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ZMAGAZINE WEEKLY ONLINE MAGAZINE
----------------------------------------------
November 12, 1989 | Volume 4 Number 43
----------------- ||| --------------------
Publisher/Editor: ||||| Copyright (c)1989
Ron Kovacs ||||||| Rovac Industries,Inc
----------------- ||||| --------------------
The ZNet BBS ||| CompuServe:71777,2140
(201) 968-8148 | GEnie: ZMAGAZINE
----------------------------------------------
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
* CONTENTS *
<*> Editors Desk.............Ron Kovacs
<*> Atari at Comdex Preview...John Nagy
<*> ZNet Newswire......................
<*> Atari In Force at McDonnell Show...
<*> ZNet Newswire - Part 2.............
<*> Oasis BBS Update...................
<*> Public Domain Shelf......Ron Kovacs
<*> Future of Atari 8-Bit Computers....
<*> The Revolution Continues.....Part 1
Xx EDITORS DESK
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by Ron Kovacs
We are pleased to announce the return of BBS service for ZMagazine and
the rest of our publications. The number is (201) 968-8148 and
available 24 hours a day effective now! You can find old issues of
ZMagazine online and discuss current events along with feedback.
Thank you for your continued support and please give our new BBS system
a call for the latest happenings at ZMag and ZNet.
Xx COMDEX PREVIEW - ATARI TO LOOK GOOD!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by John Nagy
Fall '89 COMDEX is billed as the -Gateway to the Global Marketplace- and
begins Monday, November 13. Atari is preparing a major exhibit
featuring a two-floor impressive booth, similar to the gala plazas from
IBM and ZENITH that dwarfed the Spring '89 Atari booth.
The placement for the Atari booth will again be outstanding, facing a
major entrance to the Las Vegas extravaganza that will feature over 1700
exhibitors. COMDEX is an international convention of computer industry
manufacturers who are looking for distribution. Everything is aimed at
the reseller, who comes to these shows to make deals and plans for the
next year's marketing and sales strategies. Vendors will include Micro
and Super Micro Computers and software, Mini computers and software, CAD
/CAM, peripherals, communications and board level products, Desktop
Publishing and graphics, custom software, furniture and accessories,
supplies, support, and more. Seminars are scheduled each of the five
days of the show, which will be one of the years larger Vegas crowds.
Atari will repeat their format of presenting -MANY- third party
developers at the sprawling Atari booth. The attendance list is like a
who's-who of Atari developers, each showing their product to help
demonstrate the power of the Atari market. This year, Atari will be one
of only two booths that will be showing a MAC compatible laptop.... Dave
Small's GCR cart in the STACY makes it just as capable at 1/3 the price
of the Apple version... and those who have seen both say the STACY has a
better screen! Dave will be at COMDEX, having just made some successful
last minute adjustments to his system after finding that the internal 40
meg hard drive in the sample STACY would not operate with the GCR.
Lots of Atari hardware will be shown, with the TT 68030 machines in the
spotlight. Numbers of popular applications will be shown running on the
new machines, many on the huge Moniterm monitors that will be everywhere
in the booth, in order to demonstrate the compatibility and speed
advantage of the new machine.
The PC line will be again shown, featuring the ABC nameplate (ATARI
BUSINESS COMPUTER), with the PC4-X AT 286 machine as the flagship.
Availability is posted as -first quarter 1990-.
Portfolio will likely bring even more attention since the world has
found out about it since the last COMDEX, and may lure many dealers and
distributors to the full Atari lineup... or at least make them more
aware that there IS a lineup.
The STE will likely be there showing the first Atari software to make
use of the 4,096 color palette and digital stereo sound... a game called
-White Water- with lots of action, graphic sophistication, and super
sound. Some of us will moan, hearing that the STE will thus begin its
public life with a GAME branded on its screen. But what else should we
expect from an Amigakiller?
Atari will have several announcements during the show, including the
formal introduction of DESKSET II, actually ready for market and in the
warehouses. This long-awaited -typography- system differs from other
Desktop Publishing packages in at least one dramatic way... it ONLY will
print to an ATARI SLM804 Laser printer OR a LINOTYPE setup!!! This
incredible limitation will certainly make DESKSET II look for a very
narrow market.
