**********
Topic 36        Tue Nov 25, 1986
SPARROW.J                    at 00:45 EST
Sub: Pocket Series updates                  

The BEST just keep getting better!  Comments on the new updates of the
best selling Pocket Series software for the C-128!
53 message(s) total
**********
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 1         Tue Nov 25, 1986
SPARROW.J                    at 01:01 EST

Hi Gang!

I recieved my review/beta test copy of Pocket Writer II  today and
it is awesome!  The folks at Digital Solutions have done an incredible
job with this one!  Here is just a short list of all the spectacular
enhancements to hat in my mind was already one of the best word processors 
available:

Full 1700/1750 RAM expansion support (RAM disk with 2045 blks free on 1750)
Configuration file to set default preferences
Mouse (both 1350 and 1351) support with pull-downs 
80 columns spell-checker which works for disk or RAM-disk
Much enhanced nge capabilities
50 line video display option (working 640 x 400 text on the C-128!)
Takes advange of burst mode on the 1571 (stuff loads real fast!)
Column/block manipulation (to create dual column or special layouts)
GEOS compatibility including the ability to read GEOWRITE files

AND A TON MORE!

All of this on the 80 column screen and true "see what you get".
The RAM-disk and built in spell-checker is really neat, it just
has to be experienced.  

By the way I should be receiving pre-releases of Pocket Planner II 128
and Pocket Filer II 128 in the near future as well, and Victor Kass
and David Foster of Digital Solutions will be our guests on a 
real time conference on December 9, 1986.

(Also things look very good on the C-128 front I know of three more
super packages that are nearing completion, and all of them include
RAM expansion support!  Stay tuned!)

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 2         Tue Nov 25, 1986
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 01:24 EST

Sounds like another Digi-Sol winner to me!  Glad to hear it.
Cant wait for mine to arrive!

Speaking of C-128/RAM support, I've heard some intriguing rumours
about two RAM Disks due out soon in the Public Domain from private
sources.  One is apparently dubbed EROS.  [Hmmmmm]

-=:Mike
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 3         Sat Dec 06, 1986
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 07:40 EST

I still await my upgrade.  I sent my disk and warrany card to the company 
several weeks ago and still have no response to my many complaints.
This is a bit annoying...and directly upsetting when their advertising 
blast is in EVERY magazine that I pick up!
I guess you have to be pretty stupid to believe in a product just because you
read about it in the ads!!

----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 4         Sat Dec 06, 1986
TIGLON.G [*SysOp*]           at 15:50 EST

Tox: Along with most companies, their ads DO come out way in advance of
the actual product. (Not to bring up another computer...but) AmigaWorld
is -famous- for Ad Jumping, which is releasing the ads *before* the 
product is ready. DigiSol will have their product out, and I know it is
worth the wait, or you would not have purchased the FIRST version and sent
in the $$ for the upgrade! So, patience is the best thing here. The 
company I am sure does not have the time or manpower needed to send out
"IT IS DELAYED" mail to everyone who sent in for an upgrade! They will 
get your programt to you! Fear not!!!

         -<* Tiggy *>-

----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 5         Tue Dec 09, 1986
DEB [*deb!*]                 at 17:27 EST

Interesting, Gayle...the CW pubs magazines, RUN, AmigaWorld, etc, have
the LONGEST lead time for ads of any other computer magazine, and Amiga
World is even LONGER than RUN...lets hear it for instant access in the
information age!  Pony Express was faster....  <<grin>>
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 6         Tue Dec 09, 1986
TIGLON.G [*SysOp*]           at 17:57 EST

Yep! The lead time for this certain AmigaWorld Ad was over 5 months! And they
still overshot the delivery date by 2 months! :Sheesh:

  -<* Gayle

----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 7         Sat Dec 20, 1986
KEVIN-S. [KeS]               at 19:07 PST

Speaking of lead times, do we have a transcript of the Digital 
Solutions conference available yet?  I still don't know whom 
to send my upgrade check to!
                            KeS
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 8         Sat Dec 20, 1986
SPARROW.J                    at 23:02 EST

I have been very busy getting this months issue of TC-128 to the printers
but I have an edited version of the transcript that I will upload this
evening.  --Sorry about the delay...but I am swamped!

In the meantime, send your registration card in with $19.95 plus 
$3.00 shipping and handling to Digital with a note requesting the
upgrade.

