Article 57398 of comp.sys.apple2: Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2 Path: caen!spool.mu.edu!sdd.hp.com!crash!pro-scat!archm From: archm@pro-scat.cts.com (Arch Mirrielees) Subject: What are the best Apples? Organization: ProLine [pro-scat] St. Petersburg, Florida. Date: Sun, 23 May 93 14:08:46 EST Message-ID: Lines: 261 TO THE READER - This is an article that was prepared for the newsletter of a local users group. It is posted in response to recent multiple inquiries about "What's best?" Although a little ancient, not too much has come down the pike since it was written. APPLE PICKER'S DELIGHT Following is a condensation of the "Best of the Best" from an article in the December, 1990, issue of inCider/A+. It was disguised as an Apple II holiday shopping guide. Its value lies in the point that it congeals manymanymany articles and can be used as a quick reference for when you have a few extra bucks to spend to make your personal/computer life better or easier. The write up also cuts through a lot of the high tech (and often confusing) comparisons in earlier articles and, for example, brings to simple reality that GraphicWriter III should be purchased if you have a GS. Otherwise get Publish It! 3 for desktop publishing. The prices shown are manufacturer's approximate retail. Dependable mail order houses usually beat them down to be competitive. PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE: 1. HyperStudio ($150) - "Like no other product for the Apple IIgs, HyperStudio will soon reawaken your waning enthusiasm. . .Text, cards, buttons, line art, paintings, digitized images, even video frames and sequences explode in super-hi-res color. The program comes with an easily installed sound-digitizing circuit board and a microphone. Record the spoken word or 'live' music and incorporate those sounds into your HyperStudio stacks." A superb presentation vehicle - for both the classroom and the board room. 2. DB Master Professional ($295)/DB Master Version Five ($45) - Claimed to be the most powerful program ever written for the Apple II, putting the Apple in the class of so-called serious business machines. DB Master Version Five is nonrelational (means files are not related as they are in the Professional version) and can be obtained as shareware through public domain and user group libraries. 3. AppleWorks 3.0 ($250) - AppleWorks is the most used program of all Apple owners. Non-users are rare. Not much else to say. 4. AppleWorks GS 1.1 ($300) - Has six built-in systems. "Together with GS/OS System 5.02 (included with the package), AppleWorks GS could be the only program you ever need." However, be wary that many articles have been written describing the negatives of the program. Read them and talk to owners that don't use the program before you buy. 5. GraphicWriter III ($150) - #1 desktop publishing program, if you have a GS. "A few glitches persisted in the version available at press time, but a free (and bug-free) update is in the works for registered users, according to the company." 6. SoftDisk ($20 for non-GS three month subscription, $30 for GS)- A disk-based magazine containing computer related information, programs, templates and tutorials. [Scribe's NOTE: I prefer Bits & Bytes from A.C.E.S. as an information and entertainment resource - besides, the price is right.] 7. SuperConvert 3.00 ($40) - "SuperConvert is so incredibly flexible (and easy to use) that it can convert virtually any type of graphics file to super hi-res." Also does a job on Atari ST, Commodore 64/128 and Macintosh graphics. 8. Graph It! ($70) - Can import directly from AppleWorks, or via ASCII from other data base programs. Many graph styles. Can print in a choice of sizes. 9. Publish It! 3 ($130) - The best in desktop publishing if you don't have a GS. Includes the capability to convert your document to a format that will be recognized by a service bureau's laser printer. 10. EuroWorks 3.0 ($39) - Converts AppleWorks to five languages. PERIPHERALS AND HARDWARE: 1. Apple II High Speed SCSI Card ($130) - Stands for small computer systems interface. (If you have a hard-disk drive.) Throughput on the GS is 1 megabyte per second (that's almost the capacity of my GS) and 511 per second on the IIe. 2. FingerPrint GSi III ($150) - Captures/creates printed or disk file versions of any single, double or super hi-res screen. Ideal for teachers, desktop publishers and computer hobbyists. 3. Apple II Video Overlay Card ($550) - Enables you to merge video from a tape or camera with computer graphics and text. 4. TouchWindow ($250) - "An overlay for your Apple monitor that lets you touch the screen rather than use the keyboard, mouse, or some other input device." 5. RamFactor ($260 to $400 for sizes ranging from 512K to 2Meg) - Recommended memory expansion card for all Apple II models except the IIc. 6. TransWarp/TransWarp GS ($120 to $350) - An accelerator, deemed to almost be a necessity, if you use AppleWorks GS, GraphicWriter III, or any heavy-duty 16-bit software. 7. CrossWorks 2.0 ($100) - Lets you go (both ways) to and from IBM and Apple with your data disks or with direct linking (included) or by modem. 8. CT-20 to CT-100 ($500 to $800) - Chinook external hard drives ranging from 20 to 100 megabytes. 