Re: Big Text Machine press release

[philip@utstat.toronto.edu (Philip McDunnough)]

In article <1993May30.121204.6249@ifi.unizh.ch> gudat@avalon.physik.unizh.ch (gudat henrik) writes:

[ ]
> 
>"Our hope is that Big Text Machine will help unleash a torrent of
>creative expression by children, and will spark a renewed interest in
>written expression in general", says Phil Shapiro, president and
>founder of Balloons Software (Washington).

Hmm...
> 
>-=> The Press <=-
> 
>"Teachers who are comfortable with computers and realize [Big Text
>Machine's] potential will find all sorts of uses for it."
>- South Jersey Apple Users newsletter
> 
>"It is reasonably priced and easy to use, and once you get a hold of a
>copy you will be utterly surprised at the number of ways that the
>program can be used...The manual is for the most part exceedignly clear
>and detailed...There is a gold mine here for elementary school
>teachers."
>- Teacher's Idea and Information Exchange
> 
>"Big Text Machine is very effective in meeting its defined goals."
>- Wahsington Apple Pi Journal
> 
>"Big Text Machine is a noteworthy achievement that stands tall in its
>present incarnation and has great potential for the future."
>- The Maine GS AppleReview
> 
> 
>-=> What else? <=-
> 
>The software is shipped on three disks: the BTM Program disk, the BTM
>Auto display disk, and the BTM Sample Files disk. The Sample Files disk
>contains text files showing how the software can be used for different
>purposes. Included are sample creative writings by young children.
> 
>Four foreign language fonts: Spanish, French, Italian, and German,
>further extend the use of Big Text Machine. Hard copy output to Apple
>ImageWriters* is supported as well.

The foreign language support is nice...
> 
> 
>-=> How much? <=-
> 
>Big Text Machine will sell for US$35, including postage, directly from
>Bright Software Switzerland. Lab packs: US$75.
>(Available on (3) 5.25" and (1) 3.5" disks - please specify when
>ordering)
>System requirements: Apple II+ and later models w/ 64kB, Mac LC with
>IIe card, one disk drive

One reads along and it all seems nice until you note that this does not
support the GS. This is most distressing. When will people realize that 
only supporting AppleII's spells the end for the whole bunch, including 
the GS. I don't want to say this again, but the AppleIIe is the 8080 of 
computing. It has no sound, is probably not up to Tandy graphics of 8 years
ago, etc...Why would someone want programs on a computer that has poor
graphics, no sound, basically poor mouse support, etc...
 
Now, to include support for both the IIe and the GS, via "fat binaries" 
would be much better. I'm really discouraged by this view that educational
programs should be written only for the IIe and below. It signs the end of
the GS for many and only serves in moving people faster towards the PC and/or
Amiga, both of which are far superior to an AppleII.

-- 
Philip McDunnough
University of Toronto
philip@utstat.toronto.edu
[Where sheep may safely graze...]