(If you have already sent in your registration card and you did
not receive the flyer in the mail..just send the money and a note
and they will take care of you)

By the way, if you are really impatient (everybody on my staff is)
and you have a VISA or Mastercard, you can call them direct at
416-731-8775 and order it, and you will cut weeks (because of mail
and check clearing time) off the turn around!

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 9         Sun Dec 21, 1986
KEVIN-S. [KeS]               at 12:45 PST

Thanks, Loren!
      I will give a try at calling them and trying to convince them
to send me an upgrade BEFORE they get my registration card....
(I know, I know, "Good Luck!")
      I will report success, I imagine that there are a few 
aperback owners out there who never registered their disks.
Thanks for the transcript, don't worry about the delay!
                  Happy Holidays!
                       KeS
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 10        Sat Jan 17, 1987
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 07:31 EST

I finally DID get my upgrade (requested Oct 15, rec'd Jan 15) and agree it's
a big improvement on the old version (and anything else on the market that I
have seen. Of most advantage is the automatic assignment of identifications 
to both drives so that save and load doesn't require re-setting the device
number...the program will access either drive without trouble. Most amazing
is that it will do a simultaneous directory listing, with full scrolling to 
files on either disk, without any special command.
   
What I'd still like to see is the possibility to display the entered format
commands.  The "checkmark" in the upper corner means that the ESC window must
be repeatedly opened to find the problem format.
Especially since they use Paperclip-style imbedded formatting commands, and
since they recognize the importance of seeing the spaces and returns that 
might be screwing up the format...the formatting commands should be visible
somehow.
---
Does anybodknow how to do that?
Gary Greenberg
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 11        Sun Jan 18, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 01:31 EST

Gary, glad to hear your copy finally arrived!  Your insight about somehow
making format commands visible (maybe in a separate window at the top of
the screen) is interesting.  Another thing that would be nice is the 
incorporation of keyboard macros for text and key sequences.  We are
going to have the folks from Digital online again sometime in the
next few months and they had such a blast last time they were here
they are considering joining us on a regular basis...I know that
Vic and David would be glad to talk to us about our ideas...who knows
maybe you won't have to wait so long for POCKET WRITER 3 if you are
in on the design mods?

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 12        Sun Jan 18, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 05:20 EST

Does anyone besides myself have this problem with Pocket-2 on the 128...?
After acquiring a directory of drive 2 (the 1750 RAM), cursoring up to a file,
and hitting <RETURN> to load that file, the program tends to take a quick
look on drive 0 to see if it's there and the drive light starts blinking as
if in error.  The file does load fine off the RAM, but it's curious that it
would look first on drive 0 (actually drive 8).
-=:[M]:=-
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 13        Sun Jan 18, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 12:22 EST

Here's a nifty piece of information for those that use BobsTerm Pro
with the new PocketWriter-2.  It seems that if you have the BTPro dongle
in port #2, PocketWriter thinks you've got a mouse in port #1 and displays
the pointer-icon on the screen.
Interestingly enough, Partner-128's cable plugged into port #1 does not
affect PocketWriter at all.  

What a joy it is, though, to finally be able to use the 17xx RAM expander
for something useful (and other than in CP/M) !  It does tend to make one
hunger even more for a generic RAM DISK program!  

Bravo, Digi-Sol!

-=:Mike:=-
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 14        Sun Jan 18, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 23:30 EST

Mike, neither my beta-test version nor my production version of Pocket 
Writer 2 does that when I load from the RAM disk.  Interesting about
the BT dongle and the mouse pointer.  I would have never discovered that
because neither my BT dongle nor my 1351 mouse ever leave their
designated ports!
--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 15        Sun Jan 18, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 23:36 EST

Loren - When using Partner and BTPro-128 I use port #2 for the BTPro dongle.

At any rate, have you tried loading from the RAM by getting a directory
listing of *all* drives using C= D, cursoring up to the file that shows
up in the RAM directory and punching <RETURN>?  It's strange!  It's
annoying!  But it still works!?
(Doesnt happen when loading from RAM in the conventional ways, by the way)

-=:[M]:=-
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 16        Mon Jan 19, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 02:36 EST

I'll try that..ordinarily I do a C= 2 to get a directory for just the
RAMdisk and then I cursor (or move the mouse pointer) up to load the file.

