Re: GS word processors

[gsaikin@primenet.com (Gina Saikin)]

In article <5JAN199803254668@vax2.concordia.ca>, spec@vax2.concordia.ca
(Mitchell Spector) wrote:

> In article "Tim Foley" <timf.sickofspam@rmi.net> writes...
> 
> >I recently downloaded a "review", actually an archived message, stating
> >that WordPerfectGS was reclassified as freeware.
> 
>     That was actually a hoax, and a rather messy one at that since no
> one is really clear on the official status of the program now. Corel
> got the rights passed on when it purchased WordPerfect Corp, but the
> story goes the Apple IIgs version was then sold Quality Software who
> cannot be found.
> 
> >Can anyone tell me where I can find WPGS
> 
>     No one sells it, you'll have to search for a used copy through
> comp.sys.apple2.marketplace or similiar. There _is_ a complete copy
> available on 'ftp.apple.asimov.net' but you'll get a "permission
> denied" message if you try and FTP it (I wanted it since I own a
> legal copy of version 2.1b, purchased from the local university
> about 4 years ago. I found out about the free upgrade just weeks
> after the program was discontinued and the offer expired :/).
> 
>     I never really liked it, it wasn't compatible with bitmapped
> or TrueType fonts, instead using a custom graphical screen font
> that was similar to ASCII text. Some stand by it, but I was not
> one of those people and saw little attraction to the program.
> 
> >and what version was the latest released?
> 
>     Version 2.1e, if I'm not mistaken.
> 
> >Also, is AppleWorksGS still available, and if so, where can I get it?
> 
>     Scantron Quality Computers may still sell it, but even if they
> no longer do (which is quite probable) you can buy it from Alltech
> Electronics for a tiny fraction of its original cost. Try calling
> SQC at 1-800-777-ENHANCE and see if they have any copies left, or
> jump over to http://www.allelec.com/ to see if Alltech lists it in
> stock on their web page (SQC also has a web presence, but they no
> longer list Apple II products).

Sadly, we no longer sell AWGS (since we no longer have the manuals), but I
do know that Alltech Electronics (as mentioned above) does.  They don't
have any manuals, either, I don't think, but they DO have the program. 
However, SQC still has some Apple II stuff floating around...some modems,
cables, a few software titles (Appleworks classic (4.3 and 5.1); Bottom
Line (now $15.00) and Beaglewrite.  Instead of calling the 777-enhance,
call 1-800-890-8263.  This wil take you directly to apple sales.  Thanks!

 
>     AppleWorks GS is nicer than WPGS IMHO, but I was never really
> a great fan of it either due to its serious bugs. Personally, if
> I wanted to get some work done (even to this day) I use the built-
> in editor in ProTERM 3.1 as a word-processor. I would say it is
> the best editor for the Apple II, if not for its 45K text limit
> and lack of a spell checker. ShadowWrite or Hermes NDA are also
> nice if you want a stable WYSIWYG (almost) word-processor. These
> days I find myself drawn to word-processors on my Pentium, even
> if just for the larger screen and higher refresh rates that make
> it easier on my eyes. ;-) (funny I should say that though since 
> I'm typing this in ProTERM this very moment :)

I was a BIG user of wordperfect for many years on the pc's (on the job) -
matter of fact, I learned wordperfect on the job.  I found that WPGS did
not really mimic the PC version as well.  As Mitell said, AWGS is nicer. 
Even appleworks classic is quite a nice program (albeit not graphical).

Speaking of graphical, don't forget that we now have a graphical web
browser that's like Netscape without the graphics, called SIS (Spectrum
Internet Suite), which works in tandem with Spectrum, and a program called
Marinetti that will allow you to connect via SLIP (just like the big boys
do <G>), and soon may allow you to connect via PPP.  

Gina Saikin
gsaikin@delphi.com
gsaikin@primenet.com