Article 57398 of comp.sys.apple2:
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Path: caen!spool.mu.edu!sdd.hp.com!crash!pro-scat!archm
From: archm@pro-scat.cts.com (Arch Mirrielees)
Subject: What are the best Apples?
Organization: ProLine [pro-scat] St. Petersburg, Florida.
Date: Sun, 23 May 93 14:08:46 EST
Message-ID:
Lines: 261
TO THE READER - This is an article that was prepared for the newsletter of
a local users group. It is posted in response to recent multiple
inquiries about "What's best?" Although a little ancient, not too much
has come down the pike since it was written.
APPLE PICKER'S DELIGHT
Following is a condensation of the "Best of the Best" from an article in
the December, 1990, issue of inCider/A+. It was disguised as an Apple II
holiday shopping guide.
Its value lies in the point that it congeals manymanymany articles and can
be used as a quick reference for when you have a few extra bucks to spend
to make your personal/computer life better or easier.
The write up also cuts through a lot of the high tech (and often
confusing) comparisons in earlier articles and, for example, brings to
simple reality that GraphicWriter III should be purchased if you have a
GS. Otherwise get Publish It! 3 for desktop publishing.
The prices shown are manufacturer's approximate retail. Dependable mail
order houses usually beat them down to be competitive.
PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE:
1. HyperStudio ($150) - "Like no other product for the Apple IIgs,
HyperStudio will soon reawaken your waning enthusiasm. . .Text, cards,
buttons, line art, paintings, digitized images, even video frames and
sequences explode in super-hi-res color. The program comes with an easily
installed sound-digitizing circuit board and a microphone. Record the
spoken word or 'live' music and incorporate those sounds into your
HyperStudio stacks."
A superb presentation vehicle - for both the classroom and the board room.
2. DB Master Professional ($295)/DB Master Version Five ($45) - Claimed
to be the most powerful program ever written for the Apple II, putting the
Apple in the class of so-called serious business machines. DB Master
Version Five is nonrelational (means files are not related as they are in
the Professional version) and can be obtained as shareware through public
domain and user group libraries.
3. AppleWorks 3.0 ($250) - AppleWorks is the most used program of all
Apple owners. Non-users are rare. Not much else to say.
4. AppleWorks GS 1.1 ($300) - Has six built-in systems. "Together with
GS/OS System 5.02 (included with the package), AppleWorks GS could be the
only program you ever need." However, be wary that many articles have
been written describing the negatives of the program. Read them and talk
to owners that don't use the program before you buy.
5. GraphicWriter III ($150) - #1 desktop publishing program, if you have
a GS. "A few glitches persisted in the version available at press time,
but a free (and bug-free) update is in the works for registered users,
according to the company."
6. SoftDisk ($20 for non-GS three month subscription, $30 for GS)- A
disk-based magazine containing computer related information, programs,
templates and tutorials. [Scribe's NOTE: I prefer Bits & Bytes from
A.C.E.S. as an information and entertainment resource - besides, the price
is right.]
7. SuperConvert 3.00 ($40) - "SuperConvert is so incredibly flexible (and
easy to use) that it can convert virtually any type of graphics file to
super hi-res." Also does a job on Atari ST, Commodore 64/128 and
Macintosh graphics.
8. Graph It! ($70) - Can import directly from AppleWorks, or via ASCII
from other data base programs. Many graph styles. Can print in a choice
of sizes.
9. Publish It! 3 ($130) - The best in desktop publishing if you don't
have a GS. Includes the capability to convert your document to a format
that will be recognized by a service bureau's laser printer.
10. EuroWorks 3.0 ($39) - Converts AppleWorks to five languages.
PERIPHERALS AND HARDWARE:
1. Apple II High Speed SCSI Card ($130) - Stands for small computer
systems interface. (If you have a hard-disk drive.) Throughput on the GS
is 1 megabyte per second (that's almost the capacity of my GS) and 511 per
second on the IIe.
2. FingerPrint GSi III ($150) - Captures/creates printed or disk file
versions of any single, double or super hi-res screen. Ideal for
teachers, desktop publishers and computer hobbyists.
3. Apple II Video Overlay Card ($550) - Enables you to merge video from a
tape or camera with computer graphics and text.
4. TouchWindow ($250) - "An overlay for your Apple monitor that lets you
touch the screen rather than use the keyboard, mouse, or some other input
device."
5. RamFactor ($260 to $400 for sizes ranging from 512K to 2Meg) -
Recommended memory expansion card for all Apple II models except the IIc.
6. TransWarp/TransWarp GS ($120 to $350) - An accelerator, deemed to
almost be a necessity, if you use AppleWorks GS, GraphicWriter III, or any
heavy-duty 16-bit software.
7. CrossWorks 2.0 ($100) - Lets you go (both ways) to and from IBM and
Apple with your data disks or with direct linking (included) or by modem.
8. CT-20 to CT-100 ($500 to $800) - Chinook external hard drives ranging
from 20 to 100 megabytes.
9. LightingScan ($300) and Quickie (for the GS) ($300) - Are almost
identical for scanning any hard copy to your computer. A head-to-head
comparison will be in an upcoming issue.
