead Atari
 plans to release them all in February in a major promotion.

 Many wonder why Lynx titles look so darn close to the arcade while
 conversions for NES and Sega aren't nearly as good.  This is because
 Atari gets the original arcade machines and compares the Lynx game with
 the arcade game during development.

 Most of the titles that Robert listed will not be out until 1992.
 Tournament Cyberball, however, will be out this year.  In case you are
 wondering what new games will be released for the Lynx in the next few
 months, you can pick up the new Lynx 32-page catalog.  The catalog has
 some impressive screen shots with a Lynx contest offering over $2500 in
 prizes.

 Many rumors have been spreading around the Atari world about the Jaguar.
 Robert made clear that plans will not be finalized as to what the Jaguar
 will have until early next year.  The decision of what microprocessor
 hasn't even been finalized and the operating system has not been
 written.  I asked if there was any chance that the Jaguar will be ST
 compatible and he said, "Sure!" and quickly turned his head and took
 another question.  There have been rumors that the Jaguar may allow a
 disk drive, a CD-ROM, and a keyboard to be added to it.  If this is
 true, the world of Atari should be very interesting next year.  But one
 thing is for sure, the Jaguar will have great graphics and sound with an
 affordable price tag (under $200).

 Since the Jaguar will be using a much higher CPU than the Lynx, chances
 are that you will not be able to play Lynx games on the Jaguar.  Atari
 didn't release the Panther this year because they felt it would be
 another "me too" machine.  They wanted a machine that would be unique
 and last a long time.  The Jaguar may be this machine.  In any case, the
 Jaguar is just a rumor and has not been officially announced.  Expect
 for it to be released at the Summer CES.

 At the What is New at Atari seminar, Bob Brodie along with another
 person from Atari answered questions.  I am not sure who the person with
 Bob was because I came in a little late and his name wasn't listed in
 the directory.  It may have been Bill Rehbock.  One of the questions
 that were asked was the date that the STNotebook and Stylus Pad will be
 available in the U.S.  Bob stated that the STNotebook should would be
 available very soon with a price tag of under $2000.  The most
 impressive thing about the STNotebook that no other notebook has is its
 battery-life.  The battery-life of the STNotebook is 10 hours.  This is
 because the Atari engineers worked hard on making a portable that didn't
 have the same problems as the Stacy and it doesn't.

 The STylus Pad may not be released until later next year due to the cost
 of the storage cards.  Atari predicted the cards would go down in price
 by the time the Stylus was ready for production but they haven't.  Atari
 may need to work on finding another storage media for the Stylus or wait
 until the cards come down in price.  If Atari was to release the Stylus
 now, you would be paying more for the storage cards than for the
 machine.  The one unique feature about the Stylus is its handwriting
 recognition.  The Stylus has the highest rating for recognizing
 handwriting.  Bob joked around and said that it can even recognize Sam
 Tramiel's signature which is amazing.

 I asked Bob what Atari had planned for 1992 specifically if Atari was
 planning to release any new ST computers and a multi-tasking operating
 system.  He responded by saying that 1992 would be a very exciting year.
 Atari is indeed planning to release new ST computers at the CeBit show
 in Germany this coming March.  All he would say about the machines is
 that they would leap-frog any other machines on the market.  The TT
 computers will have a multi-tasking operating system but the new ST
 computers will not.

 I also asked Bob why Atari is having a hard time distributing the Lynx
 to retail stores and the Portfolio in stores like Office Max or Best.
 He confirmed that there is a shortage of Lynx systems and that is the
 reason the Lynx isn't being sold everywhere yet.  Atari seems to be
 having the same problem with the Lynx as it had with the ST.  Every
 nation in the world wants the Lynx but Atari cannot manufacture enough
 to meet demand.  Atari says the Portfolio is slowly working its way into
 more stores.  The majority of Portfolio sales have been directly to
 large companies.  Recently, Sherwin Williams purchased many Portfolios
 for their sales people so they can find the right color combination to
 make paint.  How has the new HP palmtop been affecting the sales of the
 Portfolio?  Quite nicely.  Bob stated that when the HP palmtop was
 released, the Portfolio sales went up 100%.

 I talked with Greg Pratt at the show and he stated that 1992 will be a
 good year and things are turning around at Atari.  I talked to him about
 how the Lynx could have taken the handheld video game market already and
 he said that Atari made a lot of mistakes with the Lynx in the past.  He
 said that resources were also a problem.  By "resources" I got the
 feeling he meant that Atari is still a small company and doesn't have a
 lot of money to manufacture quantities at once and really push them.

 I spoke with John Jainschigg from Atari Explorer and he gave the
 Cleveland Free-Net permission to post articles from his publication.  He
 is a nice guy but if you ever submit a letter to Atari Explorer, don't
 let him edit it. :)  I also spoke with Bob Brodie, Director of
 Communications and Donald Thomas, Jr., Director of Marketing.  Bob knew
 me from my concerning letters I send Atari every so often.  Don knew me
 by the Portfolio SIG on the Cleveland Free-Net.  The show was well done
 and I wish Atari the best of luck in 1992.  I just hope they find enough
 factories to produce all of the fantastic products they have planned.


 =======================================================================
 * GREG PRATT SPEAKS AT CHICAGO                 Transcribed by John Nagy
 =======================================================================
 Copyright (c)1991, Atari Corporation


 Greg Pratt, President of Atari Corporation
 Banquet Address at the Chicago Computerfest by Atari
 Painstakingly transcribed from videotape by John Nagy for Z*Net


 Opening comments by Bob Brodie, Director of Communications for Atari
 Corporation.

 Bob:

 I'm very pleased to be here tonight and to see so many of you here.
 This show concept is one that we have enjoyed on the West coast for a
 number of years, and on the East coast as well, and I know that you all
 join me in really being happy that our friends at Lake County have put
 together this festival for all of us in the Midwest.

 This could not be possible without the support of the leadership at
 Atari, and I'm very pleased tonight to be able to introduce to you one
 of the primary supporters of this show at our company... the President
 of Atari U.S., Mr. Greg Pratt.

 [Greg rose to resounding applause, bowed, and sat down again.  With
 laughter around, Bob took Greg by the arm and assisted him to the
 podium.  There, he paused, looking as though he hadn't expected to
 speak, then pulled out a thick stack of notes from his breast pocket.
 More laughter.]

 Greg:

 Nothing up my sleeve... no, it's actually a great pleasure and an honor
 to have an opportunity to come out and talk to all of you.  I want to
 thank Bob [Brodie], I know that when we talked about this event six or
 seven months ago, it seemed as though it would be very difficult to pull
 off, and there were a lot of hurdles that had to be overcome.  But
 because of all the effort...  I came out to visit Larry [Grauzas] and
 Mike [Brown] and saw the enthusiasm, it was something we just had to
 support, it made sense.  It was something we had wanted to do, and
 tonight is evidence that the show in every respect has been a tremendous
 success.  I've had a lot of sampling and discussions with people, just
 getting feedback, and I'm very, very pleased, and pleased that Atari
 could support this event.

 I'm going to spend a few minutes talking about Atari and the year 1991,
 and then talk a little about 1992.  I'm going to try to share with you
 where Atari has been, and where we would like to see Atari in the near
 future.

 This is an especially important group, comprised of dealers, developers,
 and most important, you loyal Atari users who have been loyal to Atari
 even in times when it seemed as though Atari was ignoring you.  I think
 you are owed some insight as to the dynamics of what has been happening
 at the company.

 I have characterized 1991 as a year of transition.  This is the
 beginning of my second year as President of Atari Computer Corporation.
 I took over from a gentleman who was named Elie Kenan, some of you may
 remember him, who had come to America from France.  He was here for only
 a few months, and I stepped into a situation that was, quite frankly,
 very confused, with no particular direction.  We had a situation where
 many developers were abandoning the platform, we had products that we
 had promised that had not been delivered.  The overall position at Atari
 a year ago was very weak.

 I took a look at this situation and tried to figure out what we could
 do.  All of the guys got together, and we decided what we needed to do
 was to focus on a couple areas that were key, a couple of areas which
 would address each significant group.  That is, we had to have a dealer
 program, we had to have a developer program, we had to have a user
 program.

 We put together something called the Aegis Partnership Program, coined
 by Don Mandell.  The concept of the Aegis Partnership Program was a
 situation whereby we would recognize that Atari, together with a strong
 developer group, together with a strong dealer group, would be able to
 offer end users a superior solution.

 We identified those particular solutions where we excelled over everyone
 else, then pushed them to our maximum.  We went forward with our Aegis
 program and had our first Aegis meeting, our summit, in Sunnyvale.  Many
 of you were there, and it became the launching platform, if you will,
 for what today has become a resurgence for Atari.

