[net.micro.atari16] Text/Graphics packages.

jhs@MITRE-BEDFORD.ARPA (10/07/86)

I would appreciate the Net's opinion on the following:

If I want to do serious word processing and be able to embed graphics
(e.g. illustrations) and equations (with few limitations), do multi-column
layouts (e.g. for persnickety journals) and move all of the above around
freely to re-arrange the page, what software would be the best choice to do
all of the above on an ST?

In particular, does anybody know if the MacIntosh software that does such
things is among the packages that one can run on an ST with Magic Sac?

How much memory would be necessary to make it all practical?

Does anyone know if there is an ST package that produces PostScript (page
description language) output that can run real typesetters as well as some
laser printers?

In short, should I buy a Mac or an ST?

Thanks for any help that is forthcoming!!!

-John Sangster
jhs@mitre-bedford.arpa

"Michael_Krause.ROCH"@Xerox.COM (10/07/86)

YES!!! Try Xerox's Ventura Publisher software.  It's great for creating
newspaper type documents with graphics included in or between the
columns.  It displays the text and graphics right on the screen and
allows for all text and graphics manipulation stuff.  You can even
magnify or shrink the graphics frames to suit the situation.

Mike

kushnier@NADC.ARPA (10/08/86)

John
The MAC presently has the software to do a very fine job of Desktop publishing.
The ST is up and coming, but does not yet have the same level of programs to
support your application.  In my opinion, if you have the money, and need to
solve your problem, today, ... buy a MAC.

Ron Kushnier
kushnier@nadc.arpa