Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
GEnie Dateline Atari with Bob Brodie 1993 01
===========================================================================
(C) 1992 by 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.
===========================================================================
Friday Night Special Edition Real Time Conference
Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie
Host - Lou Rocha
Friday, Jan. 8th, 1993
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Happy New Year to all our GEnie members! Welcome to
the first 1993 installment of Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie. Bob
is typing at us from Sunnyvale, the home of Atari Corp. and we
expect to hear all the latest developments, especially with regard
to the Falcon and its software-in-progress.
This week we saw a post from John Towns that SpeedoGDOS was very,
very close. There was also a later comment that it will be sold
due to licensing fees. Let's start there... Bob, what is the
status of SpeedoGDOS?
<Everyone else, please /RAIse your hands if you have a question
for Bob.>
<BOB-BRODIE>
Good evening, and a Happy New Year to one and all! I hope that the
holidays were enjoyable for everyone. I know that I enjoyed the time
that I spent with my family in the two weeks of vacation time that I
had over the Christmas holidays.
Let's get started and talk Atari!!
First I'd like to give some status reports on some projects that we're
working on here at Atari. MultiTOS has a recent beta version go out
to our developers just before Christmas. This version appears to be
working quite well, although not perfect (I found a bug today, and got
it fixed!!). We're now focusing on an installation program for
MultiTOS, which was presented to me for evaluation yesterday. You'll
be pleased to know that the entire package fits on a single 1.44 meg
floppy. At this point in time we're planning on allowing ALL Atari
68000 computers to be able to run MultiTOS. There was some discussion
that we might compile MultiTOS in such a fashion that only users with
68030 boards, TT030s, or Atari Falcon030s would be able to use
MultiTOS. In speaking to the TOS group, they feel confident that they
will have a shippable version of MultiTOS next week. Still to be
decided is how we are going to distribute MultiTOS to our customers.
Once that decision is made, we'll let you know via an announcement here
on GEnie, and in Atari Explorer Online Magazine.
SpeedoGDOS, our scalable font replacement for GDOS/FontGDOS/FSM GDOS
is just about ready, too. As is the case with MultiTOS, we're
evaluating the installation package very carefully so as to make it
very easy for end users to install SpeedoGDOS. Presently the package
consists of a five diskette set, which includes lots of BitStream
fonts. I have been VERY impressed with this system. I had lived with
extreme system slowdown when running FSM GDOS with more than 12 fonts
on my system at work. I'm now running 71 Speedo fonts, with no
noticeable performance degradation at all!!
Our customers will be able to call an 800 phone number that BitStream
operates to order fonts to use with SpeedoGDOS. While not all of the
BitStream font families have Speedo fonts in them, there is over 1,000
typefaces available that do.
We've decided to change the name of Concierge (previously ST Sutra) to
Atari Works. It is still undergoing some testing, although it is much
improved from when it was shown back at the Toronto Show last April.
Much of the work has focused on the database portion of the program to
improve the database import capabilities of the program. We're in the
process of expanding our beta test group, and we're getting lots of
good input from them for improvements in Atari Works. I'm very
pleased with how the program is improving, and am even starting to
use it myself much more often than before. Many of our staff members
here at Atari, like the Administrative Assistants are starting to use
Atari Works for their everyday word processor of choice.
Now, regarding the Atari Falcon030. I spoke at length with Sam
Tramiel about the production/shipment status of this product on
Monday. The sub-contractor that has been manufacturing Atari
Falcon030s for us has not been able to meet our Q/A or production
requirements. The number of the machines coming from this
factory that have failed diagnostic tests is completely unacceptable
to Sam. He is _angry_ about this, as producing Atari Falcon030s
is of paramount importance to us. Representatives from the factory
were due in Sunnyvale on Monday afternoon to discuss a resolution of
these problems with Sam. Regardless of the outcome of that meeting,
Sam indicated to me that he was meeting with a representative from
another factory to bring on board another manufacturer to produce
Falcons for us. We expect this to delay significant shipments of
Falcons until March.