9. LightingScan ($300) and Quickie (for the GS) ($300) - Are almost identical for scanning any hard copy to your computer. A head-to-head comparison will be in an upcoming issue. 10. Vulcan ($700 to $1,800 for sizes ranging from 20 to 100 megabytes) - Recommended internal hard-disk drive. But be wary of the disadvantages of going the internal route. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: 1. USA GeoGraph ($140) - (Like WORLD GeoGraph.) "...help you learn about the USA in ways that until now would have required a stack of atlases and reference books." 2. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing ($50) - "...the best Apple II keyboard trainer available." 3. The New Talking Stickybear ABCs, Opposites, Shapes ($50 each) - New young children's educational programs that include digitized speech. 4. Talking Reader Rabbit ($60) - (For the GS) - Gives children a head start in acquiring vital reading skills. 5. The Children's Writing and Publishing Center ($60 for home version, $100 for school version) - Desktop publishing for kids. Includes ready to use layouts to "...assist kids in preparing book reviews, compositions and science reports while it encourages development of both analytical and creative skills." 6. Tutor-Tech Hypermedia Toolkit ($200) - "...educators can write enticing, interactive lessons without knowing an iota of programming code." 7. Audubon Wildlife Adventures: Grizzly Bears, Whales ($50 each, $60 for GS version) - "These nonsexist, nonracist Wildlife Adventures are certain to appeal to all budding naturalists aged 9 and up." 8. McGee, Katie's Farm ($40 each) - For young children. No text or typing is involved. Mouse clicks open up whatever scene they want to explore. 9. The Playroom ($40) - For preschoolers. Helps them develop skills such as telling time, counting, and recognizing letters of the alphabet. 10. Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? ($45) - A "find the thief" mystery that helps kids pick up all sorts of historical tidbits as well as geographic information. (Also get Where in the World, USA and Europe.) For kids of ALL ages. CREATIVITY SOFTWARE: 1. Award Maker Plus ($50-64K version, $60-128K version) - Very versatile. "Recipients appreciate the recognition that only a quality ready-to-frame certificate can bring." 2. The New Print Shop ($50) - Print Shop GS enhancements for non-GS users. 3. Slide Shop ($70 for home version, $100 for school version) - Create self-running slide shows. 4. Pyware MusicWriter ($120 to $600) - Print scores with or without lyrics. "...may be the only music software you need." 5. Sound Smith ($20 shareware) - A 14-track sequencer for creation and playback of synthesized music. 6. Bannermania ($35) - S U P E R banner maker. My wife LOVES it for her classroom. 7. Color 'n' Canvas ($100 - $300 for Lab Pack) - A GS paint program for elementary school classrooms. "...is chock-full of classroom ideas, lessons, and worksheets." 8. Diversi-Tune ($75) - "...can play notes yourself on the keyboard...can also work like a player piano when you buy disks of prerecorded songs." Is a long running musical hit. 9. GS 131 and GS 132 ($9 each - public domain shareware) - 84 GS fonts on the two disks. 10. Cheap Paint 1.4 ($10) - A great paint program at an amazing price. ACCESSORIES: 1. IIgs Antiglare Filter ($50) - Decrease glare by "some 96 percent". 2. Curtis Clip ($7) - A clip holder that attaches to either side of your monitor. Can relieve neck strain and increase productivity. 3. Maclinker ($66) and Multicolor Adapter ($40) - Pays for itself by re-inking your ribbons. 4. User Group Connection (Free) - Call 800/538-9696, ext. 500 and get a reference to local user groups from Apple, Inc. 5. System Saver IIgs ($100) - A combined computer cooling fan and surge protector. 6. National AppleWorks Users Group (NAUG) ($29 per year) - Thousands (your scribe thinks) of members can't be wrong. Incredible benefits, including a low cost library of templates and a 36 page monthly publication. Call 313/454-1115. 7. Teachers' Idea & Information Exchange ($40 per year) - "A yearly membership brings you six double-sided disks stuffed with AppleWorks files (templates and lessons), but you can extend your subscription for free by contributing files of your own. Call 402/483-6987. 8. Slide-On ($15) - A replacement GS battery that is surprisingly easy to install. Claims to have a 10 year shelf life. Call 913/362-9898 or write to: Nite Owl Productions, 5734 Lamar Avenue, Mission, KS 66202. 9. Security System IIgs ($50) - Lock your GS and peripherals on to your desktop. Call 800/535-4242. 10. PaperKit ($17.50 including shipping) - Samples and swatches of 150 different papers and matching envelopes. Call 800/272-7377. TOP 20 ENTERTAINMENT HITS: Arkanoid Arkanoid II: Revenge of Doh Xenocide Task Force Prince of Persia Tunnels of Armageddon Silent Service GS Pirates GS The Bard's Tale I Dungeon Master Manhunter: New York Space Quest 1: Saurien Encounter Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny ChessMaster 2100 Solitaire Royale Tetris Julius Erving and Larry Bird Go One-on-One Hardball!/Hardball! GS Mean 18 GBA Championship Basketball That's it! OK, Joe, and all you other nephytes. Have at it! Arch, commonly known as ChipHead