Also long awaited is the -document processor- called WORDFLAIR. Long
under development by BLUE CHIP under contract to Atari, WordFlair rights
were released by Atari and it will be sold as a third party product.
Atari is rumored to have wanted changes in the product that Blue Chip
was unwilling to make, so they parted ways. Blue Chip will, however, be
at COMDEX as well, looking for their own distribution channels.
Look for COMDEX announcements from ST*ZMAG/ZMAG during the week as we
will keep up on any breaking news. ST*ZMAG will have reporters on the
COMDEX floor to bring the latest information to our readers. Also be
sure to get our next ST*ZMAGAZINE issue as we will present a detailed
overview of the COMDEX that may have the largest ATARI presence of all
time. ZMagazine readers will see an overview of the Comdex show in two
weeks in Issue #181, November 26.
Xx ZNET NEWSWIRE
=======================================================================
* EDUCATION GRANTS *
Apple Computer is accepting proposals for a new grants program that
challenges educators to develop computer-based interdisciplinary
curriculums that encourage students to become more self-directed in
their learning. The program called Crossroads, is aimed at economically
disadvantaged students. More information can be obtained by writing to:
Apple Education Grants, 20525 Mariani Avenue, MS:38J, Cupertino,
California 95014. Deadline for applications is Jan. 8, 1990.
* LONG BATTLE FINALLY OVER *
EMI Music Worldwide and Capitol-EMI Music Inc., and George Harrison,
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono Lennon are very pleased to
announce the settlement of all outstanding lawsuits between the artists,
Apple, EMI Records and Capitol Records. The agreement, as a specific
term of the settlement, that neither they nor their representatives or
advisors will be permitted to make any comment or statement regarding
the settlement other than as appears in this announcement. -The
Beatles' recordings are a unique legacy in the history of popular music
which EMI has been privileged to represent since 1962. We are most
delighted to have resolved all the differences which arose between us in
recent years, and look forward to the continuation of our long standing
and close relationship with the artists and Apple.-
* 6+ MILLION DOLLARS LOST *
Commodore announced this week that their first quarter ended with a
loss of more than $6 milion dollars. Loss of sales of the C64 and
delayed promotions are the major cause for the loss. Amiga sales were
up and well as the PC compatible series.
* ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING *
FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes said newspapers would be smart to join, not
fight, phone companies' efforts in online electronic publishing and
computer information services. Mr. Sikes urged papers to use their
expertise in publising to boost the US telecommunications areas and move
into the electronic delivering of their product.
Xx MCDONNELL DOUGLAS ST. LOUIS COMPUTER SHOW
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (c)1989 GEnie Services
Reprinted by Permission
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 15, Sun Nov 05, 1989
by RJROBINSON [Ron Robinson] at 00:44 CST
The McDonnell Douglas/St. Louis Computer Fair was held in Building 33 of
the McDonnell Engineering Campus today. Several thousand people enjoyed
viewing a wide variety of computers ranging from the Timex Sinclair to
the the NeXT.
Atari turned out to be the suprise hit of the show thanks to the well
orchestrated displays and demonstrations of the entire range of Atari
hardware. Crowds around the Atari area were typically two to four times
larger than those observing the other computer families. I couldn't
help but grin as I heard -Atari makes computers too?- from folks
strolling through. The various local Users Groups, Randall's Computers,
and Atari all contributed to the Atari area at the show.
Items demonstrated at the Fair never before widely seen in St. Louis
included the Stacey, Spectre GCR, MegaFile 44 removable cartridge drive,
Moniterm Monitor, Atari Laser Printer, the T16 Accelerator board, PC
Speed, and the Portfolio.
This was my first opportunity to see the STacey. The machine at this
show was a production prototype that contained 4 meg of memory and a 40
meg hard drive. The blue backlighted LCD screen was sharp and easy to
read. The keyboard had a very nice feel with a positive click when
pressing a key. The trackball will take some getting used to. I
thought a little extra friction on the ball would help keep the cursor
from running away. Bob Brodie indicated the machine did not have a
Blitter or internal modem in its current configuration. He also gave me
the impression Atari is as anxious to start shipping STacey as are those
waiting. Atari is currently working towards FCC approval of the
machine. I hope so, Atari will not have any trouble selling these guys.