What happens when you spell check from RAMdisk?

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 17        Mon Jan 19, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 12:40 EST

No problems spell-checking from RAM.  Just that nagging problem I've
already stated with total-directories and drive 0.
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 18        Mon Jan 19, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 18:58 EST

Okay, I finally made Pocket Writer do what you describe...
But my main qustion is: So what?  It does not appear to me to be
a problem for any reason  I think it might have to do with the fact
that David Foster treats the RAM exactly like a disk drive so he 
may use a common "load" routine which when called activates 
the drive on the serial bus.  Again I can't see any reason why this
could cause a problem for any one.  But, it may be interesting to find
out why...

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 19        Mon Jan 19, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 20:54 EST

I agree that it's no problem.  Just strange.  Glad it wasnt just *me*
having this pop up.
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 20        Tue Feb 10, 1987
HARVARD                      at 18:20 EST

Sparrow,
  Just received a copy of Pocket Writer 2 and am duly impressed.
Have not yet been able to try all the features but have used
the 1750 RAM and like the "action."
  Have a question that I hope you can use your influence with
the guys at Digital Solutions to help answer.  Since the Filer and
the Planner 2 are not yet released, the dealer would not give
me any price consideration even though I intend to get the
other products when available.  I would hope the Dig. Solutions
would consider the plight of their customers who are willing
to pay the software "early" and consider a discount - maybe
via a certificate - for the additional two programs.
                Thanks,   Dick Reiling!
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 21        Thu Feb 12, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 03:58 EST

Interesting idea Dick.  I will bounce it off Vic.  Here is another idea,
ask your dealer if he will give you a price break on the remaining
pieces in the set (Planner 2 and Filer 2) if you agree to put down
your money NOW!  I have yet to meet a Commodore software dealer that
did not have cash flow problems, and if you have the $$$ he might be
willing to help you out.

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 22        Fri Feb 13, 1987
MAYSMITCHELL [SounDesign]    at 00:01 EST

Had a quirk about TC-128...I haven't recieved my Jan.-Feb edition.

----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 23        Fri Feb 13, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 00:08 EST

Issue #13 went into the mail yesterday.  The December 1986 issue was the
last issue with a "date" on it, that was issue #12.  You have not missed
an issue, this one has just been delayed.  I hope you enjoy it.

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 25        Sat Feb 21, 1987
HARVARD                      at 11:24 EST

Dear Sparrow.J
  Just read the software review of Pocket Writer II by Tim Sickbert
in "Midnite Software Gazette" - he obviously doe not share your
enthusiam with the program.  (Average rating).
  I don't really share his views and like the program with all its
"buzzers-and-whistles."
  I was wondering if the wizards at Digital Solutions could supply
updates and revisions to their customers via a network like GEnie 
in a manner similar to BobsTermPro which still protecting their
software from piracy!
  I would suspect that they will modify the column format and margin
offset capabilities.
  Thanks for your intercession with our friends in Toronto!
                       Dick Reiling
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 26        Sun Feb 22, 1987
KEVIN-S. [KeS]               at 00:55 PST

The problem with upgrades to Digital Solutions products is their
copy protection.  I am not sure of how the protection is set up, 
but I'll bet it doesn't take kindly to monkeying around with the 
main program file.  When Digital Solutions was here during their
last conference, they said that a dongle-protected version of
their software would require a $30 higher retail price tag (I
believe that was the figure.)  They did not cost that price out
for us, but suffice it to say that they did not sound very 
interested in altering their protection scheme.
.              KeS
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 27        Tue Feb 24, 1987
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 03:18 EST

It *is* interesting to note that Tim Sickbert and Jim Oldfield's new
book:   HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF GEOS was *written* with PocketWriter 2.
  
    <<grin>>   I wonder which word processor Tim would rate ABOVE AVERAGE
if PocketWriter was the one of his choice...?   <<chuckle>>
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 28        Tue Feb 24, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 21:53 EST

I spoke with Jim Oldfield about that rating briefly, and he was at a
loss to explain it.  Looking at Tim's review I am not sure he really
has investigated the program completely since Pocket Writer 2
fehas numerous new features, and not just the mouse and RAM expansion
support as he indicated.

