RJScott: Please press F7 and select ASK A QUESTION to send your question to MR. BAKER.
QuestionIs a new disk beyond version 4 expected In the near future
RBAKER: Yes, there will be additional disks coming, but maybe RJScott can help with some insight on when.
RJScott: We have plans for a new version disk, and are currently planning what it will include…. but we have no specific date on it yet… among the features are expected to be…DOS commands… Abilitiy to upload previously stored EMail…and more.
Questionwhat do you think about carriers at war
RBAKER: Sorry, but I haven't seen this one as yet. I get a lot of programs and material that pass through here from time to time, but don't get… a chance to see as much as Jim with his position at Midnite. If someone else can comment on any of the programs asked about, please feel free to add your 2-cents. By the way, please bear with us, it takes a little while to get through the questions as they're stacked in the queue.
QuestionWhen is the HABITAT and CASINO coming out??
RBAKER: Casino should be coming first, I believe in the next few weeks, but I haven't heard an update… on where Habitat stands. Can you add anything RJ?
RJScott: No sir, not on HABITAT..just that it's being tested INHOUSE at this time.
RBAKER: That goes with what I've been told, hopefully some good news will be coming soon.
QuestionI got problems with carriers at war
RBAKER: What kind of problems are you experiencing? Can you give any more info?
QuestionWhat ever happened to Habitat?
RBAKER: As mentioned above, Habitat is now still in inhouse testing at QL. They're still ironing out… the bugs and what-not. Nothing officailly said on when it will be ready for everyone.
Questionis there any good war games out
RBAKER: Strategic Simulations Inc (SSI) has a long list, along with Avalon Hill and others. I'm sure… there are more than one in each of their lists. By the way, if you have any interest in the new Amiga 2000, check out the March issues of…. Compute and Byte magazines for their cover stories and pictures. Both were given advanced info… from Commodore. I talked with Commodore today for some updates on this and other new products… if you need any info on these.
QuestionDo u pirate outside of qlink??? Do u suppport piracy?? I know lots of programers tht are pirate are u one??
RBAKER: Personally I believe pirating really hurts the industry more than people think or want to… admit. Having produced a software package of my own, I know what it feels like after having spent more than 2 yrs on a project and never get much of a return. Having felt that way, why should I do it to someone else?
Questionwhat isthe disk command to format disks?
RBAKER: If using a C64 and not using the DOS wedge, you can enter the following command to format a… blank disk: open15,8,15,"n0:disk-name,id" where disk-name is the 16 or less character name you want assigned to the diskette and id is a two character disk id to be assigned to that disk. You should try to use unique id's for different disks, if possible. If you have the DOS wedge running, then you can omit some of the command overhead and abbreviate the command to: >n0:diskname,id This will accomplish the same thing. If you have a C128 and are running in 128 mode, then you can use the Basic 7.0 Header command: HEADER D0,"diskname",Iid to do the same thing.
QuestionHow much does the CASINO cost? What anout the price of the HABITAT disk??
RBAKER: I believe there will be a slight charge for the new disks but online charges will probably be the same.
RJScott: Sure, the Casino disk will cost $7.50 and Habitat will run $1.500 Er. $15.00 and both…will be available for order in our MALL in the QLink Store as soon as they are released.
RBAKER: Thanks RJ.
QuestionWhat is the new version of the 128, the 128-D. And how is it different from the existing 128?
RBAKER: The new C128D is a repackage C128 that was being sold in Europe for some time. The Europen model had a carrying handle and a place to store the keyboard, both removed for the USA version to bring costs down. Basically, the C128D is a C128 and 1571 in one system box (like an IBM PC) with a remote keyboard that attaches to the system box with a 2' cable. The power supply is also built in the system box as well. The box gives a smaller 'foot print', taking up less desk space and gives you the capability to position the keyboard where ever comfortable (like in your lap!). Total cost is supposed to be less than a combined C128 and 1571. Only slots for one disk drive internally, but added 1571, 1541, 1581, etc. can be added externally. See the March '87 edition of Computer Shopper magazine for photographs! Unfortunately, no views of the back panel to see what was done with connectors.
