vishniac@wanginst.UUCP (Ephraim Vishniac) (09/18/85)
The following messages were posted to BIX (the Byte Information Exchange) by Steve Garfield, a Boston-area Apple dealer and BBS sysop. ========================== macintosh/news #67, from stevegarfield, 5526 chars, Tue Sep 17 16:24:14 1985 -------------------------- TITLE: Apple Announcements >Cupertino, California. September 17, 1985. Apple Computer, Inc. today enhanced the flexibility and performance of its Apple II and Macintosh computers by announcing nine new hardware and software products. According to Apple, the new products bring significant new functionality to both existing and future Apple users. "With these new products, people can do more with an Apple II or a Macintosh than they ever could before," said Delbert W. Yocam, Apple's executive vice president of product operations. "They increase the range of solutions available to Apple users, and assure the continued development of top-quality software by the industry's best developers. With them, we are continuing to increase the value of our products, so we can provide our customers with the options they want." The new products offer greater storage and memory capacities, faster printing in color, more affordable color display and communications, and improved software integration. The new products for the Apple II include: -- the ColorMonitor IIe and ColorMonitor IIc, high-resolution color video monitors that can double as monochrome monitors for displaying crisp, 80-column text; -- UniDisk 3.5, a 3 1/2-inch, 800-kilobyte disk drive that significantly increases floppy disk storage capacity for Apple II users; -- the Apple II Memory Expansion Card, an interface card being developed that can expand the internal memory of any Apple II, II Plus or IIe to over one megabyte; and -- a new, mouse-based version of Catalyst, Quark Inc.'s program selector that allows several software programs to be stored and managed on either the UniDisk 3.5 or directly in memory on the Memory Card. The new color monitors are intended for home and school use where colorful educational and recreational software is used alongside text-intensive applications, such as word processing and programming. Designed to stylistically complement the Apple IIe and Apple IIc, they are compatible with all text programs and most color graphics programs. Large amounts of disk storage and computer memory are needed for sophisticated productivity and small business applications. Apple's UniDisk 3.5 disk drive and Memory Expansion Card address these needs for Apple II users. The new drive bridges the speed and storage gap between Apple's 5 1/4-inch drives and ProFile hard disk, and provides an economical alternative to more expensive hard disks for storing accounting records, mailing lists and financial reports. Compatible with many existing software programs, UniDisk 3.5 and the Memory Card also are increasing software developers' interest in creating a wide variety of new and enhanced applications for Apple II computers. More than 100 software companies are developing programs that support these products, and over 35 of these companies are releasing new or enhanced Apple II software by the end of the year. The new products for Macintosh include: -- Hard Disk 20, a 20-megabyte hard disk for Macintosh 512K users; and -- Switcher, a software utility that allows Macintosh 512K and Macintosh XL users to work with several programs at once. The Hard Disk 20 and Switcher answer the demand in the business market for a more powerful Macintosh system that can manage large amounts of information and switch quickly among applications. With on-line access to up to 20 megabytes of applications and data files, a Macintosh 512K computer equipped with a Hard Disk 20 can function faster than a system working only with floppy disks. In addition, Apple is introducing two new hardware products that work with both Apple II and Macintosh computers. These are: -- the ImageWriter II, a dot matrix printer that succeeds Apple's best-selling ImageWriter with improved speed and print quality; and -- the Apple Personal Modem, a Hayes-compatible, 300/1200-baud modem that plugs directly into a wall outlet or power strip rather than taking up desktop space. The new ImageWriter II printer provides improved text and graphics print quality with a near-letter-quality mode that is nearly indistinguishable from traditional daisy wheel printing. It prints up to twice the speed of the earlier model and features an open design for accommodating expansion cards. When used with an Apple II, the ImageWriter II also can produce multi-color output. In addition, an optional ImageWriter II SheetFeeder is available that automatically loads single sheets of office paper or letterhead to the printer for simplified printing of office correspondence and form letters. Suggested Retail Prices and Availability The ColorMonitor IIe, ColorMonitor IIc, UniDisk 3.5, ImageWriter II, and Apple Personal Modem are available now from authorized Apple dealers. Switcher will be available by the end of October. Limited quantities of the Hard Disk 20 will begin shipping to authorized Apple dealers in October. The price and availability of the Apple II Memory Expansion Card and Catalyst 3.0 will be announced when these products are ready for release. The U.S. suggested retail prices are: ColorMonitor IIe $ 399.00 ColorMonitor IIc 399.00 UniDisk 3.5 499.00 ImageWriter II 595.00 Apple Personal Modem 399.00 Switcher 19.95 Hard Disk 20 1,499.00 ========================== macintosh/news #68, from stevegarfield, 9557 chars, Tue Sep 17 16:27:21 1985 -------------------------- TITLE: Mac Announcements >Cupertino, California. September 17, 1985. Apple Computer, Inc. is enhancing its Macintosh personal computer with peripherals and software tools that increase its storage capacity, speed and convenience. The new products, all designed for business use, include: -- the Hard Disk 20, a 20-megabyte hard disk for Macintosh 512K users; -- Switcher, a software utility that allows users to work with several programs at once; -- the ImageWriter