He also is mistaken about Pocket Writer 2's ability to do double 
column layout work.  We use Pocket Writer 2 for each issue of TC-128
and find its double column abilitease to use and very usefu

Oh well, to each his own!

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 29        Wed Feb 25, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 01:07 EST

Loren -
  Could you possibly give us all a short lesson in the BLOCK RANGE settings
and use of both text areas for column layouts?  I was impressed when you
showed me in-person, but cant for the life of me remember how you did it!
(I do remember you made it look simple though!)
 -=:Mike:=-
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 41        Mon Mar 02, 1987
HARVARD                      at 19:16 EST

Can't believe that a copy protection device such as a "dongle"
would cost nearly $30.  Although I don't like "dongles" as
they almost always interfere with Partner 128, this would be
a reasonable alternative for those of us who must use the
software in a productive manner and cannot tolerate the time
delays of ordering a replacement.  In addition, how does RML
Labs do it with Bobsterm-Pro?

Still would like to see Digital Solutions repsond to their
loyal customers with appropriate and easily accessible updates!
    Thanks,   Dick Reiling
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 42        Mon Mar 02, 1987
KEVIN.S [*SYSOP*]            at 20:35 EST

Hmmm... 
    I am satisfied for the most part with dongles as a necessary
evil myself.  As far as Partner is concerned, I have just gotten used
to hitting "Control-button" with the cable to port #1.  One undocumented
feature of Partner 128 is that the presses don't have to be simultaneous;
you can hit the Partner button, and afterwards tap the Control key once
or twice to bring up the menu.
                        KeS
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 43        Mon Mar 02, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 20:39 EST

Cyber Video also comes 'dongled', and the total package is about $35.00.
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 44        Mon Mar 02, 1987
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 22:48 EST

The $30 price tag/increase of a dongle is a popular view held in the
marketing world.  You know, those guys that SET the prices have formulas
which they all work with.  SO....a $5 increase at the source ends up with
EVERYONE taking their cut outta the pie, and increasing the cost to the user
in the end.
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 45        Tue Mar 03, 1987
KEVIN.S [*SYSOP*]            at 01:23 EST

That still doesn't explain the packages that are dongle-protected
but come in costing not much more than $30, deb!  So, 
apparently not EVERYONE uses the same calculations.
Besides, just because "everybody" does it doesn't make it
right or even defensible.
Sort of reminds me of car dealers charging $6.50 a quart
for motor oil.
                     KeS
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 46        Tue Mar 03, 1987
DEB [*SysOp*]                at 17:35 EST

Hey..don't shoot me, I agree...!!  I was just explaning where they were
gleaning their logic.
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 47        Tue Mar 03, 1987
S.LEWIS                      at 23:49 MST

Not gonna disclose the exact wiring of the pair of dongles that I am most
familiar with, but one contains a resistor along with a plug, the other 
contains a diode or two plus a couple of resistors hanging off a joystick
connector then potted up to look neat.

En masse, these things cannot cost over $5 to make. Just thought I'd toss
that'un at ya.

And from what I've seen, it isn't difficult to disable the dongle-checking
code, either. BTP may be different, however, as his code for the 64 was
very well encrypted. A couple of others, on the other hand, are a piece
of cake.

Seems like manufacturers are nuts - let you copy the disks with no hassle
but rip the hell out of your wallet for the privelege, then don't protect
their dongle worth a darn. Screwy logic to me.

Steve
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 50        Sun Mar 15, 1987
------------------------------
HARVARD                      at 12:40 EST

Sparrow!
  Mention was made earlier of the double column feature of PW 2.
Not been too successful with the column manipulation.  How about
a tutorial!
           thanks very much for your time!   Dick
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 51        Tue Mar 17, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 01:56 EST

Okay, I'll get one together and upload it.  Probably a candidate for
the "Answer Man" in TC-128 as well!  I'll get on it.

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 52        Sat Mar 21, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 05:17 EST

Okay a tutorial excerpted from the "Answer Man" column in Issue #14 of
Twin Cities 128 has been uploaded as file #3640.  (By the way for those
of you waiting for issue #14, it went to the printers today,
March 21, 1987...)  I think this should answer any questions you might
have about using Pocket Writer 2 for multiple column work.  Let me
know if anybody needs more help.