Calmus occupied a Mega 4 connected to the Moniterm Monitor most of the
day printing documents to the Atari Laser Printer. The Moniterm is as
wonderful as every one has claimed, the Atari Laser is faster than I
imagined. The MegaFile 44 was also connected to this machine. Bob
Brodie indicated he thought the MegaFile 44 should be very close to
release.
A VCR in the front rest area played ST generated video animations to the
enjoyment of those needing to rest their feet. Another ST displayed
animations real time. Sterling Webb, the author of Seurat (published in
the 3/89 issue of STart) demoed his latest creation tha allowed full
screen manipulation of IMG files in color. He had not decide how to
sell/distribute the program at this time.
MIDI demo's made sure the entire hall knew where the ST area was
situated. Members of the MIDI Sig showed all the latest in MIDI
hardware and software. I noticed the Amiga Sig on the other end of the
hall never did get their MIDI hardware operational :-)
PC Speed performed flawlessly throughout the show. It also flawlessly
emulated how boring the PeeCee's really are ;-) The Portfolio generated
a lot of interest also. I wonder if Bob ever got a chance to show it
off over in the IBM end of the hall?
The Spectre GCR generated a great deal of interest from Atari and
Macintosh users alike (a Mac Portable was at the show also). Many of
the top Mac products were loaded into the machine and demonstrated.
Operation was so easy and straight forward most people didn't even
notice the GCR. Claude Bramwell of the MDC RCC Atari Sig was sucessful
in getting Adobie Type Manager operating under GCR with a Star printer
during the show, generating some very nice printed output. Towards the
end of the show, the Spectre GCR was moved to the Mega/T16 providing a
pronounced performance increase. Several people who use the Mac every
day were noticably impressed (me too).
A couple of Atari 8 bit machines faithfully demonstrated Atari's roots.
Matt Ratcliff had his latest software creation displaying full
resolution Degas pictures on a monochrome 130XE screen.
Local Atari users particularly appreciated the visit by Bob Brodie of
Atari and Jeff Williams of GEnie. Bob and Jeff kept busy answering the
same questions a thousand times while showing off the STacey and
Portfolio to all. After the show, members from the three local users
groups accompanied Bob and Jeff for supper before the area wide users
group meeting.
The Users Groups meeting was opened by Bob Brodie giving a little
history of how and why he came to Atari. Jeff Williams presented GEnie
and the services it offers (half those present have GEnie accounts).
The meeting then moved on to a very frank and open 2 1/2 hour discussion
of Atari and its future. The bottom line was the impression that Atari
users have a valuable resource in the form of Bob Brodie listening to
their needs within Atari. We, as Atari users, share responsibility in
having our needs met, by effectively communicating what we need from
Atari.
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 21, Sun Nov 05, 1989
by GREG at 11:07 CST
The STacey shown at the McDonnell Douglas Computer Fair on November 4
was a 4 meg model with a 40 meg hard disk built in. Also the STacey has
midi in and out ports. Being a self-contained system, the STacey will
become the computer of choice for musicians.
The STacey has a very readable blue LCD screen and a full size keyboard
that had a nice touch to it. It has a built in track ball and a port to
plug in a mouse. The track ball makes use away from home convenient. I
found the track ball to be a little to fast for me. A hope that the
final production version is slower.
The STacey that Atari showed had the ADAP software from Hybrid Arts
installed on the hard disk. Since we just found out the details about
the show only two days in advance, our attempts to get in touch with
Hybrid Arts failed. Our calls to Hybrid Arts were answered by a
receptionist who tried to be helpful but didn't know the answers to our
questions and was unable to connect us up with anyone who did in time
for the show.
The STacey with sampling and sequencing software installed in it will
make a killer system. The Atari Rep at the show stated that Atari was
shooting for an under $4,000 price for the 4 meg STacey with 40 meg hard
drive. The STacey has not yet been released in the United States.