 We've done other things that we needed to do to make the Atari a viable
 platform on the professional level.  Things like going out and getting
 General Electric support for our products, so that we now can offer on-
 site support for business applications.  Things like adding to the
 financial repertoire, to not only have a flooring plan but to install a
 leasing program such that businesses who want to lease Atari product
 will be able to do so.

 We added certain key staff members, people like Bill Rehbock who came on
 about the same time, Bob [Brodie] who has been around for a long time
 but who has really come into his own in the last year, Don Mandell,
 James Grunke, Mike Groh, Art Brysinsky, Don Thomas, and John Jainschigg
 with the Atari Explorer magazine who has done a fantastic job.  A lot of
 these guys and some of the people who have been there -- all they needed
 was a little bit of room in which to operate.  One of the things that I
 saw that we needed to do was to give people the flexibility that they
 needed in order to get the job done.  We have had the support, wonderful
 support of the Tramiels.  Sam, in particular, backed it most especially,
 and I think the crew has performed very, very well.

 We did things with developers -- to try to hold developers over, the
 ones who were weak for whatever reason, or needed assistance, and tried
 to figure out ways to help them.  We came up with developer co-op plans,
 and today when you see Atari ads in magazines, in music magazines, in
 DTP magazines, it's not just a glamour ad of Atari products, it's Atari
 products doing something.  Its one of the keys, and one of the things
 we've focused on is to try to show environments where we have actual
 superior solutions.  And we are making sure developers are able to get
 their word out about our machine.

 We did things in the dealer area to strengthen it.  We have the samples
 program that allows dealers to get samples, new samples each quarter at
 reduced prices.  We have a co-op program, floor planning, the lease
 program.  We did things like extending the warranty -- all Atari
 computer products now bear a one year warranty.  Things that should have
 been done in the past, that for whatever reasons weren't done, with this
 new group, with this new commitment, with this new enthusiasm, we took a
 look at to see what needed to be done, and proceeded on it.

 We even shipped new products in 1991.  [Laughter, then applause.]  The
 Mega STe, the TT030, the SLM605, products that we had been talking about
 for a long, long time, we finally got out the door.  We pushed and
 screamed and prodded, and finally made it happen.

 1992 will be even more interesting.  We'll have new products that we'll
 focus on to take us to the next level.  One of the particular products
 that is a most pressing need, we certainly need to have networking
 solutions.  In order for us to get to the next level, we need to have
 viable network solutions, and we have several.  Rather than sitting and
 waiting for one company to come up with a solution, we have several
 alternative solutions.  We'll see which one comes first and we will get
 behind that one and move it, so that the end users will be the ultimate
 beneficiaries as soon as we can possibly make it happen.

 If you stopped over at the booth, you saw some very excellent color
 boards, those are American solutions, the Leonardo card.  We also have
 some German solutions, like the Matrix card.  We are talking true color,
 24 bit color boards -- this is going to get us into a whole new level, a
 new positioning such that we are now talking about being able to use
 Atari equipment in the presentations graphics segment of the market,
 which is the hottest market segment.  And we will be there in real time,
 not coming in a year after the fact, but rather on time, and in fact
 leading the way.

 There will be other new products.  You've seen some of us walking around
 with our "040" pens.  I'm not going to talk a lot about it, but you know
 we are working on 040 products.  Those products will see their initial
 introductions at Hannover [in April 1992].  Those products will, at that
 point, begin going to developers.  You'll see probably a nine to
 eighteen month gestation period, depending on how quickly the Codeheads
 can get their act in gear... [Laughter] and certain other people.  This
 time there are some wonderful development tools that will go along with
 the product that will reduce time to market, and that should help
 tremendously.

 So you will see this year where the company will be going after the
 TT030, but I caution you that the TT030 will have to be the machine that
 we will have to rely on for the next two years.  It should be the
 backbone.  There will be certain higher end solutions that will make
 sense and will be used on the new machines.

 In terms of our marketing direction, a year ago we decided that we would
 focus on music and direct-to-press.  This year we were at CEPS, which
 was very successful for us.  We were at SEYBOLD.  The Seybold report is
 to come out Monday, with a seven or eight page writeup by Johnathon
 Seybold's company which very definitely gave us headlines: "Atari Makes
 Bold Entry into US DTP Market".  It's been years that people have been
 waiting for that to happen, and his review is fair.  We are a serious
 contender.  But at the same time that we are talking about these high
 end solutions, we are also not ignoring the broad base.

 Today, we have the 520 Discovery pack and the 1040 Family Curriculum
 pack.  These are packages that we put together with the other English
 speaking countries of the Atari world, driven by the UK market, but
 including Canada, the US, and Australia. These particular packages are
 very viable, and we hope to sell just thousands of them.  I know that it
 makes developers feel good to think about that head count of users.

 In 1992, we will focus on presentation graphics packages.  A lot of that
 will depend on how successful we are and how quickly we can get the
 color boards out, and software that actually uses that hardware, though
 I'm sure that will happen very quickly.  You'll see us announce new
 programs in education.  And we will focus on CAD applications.  The key
 element is having the video boards that will take us past the ST and TT
 resolutions all the way up to the professional pre-press type of stuff.

 There's one area I am particularly proud of, and that's the work John
 Jainschigg has done on Atari Explorer.  When we came into Atari Explorer
 a year ago, we were, I think, four deliveries behind, there was all kind
 of turmoil.  But John has taken that bull by the horns and has done an
 excellent job.  [Applause].  Within the next six week you're going to
 see two more issues.  One issue is dedicated totally to Atari music and
 there is a cover over there showing Star Parodi.  Craig Anderton is the
 new music editor.  NAMM is going to be an excellent showcase for us, and
 we are really going to push very hard in this direction.  The second
 issue will be Atari in the Movies, and will particularly focus on the
 Terminator 2 movie.  If you saw the movie T2, you know that the
 Portfolio is the computer that saves the world.  When T2 goes to video
 this winter, Atari will have a huge tie-in.  We'll be there giving away
 units, there will be all kinds of cross-promotion all over the United
 States.  Dealers, make certain you take an additional stock on the
 Portfolio, because you'll be having lots of people coming in,
 interested.

 Very briefly, about our distribution strategy.  You hear me talking
 about high end products, although we talked a bit about low end
 products.  Just so it's clear who we are and where the company is going,
 because we have such a wide product diversity, because we have product
 on one hand, a palmtop, on the other side, our implementation of UNIX V
 System 4 (which you should take the time to look at, its very good), we
 find ourselves in the situation where there is no one particular channel
 that we can use exclusively to get these product to market.  So we find
 ourselves using basically three segments.  At the very top of the
 pyramid, we have VARS, OEMs, independent hardware and software
 resellers.  Then we have a middle section that is comprised principally
 of computer dealers.  Then at the base of the pyramid, we have mass
 merchants and the consumer end.

 It is Jack's desire for this company -- Jack [Tramiel] is still very
 much involved in setting the strategic direction of this company, and he
 is committed to having a consumer products oriented company.  We are the
 "Volks Computer Company".  We are the people's computer company.  Our
 principles remain unchanged, we believe in offering the most power at
 the best price.  We want to try to have the best value relationship that
 we can possible have.  Another quote from Jack is that he believes in
 "selling to the masses, not the classes."  So anything that we do today
 that's at the top of the pyramid, our objective is that within three
 years, or whatever the development cycle, to have it at the base of the
 pyramid...  so that we can offer it to the most people we possibly can,
 just as soon as we possibly can.  And that overriding concern reflects
 the fact that the end user is ultimately our boss.

 In conclusion, I would like to again personally thank each and every one
 of you for making this event a success -- thank you.

 [Applause]


 =======================================================================
 * LYNX UPDATE
 =======================================================================


 November 1, 1991 by Bob Schuricht, National Sales Director for Atari
 Corp.  List of current and future Lynx releases as of that date.

 Bob admits that a few of these titles - particularly in the "New
 Projects" category - may never see the light of day, but most of them
 are in some early stage of development.

            - Chris Bieniek, Contributing Editor
              Video Games & Computer Entertainment

 Available Now
 -------------
 California Games            Robo-squash                Blue Lightning
 Shanghai                    Paperboy                   Rampage
 Chip's Challenge            Gates of Zendocon          Gauntlet
 Rygar                       Electrocop                 Slime World
 Xenophobe                   Ms. Pac-Man                Roadblasters
 Warbirds                    Klax                       Zarlor Mercenary
 Ninja Gaiden                Blockout                   Pac-Land
 A.P.B.                      Turbo Sub                  Checkered Flag
 Scrapyard Dog               Ishido: The Way of Stones  Viking Child
 S.T.U.N. Runner             Hard Drivin'               Robotron 2084
 Bill & Ted's Excel. Adven.