10. Vulcan ($700 to $1,800 for sizes ranging from 20 to 100 megabytes) -
Recommended internal hard-disk drive. But be wary of the disadvantages of
going the internal route.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
1. USA GeoGraph ($140) - (Like WORLD GeoGraph.) "...help you learn about
the USA in ways that until now would have required a stack of atlases and
reference books."
2. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing ($50) - "...the best Apple II keyboard
trainer available."
3. The New Talking Stickybear ABCs, Opposites, Shapes ($50 each) - New
young children's educational programs that include digitized speech.
4. Talking Reader Rabbit ($60) - (For the GS) - Gives children a head
start in acquiring vital reading skills.
5. The Children's Writing and Publishing Center ($60 for home version,
$100 for school version) - Desktop publishing for kids. Includes ready to
use layouts to "...assist kids in preparing book reviews, compositions and
science reports while it encourages development of both analytical and
creative skills."
6. Tutor-Tech Hypermedia Toolkit ($200) - "...educators can write
enticing, interactive lessons without knowing an iota of programming
code."
7. Audubon Wildlife Adventures: Grizzly Bears, Whales ($50 each, $60 for
GS version) - "These nonsexist, nonracist Wildlife Adventures are certain
to appeal to all budding naturalists aged 9 and up."
8. McGee, Katie's Farm ($40 each) - For young children. No text or
typing is involved. Mouse clicks open up whatever scene they want to
explore.
9. The Playroom ($40) - For preschoolers. Helps them develop skills such
as telling time, counting, and recognizing letters of the alphabet.
10. Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? ($45) - A "find the thief" mystery
that helps kids pick up all sorts of historical tidbits as well as
geographic information. (Also get Where in the World, USA and Europe.)
For kids of ALL ages.
CREATIVITY SOFTWARE:
1. Award Maker Plus ($50-64K version, $60-128K version) - Very versatile.
"Recipients appreciate the recognition that only a quality ready-to-frame
certificate can bring."
2. The New Print Shop ($50) - Print Shop GS enhancements for non-GS
users.
3. Slide Shop ($70 for home version, $100 for school version) - Create
self-running slide shows.
4. Pyware MusicWriter ($120 to $600) - Print scores with or without
lyrics. "...may be the only music software you need."
5. Sound Smith ($20 shareware) - A 14-track sequencer for creation and
playback of synthesized music.
6. Bannermania ($35) - S U P E R banner maker. My wife LOVES it for her
classroom.
7. Color 'n' Canvas ($100 - $300 for Lab Pack) - A GS paint program for
elementary school classrooms. "...is chock-full of classroom ideas,
lessons, and worksheets."
8. Diversi-Tune ($75) - "...can play notes yourself on the keyboard...can
also work like a player piano when you buy disks of prerecorded songs."
Is a long running musical hit.
9. GS 131 and GS 132 ($9 each - public domain shareware) - 84 GS fonts on
the two disks.
10. Cheap Paint 1.4 ($10) - A great paint program at an amazing price.
ACCESSORIES:
1. IIgs Antiglare Filter ($50) - Decrease glare by "some 96 percent".
2. Curtis Clip ($7) - A clip holder that attaches to either side of your
monitor. Can relieve neck strain and increase productivity.
3. Maclinker ($66) and Multicolor Adapter ($40) - Pays for itself by
re-inking your ribbons.
4. User Group Connection (Free) - Call 800/538-9696, ext. 500 and get a
reference to local user groups from Apple, Inc.
5. System Saver IIgs ($100) - A combined computer cooling fan and surge
protector.
6. National AppleWorks Users Group (NAUG) ($29 per year) - Thousands
(your scribe thinks) of members can't be wrong. Incredible benefits,
including a low cost library of templates and a 36 page monthly
publication. Call 313/454-1115.
7. Teachers' Idea & Information Exchange ($40 per year) - "A yearly
membership brings you six double-sided disks stuffed with AppleWorks files
(templates and lessons), but you can extend your subscription for free by
contributing files of your own. Call 402/483-6987.
8. Slide-On ($15) - A replacement GS battery that is surprisingly easy to
install. Claims to have a 10 year shelf life. Call 913/362-9898 or write
to: Nite Owl Productions, 5734 Lamar Avenue, Mission, KS 66202.
9. Security System IIgs ($50) - Lock your GS and peripherals on to your
desktop. Call 800/535-4242.
10. PaperKit ($17.50 including shipping) - Samples and swatches of 150
different papers and matching envelopes. Call 800/272-7377.
TOP 20 ENTERTAINMENT HITS:
Arkanoid
Arkanoid II: Revenge of Doh
Xenocide
Task Force
Prince of Persia
Tunnels of Armageddon
Silent Service GS
Pirates GS
The Bard's Tale I
Dungeon Master
Manhunter: New York
Space Quest 1: Saurien Encounter
Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny
ChessMaster 2100
Solitaire Royale
Tetris
Julius Erving and Larry Bird Go One-on-One
Hardball!/Hardball! GS
Mean 18
GBA Championship Basketball
That's it!
OK, Joe, and all you other nephytes. Have at it!
Arch, commonly known as ChipHead