--Sparrow James
----------
Category 14,  Topic 36
Message 53        Sat Mar 28, 1987
T.MENEGATOS [Tom]            at 01:41 EST

Just for everyones info, I have found a product that will make exact (and 
unlimted) copies of Pocket Writer 2. (64 & 128) The product is Digi-DOS, and is
advertized in the current (March) Gazette. It's a hardware/software combo which 
also includes a speed loader. It consists of a parralell cable (user port
to 6522 chip in 1541. [won't work with a 1571]), replacement 1541 ROM, 
replacement 64 Kernal. It makes exact copies of quite a bit of stuff. (Tho not
everything...It couldn't handle an original MULE) Anyway, now I feel safe using 
my Pocket Writer, I have about 5 backups!
----------

**********
Topic 30        Thu Oct 09, 1986
M.SWEENEY [cougar]           (Forwarded) 
Sub: PaperBack Writer 128                   

Lack of tech. support! need to find out how to fool the program into using
my 2 drives 8 & 9.
**********
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 1         Thu Oct 09, 1986
M.SWEENEY [cougar]           (Forwarded) 

HELLLPPP. Paperback Writer aside from being a top program has some of the
poorest technical support this side of CBM. In order to use two drives they
must be device 0 & 1, no problem right? Wrong! The program will NOT see device
9 as the drive 1. Therefore you can not use that niffty second drive of yours.
Unless, of course I am wrong with this problem.( I HOPE ) Any help anyone?
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 2         Fri Oct 10, 1986
MICHAEL.M                    (Forwarded) 

M.Sweeney -  Paperback Writer-128 (now called PocketWriter) does
allow you to easily change device numbers, even while editing text
or writing your letter.  To do this, simply hit the three-key
combination: <CONTROL> <SHIFT> <D>   It will then prompt you
for the drive device number (8, 9, 10, etc) and then the printer
device number (4, 5, etc).  Quick and easy.  I think they should
have re-thought this when writing the program, myself.  A better
method would have been to plug in the DEVICE prompts (8,9,etc)
where they now locate the DRIVE prompts (0,1), and vice versa.
(Actually, the ability to just append drive and device numbers
to filenames is my favorite way, but I'm not complaining.  I
LOVE my PocketWriter!)   If this still isnt clear to you, read
page 20 of the PocketWriter (PaperbackWriter) manual under the
heading: DEVICE NUMBER.   Hope this helps!
-Mike
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 3         Sat Oct 11, 1986
M.SWEENEY [cougar]           (Forwarded) 

Mike, like I said , I had hoped to be wrong. Sometimes you just cant see
the forest for all the trees in the way! I must have read(?) that page but
I do not remember seeing that. Oh well I am glad someone else did. I too, 
love the program. Thanks
     <<<< Mike S >>>>
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 4         Sun Oct 12, 1986
MICHAEL.M                    (Forwarded) 

Mike S.  - Believe me, I was as stumped as you were (I couldnt find
reference to 2-drives in the manual at first, either).  Glad I was
of some help.
-Mike
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 5         Tue Oct 14, 1986
WHIRT [WDHIRT]               at 19:48 CDT

The mailman brought the November issue of RUN in the mail today
with ad on the back page for Pocket Writer's upgrade to support
RAM expansion, 1571 support ,etc. The big complaint I have is
the price for an upgrade. To upgrade to latest version of PW128,
Digital wants $19.95 plus $3 shipping an handling! And you have
to write them to get the upgrade, they won't write you. Timeworks
has a much more generous policy in notifying owners of their 
software upgrades and offering the upgrade for $7-10 including
shipping. It almost seems Digital wants everyone buy everything
new again since they are offering a package of their Word
Processor, Spreadsheet, and Database for $99.95. Heck, I was
using all 3 and wanted the upgrade, I'd be about as well off
buying totally new. This type of business dealings between
a company and customers irks me to no end. How 'bout you?
                                                Bill
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 6         Thu Oct 23, 1986
TOXDOC                       at 22:13 EDT

I have sent in for the update to Pocket 2 and am now waiting for it's
arrival. One of the advantages will be that it seems to promise use of 
both drives at once...probably one for save and load, the other as the
program disk for help screens.
It also promises BURST mode...but interestingly doesn't promise any
increase in speed.
--
What I hope is that it allows me to see on-screen formatting without 
printing to screen.
--
For $22 (incl s&H) it's not a terrible risk. I needed to upgrade to 128
version anyway and now find myself risking only $7 above THAT upgrade!
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 7         Wed Oct 29, 1986
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 23:06 EST