QuestionHow much will the Habitat disk cost?
RBAKER: I think this was cover by RJScott, it should be $15.
QuestionThink Q-Link might sometime add a section to list user names to send E-mail to magazines?
RBAKER: Hopefully soon. I've been working with the people at QL on getting more software companies and others up online. We've talked about creating a sort of directory of user id's that you can contact to reach various companies after we get them online. Hopefully something like this may be made available in the future, but I don't know how far off this might be right now. We're just in the talking stages right now.
Questionjust how many bytes is the prog. habitat
RBAKER: I don't really know unless RJScott has some idea. I would imagine it is rather big on the STratus end of things.
RJScott: All I can say is that it's massive! I have no idea on bytes.
QuestionRBAKER Why, when using JANEWRITE, if you go pass the end of the page when hitting return, when you print, it feeds blank lines? And how come we are unable to correct it?
RBAKER: Sounds like a problem within the Janewrite software but I haven't seen that particular occurance.
QuestionIs QL planning to add any new games other than the casino & Habitat?
RBAKER: I haven't been told of anything as yet, but I would think there is more coming.
RJScott: The possibility of adding more games to CASINO has been suggested but nothing firm on that.
RBAKER: With what's happened with Habitat, I would think new projects will probably be kept under wraps until they're really ready to go.
Questionwhen is geos for the 128 coming out
RBAKER: I thought it was supposed to be coming out soon, at least that was the impression I was given at the Toronto show when talking with the people from Berkeley. I would suggest ckecking with them on their GEOS board in CIN. Or, as RJScott points out, you can try Email to GEOS ROB for a direct response.
QuestionIs Qlink developing any other major features for the future besides Habitat?
RBAKER: They're working on all sorts of improvements, but not much I can talk about as yet. Watch the Qlink column in Commodore Magazine for information on future features and also the various areas here on QL – like Customer Service and New Products Info.
Questionwhen will defender of the crown be out?
RBAKER: The C64 version is slated to be out later this spring if I remember correctly. I know it was mentioned in the New Prod Info section several weeks ago. With any luck the info should still be in one of the msg boards.
QuestionRBAKER, do you have to pay for your D/L section?
RBAKER: I actually have two download sections here on QL now. The one in the Magazine Rack was provided as a service to readers of the various magazines I've written for and currently write for. All magazines involved have agreed to allow the programs to appear here after the issue is off the news stands and as long as the programs are not in the PD libraries. There is also a download area within the New Prod Info section as well, where you'll find short demos, catalogs, product briefs, and other info of general interest. This area is starting slowly, since it's a new idea, but quite a few companies are really interested in participating. They're all working on material but it will take them some to get it ready. Watch the New Prod Info boards for info on new additions. Both D/L areas are + services.
Questiondoes commodore have a version of complet course in BASIC for the c-128 or what company does?
RBAKER: I haven't seen anything other than the original versions. Only the C64 version for now.
QuestionI HAVE A PROBLEM PLAYING WARGAMES
RBAKER: Any more info on what's happening? No, Qlink is a separate company unto itself. Commodore gives it their support but they each control their own destiny. By the way, RJScott points out there are classes in Basic 7.0 here on QL in the tutoring center just incase you forgot it was available. If I'm not up to your question, I'm still digging. There are still over 30 questions in the Queue and I'll try to get to each of them.
RJScott: Please don't send Mr. Baker OLMS, as it simply hampers his progress. Thanks!
Questionis there any good mystery games
RBAKER: Yes, there's even a mystery party package out now where you can print invites, and everything needed to have a mystery party in your own home. The computer is only used to print forms, etc. and is not used to play the game. There are other mystery adventure games as well.
Questionare there any new cad programs coming ou t ?
RBAKER: A few on the C128 (but I don't remember the names right now), and quite a number on the Amiga. There are even a few well known CAD packages from the mini computer world that have or are being ported to the Amiga.
QuestionAre there any plans for 3rd Party support for C= 1750 Ram Expander? Via DOS!
RBAKER: I believe there is work being done in this area. And, Commodore magazine is trying to gather articles and utilities to support the 1750 features as well.
