Desktop Publishing & Commodore Computers

by Bob Nunn

     Many of you don't know that what I do for a living these days is largely involved with desktop publishing.  I got into this sideways so to speak as it was the only way to meet deadlines on materials that I needed to produce.  The old paste up method was killing us in more ways than one.  We still do a great deal of typesetting and pasteup and probably will for some time. It takes a while for the technology to get not only faster but also cheaper.  The company I joined a few years back was already equipped in most areas with MacIntosh's, so that is what we presently use.  

The little Commodore 64 & 128 allows MCUC to do this newsletter and a lot more. It just doesn't have the polish of a laserprinter and postscript output. You of course can send your Write Stuff files to Busy Bee and have them laser output and I believe Q-Link still offers the service off GEOS files. MCUC in the near future can (if the membership desires) possible purchase a laserprinter to use with the 64/128 as prices continue to come down. You would then see some of the polish that many commercial publications offer while still maintaining a low cost per issue.

   Some of you may have not realized that the 64/128 was capable, but many publications we see from other clubs are laser output.  One of Jim Oldfield's books on GEOS tips and tricks was entirely typeset on a Commodore 128 output through a Qume Laserprinter.

     The Commodore Amiga has many desktop publishing programs and the processor, ram, and speed to compete with all present desktop systems.  I personally haven't had any experience with these but I would say that they would be the working man's answer to the MAC.  When it comes to cheap though, my little Combe refurb 64 $99 computer is still the best buy. It does the job for now at an affordable price.

     In the near future (I do it now professionally) you will see local printers adding bulletin boards (there are several in Memphis now) that will enable you to upload a file to be output on laserprinter and your print job run off all via modem. You can pick up your printing at the agreed upon time without having to worry with a proof and know what you are getting since you did the work. I have no idea what small quantity pricing might be but the printer doesn't have near the expense or the problems with these kinds of jobs.