There have been some rumors circulating that the Falcon030 is not FCC
approved, and this is reason for the delay. This is simply not true!!
As Atari indicated months ago, the Falcon has met with FCC approval.
I note with some amusement that a request for FCC numbers was made by
ST Report's staff in the message bases on GEnie, AFTER our offices had
closed for the holidays. Until today, there was never a request made
to our offices for the actual FCC number via anything resembling
conventional means, like a phone call, letter, or fax. Not even a
request in email!! Today, Ralph Mariano called me and asked about the
FCC status of the Falcon, and discussed in detail with me his attempts
to have the FCC provide him with the number. I don't understand why
he has had problems getting this information, as it is a matter of
public record.
At the time of his call, I didn't have the number at my
desk...but I do now! So, as promised, here is the FCC approval number
for the Atari Falcon030: EBAF030ST, application dated September 18,
1992, granted November 5, 1992.
Falcon030s will continue to be available in small quantities until we
get our second sub-contractor on board, or the production problems
with the original contractor are resolved. Review units are being
provided to publications that we believe can assist us in "getting the
word out" on the Falcon. I'm ready to take on any questions that
might be ready, Lou!
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Thanks Bob... our first question is from JCD at New
Dimensions. Go ahead JCD
<[JCD] NEWDIMENSION> Bob, what are Atari's plans to help deter
low-ball prices from mail-order houses? Will The Falcon only be
available through Atari or will they be available through
distributors, too? Atari only, I hope.
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Jeff, we are working on a new dealer agreement
that we think will have a lot more "teeth" to it, something akin
to what some other well known manufacturers, although not
necessarily a computer manufacturer use as their dealer agreement.
We feel, as do many of our dealers, that the issues isn't so much
mail order, it's the price that the units are sold for. ga
<BRIAN.H> Hi Bob, A few people have been inquiring in the BBS
about an up-to-date list of AUTHORIZED Atari Service Centres. This
would prevent some mail order problems and keep the customers
happy. Can this be done? ga
<BOB-BRODIE> Brian, I'd prefer to hold off on that, since we're in
the process of re-doing the dealer agreement. I can understand the
concern about some users in finding out about authorized vs. Non
author.. and I'll try to make that available AFTER we have the new
set up done. Probably happen in April or March. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Thanks Brian. Next we have Andreas from AEO
magazine.
<[Andreas@AEO] AEO.2> Atari Works(better name!) is a great
program, and with the addition of Speedo, even on a mere MSTe, it
is fast and clean. The output is some of the best I have seen on
my DJ500. I hope we can see this program bundled with new
machines and available for older machines too... can you expand on
this Bob?
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Andreas, I need to send you an updated version.
You're not... up to date with some latest changes!! Atari Works
is a fully integrated data base, word processor, and spread sheet
with a spell-checker and thesaurus included with the program. I
think as you have indicated, everyone will be very pleased with
the results of the product. Many different printers are supported,
and the new installation program makes things a BREEZE! ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Thanks Andreas... you took part of my question ;-)
Next we have Chris Cassaday.
<[Chris C.] C.CASSADAY> Bob, all that you have said is extremely
good news! Any comments on pricing of SpeedoGDOS, MultiTOS, and
Atari Works? And when can I realistically expect to see them on
my hard drive? About Multi-TOS: Are there separate 68000 and
68030 ? ga
<BOB-BRODIE> Thanks Chris, re pricing on MultiTOS, I'm not sure
what the price will be for it. I'm confident that you'd love the
pricing I have in mind.... I think we should UPLOAD it exclusively
to GEnie, and let nature take it's course. I'm not 100% sure that
will happen at this point, though...but it might!! Pricing on
Speedo is more related to the pricing of the fonts. We have to pay
a royalty on the fonts, and that is the real determining factor.
Works is probably going to retail for about $100, and perhaps be
bundled with all machines that are sold after it's ready. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Here comes Jonesy!