 1991 To Come
 ------------
 Awesome Golf
 Tournament Cyberball

 1991 In Test
 ------------
 Xybots
 Toki
 Baseball Heroes
 Hockey
 Super Squeek
 Crystal Mines II
 Strider II

 1991 In Process
 ---------------
 Lynx Casino                 Pit Fighter                720
 World Class Soccer          Hydra                      Rolling Thunder
 NFL Football                Vindicators                Pinball Jam
 Hyper Drome                 Raiden                     Space War
 Basketbrawl                 Dirty Larry                Cabal
 Geo Duel (note - shown as "Cancelled" on Atari's list)

 New 1991/92 Projects
 --------------------
 Lemmings                    Shadow of the Beast         Bad Boy Tennis
 Malibu Bikini Volleyball    Dracula                     Battlezone 2000
 Dino Quest                  Daemonsgate                 Ninja Nerd
 Ninja Gaiden III            Asteroids/Missile Command   Switchblade II
 Eye of the Beholder         Blood & Guts Hockey         Full Court Press
 Heavyweight Contender       Gordo 106                   Road Riot
 Rampart                     Batman/Penguin-Packout Deal Steel Talons
 Operation Desert Storm

 This list does not include third-party titles from Telegames, which has
 released or announced the following games:

 The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge---now available
 Qix-------------------------------------now available
 Krazy Ace Miniature Golf
 R.C. Destruction Derby
 The Guardians: Storm Over Doria Role-Playing Game

 Other third-party titles may not appear in the above listing,
 particularly if the games are not scheduled to be released by Atari
 under their own name.


   //////////////// Softcase Game Card Wallet ///////////////////
   ////////////////    for the Atari Lynx     ///////////////////

                           NOW $5.95!!

 Greetings from Realm...

 A couple years ago Realm introduced the Softcase System.  It was
 comprised of 3 pieces that acted individually or together.  One of those
 pieces was the Game Card Wallet.  Do to the overwhelming cost of the
 system and cheaper cases being released we had to discontinue the other
 two pieces.  The Wallet is and will be supported for a long time to
 come.

 The Wallet was created to overcome some of the limitations of
 permanently attached pockets.  The largest being no expansion room once
 full.  Plus the inconvenience of having to drag the case along, even if
 your moving one chair over for the big Comlynx match.

 The Wallet itself is basically the size of a sheet of paper and folds
 similar to a letter.  It has an outer lining of Black DuPont Cordura and
 an inner lining of 1/8" foam backed headliner.  Sewn to the headliner is
 3 rows of 3 Clear vinyl pockets topped with black edging.  The Wallet
 folds compactly so that all games are held securely in place.  It holds
 9 (over $250 worth) of games or you can double stack and get up to 18.

 Now for the good news!  As of this message the Wallets will be $5.95 ea
 plus shipping (thats down from $12.95!).  Shipping will be $3.00 up to
 3 then $.50 for each additional 3.  For Example: If you order 1-3
 Wallets shipping will be $3.00.  If you order 4-6 Wallets shipping will
 be $3.50 and so on...  Full Money Back Guarantee!

 In order to accomplish such a great price I had to go direct only.  You
 can send a Check or Money Order to REALM, 10504 Easum Rd., Louisville KY
 40299, Call 502-267-7024 for info or leave E-Mail on GEnie to REALM (it
 will be answered the same day).  All orders are shipped in 1 Day or less
 (10 minutes being the record).  Please send a UPS'ble address (No PO's)
 if possible.

 Further information can be found in the Lynx Accessory topic in the
 Atari RT on GEnie.  It's Page 475;1, Category 36, Topic 18

 Thanks for the support!
 Joey Sherman
 Owner


 ATARI PORTABLE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

 Christmas is almost upon us and the best gift you can give to your
 favorite Lynx owner (next to a couple of games and maybe a second Lynx)
 is a year's subscription to A.P.E. (Atari Portable Entertainment)
 Newsletter.

 Each issue of APE is full of the news, information, and game tips a Lynx
 fan needs.

 Find out what new games are coming up (usually months before you read
 about it in the full color glossy magazines you'll find at the
 newsstands).

 Get the tips you need to help you conquer those tough games.  Hear
 what's going on with third party developers and what they have in store
 for you.

 Check out what rumors are circulating on the grapevine.  Find out what
 hidden secrets are lurking in your favorite games.  and more...

 APE is written 5 times a year (Winter,Spring,Summer,Fall,Christmas) by
 Clinton Smith.  Clint has been playing Atari games since the late 70s
 and makes it his business to find out everything that's going on with
 the Lynx.  He has written game reviews for Atari Explorer, STart, and is
 currently the Lynx columnist for AtariUser.

 A year's subscription to APE costs only $6.

 The following back issues are available for $1 each.

 APE #1 (Summer 90):
 Summer CES news, Game tips for California Games, Chip's Challenge,
 Gauntlet 3, Electrocop, Gates of Zendocon, and Blue Lightning.

 APE #2 (Fall 90):
 Third Party Report, Lynx Accesories, Game tips for Slime World and Klax.

 APE #3 (Winter 90/91):
 Winter CES news, Lynx secrets, Game tips for Ms.PacMan, Robosquash,
 Paperboy, Xenophobe, Rampage, Roadblasters, and Zarlor Mercenary.

 APE #4 (Spring 91):
 Lynx Status report, Zarlor LIFE secret, Lynx Secrets, Multi-player game
 tips, and Shanghai tips.

 APE #5 (Summer 91):
 1st Anniversary issue, Summer CES news, Jaguar report, Game tips for
 Chess and Warbirds, Game ratings.

 APE #6 (Fall 91):
 Lynx 2 report, new game preview, 3rd party update, Mandlebrot secrets of
 Chip's Challenge, Game tips for Ninja Gaiden, Pacland, Blockout, and
 APB.

 Subscribe now to receive APE's first Holiday issue(#7):
 Lynx holiday package, Chicago Atarifest report, New games for 92, Lynx
 buying guide, Game tips for Turbo Sub, Scrapyard Dog, Checkered Flag,
 Ishido, Qix, Robotron, and Viking Child.

 Send a check or money order made out to Clinton Smith to:

 APE NEWSLETTER
 2104 NORTH KOSTNER
 CHICAGO,IL 60639

 If you send more than $6 be sure to indicate which back issues you want.
 If you want to receive your first issue (or any back issues) in time for
 Christmas, send in your check or money order as soon as possible.

 If you have any questions you can leave a message to Clint on Genie at
 C.SMITH89



 =======================================================================
 * CODEHEAD ANNOUNCES MIDI SPY                             Press Release
 =======================================================================


             ...............................................
             :                                             :
             : CodeHead Software announces MIDI Spy!       :
             :                                             :
             :       A Unique MIDI Sequencer That Records  :
             :                                             :
             :             And Plays In The Background!    :
             :.............................................:


 With MIDI Spy installed, you'll never lose another valuable musical idea
 because your sequencer wasn't ready to record -- MIDI Spy is always
 listening.  You can call it background operation or you can call it MIDI
 multi-tasking, but what it gives you is freedom and power!

 Whether you're a professional musician or a music hobbyist, MIDI Spy is
 the recorder you've been waiting for.  As a musician, it's never easy to
 remember to push that button BEFORE you start recording.  Many times
 you'll just start playing without realizing you're about to create
 something you should capture.  Plus, there's always that stigma attached
 to the "red light" that tends to inhibit your talent.

 With MIDI Spy, you can forget about these things.  You don't have to be
 a recording engineer.  You don't have to anticipate your moments of
 inspiration.  And you won't feel the pressure of the red light.  In
 fact, you'll even forget MIDI Spy is installed, until you're ready to
 replay your creations.

 Even if you aren't in a creative mood, MIDI Spy can make your day.  You
 can tell it to play a list of MIDI files in the background while you
 continue to use your computer for other tasks like word processing,
 desktop publishing, telecommunications, or file maintenance.  Now you
 don't need to waste time while waiting for an upload or download through
 your modem...you can be working (playing) with your MIDI equipment!

