Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Getting back on topic... I would be interested in the DVD, but, as I am limited to plain vanilla QDOS emulation (uQLx, QLAY), because, I can't justify the outlay for QPC2. (I'm not saying that it's over-priced, but in a limited and shrinking market, no selling price can be a commercial proposition, so better surely to drop the price and get some new sales than leaving it at a price where it costs a comparable price to complete linux distro, complete with professional manuals, and 6 cds or so of applications, or an oem version of Windows)..so, I assume that much of the DVD would be of little interest to me. So, the questions are: how much would you want to sell it for, and would you structure it in such a way that it would be obvious to me which progs would not work under QDOS? Jeremy Should be sold with QPC at a good price, shoudn't it? Arnould ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes snip I touted this idea at Portslade on SUnday, only two people said they might be interested, another three said they thought it might be a goodidea but they probably wouldn't buy it themselves. Points you'll need to consider: 1. Multiple QXL.WINs on a single DVD. Users will need to know how to set up for these in QPC2. Not all emulators can access QXL.WIN in a sub-directory. I intend to tackle the details of QXL.WIN file handling in the next part of 'Start Here' in QL Today. I believe there is software to read QXL.WIN files on other systems but I did get reports of people being unable to access the QDT QXL.WIN files on the CD so I would be grateful for more details on this. 2. The different - and + formats Most modern DVD-ROM and DVD-RW drives are multi format these days and the difference between + and - disks resides mostly in their multi-session capabilities. There can be problems using +R disks in DVD players that connect to TVs but that is of little concern here. 3. Many of the current QL CDs have different stuff in the QXL.WIN to what they have outside that. COnsider the Literature CD and the Documentation CD for example. You'll either need a good front end or a good set of documentation explaining where everything is. At the moment, copies of all my CDs are on my hard disk like this: I would agree with that. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] Super Gold Card Batteries
For those of you who were disappointed at the Hove show to find the batteries I had bought were not the correct ones. Here is an update. I have discovered that it was the company I bought from and not me that made the error. The batteries looked similar but had the terminals in the wrong place. They were 40LH220 instead of 40LF220. They have agreed to ship me the replacements and collect the wrong ones. I should be able to supply them by the end of the week. If anyone else wants any can they please let me know so I can order in one go to keep the carriage costs down. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Jeremy Taffel[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP Getting back on topic... I would be interested in the DVD, but, as I am limited to plain vanilla QDOS emulation (uQLx, QLAY), because, I can't justify the outlay for QPC2. (I'm not saying that it's over-priced, but in a limited and shrinking market, no selling price can be a commercial proposition, so better surely to drop the price and get some new sales than leaving it at a price where it costs a comparable price to complete linux distro, complete with professional manuals, and 6 cds or so of applications, or an oem version of Windows) The point is that QPC2 has represented a great deal of work on the part of Marcel who is still at university and has a low income. If you take it that the LINUX distribution and that Windows is more widespread then the payment you are making in respect of the work put into their construction is far higher. If you had a similar payment to make to Marcel for the time effort and dedication he has put into making QPC2 such a superb system you would be paying a lot more. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
1. Multiple QXL.WINs on a single DVD. Users will need to know how to set up for these in QPC2. Not all emulators can access QXL.WIN in a sub-directory. I intend to tackle the details of QXL.WIN file handling in the next part of 'Start Here' in QL Today. I believe there is software to read QXL.WIN files on other systems but I did get reports of people being unable to access the QDT QXL.WIN files on the CD so I would be grateful for more details on this. If Daniele Terdina, Rickard Zidlicky and Phoebus are lurking here today, can you let us know if the various QemuLators and uQLxes can handle a QXL.WIN in a sub-directory? e.g. can they access C:\foo\QXL.WIN Or only C:\QXL.WIN, D:\QXL.WIN and so on? Also, can a QXL access more than one QXL.WIN anywhere other than root directory? Suspect the answer is no if using vanilla QXL SMSQ, yes if using qxl smsq/e The apparently simple answer is to put all the software into a single QXL.WIN, but then you run into the infamous QL 36 character filename limit unless you shorten directory names, I'm already close to that on some of the CDs. Even worse, some of the emulators have files which even go beyond what you can put on an ISO9660 CD, not to mention the QL fileame limit! Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