I just learned from the software company that they're not releasing the Pocket
Ver 2 until December, and that they want users of Pocket (or Paperback) Ver1
to wait until they recieve the application form (sent to the address of regis-
tered warranty) to apply to upgrade.  Of generous help is their decision to
permit us to retain the old disk...and to mail back only the check and appli-
cation.  My feeling is that that option is fine for those lethargic or 
pleased with the prev version.  My interest in upgrading is more pressing
and I've already sent in my check and old disk, based on the appearance of
their ad.
 
Needless to say, I now plan to w-a-i-t for months to receive the new prg.
What a drag.
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 8         Wed Oct 29, 1986
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 23:10 EST

Definately NOT the way to do things, is it?  I saw their ad in
the new issue of COOMODORE Micro, and had thought it was available 
right now.  It's interesting that they are allowing one to keep the
old disk, at any rate.  
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 9         Thu Nov 20, 1986
D.LEONARD                    at 20:59 MST

I too agree with the rest of you"!  PocketWriter 128 is, in my opinion,
the BEST word-processor on the market for the 128.  Burt I also think
Digital should value its customers a little more...

I was anxious to upgrade also, so I called the company to find out how
to do so, and was told the product wouldn't actually begin shipping
until the first of the year!  WHAT
should start the new ad campaign early to build demand...???

$19.95 is a little steep, considering that I bought the whole package
(Writer, Planner, and Filer) for ONLY $60.  It was a special from
a mail-order firm.  Oh well... what alternatives sdo we have?
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 10        Mon Dec 01, 1986
M.SWEENEY [cougar]           at 19:52 PST

Sorry all for my lack of attenion on a subject I started but
I moved from an apt to a house and things have been slightly out of hand.
I tend to agree that Digital does not value the customer too highly
and that just pisses me OFF!
This just the type of crap that encourages the PRIRATES to do their
dirtey deeds. I wrote them a letter concerning this and did not
even get the courtesy of a reply
It is still the best right now but I am looking for another program
that has better support, maybe the new BI128 Paperclip?
Enough now, Mike S

----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 11        Mon Dec 01, 1986
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 22:57 EST

The folks from Digital Solutions will be here for a real-time 
conference this month.  Check the main *FlagShip* banner for show-times,
and voice your opinions to the Digi-Sol boss when he arrives.

Me, I'll wait until I recieve Version2 before making a judgement
as to whether it is worth the extra $$.  If I'm not mistaken, it
can be returned if I am not satisifed.  [But I think I *will* be]

-=:Mike
----------
Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 12        Tue Dec 02, 1986
SPARROW.J                    at 21:43 EST

I am surprised you have had any problems with Digital, in my conversations
with them I have found them to be most helpful and dedicated to the 
Commodore user's cause  Many folks complain about the copy protection
on Digital products...but hey, we know the reason why the majority
of those folks complain...and it is those same folks who have literally
STOLE quality products from us.  But hey, if you have a beef...tell it
to Victor Kass (President of Digital) and David Foster (author of Pocket Writer)
here live next Tuesday night!
 
--Sparrow James
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 13        Wed Dec 03, 1986
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 01:08 EST

I'm still waiting for the upgrade I paid for and sent in my disk for 7 weeks
aago. I've written also, without even a reply. Makes me feel the perfect sucker
believing that an ad for Pocket 2 meant that there was actually a product!
  
They say there's one borm every minute, but I resent being the victim of 
Vaporware!
 -GGreenberg
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 14        Thu Dec 04, 1986
SPARROW.J                    at 00:13 EST

It is an actual product, I am helping them beta-test it.  It is very good
and will be available very soon.  I understand your frustration and I 
too believe that software companies should not advertise products before
they are ready, but you have to understand that ads have to be booked 
for the glossy publications months in advance and the best they can do 
is guess when a product will be completed.  It is unfair to call this
software vaporware!  Remember: It is not easy to write 64k of choice
machine code...

