Conference 7.286::atarist

529.0. "Imagen's low cost/memory Postscript" by RODNEY::PETERS (Don Peters, CTC2-1/F10, 287-3153) Fri Jul 07 1989 13:37

Yesterday I received a letter from Imagen that was mailed to our ST user
group. In it they announce a new product called UltraScript ST-1. Like
Ultrascript ST, it allows printing of Postscript files. But ST-1 allows
these files to be printed using a 1040 (or 520 upgraded to 1 meg). Like the
ST product, it supports the HP Deskjet, Epson FX/LX,LQ, IBM Proprinter and
IBM Graphics printer, but does not support the SLM 804 laser printer.

The mailing includes an introductory offer for ST-1 of $139.95, which expires
on September 1, 1989. They say you can either use the enclosed order form
or call them on their toll free 800 number, 800-635-3997. They claim your
order will be shipped within 5 to 7 days after receipt.

I was tempted to play with Ultrascript a few months ago until I found out
it then required a 2 meg system, and cost over $200. But now I can use my
upgraded 520. I wonder what sort of processing times are involved. I see
that the latest issue of Start has a review of Ultrascript, but I haven't
had a chance to read it yet.

Anyone else have experience with Ultrascript?

For what it's worth, the very expensive Kodak 1392 model 24 92 ppm 
duplex 300 dpi LED/electrophotographic printer is driven by an UltraScript 
interpreter.  In today's product announcements, there's a joint DEC/Kodak
program regarding support of the 1392 model 24 on VAX/VMS. 

I would expect the compute speed of the Atari UltraScript to be roughly 
comparable to the original Apple Laserwriter (68K vs 68K).  I wouldn't 
expect to get very good PostScript text quality from any of the impact 
dot matrix printers, but the HP Deskjet driven by UltraScript sounds like 
a nice combination and possibly the lowest cost 300 dpi PostScript compatible 
system on the market.