Questionwhen will defender of the crown be relea sed
RBAKER: I believe it was slated for later this spring.
QuestionI read that Commodore is making a new chip for the 1571 to correct the save@ bug. When will it be available?
RBAKER: There have been a number of rumors on this topic. At one time I was told there was a new chip… coming and would be included in future models of the 1571, and would be made available as a replacement part by Commodore. But that was months ago and I still haven't heard what ever happened to it.
QuestionGot any suggestions on a decent accounts payable, payroll and general ledger package available for a home Accountant?
RBAKER: CMS Software Systems of Mesquite, TX has a collection of programs available for all size… businesses. They're been around from the early PET days with business software and did produce a decent package. There are a few others, but that one comes to mind first. If you need more info I can help later.
QuestionWhat do you know about price and availability of the Ram Expansion for the C-64?
RBAKER: The C64 1764 RAM expansion is supposed to list for $149 or 129 (not sure – see the message I posted a few days ago in the New Prod Info msg boards). It is ready to go supposedly, but is waiting for manuals or final packaging. Should be goin out the doors to dealers shortly. By the way, the 1581 is in the same state!
Questionis AMNESIA out yet???
RBAKER: Sorry, don't know. Anyone else have input? You can add comments besides questions you know!
RJScott: To send a COMMENT, just press F7, and select ASK A QUESTION. By phrasing it as a comment, we can broadcast it as a comment.
Questionwhat ways are used to prevent piracy
RBAKER: Copy protection, but not effectively. Also, THICK manuals that are cheaper to buy than copy. or just cheapre prices, You'll see most software prices coming down in '87.
QuestionIs STREET BASEBALL by EPYX out yet??
RBAKER: I can't find my notes in the stack of info here right now, I'm all by myself tonight. As for.. Street Baseball, I think that one is not out yet but should be coming soon. If you really need to know, leave email or a question in the New Prod Info boards and I'll find it later. I do have a schedule from Epyx on their releases.
QuestionWhat new Q-link games will be coming out
RBAKER: What else, Casino and Habitat.
CommentMy view of piracy is that it raises the price of programs and hurts even the people who buy programs. To protect themselves from pirates, software companies put new protection on their programs all the time, and that costs enough to raise the price of the game by several bucks. And programmers also raise the price of the program, so that they at least get SOMETHING from the program from the people who buy programs.
RBAKER: The above is from one of our current attendies!
Questionwhat about the rabbit jack casino disk w hen is it coming out?
RBAKER: I was supposed to be coming near the end of this month from what I heard. It may be a little later but I'm not sure.
QuestionWhen will habitat be ready? I understand that it was supposed to be ready in October!
RBAKER: They're still working on it and no official word on when it will be online.
QuestionWhat is the difference between the old Commodore 64, and the new 64C???
RBAKER: The current C64 and C64C are the same machine with a different skin and keyboard. No functional differences.
CommentNeed good vt em. for 64 w/ 80 c for 1660 hopefully vt100 or above
RBAKER: Check the Telecommunications library in the PD area here on QL, there should be something there.
Questionwhat options are available for the c128d
RBAKER: Basically its the same as the C128 with a 1571. It will use the same peripherials and software.
QuestionIs there any software for the 128 or 64 for nautical navigation?
RBAKER: Haven't seen anything in that area.
Questionwhat is the price between the 1541 and the 1571 ???? what is a 1801 disk drive
RBAKER: I think there is usually about a $75 to 100 difference between the 1541 and 1571 (?).
QuestionDo you think Q will expand to Canada? or other countries??
RBAKER: I think you're thinking of the 1581 disk, this is the new 3.5" floppy with 808K storage space that is due out soon. QL is available in Canada but network time is expensive and only available from certain cities. Not sure about other countries. RJScott indicates we have users from St. Thomas, Hawaii, Alaski, Puerto Rico and others now.
QuestionDo u think companies will ever come out with a game about FREESTYLING. I an very interested in FREESTYLINGRIDING BIKES and DOING TRICKS! Can u make a FREESTYLING game???
RBAKER: I'm sure it could be done but there probably isn't enough general interest for someone to make the effort to develope and market it.