I would be interested in the DVD, but, as I am limited to plain vanilla QDOS emulation (uQLx, QLAY), because, I can't justify the outlay for QPC2. (I'm not saying that it's over-priced, but in a limited and shrinking market, no selling price can be a commercial proposition, so better surely to drop the price and get some new sales than leaving it at a price where it costs a comparable price to complete linux distro, complete with professional manuals, and 6 cds or so of applications, or an oem version of Windows) The point is that QPC2 has represented a great deal of work on the part of Marcel who is still at university and has a low income. If you take it that the LINUX distribution and that Windows is more widespread then the payment you are making in respect of the work put into their construction is far higher. If you had a similar payment to make to Marcel for the time effort and dedication he has put into making QPC2 such a superb system you would be paying a lot more. I'm of the opinion that the respective merits of the various emulators reflect their prices quite fairly: 1. The free ones (QLay and QLay2) are perfectly adequate. uQLx is especially so for Linux users. 2. QPC2 is the most expensive but is the only one with all the new facilities. No matter what the price, it won't get into much wider circulation than it already is in a QL community where Quanta membership and QL Today readership is in the hundreds rather than thousands. 3. QemuLator is a great mid-ground for those who want to use QDOS and get a step up from QLay. Excellent compatibility with QDOS, can run Gold Card smsq/e if required, surprising turn of speed, option of QemuFast. I think the point here is that people have a choice. If you feel your needs don't warrant purchasing QPC2 with all the latest bells and whistles, fine, there are some pretty good free or mid priced emulators available for several platforms. In my case, I wanted to be able to use both Windows and SMSQ/E without having two separate computers, QPC2 happened to fill my needs better than anything else and I couldn't justify the cost or space requirements for a Q60. Likewise, people who simply want to write the odd SuperBASIC program or run a QDOS program will be quite happy with QLAY or similar I suspect. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Phil Jordan
I have philipl A T jordanplj DOT freeserve DOT co DOT uk That's the one I was using. Well, despite the error message I got, Phil has responded, so the email address is still valid. I suspect it was our system here at work. We were having email problems with our plus.net account all day yesterday following a 2 line message from one of our suppliers which has turned into a 20MB block-everything monster as far as Lookout Excess is concerned. We are still trying to get the ISP to help us delete it (unfortunately it's the first email to download so is blocking everything else). In theory, we should be able to go on webmail and delete it, which is what I do with my tesco.net mails when some corrupted or image-laden mail screws things up, but it's even screwing that up and the ISP say they have no server problems as such, it's a problem with one specific email. Luckily, I can use the tesco.net webmail to Carry on QLing (sounds like a comedy film!) :-) Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP If Daniele Terdina, Rickard Zidlicky and Phoebus are lurking here today, can you let us know if the various QemuLators and uQLxes can handle a QXL.WIN in a sub-directory? e.g. can they access C:\foo\QXL.WIN Or only C:\QXL.WIN, D:\QXL.WIN and so on? This would be useful information for my next article. I do not want this to be a one man operation so I would welcome any input from others. Also, can a QXL access more than one QXL.WIN anywhere other than root directory? Suspect the answer is no if using vanilla QXL SMSQ, yes if using qxl smsq/e Ordinary SMSQ is limited to one QXL.WIN file per logical drive. SMSQ/E for the QXL has configurable drives so it can read these files anywhere and with any name. I wonder if the WIN_DRIVE commands are implemented in SMSQ. I suspect not but I do not have a QXL or a PC with an ISA slot to test it out. If they are then you could use Per Witte's QWIRC program to access them. If not maybe someone should do a small extension that can be added to SMSQ to enable it. Mind you how many QXLs are there that are still in use? -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Hove Show and AGM