II, a versatile dot matrix printer with improved speed and print quality; and -- the Apple Personal Modem, a Hayes-compatible, 300/1200-baud modem. The Hard Disk 20 and Switcher answer the demand in the business market for a more powerful Macintosh system. With on-line access to up to 20 megabytes of applications and data files, the Macintosh can function two to three times faster than a system working only with floppy disks. Switcher further increases productivity by providing a fast, simple method for transferring data or switching among applications. The new ImageWriter II printer, which succeeds the best- selling ImageWriter, provides improved text and graphics print quality, up to twice the speed of the earlier model, and simplified paper handling. It has an open design that accommodates expansion modules. When used with the Apple II product line, the ImageWriter II also can provide multi-color printing. For a suggested retail price of $399, the new, compact modem offers a wide range of communications features at an affordable price. It plugs directly into a wall outlet or power strip rather than taking up valuable desktop space. "Each of these products increases Macintosh performance for the people who need it most--business professionals who seek maximum productivity from a personal computer," said Delbert W. Yocam, Apple's executive vice president of product operations. "These products reflect Apple's ongoing efforts to continually broaden the solutions we offer to business customers." Hard Disk 20 Boosts Productivity Adding the Hard Disk 20 to a Macintosh 512K system creates a powerful configuration designed for business professionals who manage large amounts of information. The Hard Disk 20 stores as much information as 50 Macintosh floppy disks and operates more than twice as fast as a floppy drive. The user saves additional time because files are accessible without swapping floppy disks. The disk comes with a hierarchical filing system that manages thousands of files without complex partitioning schemes. Instead, the software uses the Macintosh computer's familiar file folder icons for grouping together related files. Most major software programs can be loaded directly onto the Hard Disk 20 for faster and more convenient access. In addition, the disk allows the user to store more fonts, printer drivers and a much larger scrapbook, which is the Macintosh desk accessory that stores frequently used text and graphic elements. The Hard Disk 20 is an external, 3 1/2-inch Winchester disk drive that connects to the disk drive port on the back of the Macintosh. Only three inches high, the unit has the same width and depth as the Macintosh and is designed to fit under the computer. An expansion port on the back of the hard disk allows a second Hard Disk 20, a back-up tape device or an external floppy disk drive to be connected to the system. Hard Disk 20 units for demonstration will begin shipping to authorized Apple dealers in November with quantity shipments expected in early 1986. The U.S. suggested retail price of $1,499 includes the disk drive with attached cable for connecting it to the Macintosh, the Startup Disk containing the system software and hierarchical filing system, and an owner's manual. Switcher Utility Improves Macintosh Software Integration Switcher also helps users obtain greater efficiency from their Macintosh 512K and Macintosh XL computers. It allows users to create their own integrated applications by combining in memory up to eight programs of their choice, depending on the memory requirements and other characteristics of the programs involved. Once a combination is put together, users can instantly switch among these applications. For example, the user can temporarily leave a MacProject document to send a message with MacTerminal; or copy a graphic from a MacDraw file to a MacWrite document-- all without going through the steps of quitting one application and loading another. Switcher can remember specific sets of applications previously used together so they can be reloaded in a single step with the click of a mouse. The program creates an icon for each set of applications as if it was a single, distinct, integrated program. "Switcher is a tremendous time-saver for the business professional who uses certain applications all the time," said Yocam. "It also has enormous benefits for the software development community because now they can offer integrated application sets by testing their programs with Switcher and then including Switcher with their individual applications." Software developers can license Switcher from Apple for $250 per year per application. Many developers have been working with the program since it became available in an advance version earlier this year. For example, Microsoft has included with its new spreadsheet, Excel, a Switcher document that links Excel with Microsoft Word. Users who own both applications can, in effect, combine them for extra speed and convenience. According to Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corporation, "Microsoft's application program philosophy is to develop depth products focused on primary tasks. Apple's Switcher is an ideal operating environment tool that allows users to enjoy the benefits of integration without sacrificing depth or choice." Switcher will be available to the public from authorized Apple dealers by the end of October for a U.S. suggested retail price of $19.95. Called The Switcher Construction Kit, the retail version of the product, which includes an instruction manual, is designed for sophisticated Macintosh 512K and Macintosh XL users who can thoroughly test the combinations they create. Early versions of Switcher were electronically circulated to the public through CompuServe's Micro-Networked Apple User Group (MAUG) to facilitate the testing of the potentially infinite combinations of Macintosh applications. New Printer for Macintosh Produces Near-Letter-Quality Text Apple is enhancing the printer options available to Macintosh users by introducing the ImageWriter II, a second generation version of the