3.1117 LCD panels; Mega- and ChiWriter (97)

Willard McCarty (MCCARTY@vm.epas.utoronto.ca)
Thu, 1 Mar 90 20:37:52 EST

Humanist Discussion Group, Vol. 3, No. 1117. Thursday, 1 Mar 1990.


(1) Date: Thursday, 1 March 1990 0020-EST (30 lines)
From: KRAFT@PENNDRLS
Subject: Kodak DataShow Reviews

(2) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 90 16:24:38 EST (7 lines)
From: Nancy Duffrin <NDUFFRIN@ccvm.sunysb.edu>
Subject: Re: 3.1101 LCD panels: ViewFrame II+2 (23)

(3) Date: Wednesday, 28 February 1990 2356-EST (35 lines)
From: KRAFT@PENNDRLS
Subject: MegaWriter/ChiWriter

(1) --------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, 1 March 1990 0020-EST
From: KRAFT@PENNDRLS
Subject: Kodak DataShow Reviews

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for an
evaluation of the original Kodak DataShow projector that
is being "remaindered" now by DAK Industries for $499.
All users agree that the device overheats when used
with a normal overhead projector (someone mentioned that
using a cool running overhead would help, also placing a
thick glass pane between the overhead and the device was
suggested). The first 10 to 15 minutes are fine, then
the contrast starts to fade. It can be adjusted usefully
for another 15 minutes or so, but then the device must
be turned off (or removed from the heat). Presumably by
adding circulation or reducing the heat that reaches the
device, the useful time can be prolonged.

Similar devices without the overheating problem retail
in the $1000 range (and upward, for color projection).
Thus, in some situations, a $499 machine with overheating
problems might be worth considering, but let the buyer be
forewarned. Will I invest? Probably not, since even $499
is difficult to come up with these days for a device that
is not really a necessity, but a possible convenience.
But I will perhaps notify our AudioVisual people of the
situation. Currently, they have nothing at all for projecting
computer screen output!

Bob Kraft (CCAT at U Penn)
(2) --------------------------------------------------------------17----
Date: Thu, 1 Mar 90 16:24:38 EST
From: Nancy Duffrin <NDUFFRIN@ccvm.sunysb.edu>
Subject: Re: 3.1101 LCD panels: ViewFrame II+2 (23)

The microlab has PC magazine. My subscription ran out. By the time
you go to purchase a viewer, the review will be out of date. They
change so fast.
(3) --------------------------------------------------------------38----
Date: Wednesday, 28 February 1990 2356-EST
From: KRAFT@PENNDRLS
Subject: MegaWriter/ChiWriter

The plot thickens. Last week I reported on a letter
sent by ChiWriter that seemed to be withdrawing the use
of ChiWriter from Paraclete Software, which handles
MegaWriter. The ChiWriter letter said that henceforth,
ChiWriter would handle itself, and alluded to perceived
problems with the operations at Paraclete - MegaWriter.

This week a Federal Express packet arrived from
Paraclete containing a "Press Release" on the 4th year
celebration by Paraclete of its "serving the computer
industry with its unique software products." The rest of
the two page (single spaced) "Press Release" deals with
the relation of MegaWriter to "ChiWriter 'The Scholar's
Edition'" -- from which MegaWriter developed -- and with
support and development of MegaWriter. Users are urged
to register ChiWriter "The Scholar's Edition" and/or
MegaWriter with Paraclete, and a new version of MegaWriter
is promised "very soon."

Obviously, something is going on behind these scenes,
but I do not know what. I have good working relationships
with Charlie Thrall of Paraclete, and can probably get
his side of the story if that is of any use to any
HUMANISTs. But at present, it seems that Paraclete is
going ahead with development and support of MegaWriter,
while claims are being made from the original ChiWriter
developers (?) that ChiWriter will be withdrawn from
Paraclete and marketed by the originators. Any light
from other sources?

Bob Kraft (CCAT at U of Penn)