taylor@limbo.Intuitive.Com (Dave Taylor) (04/11/91)
I've a need to be able to generate high quality graphs of various
tables of information, including pie charts, tri-axis bar charts,
and so on. They're destined for printed media (e.g. black and white)
and the packages I've tried so far have, surprisingly, produced
rather disappointing results.
In particular, I've tried Microsoft Excel, Informix Wingz, Abelbeck
Software KaleidaGraph, and CA Presents! and even for a simple pie
chart, they fall short of what I'd like. Specifically, they seem
to create pie charts out of lots of little segments, rather than
real circle objects &c, resulting in mediocre appearance on the
screen, and wretched, unacceptable appearance on paper.
Instead, I'd like a package where I can create some excellent tables
and graphics, then cut and paste them into Microsoft Word, Frame
Maker, or whatever else, and print 'em, both at 300 dpi (LaserWriter)
and 1200 dpi (Linotype) with excellent results. Further, I'd like
to be able to have within-measure labels, and other neat features as
possible...
Price isn't an object here either, as this will get sufficient
usage to justify just about anything under $1000. It must work on
a IIci and have a survivable Mac interface, at least.
Any suggestions? Ideas? I recall reading about a couple of packages
that are designed for just this task, but a quick inspection of MacWEEK
and MacWorld yielded nothing of this nature.
Please, all feedback via email -- I'll summarize if there's
sufficient interest, but I do not currently read this newsgroup.
Thanks greatly for your help!!
-- Dave Taylor
Intuitive Systems
Mountain View, California
taylor@limbo.intuitive.com or {uunet!}{decwrl,apple}!limbo!taylor