On Tuesday 19 April 2005 10:04, Dilwyn Jones wrote: Off the top of my head, that's most of what I can remember, anyone else remember anything else important to mention? Not important, but I also stood down from the Quanta committee and Sarah Gilpin became the secretary of Quanta ;-) John S ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
(This might be a duplicate email, if so apologies, but I don't think the original got through) Darren Branagh wrote: BTW, a novel idea in my new employers is coming to fruition - we own and sell the disgo brand under the guise of clever stuff ltd. (see www.mydisgo.com) - it's the pioneer of the USB thumbdrive market. We happened to realise we had a lot of old 32Mb and 64Mb drives left (obsolete these days - amazing but true) so we have remarketed them to get rid of them - we have changed the cap to a multicoloured one and loaded them with ZX Spectrum emulators and games - them are due to be sold in Dixons, PC World etc. in the next few months. The marketing name is the rainbow drive, geddit? The plan is to do Atari and MAME versions too. We have just started selling a FOUR GIGABYTE one - Which has its own ARM processor onboard -and plan to sell some with DVD movies preloaded. Now, wouldn't a QL one be a great idea?? Imagine... I already have a 64Mb one with a QXL.WIN on it - loads of QL stuff will fit on it. What sort of prices are we talking of in small quantities for the 32MB and 64MB models? I've been asked several times to make a little CD or similar with a free QL emulator on board and some games and general packages controlled by a simple front end (a plug and go QL complete with software). 32MB or 64MBwould carry an emulator and plenty of software with ease. People like Norman Dunbar and Ken Bain have already described in detail how convenient these flash memory devices are. I'd welcome ideas and comments on whether this is a good idea or not. Here's a suggestion to get the ball rolling: 1. Put a QL emulator on it. 2. Put some QL games and other free software on it. A short QL demo might be an idea if someone is interested in writing one. 3. Put the QL manual on it (these are available on my website). This would also eventually encourage users to learn a little bit of SuperBASIC perhaps, and their QL interest might go beyond the QL On A Stick 4. Put a sweet and simple front end, which could even be a SuperBASIC program, to let the user select which game or program to run, preferably with a short screen of information before the program starts, especially if it's a program which does not return you cleanly to the menu. 5. A fairly short DOS or Windows text file to explain what it's all about, or a printed sheet of instructions. To all intents and purposes, this would make it like one of these stand alone video games packages, but one which works by plugging into a PC rather than stand alone. How I see all this is as something which might tempt ex QLers back via a simple to use system which does what most users remember their QLs by - simple to use computer, which is just that little bit different to other computers, free word processor, database, spreadsheet and games, and ability to use it all from a simple little PC plug in device which requires no desk space or space for other computers, and above all hopefully nostalgia will encourage users to take up the QL again without major investment of money or space or effort! I've convinced myself, where can I buy one Darren? ;-) Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Hove Show and AGM
John Southern wrote: Off the top of my head, that's most of what I can remember, anyone else remember anything else important to mention? Not important, but I also stood down from the Quanta committee and Sarah Gilpin became the secretary of Quanta ;-) ... and both special resolutions were passed with the necessary 2/3 majority :-( John ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Hove Show and AGM
Dilwyn Jones schreef: SNIP 7. New Easyptr software available at last, hope everyone will now get a flurry of releases of colourful new QL software! That's good news. Price for the upgrade? Any news of QPCPRINT? I saw a demo in Eindhoven a few weeks ago; impressive. François Van Emelen SNIP Dilwyn Jones. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