 Feature List
 ------------

 o Runs as a program or a desk accessory in all resolutions on all Atari
   ST, STe, and TT machines.

 o MIDI data can be recorded or played back at any time -- from the
   desktop or from within GEM or TOS programs, whether the MIDI Spy
   dialog box is open or not.

 o Up to 999 songs can be recorded, played back, loaded, or saved.

 o GEM dialog box provides control with the mouse or keyboard.

 o Load and save single songs or sets of songs in MIDI Spy format.

 o Load and save single songs, sets of songs, or multitrack recordings in
   ALL of the current MIDI standard formats, allowing you to exchange
   recordings with any other sequencer supporting MIDI standard files.

 o Definable "record gap" automatically divides your recordings into
   individual songs for easy retrieval.

 o Recordings may be layered through overdubbing and merging of songs.

 o Timing resolution is equivalent to 96 ticks per quarter note at 120
   beats per minute and background operation is not affected by the
   current foreground task -- MIDI Spy is rock-solid!

 o Hot keys are always active, allowing control of MIDI Spy from your
   computer keyboard at any time.

 o MIDI Spy functions can be assigned to MIDI commands to control
   operations directly from your MIDI keyboard -- without even touching
   your computer.

 o Autoload a song or set of songs and even have MIDI Spy start playing
   automatically when you boot up.

 o Song information, including copyright notice, can be entered and saved
   with your songs.  Song and track names from MIDI files will appear in
   the song information box.

 o Chain songs together for continuous "juke box" type of playback --
   unaffected by the current operation of your computer.

 o Uses only about 30K of memory plus as much or as little memory as you
   wish to use for recording.

 o Thermometer bar display of memory usage shows memory available and
   memory used, by the current song as well as the whole set of songs.

 o Tempo can be adjusted from 10% to 300% of the original tempo.

 o Fine tuned for non-interference with your other programs.  Special
   hooks provide communication with the included program, Captain Hook,
   which helps eliminate MIDI overflow.

 o Software selectable THRU option.

 o Customize your MIDI Spy configuration by saving it directly into MIDI
   Spy.

 o Special MIDIMAX mode allows you to actually record your MIDIMAX
   output.  (MIDIMAX is CodeHead's real-time MIDI performance tool
   featuring chord maps and MIDI macros).

 o 100% assembly language, complete with all of the quality you've come
   to expect from CodeHead Software.

 Try the free MIDI Spy demo for yourself to get a taste of this amazing
 new concept.  Don't let your computer tell YOU when to be creative...
 with MIDI Spy you're always ready.

 Availability
 ------------

 Projected release date for MIDI Spy is December 16, 1991.  A demo
 version is available now on all the major on-line services as well as
 the CodeHead BBS.  Suggested retail price is $79.95.

 For more information, contact your local dealer, or:

  CodeHead Software
  PO Box 74090
  Los Angeles, CA 90004
  Tel [phone]
  Fax [phone]
  BBS [phone]



 =======================================================================
                           YEAR IN REVIEW: 1991
                    EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENTS
                     Copyright (c)1991, D.A. Brumleve
 =======================================================================


 Copyright 1991 by D.A. Brumleve for publication in Z-Net

 Please note: All filenumbers and user addresses refer to GEnie; the
 files mentioned may also be available through other national and local
 services.


 In the UK, they call it "edsoft", and they have plenty of it.  In the
 US, it's "educational software", and, in a good year, it represents
 approximately 3% of ST software sales.  This market includes programs as
 diverse as an onscreen coloring book for 2-year-olds and a program that
 simulates physical phenomena for the aspiring scientist.  It includes
 productivity programs whose users just happen to be children.  It
 encompasses Bible search programs, databases of Shakespearian
 quotations, electronic worksheets, Morse Code generators, and a variety
 of games with a definite instructional purpose.

 Tom Nielsen of eSTeem, inc. (205-941-4910), developer of the PILOT
 authoring language, made his show debut at the WAACE AtariFest '91 and
 offered a seminar to demonstrate this powerful program.  Teachers (and
 others) can use the program to develop their own tailor-made software
 curriculum.  The price was lowered late this year to $79.95.  To
 encourage the use of the program in schools, eSTeem announced a free
 site license to be granted to early purchasers of the product.  A most
 unique feature of PILOT is its ability to work in concert with external
 devices such as a videodisc player or CD-ROM.  This kind of support will
 help make ST family of computers competitive with the latest technology
 in computer-assisted education.  eSTeem has also made available a
 shareware version of the PILOT runtime program, COPILOT, so that those
 who don't own PILOT itself can still make use of PILOT applications.

 Back in 1990, shareware programmer Ken Kressin (K.KRESSIN) of the
 Knowledge Vine released seven educational programs for children (and
 adults) which have become staples of user group and "PD" libraries
 across the nation.  Ken's programs are unique in their effective use of
 delightful animations for both entertainment and instruction.
 Unfortunately for ST users, Ken's life this year was disrupted by a
 move.  He assures me, however, that he is working on additional programs
 in the Knowledge Vine series, so look for more releases soon.  His older
 shareware files all note his previous address.  Please update your
 address book, and keep those shareware contributions pouring in!  Ken's
 current address:

 The Knowledge Vine
 440 Adams Street
 Plattville, WI 53818

 Albert Bagetta (BAGET) has continued to come out with an eclectic array
 of shareware programs for children and adults, many of which have an
 academic or instructional purpose.  Want to analyse Browning's poetry?
 Yep, there's a Bagetta program to handle that (file #19164).

 G. Wren (G.WREN) has updated his shareware teacher's database, CLASS, to
 version 3.1 (file #20591).  Andzrej Wrotniak (J.WROTNIAK) has improved
 his commercial El_Cal and StarBase so much that I wonder how far they
 can go from here.  Minimalist versions of these programs are available
 without cost.  (STAR2000.LZH is file #21570 and SUBCAL20.LZH is file
 #21565).  Although WizWorks! (C.WALTERS1) isn't usually mentioned in
 discussions of edsoft, I believe their MugShot belongs here.  1991 has
 seen several improvements and extensions of this kidfriendly program.

 Artisan Software has long offered the only commercial crossword creator
 for the ST in the US, Word Search 2.  Now ST users have a choice: John
 Hutchinson (JOHN-HUTCH) of Fair Dinkham Technologies (505-662-7236) has
 just announced the commercial release of Crossword Creator and Word
 Search Creator.  At $24.95 and $19.95 respectively, these programs are
 priced to fit school budgets.  A demo version of Crossword Creator is
 available on GEnie (file #21595).

 I spent most of my development time this year translating some of my
 commercial programs to foreign tongues.  Kidpublisher Professional,
 Kidpainter, and Super Kidgrid are now available in German, Icelandic,
 and Dutch as well as English, and additional translations are underway.
 We also developed a "Creative Discovery Packet" which we market to early
 childhood teachers through education conferences.  The packet includes a
 1040STe, 11 preschool-level programs specially-designed for classroom
 use, a users manual, disk box, and mouse pad.  We've seen a lot of
 interest at the conferences we've attended, and we intend to show the
 package at more conferences next year.  Because of his role in the
 development of this Packet, my educational consultant has been invited
 to speak at a regional conference in February.

 We have several new programs under development.  Closest to release (1st
 Quarter of 1992) is Multiplay, a program that provides a variety of
 activities related to multiplication and addition.  A miniature version
 of this program, Mini-Multiplay, has already become part of our
 "Learning Games Packet", a diskbox with 10 programs drawn from a variety
 of sources in the PD/shareware and commercial markets.

 We are not the only ones who have thought of bundling STs with software
 for the educational market.  Computer Curriculum Corporation has placed
 many STs in computer labs across the country over the past five years.
 Atari UK and Atari Canada have offered an educational package to
 consumers.  Now Atari US has announced at Comdex the availability of a
 "Family Curriculum" bundled with a 1040STe computer.  The package
 contains programs that should interest nearly everyone in the family.

 The Educators' Atari Club has long supported teachers using 8-bit Ataris
 in their classrooms.  This year, the group has begun to add ST support,
 and I feel certain that this will extend their effectiveness in helping
 teachers get the most out of a classroom ST.  If you know a teacher who
 is using an ST (or an 8-bit) in the classroom, please let them know
 about this club and its informative newsletters!  Applications for
 membership are available from:
 Peter Loeser
 P.O. Box 1024
 Laytonville, CA 95454
 Membership is only $25 and includes a subscription to AIM as well.

 There have been many new products released in the UK this year.  As far
 as I know, none of them have made their way over the Ocean except in
 isolated purchases by dealers.  Many of the new UK programs are specific
 to the National Curriculum in England.

 Others would require Americanization to be useful in the US; a spelling
 program that claims "realize" is misspelled isn't that helpful to
 American third-grader.  I am watching for programs that are genuinely
 different from the many edsoft products already available in the US.