<[Jonesy] M.JONES52> Bob, are the review units being bundled with
a 'setup package' to help the reviewers get a representative look
at what's available now, and a taste of things to come? And
what's in it? <g> (Love your idea for MultiTos, btw!)
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Mark, yes they are. We also bundle a copy of the
International Software Guide. We try not to show them too much of
what the ... future might hold, as we want them to write about the
here and REAL SOON NOW <grin>, and yet show them that we are
planning for the future. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Ringo is next Bob... on his own account so be
gentle!
<[Ringo] R.MONFORT1> Bob B. I notice that Computer graphics world
magazine had a Falcon announcement what other publications will
have a Falcon for review. specially the ones that doe multimedia?
GA
<BOB-BRODIE> Yes Ringo, we have made inroads with about 19
different mags to have announcements and or reviews on the Atari
Falcon030. Let me look real quick on my desk and see if I have it
handy... Found it! Applied Techniques, Business Week, BYTE, CNN,
Computer Retail Week, COmputer Technology, Computing NOW,
Datamation, Design News, E.Q. Magazine, EDN News, Eyecom Magazine
Keyboard, Motorola DSP Newsletter, MultiMedia World, New Media,
Newsbytes, Noteworthy, PC Laptop Computers, Scientific Computering
& Automation, Studio Software Report and a bunch of others that I
can tell you about in email! :) ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> JCD is back with his second question... then
C.FLUEGEL and Kent Cavaghan. Others may /RAIse their hands again!
;-)
<[JCD] NEWDIMENSION> Will Jerry Pournelle be getting a Falcon
soon? I understand he's had an Amiga A1200 for some time now to
review. Also, MultiTOS looks great on my TT030. I think everyone
will be very pleased. ga
<BOB-BRODIE> We have already spent quite a bit of time with Jerry
showing him a Falcon030, and expect him to get a review unit soon.
We opted to provide one to BYTE Magazine first, rather than just
one for Jerry. Perhaps saying JUST one for Jerry is a bad way of
phrasing it, because obviously we want him to have one. I was
present when we did the demo for him, and he's very enthusiastic
about the Atari Falcon030. Especially the sound capabilities. I
agree with your sentiments about MultiTOS, I'm in the process of
doing everything to it that no one should do <GRIN>, and finding
a few more interesting events. Eric Smith was in my office for a
while today, and we had a nice time...and an update came out in a
matter of hours. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> GA C.FLUEGEL.
<C.FLUEGEL> I was talking to James Grunke about the NAMM show and
the Falcon roll out. He said originally he had planned on having
plenty of Falcons on hand but that there were problems and he may
not have any for sale, but he hoped to have a few. What are the
current plans at the NAMM show? As the Falcon already has a good
following in the Audio Realm ( I get people in everyday asking
about it, they don't know who makes it, but they here it is
supposed to be great)... How big of a showing will atari have??
ga
<BOB-BRODIE> We have a very large room at NAMM this year, that
will feature... 16 workstations with developers manning them.
There will be a number of Atari Falcon030s there for people to
see, and try there In the event we are able to resolve our
problems with the production at the factory (particularly with the
Q/A issues) then we will be able to fill the orders that much
sooner. I expect to take orders for machines at NAMM, we will once
again, be the premier computer at NAMM, as Apple and IBM have both
bowed out. There has been terrific coverage in the music mags have
been ringing my phone off the hook for information on the Falcon.
I can also assure you that the show will be well covered here on
GEnie, and in the Atari Press as well. Atari Explorer Online, our
official online newsletter, and the excellent Z*Net Online
magazine will be covering the show, as well as AtariUser Magazine
providing the memorable print coverage for the show. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Thanks Bob... now we have Kent Cavaghan. GA Kent
<[Kent@OakSpri] K.CAVAGHAN2> Bob, in regards to your idea on
uploading MultiTos, would disk vendors be allowed to distribute it
as well or will it be limited distribution like FontGdos (just
curious :} ) I think it's a great idea either way. ga
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Kent, I confess that I haven't even considered
that at this point in time. I'm much more focused on getting the
product done. I appreciate you bringing that issue to my
attention, and I'll be sure to pass along that concern to the
staff here. Good Point!!! ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> GA Matt Rivman.