ImageWriter. Apple's ImageWriter has been one of the most popular dot matrix printers on the market with over one million units sold. The new ImageWriter II offers both near-letter-quality printing and high-quality graphics output, as well as design innovations that allow the user to customize it for special needs. Print Quality: The ImageWriter II offers three printing modes, including one that is nearly indistinguishable from traditional daisy wheel printing. Standard and draft modes provide extra speed. Expansion Options: The ImageWriter II contains an expansion slot for accommodating a range of interface boards. For example, Apple is developing the ImageWriter II AppleTalk Option, which is a card for this slot that will provide shared ImageWriter II printing on an AppleTalk network of Macintosh computers. Apple also is working closely with third party hardware companies to develop other add-ons for this slot that will further expand the printer's capabilities. Paper Handling: The ImageWriter II uses continuous form paper or loads individual sheets at the touch of a button with the optional ImageWriter II SheetFeeder. Designed to easily snap on to the top of the printer, the feeder simplifies the printing of office correspondence and form letters by automatically loading up to 100 sheets of standard office paper or letterhead to the printer. Speed: The printer can operate at a top speed of 250 characters per second, more than twice the rate of its predecessor. The ImageWriter II is compatible with all Apple computers and with all software packages that worked with the earlier model. To take advantage of some of the printer's new features, such as its increased speed and optional SheetFeeder, Apple and many software developers are incorporating a modified ImageWriter driver in their Macintosh programs. This driver utility will be available free of charge from authorized Apple dealers in October. The ImageWriter II is available now from authorized Apple dealers for a U.S. suggested retail price of $595, which includes Apple's standard 90-day limited warranty. The cable required for connecting the printer to the computer has a suggested retail price of $29.95 and the suggested retail price of the optional ImageWriter II SheetFeeder is $225. The black ribbons for the ImageWriter II are the same as those used in the earlier model. They sell in packages of six for a suggested retail price of $10.50. International versions with appropriate electrical modifications and documentation also are available. Apple and the Apple logo are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Macintosh is a trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. and is used with express permission for its owners. AppleTalk, ImageWriter, MacDraw, MacProject, MacTerminal, MacWrite and Switcher are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. ========================== macintosh/news #69, from stevegarfield, 3048 chars, Tue Sep 17 16:28:40 1985 -------------------------- TITLE: Modem Announcement >Cupertino, California. September 17, 1985. Apple Computer, Inc. has expanded its line of communications products for Apple II and Macintosh personal computers with an intelligent, 300/1200-baud modem styled to plug directly into a wall outlet. At a suggested retail price of $399, the Apple Personal Modem is among the lowest-priced 300/1200-baud modems on the market, yet it offers many of the features of more expensive models in a unique, compact case. The new modem plugs directly into a wall outlet or power strip rather than sitting next to the computer, under the telephone or elsewhere on a cluttered desktop. The Apple Personal Modem: -- operates at 1200 bits per second (bps), the most common transmission speed for personal computer communications, but also can transmit at 0-110 bps and 300 bps to accommodate networks and information services that require slower speeds; -- uses the Hayes Smartmodem Command Set, which makes it compatible with nearly all personal computer communications software on the market, including Apple's Access II and MacTerminal packages; -- provides the convenience of auto-answer, auto-dial and auto-redial capabilities, so an unattended Apple computer can automatically receive and initiate data transmissions; -- incorporates VLSI circuitry and an internal power supply, making it one of the most compact external modems available; and -- contains an internal speaker and an indicator light that enable the user to monitor the status of the telephone line and carrier. The Apple Personal Modem can be connected to any personal computer with a standard RS-232C serial port. With the appropriate cable, it plugs directly into the back of any Macintosh (128K, 512K or XL), Lisa, Apple IIc or Apple III computer; or to a serial interface card installed in any Apple II, II Plus or IIe computer. Apple's new modem is available now in the U.S. from authorized Apple dealers at a suggested retail price of $399. It comes packaged with a telephone connector cable, instruction manual, promotional offers from a variety of communications services, and a 90-day limited warranty from Apple. Dealers also will carry the appropriate data cables for connecting the Apple Personal Modem to any Apple computer system. The eight-foot cable has a suggested retail price of $29.95. In addition, the new modem will operate in countries outside the U.S. that have adopted the Bell 212A asynchronous communications standard and have 110 VAC, 60 Hz electricity available. The Apple Personal Modem replaces the Apple Modem 1200 in Apple's product line. The Apple Modem 300, which operates at 300 bps, will continue to be available for a U.S. suggested retail price of $225. Apple, the Apple logo and Lisa are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. MacTerminal is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Macintosh is a trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. and is used with express permission of its owner. -- Ephraim Vishniac [apollo, bbncca, cadmus, decvax, harvard, linus, masscomp]!wanginst!vishniac vishniac%Wang-Inst@Csnet-Relay