 There aren't many developers in North America currently offering
 educational products.  For a long time, I was the only one who was a
 member of the IAAD, so, while that group was useful to me in regard to
 concerns common to all developers, it was not so beneficial in
 addressing concerns that were specific to the edsoft market.  Now edsoft
 developers are working to communicate more regularly.  This should
 benefit both the individual developers and the teachers and students who
 use their products.

 I'm hearing from a lot of teachers throughout the world who are using STs
 in their classrooms, and I hope this trend continues.  Schoolchildren
 from New Zealand are penning their first stories with Kidpublisher
 Professional, Icelandic 3rd-graders are making color-by-number pictures
 for each other with Super Kidgrid, New Yorkers are singing along with
 Telegram, handicapped elementary pupils in Holland are experimenting
 with Kidpainter's mirror-imaging function.  I've noticed a trend among
 the parents I meet at shows also.  It used to be that many parents kept
 the home computer to themselves.  Over and over, I would hear the
 remark, "If I let them use it, I'll never get a chance to use the
 computer myself!"  Now I see parents passing the old 520 on to their
 children when they purchase a more advanced ST/TT.

 There are signs, such as the "Family Curriculum" bundle, that Atari is
 taking the family/school market seriously.  I've had discussions with
 both Atari Canada and Atari US this year that have shown that Atari does
 indeed have an interest in this market and a willingness to address its
 needs.  With the hoped-for changes in marketing by Atari, more
 developers will have the incentive to release programs for the
 educational market.  The software we already have is varied and
 powerful.  Edsoft developers are working together to improve their
 products and to market them more effectively.  I expect 1992 to bring
 new offerings to strengthen this market and make the ST a more
 attractive purchase for the schoolroom and home.



 =======================================================================
                           YEAR IN REVIEW: 1991
                    ATARI GREAT LAKES REGION IN REVIEW
                          by Mike Brown (LCACE)
 =======================================================================


 The past year has been very active for Atarians in the Great Lakes
 Region.  This year, we have been especially blessed with a great wealth
 of special events and activities to keep the interest level of faithful
 Atarians at a fever pitch.

 Some highlights:

 - Atari debuted their "Professional Systems Group" with many and varied
 solutions for "Direct to Press" applications.  Atari established
 themselves as a serious player in the DTP market with an outstanding
 showing at the Corporate Electronic Publishing Show (CEPS) held at
 Chicago's McCormick Place.  Atari invited a number of European and
 Domestic business partners to exhibit at CEPS in the Atari booth.  Among
 those showing products were: 3K, ISD Marketing, Goldleaf Publishing, and
 SoftLogik Publishing.

 - Milwaukee Atari ST user group held their first annual spring
 AtariFest.  The one-day event drew developers from across the country
 for a great festival of Atari enthusiasm.

 - Indiana user groups MIST, BLAST and ASCII co-produced AtariFest III
 held in Indianapolis.  A great showing of developers and user groups
 played to a fine Midwestern crowd.  There was an organizational meeting
 held at the show to solidify ties within the newly-established Midwest
 Atari Regional Council (MARC) member user groups, and to provide
 information to potential MARC members.

 - Washtenaw and Windsor Atari user groups co-produced the Detroit-
 Windsor International AtariFest held on Windsor's St. Clair College
 campus.  The show produced good crowds despite poor weather and fears
 about customs difficulty.  Many new products debuted at this show, such
 as Gadgets by Small's 68030 "SST", JMG's HyperLink, etc.

 - Milwaukee's MilAtari User Group again did a fine job of handling the
 computer gaming area for Atari Corp. at TSR, Inc's "GenCon" general
 gaming fair.  Over 50 Atari ST systems were dedicated for open gaming
 and for MIDI-maze competitions.  Many thousands of attendees were
 exposed to Atari computer systems and LYNX machines for the first time.

 - Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts expanded their previously
 regional shows into a partnership show sponsored by Atari called
 "Chicago ComputerFest by Atari.  Emphasis was placed on attracting the
 existing Atari userbase as well as the potential Atari buyer.  A number
 of unique ideas were tried, such as teaching seminars, extensive 8-bit
 support, and a gaming area run by MilAtari (patterned after their area
 at GenCon).  The show marked a new era of cooperation between Atari
 Corp. and Atari User Groups to produce professional-level shows.  The
 first annual MARC Excellence awards were presented (for outstanding
 service to the Atari community) at the show banquet.

 As always, the enthusiasm of the userbase itself has fueled these
 significant milestones of 1991.  We hope that the Atari community will
 "keep the faith" and continue to give their enthusiastic support to
 their local user groups and to special projects sponsored by them.  If
 you are not currently a user group member, please consider visiting your
 local users group and giving them a much needed show of support.

 Although the past year was a banner one for the Great Lakes Region, we
 are already planning for the future.  In 1992, the collective user
 groups of the Great Lakes Region plan to establish stronger ties under
 the MARC umbrella.  This cooperation will better coordinate special
 events held in the Great Lakes Region, and establish a stronger and
 clearer united voice speaking to issues affecting the Atari community.



 =======================================================================
                           YEAR IN REVIEW: 1991
                         ATARI IN 1991 AND BEYOND
                            by Gordon R. Meyer
 =======================================================================
 CIS: 72307,1502                               GEnie and Delphi: GRMEYER


 In thinking about the current (and future) state of Atari, I find my
 thoughts drawn back to the year 1986.  Not in sad reflection on what
 "could have been if only Atari Corp had...[fill in the blank]", but
 rather on my original motivation to purchase my first 520ST.  To make a
 long story short, it was the speed, flash, and sexiness of the machine
 of the ST that led me to it.  It met the basic requirements of having an
 80 column display, a decent word processor, and it could play Joust.
 And it did all these things in a way that was, and still is, unlike any
 other computer on the market.  I plunked down my money ($800.00) and
 never really looked back.

 That 520ST is long gone, having been replaced by a series of four
 machines, each more sophisticated then the last.  My sophistication has
 grown too, and although First Word doesn't seem like the marvel it once
 did, Joust still gets a healthy work out on a regular basis.  While I'm
 no longer in awe of the machine, I now have an appreciation of what it
 has done for me, and the things it enables me to accomplish on a daily
 basis.

 This last year, 1991, was a good one.  It brought me some wonderful new
 software that has radically changed and improved my computer investment;
 an updated WordPerfect, CodeKeys, GramSlam and Grammar Expert,
 WordFlair, an updated MVG, MultiDesk Deluxe, MaxiFile III, Stalker3, and
 CardFile3 just to name a few.  There's freeware and shareware too;
 QuickCIS, Two Column Printer, BDB, On_Schedule and others are tools I
 use often and with much appreciation.

 Okay, maybe not all of these were introduced in 1991, but they were all
 added to my collection this year.  What counts is that they were new to
 me, undiscovered gems (no pun intended) in the Atari universe that have
 brought me much benefit and usefulness.  My assessment of whether 1991
 was a good year for this Atari user is this:  When I look back at what I
 was accomplishing with my ST at this time 1990, and compare it with
 today, the difference is amazing.  And this happened during a year that
 looked pretty darn bleak when it first started out.

 Somehow, the Atari future doesn't look as dim today as it did in
 December of 1990.  The exciting new hardware, a seemingly new attitude
 at Atari Corp, and a loyal and vocal user base all contribute to make it
 better.  One of the things I'm most excited about is the increase in
 software power and professionalism I've noticed in the last several
 months.  When I see packages like MultiDesk Deluxe and Stalker3 still
 coming down the pipeline I can't help but feel excited about what 1992
 might hold.  And I can't wait to find out what undiscovered gems I'll
 uncover along the way.

 I think we're seeing a new level of maturity and acceptance coming to
 the Atari market and user base.  As the Atari computers find may be
 their inevitable place in the market hierarchy, we users can stop
 wringing our hands and start enjoying our unique and oh-so endearing
 computers.



 =======================================================================
                           YEAR IN REVIEW: 1991
                 GENIE TOP 100 UTILITY DOWNLOADS OF 1991
                          Compiled by Ron Kovacs
 =======================================================================


 The following list has been compiled from the GEnie ST Roundtable
 library.  The period used starts from December 1, 1990 to November 30,
 1991.  The files were ranked by downloads accesses.