<[Matt] M.RIVMAN1> Mr. B. (Bob) I appreciate the entry level
status of the Falcon 030 and agree with it. But as one of those
who long for tower, pizzabox', detachable Keyboard what can you
say about near future 030, 040 config's ? Sorry to harp on it!
Re: Apple and IBM bowing out of NAMM .... Cowards!
<BOB-BRODIE> :-) Hi Matt, I've always respected someone who knows
when to do a graceful retreat! :) Re the Falcon box, let me put it
this way....we've made other entry level home computers in the
past, like the ST, and the STE. Both of them _ultimately_ were
placed in a two piece unit later on in the products life span. So
it is not unreasonable to guess that the Falcon might one day be
in a different case...many of our products have. But the real
issue is when will it happen? With the ST, it was over a year
after the original machines shipped. With the STE, about two
years. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> GA Andreas.
<[Andreas@AEO] AEO.2> Atari ST Format had a comparison of the
A1200 to the F030, favoring (guess who?) AEO should have an
article based on a similar topic soon. Already there are graphics
cards and accellerator cards available for the F030. Bob, do you think
once the crush is over we can get the TOS crew on GEnie or Delphi
to bug them about TOS hints? thanks Lou!
<BOB-BRODIE> Sure, that would be an excellent idea, Andreas. Once
the "crush" is over, I think we can probably get someone like Eric
Smith (who will probably kill me for volunteering him) online for a
CO or for some activity in the message bases. Of course, here on
GEnie, John Townsend is already online, although not as active as
before. There is a topic here on GEnie for programming q's to be
left to TOWNS, I think it is CAT 3 Topic 31...could be wrong
though! :) ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Harj... save us! ;-)
<[Harj] H.NAGRA1> Any idea on the number of Falcons that will be
released in January to the general public? I'm very disappointed
in the delay...any chance the Falcons in March will have the much
rumoured new case design? ga
<BOB-BRODIE> Harj, I'd prefer not to give out actual numbers,
until they are in the warehouse. Believe me, when I spoke to Sam
about the availability of the Falcon, he was thoroughly disgusted
with the entire situation. The shortage of the Falcons is not a US
problem it is a world wide problem...we're almost competing
against our subsidiaries around the world to get product at this
point in time Re the case...check out my answer from before. :) I
share you disappointment in the delay and so does Sam.
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Ready for more Bob? Chris. GA.
<[Chris C.]
C.CASSADAY> Bob, there are some rumors in Euro mags about CD-ROM
versions of the Falcon030. Can you comment on future variants of
the Falcon030, and whether these new machines will necessitate
the newer cases. ga
<BOB-BRODIE> Chris, No...I can't. Other than what I've already
stated about the case structure in other questions. There is no
question that the machine will mature, the question is how quickly
will that happen. Current versions of the Falcon030 are ready for
a CD unit out of the box, there will be no reason to wait. I can
only guess that having the CD included (if such a thing were done)
would be reflected in the price of such a wonderful machine. :) ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> LYRE from AEO... fire away!
<[33] Lyre] AEO.3> Bob, you mentioned that their will be
developers displaying their products at NAMM. Can you tell us
which developers will be attending and the programs they will be
demonstrating?
<BOB-BRODIE> I can tell you the developers, but I'm not 100% up to
speed on what they are going to be showing. The developers are D2D
Systems Chro-Magic, CodeHead Software, Barefoot Software, Goldleaf
Pub. Thinkware, Dr. T's, Compo, Gadgets by Small, Hotz Technology,
Digital FX, Okital, Steinberg, and Yamaha, along with a new
developer that I am not personally familiar with name MGI. They
are from Germany. GA
<[Lou] ST.LOU> C Fluegel.