As part of the midi demo at the show, we were running demo version of
Tiger Editor by Dr. T. It got a very good response from all who tried
it with the only negative comment being the amount of time to load a
.MID format file.
We demoed sequencer programs for most of the day ranging from Music
Studio 88 to Miditrack running synthesizers from Kawai and Casio. The
stereo Tweety Board was also installed on the system we were using.
A thanks goes out to Randall Kopchak from ACE Saint Louis and Tom
Bergeron, editor of Recording and Publishing News, for working the midi
area of the Atari booth all day.
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 23, Sun Nov 05, 1989
by MAT.RAT at 19:18 EST
Yes, Bob and Jeff did an excellent job. We should note that the STacy's
640x400 display is similar in resolution to a standard EGA display for a
PC. Just down the hall Epson was showing off its latest 80286 laptop
machine with EGA resolution, backlit LCD graphics. The STacy's display
beat it hands down. The STacy was sharp and crips at every pixel. On
the Epson's display the screen was -mottled-, inconsistend shades of
gray over a full screen - it was a bit difficult to look at.
The STacy display is quite impressive. It will sell very well, as soon
at it makes it to market in force.
Category 11, Topic 10, Message 29, Mon Nov 06, 1989
by BOB-BRODIE at 16:22 EST
Thanks for the kind comments, one and all! Of course, *NONE* of this
would have been possible without the efforts of the fine folk in the
St. Louis area! Kudos to the McDonnell Douglas Recreational Computing
Club- Atari SIG for inviting Atari to the show, Randall's Home Computing
for their presence, and willingness to act as a receiving agent for all
the material I sent, Eastside Users Group- President Hank Vize, who took
a phone call from me and made things happen, and PEOPLE show up (thanks
a lot, Hank. REALLY!!), the many members of St. Louis ACE that I got to
meet, and last, but certainly not least, my good friend, Matt Ratcliff
who was the personal chauffuer of the -Jeff and Bob Show-, hauling us
all over town, to and from the airport, and to miscellaneous other
functions!
I had a great time, I think WE all opened a lot of eyes to the many fine
benefits that Atari Computers offer! I look forward to visiting St.
Louis again! Maybe by then we can give a Stacy for the door prize!! If
we do, let's hope an Atari user wins! The 520-ST FM was won by an IBM
user, who promptly approached Randalls about trading up to a 1040!!!!!!
I was really impressed with the effort put forth by all of the users at
the show. They helped put on 99.9% of the demos. Spectre GCR with the
Turbo 16 is very impressive indeed. The big Moniterm had the Mac users
looking at their Radius screen rather fornlornly. <<Thanks, Nathan!!
You nailed the problem on the head!!>> The others who have already
described the ongoing activities have already listed most of the events
of the day.
Thanks, once again, for inviting Atari, and supporting our efforts in
such a fine fashion!! It was indeed a pleasure...
Xx ZNET NEWSWIRE - PART 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
* FRETTER SEZ NO *
Fretter, Inc. has been involved in negotiations with Atari Corporation
over sale of Federated. Federated is a consumer electronic retail store
chained owned and operated by Atari Corp. Fretter could not reach an
agreement and terminated the negotiations.
* GAMETALK *
Mediagenic, part of Activsion, introduced Gametalk(TM), an object-
oriented game authoring system developed to enable efficient game design
and the creation of advanced graphics applications. The first title to
be released using Gametalk is Activision's -the Manhole- for IBM and
compatible personal computers, which was first shown at the Summer CES.
Mediagenic is a 1988 winner of the SPA Excellance in software Award for
best new use of a Computer.
* COMDEX TROUBLES *
The 4 day Fall Comdex show set for start next week may be greeted by
striking bartenders and culinary workers. The union has planned a walk-
out anytime in the next few days if new proposals are not offered.
Hiring of non-union workers has been offered if the strike indeed takes
place. The word of strike has effected all hotels around Las Vegas
causing booked rooms and hectic times ahead for Comdex participants.
