[comp.text.desktop] Comments on MacPublisher and Sringboard Publisher wanted

rupp@cod.nosc.mil (William L. Rupp) (12/09/88)

I would appreciate very much any comments or opinions anyone may have
regarding MacPublisher.  Specifically:

	* Is it a genuine DTP package?  
	* What type text files can it import?
	* What type graphics files can it import?
	* What is the maximum number of pages per document?
	* How many columns can be formatted?
	* What PostScript support does it have?
	* Any strong impressions re: good or bad features?

Ditto for Springboard Publisher (about which I know a little more than
MacPublisher).

I am contemplating a purchase, as you probably gathered, and am trying to
decide between Quark Style, MacPublisher, and Springboard Publisher.  I
know there are more powerful programs, but I have decided to try a low-end
package first.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Bill
rupp@nosc.mil

	[Moderator kibbitzs:

	My first layout program was MacPublisher II. It was slow, awkward
	to use and had problems handling even really simple (i.e. almost
	exclusively text) cleanly. MacPublisher III came out about the same
	time as Ready, Set, Go! 3.0. Even though I could upgrade to MP III
	*cheap* I switched to RSG at that time because MP III didn't deal
	with most of the interface and hassle issues that were driving me 
	up the wall -- and even then, MP III was clearly trailing in the
	performance/features/functionality war. I can't recommend MP 
	to anyone except for the simplest layouts -- and if you're doing
	that kind of work, a good, high end (FullWrite or Word) word
	processor can probably do it as well as MP with a lot less hassle
	
	My recommendation: if you're to the point where you need a layout
	program, don't strangle yourself with a half-powered low end
	program. The only thing you'll do is outgrow it quickly and have to
	buy something else down the road. If you don't want to shell out all
	those PageMaker dollars, take a close look at RSG, which is somewhat
	cheaper. ]

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