<C.FLUEGEL> VERY large hard drives, where and what will be
available? Is PLI still supporting the Atari? SCSI-2 and 2 1/2
drives are still quite uncommon. Also, when will WE the public and
or dealers find out how the meeting with the folks who are
actually building the Falcons went? GA
<BOB-BRODIE> I think it really depends on the application that
you're using as for how much hard disk space you will need to get
things done. I've not had any problems with connecting any type of
common disk drives, like a Maxtor to a Falcon030. You don't have
to have a 2 1/2" drive, that's just what the IDE drive is that is
internal for the Falcon. Since the SCSI-II port is there it is
EASY to connect up bigger units. We have hooked up 340 meg Maxtor
units with no problems, pulled 'em right out of a TT030, which
isn't SCSI-II. Please bear in mind that the pricing on the hard
disks is not something we control, but is the same for all of hard
disks that are produced across the market. Re the meeting... after
I have a chance to speak to Sam, I'll try to pass along the
meeting. I can assure you he wasn't going into the meeting with
the reps that are NOT meeting our expectations with a smile on his
face. On the other hand, the second company that we will be
bringing on board is run by an old friend of the Tramiels, and I
expect to see results from them quickly, like within a month. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Oooo... I love techie-talk, Bob ;-) Next we have
JCD, then Chris Oates and George from JMG Soft in Hamilton,
CANADA! GA JCD...
<[JCD] NEWDIMENSION> Concerning the redesign of the ST Book, what
are some of the changes it is going through? Additionally will the
floppy drives in future machines ever be replaced with Floptical
drives or the like? C.FLUEGEL: We sell fixed HD's up to 3.6 Gig!!
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Nice plug JCD ;-)
<BOB-BRODIE> You forgot to include pricing, Jeff. You're slipping.
<-: Re the ST Book, you can expect things like back lighting in
the LCD screen, and possibly floppies or PCMIA connectors. There
are some discussions about changing the microprocessor in the unit
to something that is a little bit more "contemporary" than an 8Mhz
68000. Please bear in mind that we're focusing on the Falcon and
the Jaguar right now, the ST Book is not getting 100% of our
attention at this point in time. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Chris Oates, thanks for waiting. Your question please?
<C.OATES2> Hi Bob. I already take the hypothetical nature of two-
piece Falcons as a given, but do you see it as likely that if and
when such machines ship they will contain the VME bus slot that we
Mega STE and TT owners have? I for one have already invested a
good deal of money in a Crazy dots 15 board, which surpasses
current Falcon graphics (and possibly future) and would like to
think that I can take the card with me when I upgrade my
machine... GA
<BOB-BRODIE> Chris, obviously I can't make promises about such a
prospective product with certainty, but I will be happy to
encourage that suggestion to the design team. We use graphics
cards here at Atari as well, and believe me, we hate spending
money we don't need to just as much as you hate to. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Let me put in an extra plug for the VME Bob! Now we
have George from JMGSoft.
<[George] JMGSOFT> First off, thanks Bob for doing these RTCs. I
don't envy the position myself... But to the question... What is
being done, if anything, for the Canadian market. Since the
Canadian Sub closed up, it has been pretty bleak and dismal up
here when it comes to Atari support. No service, information,
parts, and things just aren't ticking very well. I am still
trying to resolve issues that date back to August when the
subsidiary closed up. It this all we can expect up here in the
North? It doesn't look pretty, since I don't think the Atari
brass considers Canada too seriously anymore. GA
<BOB-BRODIE> George, I was not aware that there were problems in
getting service and repairs done. We have a specialist in Canada
to deal with our Canadian dealers, who is well acquainted with
Canada in the persona of Randy Tjin. Before we went off on
holidays, Sam and I personally checked on the repair logs, and we
were told that they were running about a week to get each item
out, and in fact were on target for their dates. If there is other
needs that haven't been taken care of, please FAX the details to
me at the office so we can address them. Certainly the changeover
to the US from Canada has not gone smoothly, but we are committed
to continuing to do business in Canada. If you have specific needs
as far as information goes...we know each other, George. ASK! My
address online, and phone numbers are pretty well known, and I
invite your call. Thanks for the comments about being online,
though!
