Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!seismo!rutgers!sri-spam!sri-unix!hplabs!sdcrdcf!trwrb!sansom From: sansom@trwrb.UUCP (Richard Sansom) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st Subject: Re: CES News Message-ID: <1518@trwrb.UUCP> Date: Sun, 11-Jan-87 20:03:59 EST Article-I.D.: trwrb.1518 Posted: Sun Jan 11 20:03:59 1987 Date-Received: Tue, 13-Jan-87 05:09:14 EST References: <2135@felix.UUCP> <1517@trwrb.UUCP> Reply-To: sansom@trwrb.UUCP (Richard Sansom) Organization: TRW EDS, Redondo Beach, CA Lines: 66 Flagships of the Atari Line: New Mega ST Workstations Offer "Power Without the Price" for Desktop Publishing, Professional Applications. Las Vegas, NV Jan. 8 -- Atari's new Mega ST 1, 2, and 4 computers, announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show, create new personal computer price/performance standards -- standards that the rest of the computer industry will be hard-pressed to meet or beat in 1987. Available starting at $1000, the new machines will offer up to four megabytes of RAM memory: sixteen times that of most standard, high-end workstations. The Mega ST is housed in an independent "system unit," about 22" square by 2" high, containing the CPU, a double-sided floppy drive and an internal power supply. The ST's normal complement of ports, including those for DMA, RS-232 serial, parallel, disk, video, cartridge, MIDI, mouse, and joystick, plus an additional port for connecting the detachable, ergonomic keyboard, are included. The Mega ST system unit is reinforced to support a monitor and can be stacked with other components -- notably the enhanced 20-megabyte hard disk drive. Even fully loaded, it will take up far less room than present ST configurations. The sleek new Mega chassis contains a redesigned ST motherboard, sporting significant enhancements. A battery-backed clock calendar is now standard equipment, eliminating the present need to set time manually on power-up. The clock runs off alkaline penlight batteries -- more easily obtainable and less expensive than "coin-type" lithium cells. The Mega ST architecture is "wide open," permitting internal and external expansion with add-on circuit cards. The new design provides full access to the 68000 bus and power supply, and fixtures have been provided for installing a circuit board inside the case. Further expansion is possible by routing the bus outside to an external card-cage. RAM expansion up to 16 megabytes and networking capabilities will soon be available from Atari as low- cost add-ons. The Mega ST's detachable keyboard is designed to the highest ergonomic standards for convenience and ease of use. Connected to the system unit by a coiled cable, the new keyboard can be held comfortably in the lap. When placed on the desktop, adjustable legs fold down to support the unit at the preferred typing angle. Internally, the keyboard has been enhanced with high-quality key switches for improved tactile and auditory feedback, better "feel," and increased reliability. Where does the Mega line stand in relation to other Atari products? "They're our flagships," says Atari spokesman Neil Harris. "The Mega STs represent Atari's continued strong support of the ST architecture." They are also physical proof that Atari has been listening to its users and taking their advice seriously. "Most of the improvements we've made in the basic ST design have been taken from 'wish lists' that have come out of our dialogue with users over the past year." Harris says. With vastly expanded memory, an open architecture, a more compact configuration with integrated peripherals, and an improved keyboard, the Mega machines are clearly intended as "professional" computers. Networking capabilities and sufficient memory for running multiple, co-resident applications, plus the promise of desktop publishing (in combination with the upcoming Atari laser printer) are sure to make the Mega ST an office favorite in the coming year. -- __________ ______ ____ _____ ___ /_________//___ ||__|/____|/__/ Richard E. Sansom ___ ____/ / ____________ TRW Electronics & Defense Sector / / / /\ < | /| / One Space Park Drive, R3/1028 / / / / \ \ | / | / Redondo Beach, CA 90278 /__/ /__/ \__\|__/ |__/ ...{decvax,ucbvax,ihnp4}!trwrb!sansom