 File# Filename         Rank      Uploader     Date    Bytes    Accs  Lb
 ----- ------------     ----      ------------ ------  ------   ----  --
 19837 CPX.ARC           1      X ATARIDEV     910620  100096   1020   2
 19472 VKILL384.LZH      2      X V.PATRICELL1 910525   65152    872   2
 20271 ARCSHL26.ARC      3      X C.F.JOHNSON  910724   47232    854  40
 18942 LZH11318.LZH      4      X J.ROY18      910407   51660    779  40
 19476 LHA130.ARC        5      X R.BURROWS1   910525   61184    757  40
 18494 SPBT70.ARC        6      X G.W.MOORE    910303  182700    696   2
 18820 ARCSH24.ARC       7      X C.F.JOHNSON  910330   46620    696   2
 18561 DISKFIX2.LZH      8      X R.GLOVER3    910309   10080    661   2
 19233 DCPOPBAR.ARC      9      X DOUBLE-CLICK 910503    8960    628   2
 19959 TOS14FX2.LZH      10     X K.BAD        910629    1920    599   2
 21432 LZH_201H.LZH      11     X T.QUINN1     911101  111104    566  40
 18073 GERM2ENG.LZH      12     X D.HELMS      910126   51660    565   2
 19133 DCBOOTIT.ARC      13     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910426    5120    549   2
 18757 LHZ11316.LZH      14     X LEPULLEY     910324   21420    547  40
 18183 UNERASE.ARC       15     X GREG.B       910206   13860    535   2
 17999 DCMAXTRK.ARC      16     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910118    6300    526   2
 19844 DCSALVAG.ARC      17     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910621    5760    491   2
 18118 MEMFIL30.ARC      18     X R.FLASHMAN   910131   46620    490   2
 20124 GER_CPXS.LZH      19     X ST-REPORT    910710   29696    469   2
 20514 ZOO21.ARC         20     X S.YELVINGTO2 910815   62080    469  40
 20698 DCRUNREZ.ARC      21     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910830    4864    461   2
 20145 DISKSTAT.ARC      22     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910712   11136    449   2
 19193 PATCH302.ARC      23     X GRIBNIF      910430  184448    444   2
 18041 LOUDFORM.ARC      24     X GHUNGERFORD  910123   25200    443   2
 19417 ST_HDCB.ARC       25     X M.HILL13     910520    2816    442   2
 18493 SB_OTHER.ARC      26     X G.W.MOORE    910303   78120    422   2
 19620 STZIP08.LZH       27     X G.FORD5      910606   54656    420  40
 19451 DCR_TMAG.ARC      28     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910524    5376    419   2
 20529 DCMOMETR.ARC      29     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910816    6528    417   2
 21020 DCPOPBR2.ARC      30     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910920   11520    414   2
 19191 FIXQUEUE.ARC      31     X GRIBNIF      910430    8064    409   2
 20599 DCLITOFF.ARC      32     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910823    3840    407   2
 18985 DCTOPPER.ARC      33     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910412    4992    399   2
 17629 UNSIT.ARC         34     X STARFALL     901217   36540    392  40
 20472 FPPRNT.LZH        35     X F.PAWLOWSKI  910811    1920    390   2
 20705 EXTRACTR.LZH      36     X H.SARBER     910831   17152    384  40
 19299 DCRTCALL.ARC      37     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910510    4864    384   2
 19390 DCADUMP.ARC       38     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910518    5376    382   2
 17910 2COLUMNS.LZH      39     X JWC-OEO      910108   56700    381   2
 18060 MAGICBRW.LZH      40     X G.THERREAULT 910125   32760    372   2
 18038 MADFORMT.LZH      41     X TMP          910123   15120    368   2
 19610 GVIEW105.LZH      42     X JVAN         910605   72704    367   2
 19548 DC_MWRAP.ARC      43     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910531    5504    360   2
 18150 15_ICONS.LZH      44     X B.ROBINSON5  910203    6300    359   2
 19628 DCTOPER2.ARC      45     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910607    6144    359   2
 20009 MDATE.LZH         46     X J.H.CARROLL  910703   49536    358   2
 18612 APROCALC.ARC      47     X JAKOB        910313   60480    356   2
 20295 DCNOSTIC.ARC      48     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910726    7168    352   2
 20340 LZH11321.LZH      49     X M.CULVER3    910730   33536    351  40
 18276 DCDIRDMP.ARC      50     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910215    6300    350   2
 20636 SCSIWAIT.LZH      51     X L.HILL       910826    2944    342   2
 17852 HDFREE21.ARC      52     X P.VERMEULEN  910102   17640    333   2
 18197 DC_FKEYS.ARC      53     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910208    6300    331   2
 20619 EDI_UTI1.LZH      54     X E.KRIMEN     910824   23296    331   2
 21270 CPX_MDLS.LZH      55     X E.KRIMEN     911016   30336    328   2
 18729 ABFORMAT.ARC      56     X GHUNGERFORD  910321   20160    327   2
 18179 NOROACH.LZH       57     X K.BAD        910206   17640    325   2
 18298 D_VIEWER.ARC      58     X A.CUMMINGS   910217    8820    325   2
 17864 DCMSHIFT.ARC      59     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910104    5040    322   2
 20006 WEIRDER.LZH       60     X G.KICHOK     910703    8448    322   2
 19996 ST_ZIP09.LZH      61     X ST-REPORT    910702   55680    319   2
 18983 MULTI135.LZH      62     X R.JUDSON     910412   16256    317   2
 20546 PULLDOWN.ARC      63     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910817    4864    316   2
 18100 IBMDISK.ARC       64     X ANTIC        910128   34020    314   2
 20616 CHKHD81.LZH       65     X E.KRIMEN     910824   34944    307   2
 19286 STREE102.ARC      66     X ST-GUEST     910509   50304    302   2
 19739 DCRESERV.ARC      67     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910614    8576    299   2
 18485 MCGBROWS.LZH      68     X G.THERREAULT 910303   35280    298   2
 20587 BOOT_CPX.LZH      69     X E.KRIMEN     910822    4608    296   2
 18683 ST_TOOLS.LZH      70     X JVAN         910317   59220    294   2
 20027 XSHELL.LZH        71     X DARLAH       910704  247296    293  40
 19136 FUNKALRT.ARC      72     X C.F.JOHNSON  910426    3200    291   2
 17857 PFXPAK.LZH        73     X W.LORING1    910103    7560    290   2
 21155 VDPQSHAR.ARC      74     X MCP.TECH01   911003    2560    290   2
 20966 SUPERBTA.PRG      75     X G.W.MOORE    910917     768    290   2
 21008 SUPRAALL.LZH      76     X SUPRATECH    910919  139392    285   2
 18101 NEO_ICON.LZH      77     X W.BAUGH      910128    5040    276   2
 19085 ACC13.ARC         78     X MURRAY       910421    1280    276   2
 17903 BOOTTECH.LZH      79     X MAG.SOFTWARE 910107   10080    273   2
 18156 NOTEPAD.LZH       80     X R.COATE2     910204   13860    272   2
 18467 DCFLPCFG.ARC      81     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910301    5040    272   2
 21184 REDFORM.LZH       82     X V.PATRICELL1 911007   25728    270   2
 21687 LZH201I.LZH       83     X E.KRIMEN     911124   66304    269  40
 20463 FRMDO12D.LZH      84     X GRIBNIF      910810   18176    268   2
 20958 KDP65.LZH         85     X MAG.SOFTWARE 910916   22656    268   2
 19784 LOWSWITCH.ARC     86     X R.HARRINGTO1 910616   10752    266   2
 20051 SHOWMEM4.ARC      87     X J.EIDSVOOG1  910705    4736    265   2
 18397 SNAPIT.ARC        88     X D.SIMPSON7   910224    3780    263   2
 17987 PFXPAK2.LZH       89     X W.LORING1    910114   10080    262   2
 20221 DCMOUSER.ARC      90     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910719    4992    259   2
 21314 JAMPACK4.LZH      91     X R.GLOVER3    911020   39552    258  40
 19027 HOT_9104.LZH      92     X G.THERREAULT 910415    9472    258   2
 19330 HOTSAV16.LZH      93     X J.EIDSVOOG1  910512   24064    256   2
 21240 AREACO30.ARC      94     X GRMEYER      911012   55552    254   2
 21154 PROQUEUE.ARC      95     X MCP.TECH01   911003  227968    254   2
 19137 MAXI_PAT.PRG      96     X C.F.JOHNSON  910426    8576    252   2
 19149 MAXIPAT2.PRG      97     X C.F.JOHNSON  910428    6528    251   2
 18912 DC_RT_DC.ARC      98     X DOUBLE-CLICK 910405    5040    247   2
 20048 CLOCKSET.ARC      99     X J.EIDSVOOG1  910705    3584    245   2
 18361 FUJDESTT.ARC      100    X C.WALTERS1   910221    5040    244   2


 =======================================================================
 * PERUSING GENIE                                  Compiled by Ed Krimen
 =======================================================================

 Copyright (C)1991, Atari Corporation, GEnie, and the Atari  Roundtables.
 May be reprinted only with this notice intact.  The Atari Roundtables on
 GEnie are *official* information services of Atari Corporation.  To sign
 up for GEnie service,  call (with modem)  800-638-8369.  Upon connection
 type  HHH  (RETURN  after  that).   Wait  for   the  U#=  prompt.   Type
 XJM11877,GEnie  and  hit  RETURN.  The system  will  prompt you for your
 information.