<[George] JMGSOFT> Thanks for your continuing commitment. I'll be
in touch :-)
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Dave Stuart is the last one in line.... last chance
to /RAIse your hands folks. GA Dave. Bob... let me know when have
had enough for this month ;-)
<[D. STUART] AEO.7> Does the FALCON include any 'bundled'
software? And if so, is there an opportunity to develop said
software directly for ATARI ??? GA
<BOB-BRODIE> Yes, the Falcon will be bundled with 8 applications
when it is shipped. The products include Audio Fun Machine,
Falcon D2D, a direct to disk recorder, System Audio Manager,
ProCalc, a full scientific calendar, Talking Clock, CalAppt, a
calendar/rolodex type of utility, and a couple of games, BreakOut
and LandMines. YES...there is an opportunity to write that
software for Atari. We in fact used outside developers for some
key components of the software, like the System Audio Manager. GA
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Here's Dorothy...!
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> I've seen numerous rumors about the Falcon already
shipping to dealers in small quantities in Germany and in
England, and yet you refer here to "when it is shipped". Are the
rumors false? Or do you just mean "when it is shipped in NA"?
<BOB-BRODIE> Excellent question, Dorothy. I do in fact mean in
North America. There are small shipments of Falcon030s being sent
to dealers in other parts of the world. Some of those units have
been sold without MultiTOS, and with other minor problems. Like
the CalAppt Manual that shipped in Germany is written in English.
Another example of the Q/A problems that we've had with the
factory.
<D.A.BRUMLEVE> I don't think many of us would consider an English
manual a problem. ;-)
<BOB-BRODIE> Virtually all of the machines that we've had here in
the US have gone to either review sources or developers. I agree
with your sentiments about the English manual here, but the German
TOS and Keyboard might prove challenging...or should I say
educational??? <grin>ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Whew.... you must be getting tired. Four more
Bob.
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Kent Cavaghan, C.Fluegel, Dave Stuart and Brian
Harvey.
<[Kent@OakSpri] K.CAVAGHAN2> Bob, there has been some concern
about registrations that are sent into Atari and what if anything
they are used for? Will the lists that are created used for follow
ups and promos or are they just being recycled :} ga
<BOB-BRODIE> Kent, they are indeed used, we build customer lists
from them and they are in fact used for follow ups. We expect to
be using them much more in the future than in the past. GA
<[Curt/ Guitar] C.FLUEGEL> The original plans were to have "demo
units" at dealers before Job 10 is now listen-only. any major
rollout, is this still the plan? Even if you have to change
manufacturers, can we still expect to see a demo unit here at
Guitar Center? (James Grunke said we should, I hope it is true)..
GA... Ps if I send you $900, will you send me a Falcon j/k
<BOB-BRODIE> Curt, the bidding is much higher than that at this
point....NO! <grin> Seriously, we intend to make demo units
available for the dealers and regard this as a very important step
in the process of both selling and marketing the Falcon. We do
have a demo unit plan for our dealers that purchase directly from
us, which is one of the benefits of dealing directly with Atari,
rather than thru another re-seller or distributor. We have, when
possible, shipped units to dealers for special exhibitions on a
temporary basis. If you have a specific need for a unit for a
really important event for your dealership, then feel free to
contact me. ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Dave Stuart... from AEO! GA
<[D. STUART] AEO.7> BOB ... Just thought I'd mention here, then,
that I've E-mailed you a proposal re: the previous query! Aside
from that, what is the latest concerning AIM - if you know
anything. I know this is a change of topic, but one of interest
to all! GA
<BOB-BRODIE> I always forward those things along to our dev
support group, but I'll be happy to send it along again. We do get
an awful lot of those, it's possible that they overlooked yours,
and for that, I apologize. Regarding AIM, I really haven't spoken
to Pattie or Bill in sometime myself. I know no more than you...
