Re: GS word processors

[spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

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).

    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 :)

Mitchell Spector
spec@vax2.concordia.ca