(This might be a duplicate email, if so apologies, but I don't think the original got through) Sorry, the webmail timed out while I was on the phone, that's why the first never got through. Darren Branagh wrote: BTW, a novel idea in my new employers is coming to fruition - we own and sell the disgo brand under the guise of clever stuff ltd. (see www.mydisgo.com) - it's the pioneer of the USB thumbdrive market. I've been asked several times to make a little CD or similar with a free QL emulator on board and some games and general packages controlled by a simple front end (a plug and go QL complete with software). 32MB or 64MBwould carry an emulator and plenty of software with ease. People like Norman Dunbar and Ken Bain have already described in detail how convenient these flash memory devices are. I forgot to mention: at Quanta's AGM on Sunday John Mason reminded us that the committee were still open to suggestions on how the money int he bank could be used for the good of the membership and QLing in general. Just an idea, Darren, if someone could come up with a mini business plan for this and present it as an Idea to Quanta, is it the sort of project they might be willing to consider? I'd suggest presenting any such request or proposal as something to benefit the QL and the membership by seeking to try to encourage wider use of the QL via a new idea which also hopes to attract ex-QLers back to the fold. The idea would hope to appeal to nostalgia and Retro users and those who liked SuperBASIC but it wasn't enough to make them hold onto a QL in the past - A QL On A Stick would be a ready to go QL with on board software at minimal cost and no desk space required (just a USB port and modern enough PC - at a guess I'd say the vast majority of ex-QLers would be Windows users, though if Linux users are able to use these devices, a copy of uQLx with the same QL software would appeal there too). So you'd have two versions: 1. QLay or any other free Windows emulator plus a collection of free QL software and a copy of the manual. 2. Ditto, but with a copy of uQLx in place of the QLay 2 (or whatever). As your subject line said...just an idea Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Roy wood writes: I intend to tackle the details of QXL.WIN file handling in the next part of 'Start Here' in QL Today. I believe there is software to read QXL.WIN files on other systems but I did get reports of people being unable to access the QDT QXL.WIN files on the CD so I would be grateful for more details on this. I have no problem reading mine from QPC2. I do have a w problem with it being called WIN6. True, that sort of differentiates it from the Quanta Library disc I got at Hove last Sunday, which is called WIN8. But that again is the same as the QWord master disk, which - you guessed it - is also called WIN8, so really not all that helpful. Considering that I have (twice, I believe) on this list published a routine to set the name of a QXL.WIN container file, and have gone to a lot of trouble to produce a handy little PE utility, called Qwirc, that is designed to do just that and a lot more besides, I dont quite see why. Per ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Dilwyn wrote: What sort of prices are we talking of in small quantities for the 32MB and 64MB models? Pennies really... The 64Mb ones no longer show of the system, as they are not obsolete although I know we have at least 100 of them in stock. Just to put it in perspective, 128Mb ones (huge storage by QL standards) are selling at roughly EIGHT POUNDS EACH, selling in blocks of 10. Expect 64Mb to be about a fiver, probably less. I've been asked several times to make a little CD or similar with a free QL emulator on board and some games and general packages controlled by a simple front end (a plug and go QL complete with software). 32MB or 64MBwould carry an emulator and plenty of software with ease. People like Norman Dunbar and Ken Bain have already described in detail how convenient these flash memory devices are. I have a 2GB one now, and have my life on it. Absolutely indispensable piece of kit. I have several episodes of Star trek, a few QL bits inc. a QXL.WIN, and a load of photos of the kids and work related spreadsheets and word docs- basically anything that can be stored in a file can be put on this. Better still in the docking station we do. A lovely little weighted desktop USB slot which has a long cable leading around to your PC, - very handy for making those hard to get at USB ports more accessible - if like me you don't have USB ports on the front of your machine. See the website. I'd welcome ideas and comments on whether this is a good idea or not. Here's a suggestion to get the ball rolling: 1. Put a QL emulator on it. 2. Put some QL games and other free software on it. A short QL demo might be an idea if someone is interested in writing one. There is a QLDEMO thingy in the quanta library, though it probably needs updated... Esp. for high colour. 