it's been a while since I've seen an issue of AIM, and they seem
to be a bit behind in their issues. But since Explorer is also a
bit behind, I'm not about to cast stones. But since we're now
speaking about EXPLORER, I'm happy to report that the latest issue
of Atari Explorer has just come back from the printer, and looks
FABULOUS! This is the first issue under the capable efforts of
Mike Lindsay and Darren Meer since they have taken over the
magazine. Mike is lurking tonight here online as AEO.MAG, so be
sure to say hi to him!! ga
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Our last questioner is from my fellow RTC sysop...
Brian <Brain> Harvey. ;-) GA
<BRIAN.H> What about the Jaguar? Will it be finished this year? Is
it as good as the rumours? Will this be the GAME machine??? I am
not trying for rumours, just the facts [grin].GA
<BOB-BRODIE> Hi Brian, it looks FABULOUS. Sometimes mere words are
a poor tool to describe things...and this is one of those cases.
During my discussions with Sam earlier this week, we went over to
the lab and had a peek at the Jaguar. I was astonished at the
quality of the machine. We've begun shipping developer units out
now, and have had developer symposiums for the units as well. The
very-well-known-programmer, whose name I cannot reveal that is
here in Sunnyvale working with us on the Jaguar is VERY
enthusiastic about the machine. The demo that he showed us was
extraordinary, both colorful and fast, the horizontal scrolling
was smooth, and very, very very fast!!!! Howzat, Brian?? :) ga
<BRIAN.H> Thanks Bob. Sounds great!!!!
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Bob... while you get your closing statement ready..
Brian has a little announcement... then so do I ;-)
<BRIAN.H> I have a quick plug for the next RTC!! Everyone, don't
forget the roundtable conference next Wednesday night with the
IAAD. What's the IAAD? The Independent Association of Atari
Developers (IAAD) The RTC begins at 10 pm EST, Wednesday, January
13. Ask about current and future products. Meet the folks who
bring your computer to life with software and hardware
enhancements!
D.A. Brumleve DMC Publishing
WizWorks! FAST Technology
Step Ahead Software Inc. ICD Inc.
CodeHead Technologies Dragonware Missionware
Ditek Clear Thinking
Oregon Research Associates Lexicor
Dr. Bobware Beckemeyer Development Tools
Paradigm Software Products Fair Dinkum Technologies
It's All Relative TEAM Software
NewSTar Technology Management and more... GA
<[Lou] ST.LOU> Thanks to Bob for a magnificent evening and thanks
to all the users who stopped by - old and new faces alike...
especially my good friend Martha Dycus who stayed to the very end!
Yea Martha! I would also like to mention that the inaugural GEnie
Notes Column will appear in the next issue of Current Notes! Eight
pages of great GEnie news. Make sure your friends see it!
<[Lou] ST.LOU> OK Bob... you were great, great, great!!!! So you
can have the last word tonight. GA
<BOB-BRODIE> Lou, thanks again for doing such a stellar job of
running the RTC. Once again, I've had a wonderful time being here
on GEnie, our official online service. I appreciate the
opportunity to gather here on this monthly basis, and think that
it will continue to work well for ALL of us. I'm looking forward
to next months CO already with great anticipation, the first ones
have gone over so very well. Thanks again for attending, and good
night!!
Dateline Atari! with Bob Brodie is held on the first Friday of
each month. Watch the RTC Banner for details. See you on February
5th, 1993 for the next installment of Dateline Atari! with Bob
Brodie.
You are also invited to drop in on Monday or Wednesday evenings
each week. Bob Brodie can often be found "with the gang" on those
nights too! All Real Time Conferences begin at 10:00 p.m. Eastern
Time.