* MICHAEL KATZ NAMED PRESIDENT *
Sega of America announced today, (11-10-89), that Michael V. Katz has
been named president of the company's Consumer division. Katz, who had
been president of the Atari Entertainment Electronics division since
1987, will assume his responsibilities at Sega immediately. Prior to
joining Atari, Katz served as president, chief executive officer and
director of Epyx Inc., a leading computer game software developer.
Katz' experience also includes serving as vice president of marketing
for Coleco Industries from 1979 to 1983 and as marketing director for
new products at Mattel from 1975 to 1979.
* HYBRID ARTS MIDI HOLIDAY SPECIAL *
For Atari user group members only
(Prices effective through November 30, 1989. S/H not included.)
ITEM RETAIL 1-3 4-7 8+
======================================================
SmpteTrack II (ST) $495 $450 $400 $325
EditTrack II (ST) $99 $89 $79 $69
EZ-Track Plus (ST) $65 $55 $45 $30
EZ-Score Plus (ST) $149 $135 $120 $100
Ludwig (ST) $149 $135 $120 $100
GenEdit (ST) $249 $225 $200 $175
GenPatch (ST) $149 $135 $120 $100
CZ-Android (ST) $99 $89 $79 $69
DX-Android (ST) $99 $89 $79 $69
MidiMaze (ST) $39 $10 $10 $10
Midi Cables (pr) $8.95 $8 $7 $5
MidiTrack III (8-Bit) $179 $89 $70 $53
MidiTrack II (8-Bit) $169 $79 $60 $43
Atari XM301 Modem $25 n/a n/a n/a
For details club officers should contact: Chez Bridges (User Group
Support) at (213) 841-0340, or mail to: Hybrid Arts, Inc., 8522 National
Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.
Xx OASIS BBS UPDATE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Press Release
From Z Innovators
If you or someone you know is planning to order OASIS 4.6 BBS, then
please read this notice. The contract between MAX Systems and Z
Innovators is null and void. The agreement announced by MAX Systems in
a press release on August 21, 1989, is NOT in effect. The following NEW
policy is effective immediately.
You must pay a support fee of $25.00 for access to Oasis 4.6 files and
SysOp help on XBN BBS. Once your BBS account has been validated, you
will have access to download all OASIS 4.6 files.
I apologize for any inconvenience this new policy may cause you. If
necessary, send a copy of your cancelled check to MAX Systems, or a copy
of your money order receipt, (no stubs will be accepted), and I will
grant you access.
I recommend that if you plan to order access to OASIS 4.6 support, you
should first obtain OASIS TEST DRIVE from a BBS nearer to you. OASIS
TEST DRIVE is a FREE, shareware version of OASIS 4.6 BBS. The only
differences are that OASIS TEST DRIVE is limited to only two MBE's, 70
password accounts per MBE, and no user file transfers. You can run a
BBS with OASIS TEST DRIVE and thereby better understand the system
before you order access to support. Converting an OASIS TEST DRIVE BBS
to OASIS 4.6 is very simple.
To download OASIS TEST DRIVE, or to obtain more information, call XBN
BBS at (617)-380-7886. This number is PC Pursuitable on the MABOS node.
The program and a support section is also available on GEnie services.
To order access to OASIS 4.6 support, send a check or money order for
$25.00, made payable to Z Innovators, to the following address:
Z Innovators
1344 Park St.
Dept. 187
Stoughton, MA 02072
In summary, you cannot order OASIS 4.6 BBS from MAX Systems. MAX
Systems is NOT authorized to sell OASIS BBS. Instead, order access to
OASIS 4.6 support on XBN BBS, from Z Innovators.
Xx PUBLIC DOMAIN SHELF
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
TEXTPRO Version 4.0
This is the latest version of TextPro as of Nov89. Special features of
previous versions are built into this one. Fully compatible with
SpartaDosX. Runs from hi-mem and uses all available memory for text and
paste buffers.
PHONELIST
This is an old Basic program modified to work with the 130XE. Fast and
user friendly with room for more modifications.
CHRISSIE.PIC
This picture available on GEnie is one of the first Vidi-ST pictures
ported over to the 8-bit, this is a scan of Chrissie Hynde of the
Pretenders converted to MicroIllustrator format. Compressed pic.
