[comp.sys.mac] Mac hardware/software suggestions

awd@dbase.UUCP (Alastair Dallas) (06/18/89)

In article <2661@bucsb.UUCP>, dfickes@bucsb.UUCP (David Fickes) writes:
> 1. Any recommendations on Software? 
> 	...is there any other "standard"
> 	software or "really good" software out there that is a "MUST" or
> 	if you just can't live without a certain product.. let me know.
> 
I really couldn't live without MacDraw II.  I use it for drafting, but it
is perfectly suited to brochures, invitations, diagrams, illustrations, etc.
Now that you can change fonts and styles within a single text object, it's
practically a word processor.  (Of course, I play it the other way, too,
using FullWrite Professional, which is a full-blown word processor which  
is "practically a drawing program.")  From your comments about magazine
layout, it sounds like you need either FullWrite or PageMaker, as well.

> 3. We need more memory.. (we've got 1 MB and will upgrade to 8MB) any
> 	experiences you'd like to share?
> 
I got great service from MicroBanks in Mission Viejo, CA--they also had
the lowest (real) price that week (last fall).  Also, be careful installing
the things if you're a klutz--I know a guy who snapped off the SIMM holder
on the motherboard and I don't think that's cheap to fix.

> 4. Standard question: Any PD stuff I should pick up and location of archives.
> 
You need StuffIt right away--a lot of PD programs are archived with StuffIt.

> 7. I might as well throw this one in... my cousins are going to visit
> 	next week..  they are 7 - 14,  what games/games should I get 
> 	them since they'll want to play.  (they already have a II/gs)
> 
Dark Castle, Crystal Quest (both yesterday's news, but still great if
you aren't tired of them).  About $30 ea, mail order.  MacConnection (and
others) offers next-day air for peanuts.  (800) MAC-LISA.

> 8. Big question: (almost forgot) we currently have a Radius 1 pg
> 	monochrome and a Radius 2pg color has been suggested.  I've
> 	also heard of the Sigma monitors.  We will be working with
> 	magazine/color newsletter layout and I'm rather lost on this
> 	one .f course I have discover that the monitor actually
> 	COSTS more than the system!
> 
For some reason I can't quite recall now, I bought a Radius 2pg color
system with my Mac II.  I look at it sometimes and shake my head at the
money I spent.  However, it's gorgeous!  Radius' service to me was superb,
and their technology is first rate--they include several tricks in a cdev
like tear-off menus, large menu bar, etc. and they were clever enough to
include a "master off" switch in case of incompatibilities (which I
discovered with THINK C v3.0).  One thing: Radius' 2pg display is
really 2 pages--other brands use 72 pixels per inch on the same Sony
monitor and give you 1-3/4 pages.  I've had no trouble with the slightly
reduced pixel size on my Radius, and two full pages is very nice.

/alastair/

Disclaimer: Ashton-Tate thinks I work on an IBM PC.