Classic Computer Magazine Archive START VOL. 4 NO. 9 / APRIL 1990

Products Update


BY MARTA DEIKE, START JUNIOR EDITOR


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Portable Portfolios

Caseworks has created the PCpouch for Atari's new Portfolio. PCpouch is a carrying case designed to contain the Portfolio, three RAM cards and three AA batteries in a size not much larger than the computer itself. It's available in two types: water-resistant 400 Denier nylon or Glove leather, both with thick foam lining and a one-year guarantee. PCpouch nylon, $24.95; leather, $49.95. Caseworks, Inc., 4038-B 128th Ave., S.E., Ste. 294, Bellevue, WA 98006, 206/643-7557.


The Caged Bird Sings

Are you a bird watcher? If you belong to that select Ornithological crowd, WholeLifeSystems has designed a software package specifically for you. KeSTreL, The Bird Processor its a record-keeping program that includes customized database features as well as encyclopedic information about species and AOU spellings. It will also compile and print Seasonal Reports for state Ornithological Societies. KeSTrel, The Bird Processor, $39.95. WholeLifeSystems, Box 162, Rehoboth, NM 87322, 505/853-4751.


Desktop-Publishing Basics

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A first for the ST: Maxwell's Silhouettes outlin-
ing program.

Now available from North Light Books is the comprehensive desktop-publishing manual for artists, Basic Desktop Design & Layout. The book includes explanations of basic DTP principles and step-by-step demonstrations of procedures. A variety of projects--from the simple to the complex--are analyzed in terms of design specifics, to teach you how to anticipate and solve special problems you'll be likely to face in your work. Basic Desktop Design & Layout, $27.95. North Light Books, 1507 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45207, 513/531-2222.


Maxwell Silhouettes

Maxwell Computer Products has released the first outlining program for the ST, Silhouette. Silhouette produces vector graphic files in the form of GEM metafiles from Degas or IMG raster files. Converting raster files to vector graphic files lets Linotype machines produce the image at high resolution and gives you more flexibility in modifying images--a promising accessory for desktop publishing projects. Silhouette, $49.95 Maxwell CPU, 5007 W. Baseline, Lafayette, CO 80026, 303/666-7754.


New Games from Star

From the creators of Targhan (reviewed in START, March 1990), Star Games, comes three new releases for the ST. Clown-O-Mania is the adventure of Beppo the Clown, who abandons the circus life and sets out to discover a country full of priceless crystal. There are 70 levels of riddles and tasks, 3D screen construction and soft-scrolling in all directions. Clown-O-Mania, $34.95.

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A classic hero's quest awaits you in Star Games'
Rings of Medusa.

Table Tennis Simulation offers you the chance to prove you haven't lost that swing you had against your Aunt Sallie on her table in the backyard. You can train against a ball machine or computer player before you take on friends and neighbors and, ultimately, on the World Championship level. Table Tennis, $34.95.

The classic heroic quest awaits you in the Rings of Medusa, in which you play the young prince who must conquer the evil Medusa and restore peace and order to your father's kingdom. Your only chance against this hydra-headed madame is to find the five rings and unite them in the temple of the Athenians. There are thirteen castles in 33 cities on three islands and you must confront myriad evil through it all. Rings of Medusa, $49.95. Star Games, 708 W. Buffalo Ave., Ste. 200, Tampa, PL 33603, 813/222-0006.



Propagating Populous

Electronic Arts has augmented their popular game, Populous, with an accessory disk, The Promised Lands. In Populous, you are a god and must persuade your disciples to procreate in and build up to 500 different worlds, conquering the flock of your rival god. The Promised Lands include such hot spots as The Wild West, Revolution Francaise, Blockland, Silly Land and The Bit Plains. A deity's work is never done. Populous: The Promised Lands, $14.95. Electronic Arts, 1820 Gateway Dr., San Mateo, CA 94404, 415/ 571-7171.


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From Electronic Arts comes Promised Lands, an
accessory disk packed full of new worlds for the
greediest of gods to conquer and rule.

Beginning with Dr. T's

Now there's a professional quality MIDI program solely for the beginner, TIGER Cub, from Dr. T's Music Software. Cub is an extension of the interactive technology in TIGER (The Interactive Graphic Editor) and Copyist. It's a professional scoring and transcription program. Some of the simple and intuitive features include a twelve track tape recorder style sequencing, full realtime graphic editing of notes and controllers, scoring, transcription and printing, and instrument setups. TIGER Cub also contains Dr. T's exclusive MPE to load up to eight other compatible programs. TIGER Cub, $99. Dr. T's Music Software, 220 Boylaton St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, 617/244-6954.


If you have a new product for the ST, we'd like to hear from you. Please send press releases and product photos to Products Update, START Magazine, 544 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107