THIS_DAY.ARC
This is a very easy thing to set up for your PRO board. It has all the
files to run. It even includes a file where you can add in what
happened on a certain date. Incase you haven't guessed yet, this is for
Express Professional BBS users.
ILBMRD20.ARC
Here's Version 2.0 of ILBMREAD. This version lets you specify the
region to 'Zoom in on' with almost total flexibility, rather than the
coarse selections of width and height the previous versions had. Only a
small penalty in speed. Read the Docs before you erase V1.4 from your
disk. Also maintains save filename separate from load filename.
DRAGON.ARC
This is a character roller designed for use with DRAGONRAID, the Ethical
gaming alternative, a Fantasy Role-Playing Game like D&D, with a
Christian perspective. This roller creates and calculates characters
for the game, including printouts (an Epson type printer is
recommended.) UnArc, add DOS files, change RENAME.ME to AUTORUN.SYS and
boot with Basic. Docs included! Available on CompuServe.
BEDIT.ARC
Action! source code for the BEDIT 1.5 file editor. Not the cleanest
code, but it should be easier to follow than the code for MCIS. For the
exclusive use of SIG*ATARI members; feel free to use parts of this in
your own programs (just give credit in your docs), but please don't
upload this file elsewhere. Available on CompuServe.
ZREAD2.ARC
Same type of program as ZREAD.BAS, but for the new ASCII and 80 column
format. ZMAG should be on Disk as ZMAGxxx.TXT. This allows 8 bitters
to read with no conversion necessary. This version is in compiled Turbo
Basic.
CHREDT.ARC
This program is written by -The Fox and The Antimator- of the P.U.B. BBS
(702) 645-2366. It's quite similar to CHRCHG.ARC (BASIC) but the
graphics are much nicer, for what it's worth. You will need SUPER UN-
ARC *AND* DISKCOMM to convert this file into its original usable form as
a boot-disk.
BDOC41.ARC
ARCed documentation for version 4.1 of the BOWLING ASSISTANT for ATARI
XL & XE. The main program files (BPGM41.ARC) contain a full fledged
data base for bowling leagues, featuring stat listings, sorted rankings
in several categories, tracking of substitutes, awards, and much more!
The main program requires an XL/XE, and 1050 (or compatible) disk drive,
along with Turbo Basic and MYDOS 4.5
BPGM41.ARC
ARCed v4.1 of the BOWLING ASSISTANT program for ATARI XL/XE's, a full
featured league management system. (see BDOC41.ARC). MUST be used with
MYDOS 4.5 (only), Turbo Basic, and 1050 (or compatible) disk drive
('enhanced' density). UnArc the files to a MYDOS formatted disk. The
Turbo Basic language should be on the same disk named AUTORUN.SYS. If
you are using a RAMDISK (which is supported,) then name your RamDisk
handler AUTORUN.SYS and append TB.
LOTTOW.ARC
A series of Lottery Tracking programs in BASIC. Based on the Arizona
Lottery (42 numbers in groups of 6), it can be easily adapted to your
own needs. Shows patterns, ranks numbers based on frequency, and more.
UnArc and begin by running LOTTINIT to create Data files. Docs included
in the ARC file.
Xx THE CURIOUS FUTURE OF ATARI 8-BIT COMPUTERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary by Douglas Skrecky of Garden City ACE, Victoria B.C.
An Atari 8-bit computer plus disk drive costs about the same as a new
Atari ST with a single sided drive. So much for the Atari 8-bit. We
wouldn't give two bits for the future of the 8-bits, or would we?
A few years back Atari was selling more videogame machines than anyone
else. This machine, called the 2600 wasn't the best unit around. All
of the major competitors offered machines with superior graphics and
sound. Why did the 2600 beat Intellivision and the Coleco to the punch?
It was cheap, very cheap. The 2600 was the result of a sort of pre-
Tramiel 'Power without the Price' strategy. What does the past success
of the 2600 have to do with the future of the 8-bits?
