JKT100@PSUVM.BITNET (JKT) (01/22/90)
In article <26029@cup.portal.com>, FelineGrace@cup.portal.com) says: > >I noticed you neglected to mention WordPerfect. I have WP and it >is a solid program. ... >So if you want a solid wordprocessor for your Amiga, WordPerfect >is a good way to go. > I would not and could not ever deny that WordPerfect is indeed the epitome' of raw text editing power on the Amiga. However, it is my strong contention that if one owns a graphics-oriented computer such as the Amiga, one should use graphics-based word processors. Why should we abandon the Amiga's wonderful GUI capabilities and relegate ourselves to a CLI-based word processor? I hate to draw a comparison to the Macintosh, but it must be done in this case, because I believe that MS Word 4.0 on the Mac is currently the epitome' of WYSIWYG word processors in the home computer market. I think it's a shame that the Amiga, with its superior graphics and co-processor abilities is being out-shone by the Mac. I feel there is no excuse for this situation. Any responses to the effect that the Amiga's true "niche" is only in the graphics-production field, and that the Mac has already wrapped up the home word-processing market are bull. If that's true, then why is Commodore marketing the A500 as a "home or entry e level" computer? They know that Apple has not cornered the market at all - the Amiga DOES have a life as a home computer. Given this, I belive the Amiga needs, nay DESERVES a good WYSIWYG editor, and should not have to depend on non-graphic IBM style editors. <<end soapbox mode>> >Dana Bourgeois @ cup.portal.com Kurt -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- || Kurt Tappe (814) 862-8630 || "This town needs an enema." || || 600 E. Pollock Rd., #5705 || - Joker, "Batman" || || State College, PA 16801 --------------------------------------|| || jkt100@psuvm.bitnet or jkt100@psuvm.psu.edu || || jkt100%psuvm.bitnet@psuvax1 QLink: KurtTappe || ----------------------------------------------------------------------
eberger@godot.psc.edu (Ed Berger) (01/22/90)
In article <90021.235133JKT100@PSUVM.BITNET> JKT100@PSUVM.BITNET (JKT) writes: > >I would not and could not ever deny that WordPerfect is indeed >the epitome' of raw text editing power on the Amiga. However, it >is my strong contention that if one owns a graphics-oriented computer >such as the Amiga, one should use graphics-based word processors. >Why should we abandon the Amiga's wonderful GUI capabilities and >relegate ourselves to a CLI-based word processor? [comparison to microsoft word and mac deleted...] > >Given this, I belive the Amiga needs, nay DESERVES a good WYSIWYG >editor, and should not have to depend on non-graphic IBM style editors. > The whole word processor scene for the amiga is going to change. 1.4 will support a new standard in fonts for the amiga... Outline Fonts. What programs we have now have to rely on either the standard printer fonts, meaning Topaz on the display, or use of the authors' proprietary fonts. When 1.4 is available all these programs are going to have to rethink how they perform, both on the screen, and to any/all preferences supported printers. It must be very difficult for these programmers with the proliferation of printers that are available each with its own font options. When 1.4 shows up, I expect to see more WYSIWYG editors to choose from. Right now the design of such programs is extremely difficult. (look how long it had/is? taking PageStream to squash its bugs). With a standard, officially sanctioned by CBM, things will be different. There may even be PD/shareware programs that satisfy your needs once 1.4 has been shipped.... Let's look forward to 1.4 -Ed Berger eberger@b.psc.edu