QuestionIs habitat on line now?
RBAKER: Just saw one for Drag racing, so there might be something out there. No, Habitat is not available yet. It's still in development and debug with beta users.
Questionwill geos 128 be able to use 80 col in any or all aplications
RBAKER: Supposed to if I remember correctly. Best check with GEOS ROB or the GEOS area in CIN.
QuestionAny new business software for the c128 thats new and exciting.
RBAKER: If interested in Business software, check Money Machine magazine by Don V. from the similar section here on QL. He includes information on quite a few business related products each month.
QuestionWhat are some of the NEWESt game out???
RBAKER: If interested in Amiga, PageSetter is remarkable as far as desk top publishing. Winter Games from Epyx for Amiga, Starglider and Tracker for C64 from Firebird/Rainbird, Realms of Darkness announced from SSI Alien Fires – Part I 2199 AD for Amiga from Jagware, Back on business software and others, Central Coast Software announced Disk-2-Disk for transfers between Amiga and C64/128 using 5.25" drive on Amiga.
QuestionAre any of these games out?? PEGESUS AMNESIA PHATASIE }I{ STREET BASEBALL . thanx!
RBAKER: Not that I remember, most are recent announcements and may still be in distribution even if released. The 1571 still sells for under $250 while the 1581 is slated to come out at about $399. 1581 will hold 808K in 3.5" format while 1571 is 360k in 5.25 format. 1581 is supposed to be faster as well
QuestionIs it true that 1580's are better and cheaper than 1571's??? Have u done any more work on your Amiga
RBAKER: Not really, so busy with the New Prod Info section that not much time for programming these days. Hope to start getting back to normal and get back to programming shortly.
QuestionDo you know anything about the BBS prgs.
RBAKER: A little, but Jim Oldfield is the expert in this area. He'll be back net month if your question can wait till then. Otherwise, leave me email and I'll see if I can help. Otherwise, try contacting SYSHELP JC via Email for help on BBS topics as well. You can ask them yourself in their area in CIN or at one of their online forums. I'm not sure exactly what technique they used.
QuestionHow does EA get the graphics speed in Bard's Tale and BTII?
RBAKER: Sorry, keep forgetting to transmit the question first 😉
Questiondo you thikn the new memory expansion is worth it for the 64??
RBAKER: Should be wel worth it as soon as the support software catches up with it. Expecially for wordprocessors and spreadsheets, disk copiers, etc. Also, the idea of having a RAM disk opens up all sorts of possibilities.
QuestionI just got Business Form Shop by Spinnaker; do you know if there is an improved version yet, this V1.0 is afflicted with a VERY POOR instruction book. (In other words I can't get it to work!)
RBAKER: Not that I know of.
QuestionWhat is the 1581?
RBAKER: The 1581 is the 3.5" floppy drive coming for the C64/128 due out any day.
QuestionMissed the Partner 128 program the other day. Can you tell me if I can use it while running a 64 program in 64 mode?
RBAKER: Partner 64 is due out soon but 128 is only for 128 mode. Check the archives for any info there. from the TIMEWORKS auditorium. From a user…
Commentyes it is out you can read about it on qlink
RBAKER: Not sure which program this referred to, but yes, don't forget to check the review section in the software showcase for info on currently available products. Yes, we shouldn't forget..
Commentyou forgot 'dongles'
RBAKER: dongles as pointed out. This is usually a more effective way to protect software, but can be a problem. Some earlier users of Word Pro on PET systems had their protection chips or dongles go bad and later found that they couldn't get replacements.
QuestionI would like to know how to load a sequential file that I have downloaded from q link. Sorry! I'm a rookie.:)
RBAKER: Sequential files are usually text or data files that are not meant to be loaded. You normally need a utility like the SPRINT program on your QLink disk to print or view these. Otherwise, if a file contains the .arc or .lbr, .lnx or other special suffix then you need the corresponding utility to reclain the individual files that have been combined into one download f file. Some of these may be downloaded as sequential files even though they contain program files within them. Just got a note that Amnesia was the program that we think is available now.