--Sparrow James

Be patient, IT IS worth the wait.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 15        Sat Dec 06, 1986
M.SWEENEY [cougar]           at 21:58 PST

I for one, BOUGHT my copy of PW and paid the absurd cost of $13.00 for a backup.
As I mentioned in my letter to the management of PW when the blank cost
.65 cents, the copying cost $2.00, and the shipping , first class, is
about .85 cents , $13.00 dollars
is out of line when  the rest seem to
be charging 5 to 10 dollars. Minor detail. As the so called vaporware,  
PW could have sent a letter to all the buyers of the upgrade advising
 of the delay. I deal with maney dollars of equipment each day 
and in  the real world I do not treat my customers this shabbily. Maybe I
am expecting too much form them. I dont think so. If I can I will be at
the CO voicing my beefs and this time maybe getting a response  of somekind.
        Mike S.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 16        Sat Dec 06, 1986
M.SWEENEY [cougar]           at 22:14 PST

          P.S.
Not to sound totaly negative about PW, I have turned on about
10 C128 users to the program for a first choice. Each one is pretty much 
satisfied with it. That does say
something for the programer who put in the time. I do hope HE ( SHE? ) got
something for it.
           Mike S.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 17        Sun Dec 07, 1986
SPARROW.J                    at 02:49 EST

David Foster wrote both the orginal Pocket Writer as well as the new 
upgrade, Pocket Writer 2.  David will be joining Victor Kass (president
of Digital Solutions) with us online.  By the way, I think we owe
both David and Victor a special thanks for taking time out to be
our guests..after all very few software companies actually have the guts
to invite this kind of controversy, please remember treat these folks
with respect, even if you have a beef...I think you will find that
these folks will be very responsive to your questions and comments.
In my conversations with them I have been impressed with their candor
and willingness to listen.
 
--Sparrow James
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 18        Sun Dec 07, 1986
M.SWEENEY [cougar]           at 21:15 PST

Sparrow,
Yes, I will treat our guests with respect as you are so right about
lack of guts among software devolopers. If they listen as well as you say
then I forsee a very sucessful CO
ahead for the group. You  say that you have talked  to them, you have been
lucky, I have had to deal with the hired help at the counter I think.
This may explain some of my animosity towards the company. I will
with hold my judgement until after the CO and give them a fair shake.

           Mike S.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 19        Wed Dec 31, 1986
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 02:39 EST

Well, I'm the guy who sent his Pocket update request in October and wonders 
if such a program even exists. I've now written to the company three times, at
addresses in their ad, and their manual. I wish to report that I have recieved
my first response.
---Drum roll---
I received my cancelled check and nothing more or less. No letter, no post-
card, no (heaven forbid) program.
How mad can I getz?
We'll see if I can think of some way to respond to this courtesy.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 20        Wed Dec 31, 1986
TIGLON.G [*SysOp*]           at 02:57 EST

Well, if the check has come back, maybe the program is on its way!
 (We hope?)
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 21        Thu Jan 01, 1987
SPARROW.J                    at 01:31 EST

Well I can vouch for its existence, my beta copy arrived over a month ago
and my production copy came a few days ago.  Vic told me they are
getting between 500 to 1000 calls per day (they have only three lines)
so things have been pretty hectic.  I have to believe that your copy is
on the way..in the meantime keep two things in mind, 1) My mail is 
always slower from Canada, and 2) The Holiday mail traffic may have
taken its toll.  I hope you get it very soon, in my opinion it is
well worth the wait. 

--Sparrow James
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 22        Thu Jan 01, 1987
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 23:59 EST

I wait patiently early on in the process...for now, it's been a long time since
early October.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 23        Wed Jan 07, 1987
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 20:51 EST

I re-checked the check.
It was written in mid-October.
It was cashed on December 17.
It is now January 7, with no program, no note or card.
Maybe they sent it to me turtle express, along with the responses to my
  inquiries.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 24        Mon Feb 16, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 21:39 EST

Tom Kilgare shared this tip with us on ET BBS in San Francisco, and I 
thought I'd reprint it here.....
 
