PARSONS@KSUVM.BITNET (Scott Parish) (11/01/88)
In the same article from the Computer Shopper was information on the
pending graphic interface (yes, only one) for the 8-bit.
Some history: As far back as I can remember (a couple of months) there
had been two separate graphic interfaces planned for the 8 bits. One
was the 'STjr' (aka GOE?) by Merrill Ward and Associates and the other
was Diamond OS by Alan Reeve of Reeve Software. Both of course, were
to use an interface simalar to the ST/MAC etc.
The present: Merrill Ward has had trouble with the developer of Stjr,
and has teamed up with Mr. Reeve to produce Diamond. Beta versions
of Diamond OS were sent to DataQue, and run 'fine.' So only one graphic
interface is going to be produced presently. Which, at least, will be
a standard in a market with so many non-standard things.
The future: Is here. Diamond was supposed to start shipping in November
I don't know if it will be the 1st or the 30th, but November is here!
The Diamond OS sells for $29.95. You can get additional 'modules' for
use with Diamond. These 'modules' are Diamond Paint, Diamond Write,
Diamond Publish, and the Diamond Programmer's Kit. All retail for $29.95
and require the Diamond OS cart to work.
For more information: Reeve Software
29W150 Old Farm Lane
Warrenville, IL 60555
(312) 393-2317
Sources: From faint memories of what I've read in various articles,
Computer Shopper, and Antic Magazine.
Acknowledge-To: Scott Parish <PARSONS@KSUVM>BobR@cup.portal.com (Bob BobR Retelle) (11/02/88)
Just to update the information contained in Scott Parish's article about Graphics Interfaces for the Atari 8-bit systems... My understanding is that David Sullivan, the designer of the "GOE" (Graphics Operating Environment) system, had some problems with Merril-Ward, the company which was to have distributed the system. When negotiations fell apart, Merril-Ward (now re-named USA Media) contacted Reevesoft about distributing the Diamond graphics operating system. BOTH new operating systems are alive and well. Diamond is indeed shipping, but only a disk version for the present, with a "demo" of the full cartridge system on the back of the disk. The Michigan Atari Magazine has Diamond now, and I'll probably be working with it soon, so I can review it... MAM also has a pre-release version of the GOE cartridge, also on disk, which I've worked with, and the resemblance to my ST is uncanny..! From other reports about Diamond, it seems, just on the basis of hearsay, as if Diamond may be the more powerful of the two systems, but as I said, I'll be checking them both out soon... Film at 11...! BobR
njd@ihlpm.ATT.COM (DiMasi) (11/05/88)
In article <10769@cup.portal.com>, BobR@cup.portal.com (Bob BobR Retelle) writes: > Just to update the information contained in Scott Parish's article about > Graphics Interfaces for the Atari 8-bit systems... > ..... > From other reports about Diamond, it seems, just on the basis of > hearsay, as if Diamond may be the more powerful of the two systems, but > as I said, I'll be checking them both out soon... > ..... I got in on the Atari SIG conference on Delphi this past Tues, and Matt Ratcliff made a rare appearance there (he is on Delphi often, but not in the Conference). He said that he has tried out the disk version of Diamond you refer to, and that it wasn't all that great. Among other things, he mentioned that it took _40 swaps_ to do a disk copy. Also, it sounded like he had some reliability problems (I don't recall the details). He summarized by saying something like, "If the cartridge version isn't a whole lot better, I would give this a less- than-rave review." Also, it sounds like GOE is ready to go on cartridge, besides being more capable (again I can't recall more details). Nick DiMasi njd@ihlpm.ATT.COM ...att!ihlpm!njd DELPHI: TURBONICK Uni'q Digital Technologies (Fox Valley Software subsidiary; ^ working as a contractor at AT&T Bell Labs in Naperville, IL) ( | this is an accent mark, supposed to replace the dot over the 'i')
BobR@cup.portal.com (Bob BobR Retelle) (11/08/88)
Nick DiMasi mentions that Matt Ratcliff reported in Conference on Delphi that he'd tried Diamond (one of the two imminent "GEM-lookalikes" for the Atari 8-bit systems), and found it somewhat lacking. Tonight I had my first opportunity to work with Diamond somewhat briefly, and I too found some drawbacks. Just for contrast, we also booted up the "pre-release" version of GOE we have ( *NOT* the "demo" version that had been circulated some time ago). A full review of both systems will be forthcoming at a later date, but my initial impressions are that both systems have many strong points, and some weaknesses... I would *love* to see a GEM-like system that took the best of *both* Diamond *and* GOE... BobR
Eric_Stewart_Plent@cup.portal.com (11/25/88)
Just a note: if the demo version of Diamond is anything like the final version, no thanks! I run an Atari BBS in New Jersey, and I have had users upload both the demo version of Diamond and GOE. I found the GOE version to be MUCH better looking, and smoother running, than the Diamond demo. Perhaps this is due to memory limitations (which should be removed with the cartridge), or perhapthat is just how Diamond will turn out. I hope either one of them makes it, however, since it might spark more interest in the 8 bit computers as "Serious" machines.