casa@charon.unm.edu (Jim Pittman) (05/23/87)
Seems as if lots of people are still using the Apple ][ Plus. With a good 80-column card, a keyboard enhancer and 64K of memory it is a long way from being obsolete. So far I have been able to pass up the Apple //c, the //e, the enhanced //e, the various Macintosh models, and the Apple IIgs, (not to mention MS-DOS machines) because my April 1980 Apple ][ Plus is still going strong and still does what I need to do. WORD PROCESSORS: Write-Away is very fast, very powerful, holds nearly 30-K of text in a 64-K machine, runs on any Apple II, works with any 80-column card, works with any printer and any printer card. It used to be available for about $175 (and later for about $99) from: Peregrine Software 1160 Appleseed Lane St. Louis, Missouri 63132 (314) 997-2369 I am not sure the company is still in business. It is not copy-protected. Not only is it an incredible Apple ][ Plus program, it is a pretty good terminal program. Does not do full-screen emulation, but is excellent for capturing or sending DOS 3.3 text files at 300 or 1200 bps. TERMINAL EMULATION: I have been using SOFTERM-2 for years and it is an absolutely outstanding program with outstanding support from the vendor. It is NOT overpriced considering its quality, reliability and features. DISK UTILITY: I keep getting updates to Copy ][ Plus but versions 4.3 and 5.5 are still useful. Version 7.1 adds ProDOS capabilities. This is one more example of a high-quality program no Apple II owner should be without. HARDWARE: The Videx Enhancer II is incredible. Lets you program your ][ or ][ Plus keyboard any way you want. All the ASCII characters, two repeat speeds, macros, etc etc. A high quality product with marvelous support from the manufacturer. Along with the Videoterm 80-column card, Videx has saved me the cost of an Apple //e. Thanks, Videx. DISCLAIMER: No connection to any of these except as a satisfied customer. Jim Pittman - University of New Mexico Computing Center 2701 Campus Blvd NE, Albuquerque, N.M. (505) 277-8131