This little tip ( I'm tickled pink I figured this one out....) needs the 
following conditions:  1. An Epson type printer (or clone i.e. Citizen, 
Panasonic, etc)  2. A word processor that allows printer files to be 
customized  (Pocket Writer Series is the best I've seen)  3. (optional) A 
word processor that also allows custom graphics/letters  (again, Pocket 
Writer Series allows this on char's CTL 0 - 9)
 Epson printer codes have graphic symbols starting with chr$(128) thru 
chr$(160).  If your word processor allows you to mess with printer files, you 
can get them to print from a C64 or 128 word processor with graphics on the 
screen as well! (retaining "what you see is what you get" display) I got into 
the Epson printer file and did this: (description is for Pocket 128 and 
Citizen printer.. you figure it  out if you have different..)   1. Change the 
codes so that the file will not activate international characters, but will 
activate Epson graphic mode instead. Look for the line "Foreign on :" and 
change it to "ESC,"m",4 line "Foreign off:" and change it to "ESC,"m",0 . The 
next line contains a file name (french chars). Change it to "boxes" or 
"graphics". There are 12 lines that say "codes:" Erase everything after the 
colon. As a matter of fact, replace the "s" in "codes" with 0 thru 9 for the 
first ten lines. This will make it easier to know which number key is being 
"coded" later. Now (whew) go into your printer manual and find the table of 
codes  and locate the values for the graphics you would want to use. Fer 
instance: If you want the "heart" symbol to print, then change that first 
code line to: Code0: 146   Then go down the list putting the code for the 
wanted graphic on each line. Save the file as a printer file. (this would 
mean adding .pf with Pocket Writer) Use a name you will remember like 
"graphic.pf".  Now do whatever your processor needs to "install" the new 
printer file. (PW128: [Commodore key], i, (file name)). Now whenever you use 
a French/International character, it will print as  whatever character code 
you assigned! Neat eh? Theres more! Pocket Writer allows you to edit the 
actual screen characters of the International set! To display them on PW128 
you hit [CTL] AND 1 thru 0 keys. To change those characters to be whatever 
the graphics are that are printing:. 1. From the program disk, load the SEQ 
file called "french chars"  and you will see that it simply loads like a 
sequential file with blocks of dots and stars.  There are two blocks per 
number key, and  the first pair is for the 0 key, then each pair is for keys 
1 thru 9.  The left hand block is normal mode, the right block is for  
italics mode FOR THE SAME CHARACTER. Use the period and star keys to change 
the blocks. Each period is an "off" pixel, each star is "on".  I recommend 
that you do the graphic on the left and draw the numbers 0 - 9 on the right. 
Redraw each of the characters down the page. Save the file under the same 
name that you put in the printer file under the Foreign off code line. Now, 
reinstall the printer file.  The printer file will then look for the 
character file and find it if you used the same name.  No extention is needed 
for the character file!  I recommend that you use the  same name as the 
printer file, except without the .pf on the end. Now what you have is on 
screen representation of the graphics that will print on the printer!  How is 
this done?  You tricked the printer file into sending a code that sets it 
into a graphics mode instead of  international characters mode.  The "foreign 
on/off" lines do that. Since the program sends the on code, then the proper 
character code and then turns it back off to regular print mode, there are no 
problems! I created a set of characters using codes 129 thru 138 and 
redefined the characters to show the lines for drawing boxes. To print 
connecting lines (no spaces between the line ends), go into printer file, 
find Optional LPI: and enter: ESC,"A",8 after the colon.  This will change 
the lines per inch to 8 dots per line: that will connect graphics that use 
the bottom row of pins/dots/pixels.  I now can draw forms on the screen and 
see just what they will look like on paper!  Note: the reason I "draw" 
numbers on the right hand side block is that I forget what key draws what 
character.  All I have to do is go anywhere on the screen where the graphic 
already is shhowing, change to italics and it displays the key for that 
symbol.  You/I could simply make a Key card, but that wouldn't be as fancy, 
now would it? Enjoy!
    Tom Kilgare.
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 25        Wed Feb 25, 1987
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 23:08 EST

IT CAME!!
My Pocket Writer came and it's terrific. The What you see is what you features 
are phenomenal
I does take full care of the 2 drive (not dual drive) access.
I think the commands are fully intuitive... but the three levels of help 
eens are a nice touch.

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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 26        Wed Feb 25, 1987
MICHAEL.M [-:SysOp:-]        at 23:14 EST

So, you think it was worth the wait, Tox?  [smile]
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Category 14,  Topic 30
Message 27        Wed Mar 04, 1987
TOXDOC [GGreenberg]          at 22:03 EST

I do enjoy the program... but still get a bit irritated at the unresponsive 
delay they put me through from the announcement to the delivery.
Now, I use it continually.
----------