Granted, a disk drive is going to cost about the same whether it is for
an ST or an 8-bit computer. Granted, that as a result the 8-bits are
finished as a viable computer system. Atari must have realized this
when it repackaged the system as the XE game machine. If the machine
were successful, it would encourage programers to port versions of all
the new games onto the 8-bit, and thus insure a continued support for
present 8-bit computer owners.
The only trouble is that the XE game machine is a bust. The reasons for
this are not hard to find. Videogame machines are as popular as ever.
Nintendo is making a fortune selling its videogame unit. Why does the
Nintendo fly while the XEG flops? Quite simply, it is the better unit
of the two, and it sells for about the same price. Atari made the
mistake of competing head to head with Nintendo using an inferior
machine. An 8-bit game machine could easily duplicate the success of
the 2600 provided the 2600 strategy is used. Forget the laser gun.
Toss out the keyboard. Remove the built-in game and BASIC. Even the
64K of RAM is not needed to run the vast majority of cartridges. Cram
the 8-bit down into a modern version of the 2600 and you could sell it
with a modest joystick for $40, or the price of a single Nintendo game
cartridge. Then sit back and make the profit from the sales of $15
Atari cartridges. It'll sell like hotcakes.
Editor's note: Doug Skrecky enjoys programming his 8-bit Atari using
Action! He has had several articles published in Antic Magazine.
(This article provided courtesy of XIO3, August/September 1989 issue,
Garden City ACE, P.O. Box 6578, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8P 5N7.)
Xx -REVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS- PART 1 - -COMPATIBILITY-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
by Donald A. Thomas, Jr.
=1989 ARTISAN SOFTWARE
(This is PART 1 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.)
The -Concise- edition of the RANDOM HOUSE DICTIONARY defines
comzpatzizble as -capable of existing together in harmony-. It falls on
page 179 in my edition... just under -compassion- and just above
-compatriot- and lost amongst the more than 70,000 entries from cover to
cover. It is interesting to note that a 1969 edition of the CONDENSED
COMPUTER ENCYCLOPEDIA published by the McGraw-Hill Book Company does not
have a definition for compatible listed at all.
Somewhere during the twenty years designated from 1970 to 1990, the word
-compatible- has leaped from the pages of our desktop dictionaries and
into our narrowly focused computer minds. It is possibly the most
referenced word we use while making an effort to describe a system or
inquire about one.
I can not be certain about you, but -compatibility- is extremely
important to me. -Compatibility to what?-, you may logically ask.
Well, if you are reading an Atari orientated publication, we may be able
to assume that an article printed there would be about Atari computers.
Your assumption that compatibility is important to me relative to Atari
computers would be accurate. If I am very specific, I may be directed
to an Atari ST publication.
Atari Corp. has recently released Portfolio; an MS-DOS -compatible-
micro-wonder. They may soon release their threatened PC clones here in
the U.S. Now, while an Atari publication has the ability to instantly
be compatible to whatever Atari decides to manufacture, my disk drive
still clunks on anything except Atari 16-bit compatible software.
The Portfolio is a fine piece of equipment. It certainly has its
advantages to the non-traditional Atari consumer, but it does not
support the machine I invested thousands of dollars in.
When I am in the market for a Portfolio I will reference the honorable
mentions in the Atari publications. For in-depth coverage, I will buy
an MS-DOS magazine. I am extremely pleased to know that the Atari
publications are supporting the established base of Atari users... not
necessarily non-compatible electronics Atari decides to put it's name
on.
I can't imagine an established Atari magazine publishing an
-incompatible- issue, can you?
For information on how you can -JOIN THE REVOLUTION- and actively
support the exposure of Atari computers, send $6.00 to ARTISAN SOFTWARE,
P.O. Box 849, Manteca, California 95336. An ST/MEGA compatible disk-
based HANDBOOK will be rushed to you by return mail. The HANDBOOK is
also available from ST INFORMER, MEGABYTE COMPUTERS (Hurst, Texas) and
as a download from COMPUSERVE, GENIE and DELPHI.
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Rovac ZMagazine (Not affiliated with Chicago Zmag)
Issue #180 November 12, 1989 Volume 4 Number 43
Copyright (c)1989, Rovac Industries, Inc.. All Rights Reserved
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