 Atari Advertising
 =================
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 3
 Message 154       Sun Dec 01, 1991
 S.COLLER [Steve]             at 13:08 EST

 The December issue of KEYBOARD Magazine has an official ATARI Christmas
 ad on page 50.  It is nice to see!

 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 3
 Message 158       Tue Dec 03, 1991
 B.REHBOCK [Bill@Atari]       at 02:37 EST

 I am not sure of the market coverage, but I am sure that we currently
 have Christmas season Lynx ads on MTV and NBC and its affiliates.  The
 Music marketing ads have hit, and we are working on the DTP/Professional
 Systems Group ads right now.

 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 3
 Message 159       Wed Dec 04, 1991
 BOB-BRODIE [Atari Corp.]     at 17:28 EST

 Steve,

 The Lynx ads are being run primarily in Los Angeles right now.  Why, you
 ask?  Well, there are close to 20 Million people in the Southern
 California area, served by the big networks there.  The signals get
 picked up by cable tv, and taken as far north as Santa Barbara and south
 to San Diego.  That's an area bigger than a lot of states, both in
 population, and geography.

 Re Walter Koenig.  Your mistaken on this.  The plans for an effort with
 Walter Koenig are for the Science Fiction cable channel.  Which, to the
 best of my knowledge, isn't on the air yet.  But will be soon.  Look for
 an interview with Walter in an issue of Atari Explorer.  We sent Mike
 Fulton, our resident Trekker, to visit Walter and help him get set up
 with his Mega STE system.

 J.Saint1,

 At the present time, we're sold out on Lynxes.  Our entire inventory is
 committed.  The LA area promotion is going to be the biggie for now.
 Things are going just GREAT for the Lynx right now!!!!

 Nevin,

 Don't forget to get a look at the current issue of Seybold Reports, too!
 They have an extensive story on Atari, and our developers that
 participate in the professional systems group.

 regards,
 Bob Brodie
 ----------

 Developers' Kit
 ===============
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 17
 Message 20        Mon Dec 02, 1991
 B.REHBOCK [Bill@Atari]       at 00:46 EST

 The number for developer kit ordering/information is 408-745-2022.  Gail
 Bacani is the person you will speak to.  If you have any detailed
 questions you need answered, feel free to e-mail myself, or Mike Fulton
 (B.REHBOCK, MIKE-FULTON) here on GEnie.

 If you are interested in developing peripheral or enhancement hardware,
 there are hardware specs, schematics, etc. available on request to
 commercial level developers.

 -Bill Rehbock, Director of Technical Services, Atari Corp.
 ----------

 Satisfied Atari Users
 =====================

 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 18,  Topic 22
 Message 137       Fri Nov 29, 1991
 M.CAWTHON3 [Mike]            at 02:21 EST

 Welcome Aboard!

 The TT is one hell of a bargan!  And don't forget, the TT comes with a
 very nice Keyboard and mouse which are extra bucks on the Mac.  I have
 compared the TT to my friends IIsi and I find the TT to be much faster
 and an all around better machine.  I use the Spectre for Macintosh
 software and the TT runs circles around the MAC.  If you do a lot of DTP
 and you can afford it, buy the 19" monitor, man what a pleasure it is
 working with this monitor.  I am looking forward to the next upgrade
 from Dave Small, I here the spectre software will work with the internal
 SCSI HD.  I recently did a graphics handling demonstration for the Front
 Range Desktop Publishers Association, I can tell you that all were very
 impressed with the machine.  This group included many hard core Mac and
 PC users, when they saw the TT in action, well these are some quotes
 "Did you see that!, that sure was fast, what a crisp monitor display,
 what program is that?  PageStream, wow, pagemaker won't do that, I have
 to switch to another program, do the work, and then load it into page
 maker!, nice looking machine" and a lot of other comments about the
 machine, all good!!  I really felt good about my decision to purchase a
 TT over a Mac or PC.  One PC Page Maker user asked how much PageStream
 was going for and when I told her-her jaw about hit the floor and many
 ooooos and aaahhs came from the audience.

 Count me in on the Satisfied Atari Customer List!
 Talk to ya l8ter... Mike
 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 18,  Topic 2
 Message 74        Sun Dec 01, 1991
 D.DAVIS42                    at 22:36 EST

 I have been following this message base for a while, listening to both
 sides of these arguments.  And I must admit, I have been seriously
 thinking of buying a non-Atari computer, because I felt like I 'should'.
 At work I use an AT&T micro-mini under UNIX sys 5, and a 386SX PC.

 I thought that the reason I have stayed with Atari is because I have had
 an Atari since the 600XL and have since owned about 4 8-bits and 2 ST's.
 But after my experiences in my professional life, I believe that the
 reason I have stayed with the Atari computers is because they do the
 best job FOR WHAT I DO, and I can afford them.  And I might add, after
 listening to some of the disussions pro versus con here, I have decided
 that investing in a new Atari computer is the right thing to do for me.

 The arguments about clockspeed and resolution are, in alot of cases,
 just number chasing (IMHO) with regard to the tasks they will be used
 for.  I can get routine tasks done much quicker on my ST than the same
 tasks on the 386SX at work.  I'm sure there are alot people that can do
 it faster on the PC, but I'll stick with the ST.

 Finally, I really do believe things will get better for the ST/TT line.
 (No.. I haven't been drinking) <grin>.  And, yes.. a big factor in my
 staying Atari is the people who use and support it.  So it looks like my
 next decision is whether to get a MSTE or a TT.

 Later
 Darrel
 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 18,  Topic 2
 Message 75        Mon Dec 02, 1991
 N.WEINRESS [IAAD Member]     at 00:00 EST

 Nicely said, Darrel.  I never owned an Atari before getting an ST, but I
 did own other 8-bit systems.  I like the ST and stick with it because of
 the GEM operating system...the full version we have in contrast to the
 emasculated one on the PC's.  I've had to buy PC's for certain technical
 programs that just aren't available on the ST, but that's all I use them
 for.  For everything else, I use the Atari's.  They're  comfortable, I
 guess.

 Norm
 ----------

 Megafile Help
 =============
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 22
 Message 39        Tue Dec 03, 1991
 M.EVERHART2 [MIDIMIKE]       at 04:04 EST

 Perhaps someone in this category can offer advise.  I wish to use a
 Megafile 30 with a Mega STE, and need to change the device #.  How do I
 do this?  I opened the case but there are no DIP switches visible.

 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 22
 Message 40        Tue Dec 03, 1991
 M.DRYSDALE [Drys]            at 07:52 EST

 Take the metal shielding off and you'll be able to see the DIP switches
 on a MEGAFILE 30.

 Mike Drysdale, TEAM COMPUTERS
 ----------

 STE SIMMs and Monitor Info
 ==========================
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 6
 Message 62        Mon Dec 02, 1991
 G.HAUER [GHauer]             at 23:07 EST

 I went out shopping for a 4-meg 1040 STe today and found only one dealer
 that will have them in stock later this week.  I was told the machine I
 ordered "will be a 520 STe with 4 megabytes of memory.  They're all the
 same - the 1040's and the 520's - except for the label on the case and
 the amount of memory."

 Is this true, or will I be getting a machine with reduced capability and
 expanded memory?

 I'll  ===> VERY MUCH <=== appreciate responses to this question by
 December 4 so I can cancel the order if I need to.

 Thanks!... Gary Hauer
 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 6
 Message 63        Mon Dec 02, 1991
 D.A.BRUMLEVE [kidprgs]       at 23:41 EST

 Gary, the dealer is giving you the real scoop.  My nephew bought a
 520STe last year and upgraded it to 4meg.  It's every bit an STe.

 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 6
 Message 64        Tue Dec 03, 1991
 S.WINICK                     at 07:11 EST

 Gary,

 To the best of my knowledge, all 520STe distributed in this country so
 far have had all 4 SIMM sockets in place for easy upgrading.  That rumor
 about the crippled 520STe's has been floating around for some time now;
 but so far its only been a rumor.  All 520STe's we've seen have had all
 4 SIMM sockets in place.

 As long as you're having your dealer upgrade your system memory before
 delivery, you'll know for sure about whether or not all 4 SIMM sockets
 are in place in your machine anyway.