QuestionIs WORLD GOLF out for the commodore yet?
RBAKER: We can't seem to remember, sorry.=
QuestionI have the disk thaat comes with GEOS, how can I get the rest of the games? . And the new ones as well?
RBAKER: The rest of the games can be downloaded from QL (check the customer service area), new games like Casino and Habitat require buying a new disk later. Sorry, games are in the Just for Fun area. New disks can e ordered in the Mall.
QuestionWhen is Pegasus coming out for the 64
RBAKER: I haven't heard an official date or seen local copies as yet, sorry.
Questionis the new c128d fully compattible with the 128???
RBAKER: Supposedly so, just a repackaging like the C64c was.
QuestionHow much does it cost to save GAME?
RBAKER: The games are in a plus area so it would cost 6 cents per minute to download.
RJScott: But the download time is not long.
RBAKER: Not sure how big they are.
RJScott: Far cheaper than buying a new disk for $3.75 Regarding a question about CASINO…. Casino will be played in People Connection, though on another 'sphere' of PC. The rates will be $3.60 per hour (far cheaper than an hour at the arcades.)
QuestionDo you know of any plans to make the 1541 & 1541'C' 100% Software Compatible?
RJScott: When you get your Casino disk, you will have to 'install' Casino as a menu option on your games
RBAKER: Not sure about Commodore's current plans. Several problems have been reported but no response as
RJScott: menu…very easy to do..then when you choose to PLAY a game, the Casino will be the FIRST game
RBAKER: yet from Commodore. They normally don't acknowledge bugs.
RJScott: option…you will then insert the Casino disk, and you're on your way to winning or losing.
QuestionAntt ideas on what the 1581 will cost?
RBAKER: Supposedly the March '87 issue of Compter Shopper quotes a price of $399. Check that issue for more info on C128D, 1581, 1764. (that was Computer Shopper)
QuestionHave you heard a price on the Amiga 2000
RBAKER: Several prices have been mentioned in the various articles about the 2000. However, in talking with Commodore today, they indicated that the official price has yet to be determined and will probably be set somethime in the next few days. Just in time for their official announcements next week or shortly thereafter. They indicated that all published prices so far are just speculation on the part of the publisher They also pointed out that the new Amiga 2000 uses the same chip set technology as the 1000, no n new graphics or sound capabilities. Also, no new processor chips as the main processor this year in 1987 the 68000 is it. The accerator board will give you the 68020 or 68030 when available. Bridge card is supposed to be available when the 2000 comes out.
QuestionSorry for asking again but due to "call waiting" I was disconnected, but is Pegesus out for 64C?
RBAKER: Sorry, but I'm not really sure right now. If it is out, it might just be stuck in distribution channels, but haven't seen it locally. I should point out that I get tons of new product announcements and it gets difficult to remember what is out on the shelves, what is just getting into distribution, etc. The info I'm working with is typically several months in advance of actual product or appearing in the magazines.
Questionclear the air: 1) ram-disc software for 1750 on the c-128?….will C= or anyone else produce this? 2) geos in 80 col. for c128..myth or reality….
RBAKER: GEOS in 80 column is supposedly a reality. Ram disk is supposedly true as well. If not as a product or disk with the RAM, at least as an article in an upcomin Commodore Magazine issue and hopefully avail on QL. They are looking for articles to support the 1750/1764
CommentThank you I am sorry for asking so many times
RBAKER: No problem, wish I could answer with more details, but really hectic here by myself and I have about 2 feet of press releases sitting next to me. (2 ft pile that is 🙂
RJScott: 😀
QuestionWhen will "Return to Atlantas" for the Amiga be ready???
RBAKER: That one should be sometime this spring. Looks like we finally got everything cleared out, so thanks for coming and I hope we helped a little bit at least. If you still have questions, I'm sure Jim Oldfield can fill in the missing pieces next month.
RJScott: Thanks Robert, for taking the time to fill in for Jim…we really appreciate it!
RBAKER: Watch the new prod info section for updates on the Amiga 2000 and other new items.
RJScott: Thanks folks, and have a great night, a great weekend!
RBAKER: Nite everyone!