 Atari is shipping 1040STe's and the 1040STe Family Curriculum special
 bundles.  We received a shipment of them yesterday, as a matter of fact.
 The bundle includes 5 boxes of software, with a total of 12 disks full
 of useful software for everyone in the family from early learning
 through home business applications.

 I don't think Atari has begun shipping the 520STe bundles yet; I believe
 they're still waiting for the next shipment to arrive.  The're supposed
 to be available BEFORE Christmas, but if that date is critical to you,
 you might want to make alternative plans with your dealer for a 1040STe
 --- just in case!

 There are also specials available on the SC1224 color monitors.  The
 difference in price between that and the newer 14" SC1435 may be very
 appealing to anyone on a limited budget.  And while the 1435 offers a
 larger picture and stereo sound, the 1224 is definitely superior for
 text display because it offers a tighter dot per inch display to go
 along with its lower price.

 Regards,
 Sheldon Winick (Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ----------

 ST Book Durability
 ==================
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 7
 Message 152       Mon Dec 02, 1991
 B.REHBOCK [Bill@Atari]       at 00:26 EST

 I have one thing to add to Tracy's comments. (Being one of the two
 people that have actually been beating up STBOOKs 'on the road' [Sam
 Tramiel is the other:-) ])

 1) My personal record is over 11 hours on a charge

 2) The latest (but not final) revision of the latch is very solid.

 3) The rest of the machine is quite solid and reliable; so far mine has
    been: dropped in a duffle bag from waist-high (Tracy was carrying it
    and the strap on the bag broke) and the lid was closed on my thumb,
    enough to bruise my fingernail (by Leonard Tramiel, accidentally :-)
    and it has not skipped a beat!

 -Bill Rehbock, Atari Corp.
 ----------

 STylus Development
 ==================
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 7
 Message 154       Tue Dec 03, 1991
 B.REHBOCK [Bill@Atari]       at 02:53 EST

 Anthony, (and everyone)

 The situation with the STylus is not quite as bleak as reported.  We
 have the burner turned way up on shipping STBOOKs and TT's and FSMGDOS
 more than we have the burner turned 'down' on the STylus.  As I stated
 at the Chicago show, we are carefully looking at the Pen-Based market.
 We spoke at great depth with people at Comdex that looked at the
 Momenta, and the offerings that were at the Microsoft Pen-Windows booth.
 End-users demand well less than 1% error rate in the handwriting
 recognition software; nobody can offer that in software yet.  We are
 standing ready to launch it if the market should be able to bear the
 product, but right now, there are a lot of companies spending a lot of
 money on the Pen-Based market and getting absolutely _nowhere_ with
 them.  The GridPad has been on the market for over three years and it
 along with the other dozen or so Pen-Based units that have been on the
 market have had less than 10,000 total sales WORLD-WIDE.  The Pen-Based
 market is still for the Vertical/Industrial OEM-types, not the consumer-
 oriented.  We are monitoring the market very carefully and assure you
 that the ball won't be dropped, but we're not going to waste our time
 chasing windmills when our time and resources are better spent on much
 more important things.

 -Bill
 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 7
 Message 155       Tue Dec 03, 1991
 S.WINICK                     at 07:14 EST

 I have to agree with Atari's position regarding STylus development, as
 stated in Bill Rehbock's previous post.  While everyone is always
 interested in state-of-the-art systems, the "real" market for such
 technology is often limited for very expensive systems.  And new
 technology invariably IS very expensive when it first appears.

 For a relatively small company like Atari, what is most needed are
 solid, dependable, and affordable systems that are readily available.
 Atari will definitely benefit from giving priority to increasing its
 production and distribution capabilities of saleable, affordable systems
 such as the STBook and class B TT030 to round out its product offerings.
 Add in a well-designed advertising and dealer recruitment program along
 with improved dealer support (which will translate to improved customer
 support as well!) and we'll see an Atari on the move --- for real!

 Sheldon Winick (IADA/Computer STudio - Asheville, NC)
 ----------
 Atari-ST RoundTable
 Category 14,  Topic 7
 Message 156       Tue Dec 03, 1991
 J.SPANDE [John Spande]       at 19:56 EST

 While I agree with everything that Bill and Sheldon said, I think there
 is one other important consideration.  I understand that Atari's Stylus
 acheived better handwriting accuracy than others.  If this is the case
 there might be the opporunity to achieve some favorable recognition
 among professional users.  The Atari name can use all the respect it can
 get.  Even if the Stylus were not a money maker in and of itself, it
 might result in a net gain by improving STbook and TT/MSTE sales.



 =======================================================================
                           YEAR IN REVIEW: 1991
            TOP 25 Z*NET DOWNLOADS OF 1991 ON GENIE/COMPUSERVE
                          Compiled by Ron Kovacs
 =======================================================================


 The following list was compiled from the GEnie ST Roundtable Library 25.
 And CompuServe Atari Arts Forum.  Period used: December 1, 1990 thru
 November 30, 1991.

 GENIE
 -----
 21164 ZNET9142.ARC             X Z-NET        911004   35456    776  25
 20817 ZNET9137.ARC             X Z-NET        910907   29952    662  25
 19463 ZNET9122.ARC             X Z-NET        910524   28032    645  25
 19239 ZNET9118.ARC             X Z-NET        910503   39424    641  25
 21019 ZNET9140.ARC             X Z-NET        910920   32384    639  25
 17956 ZNET9102.ARC             X Z-NET        910112   25200    637  25
 17880 ZNET9101.ARC             X Z-NET        910105   27720    635  25
 19387 ZNET9121.ARC             X Z-NET        910517   28416    626  25
 18743 ZNET9111.ARC             X Z-NET        910322   37800    624  25
 18385 ZNET9107.ARC             X Z-NET        910223   34020    621  25
 19066 ZNET9116.ARC             X Z-NET        910420   27904    621  25
 21354 ZNET9145.ARC             X Z-NET        911025   39168    620  25
 19745 ZNET9125.ARC             X Z-NET        910614   29440    606  25
 19559 ZNET9123.ARC             X Z-NET        910531   32640    602  25
 20922 ZNET9138.ARC             X Z-NET        910914   40960    599  25
 17597 ZNET549.ARC              X Z-NET        901215   32760    597  25
 18666 ZNET9110.ARC             X Z-NET        910315   35280    596  25
 20149 ZNET9129.ARC             X Z-NET        910712   36224    594  25
 18804 ZNET9112.ARC             X Z-NET        910329   37800    593  25
 18140 ZNET9104.ARC             X Z-NET        910202   35280    588  25
 18477 ZNET9108.ARC             X Z-NET        910302   23940    581  25
 18988 ZNET9115.ARC             X Z-NET        910412   40704    580  25
 18283 ZNET9106.ARC             X Z-NET        910216   28980    575  25
 18205 ZNET9105.ARC             X Z-NET        910209   50400    575  25

 COMPUSERVE
 ----------
 Z9120.TXT/Asc   Bytes:   2676, Count:  211, 15-May-91
 Z9121.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  28416, Count:  112, 18-May-91
 ZNT549.ARC/Bin  Bytes:  30464, Count:  118, 15-Dec-90
 ZN9109.ARC/Bin  Bytes:  37376, Count:  104, 09-Mar-91
 Z9148.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  33536, Count:   99, 16-Nov-91
 Z9144.TXT/Asc   Bytes:   8320, Count:   99, 19-Oct-91
 ZNT914.ARC/Bin  Bytes:  33536, Count:   94, 03-Feb-91
 Z9111.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  35328, Count:   93, 22-Mar-91
 Z9140.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  32384, Count:   93, 20-Sep-91
 ZN9108.ARC/Bin  Bytes:  22400, Count:   89, 02-Mar-91
 Z9105.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  48384, Count:   89, 12-Feb-91
 Z9117.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  35200, Count:   89, 27-Apr-91
 Z9122.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  28032, Count:   89, 25-May-91
 Z9142.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  35456, Count:   88, 04-Oct-91
 Z9138.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  40960, Count:   87, 15-Sep-91
 Z9116.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  27904, Count:   82, 20-Apr-91
 Z9123.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  32640, Count:   82, 01-Jun-91
 Z9141.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  32000, Count:   81, 28-Sep-91
 Z9125.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  29440, Count:   79, 15-Jun-91
 Z9115.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  40704, Count:   77, 13-Apr-91
 Z9118.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  39424, Count:   75, 04-May-91
 Z9133.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  29952, Count:   75, 10-Aug-91
 Z9112.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  35456, Count:   74, 29-Mar-91
 Z9119.ARC/Bin   Bytes:  30080, Count:   74, 11-May-91


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