3. Put the QL manual on it (these are available on my website). This would also eventually encourage users to learn a little bit of SuperBASIC perhaps, and their QL interest might go beyond the QL On A Stick Indeed. 4. Put a sweet and simple front end, which could even be a SuperBASIC program, to let the user select which game or program to run, preferably with a short screen of information before the program starts, especially if it's a program which does not return you cleanly to the menu. Yes, easy to program and easy to use. I was going to do this for the QL DVD idea anyway. 5. A fairly short DOS or Windows text file to explain what it's all about, or a printed sheet of instructions. Easy. To all intents and purposes, this would make it like one of these stand alone video games packages, but one which works by plugging into a PC rather than stand alone. How I see all this is as something which might tempt ex QLers back via a simple to use system which does what most users remember their QLs by - simple to use computer, which is just that little bit different to other computers, free word processor, database, spreadsheet and games, and ability to use it all from a simple little PC plug in device which requires no desk space or space for other computers, and above all hopefully nostalgia will encourage users to take up the QL again without major investment of money or space or effort! Well, the Spectrum one we are doing has taken Dixons by storm, they are very excited about it. I know the Emulator DVDs and CDs are popular too in mainstream stops. I've convinced myself, where can I buy one Darren? ;-) Well, maybe Roy Wood can get alternate ones cheaper from Hamiltone, might be worth checking. There are lots of companies doing them - TwinMOS, Kingston, Iomega, etc.. We are quite cheap in that we manufacture them too. The other thing to ask is were have all the 8Mb and 16Mb ones gone? Are they still in use, or Are they in desk drawers or skips somewhere? Perfectly usable for QLers Well, I can get concrete pricing if you want it, The more we order the cheaper they will get - Doubt I can buy quantity at cost, maybe this is a worthwhile spend for some QUANTA funds? Or would this be deemed pushing it as it isn't QL native hardware...?? Darren. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
I couldn't agree more with what Roy has said. I think QPC is a *PHENOMENAL* piece of programming, an amazing bit of skill to say the least - and, whats more, virtually every addition that has been requested have been added By Marcel, usually very quickly, and he is still doing it now, long after the initial purchase price has been spent by many of us and there is little or nothing in updates. You can't even attempt to compare QPC with a Linux Distro; linux has a massive body of programmers worldwide working on various parts - Marcel does QPC largely on his own in his bedroom, in his own spare time. As we say here in Ireland - fair play to 'im. I would almost certainly be a non QLer by now if not for QPC, and the fact I can now travel to shows with a laptop is a huge bonus. Darren. -Original Message- From: Roy wood [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 19 April 2005 09:34 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product. In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Jeremy Taffel[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP Getting back on topic... I would be interested in the DVD, but, as I am limited to plain vanilla QDOS emulation (uQLx, QLAY), because, I can't justify the outlay for QPC2. (I'm not saying that it's over-priced, but in a limited and shrinking market, no selling price can be a commercial proposition, so better surely to drop the price and get some new sales than leaving it at a price where it costs a comparable price to complete linux distro, complete with professional manuals, and 6 cds or so of applications, or an oem version of Windows) The point is that QPC2 has represented a great deal of work on the part of Marcel who is still at university and has a low income. If you take it that the LINUX distribution and that Windows is more widespread then the payment you are making in respect of the work put into their construction is far higher. If you had a similar payment to make to Marcel for the time effort and dedication he has put into making QPC2 such a superb system you would be paying a lot more. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Considering that I have (twice, I believe) on this list published a routine to set the name of a QXL.WIN container file, and have gone to a lot of trouble to produce a handy little PE utility, called Qwirc, that is designed to do just that and a lot more besides, I dont quite see why. And if the WIN_DRIVE command is not to people's liking, there is a little utility by me called QXLWINManager to change drive references. Between Qwirc to rename them and QXL WIN Manager to reassign and the SBASIC WIN_DRIVE command, should be easy enough to manhandle your QXL.WINs now. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], P Witte [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP I have no problem reading mine from QPC2. I do have a w problem with it being called WIN6. I must confess that that had not occurred to me before. I just made it up as WIN6_ and did not really pay much attention to it being named that. I have corrected this now and future users will see it called 'QDT' courtesy of your QWIRC utility. The question really was why did users of other systems have a problem reading it as reported? Works fine on QPC2. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
What sort of prices are we talking of in small quantities for the 32MB and 64MB models? Pennies really... The 64Mb ones no longer show of the system, as they are not obsolete although I know we have at least 100 of them in stock. I was leading up to a suggestion for making a proposal to Quanta to apply for funding to create A QL On A Stick for ex-QLers and retro enthusiasts to try to widen QL usage, but I forgot to add that part in the original email as I got a bit disturbed by an irate customer. I have a 2GB one now, and have my life on it. Absolutely indispensable piece of kit. I have several episodes of Star trek, Hmmm, Star Trek rates higher than a QL in your life? ;-) Better still in the docking station we do. A lovely little weighted desktop USB slot which has a long cable leading around to your PC, - very handy for making those hard to get at USB ports more accessible - if like me you don't have USB ports on the front of your machine. See the website. I had that problem and found that buying a little 4 port hub with a cable was actually easier and cheaper from people like EBuyer than trying to buy a simple extension cable! There is a QLDEMO thingy in the quanta library, though it probably needs updated... Esp. for high colour. Err, to be honest, I'd rather leave GD2 out of this, especially if using QLay 2 or another emulator not supporting high colour. In the spirit of this, the people it's meant to appeal to are retro and nostalgia people, so closeness to an original QL might be th eorder of the day. 4. Put a sweet and simple front end, which could even be a SuperBASIC program, to let the user select which game or program to run, preferably with a short screen of information before the program starts, especially if it's a program which does not return you cleanly to the menu. Yes, easy to program and easy to use. I was going to do this for the QL DVD idea anyway. IIRC, Ron Dunnett used to have something similar on his Qubbesoft PD Library disks. And Ian Bruntlett many years ago produced something to make disk front ends (the name B0Peep springs to mind, not sure if it was that or something else). I've convinced myself, where can I buy one Darren? ;-) Well, maybe Roy Wood can get alternate ones cheaper from Hamiltone, might be worth checking. I was part joking, as I have 64MB and 128MB units already, but there was a serious side to my comment to try to convey the fact that I'd already convinced myself this was a good idea if someone could be persuaded to put together an emulator+free software+front end+instructions package. them too. The other thing to ask is were have all the 8Mb and 16Mb ones gone? Are they still in use, or Are they in desk drawers or skips somewhere? Perfectly usable for QLers Might be worth an Ebay or similar search for redundant equipment. 16MB is probably the absolute minimum even for a QL emulator though. Well, I can get concrete pricing if you want it, The more we order the cheaper they will get - Doubt I can buy quantity at cost, maybe this is a worthwhile spend for some QUANTA funds? Or would this be deemed pushing it as it isn't QL native hardware...?? It's directly QL related, a fairly low cost approach to trying to widen QL usage. Let's see what other people think. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Pennies really... The 64Mb ones no longer show of the system, as they are not obsolete although I know we have at least 100 of them in stock. I was leading up to a suggestion for making a proposal to Quanta to apply for funding to create A QL On A Stick for ex-QLers and retro enthusiasts to try to widen QL usage, but I forgot to add that part in the original email as I got a bit disturbed by an irate customer. Lovely! Just had a chat with the Manager who looks after Disgo - he doesn't know what show of the low-end stuff is left since the Dixons/Spectrum Emulator deal was done, so he'll get back to me. He also mentioned that if we ordered over 100 units, he could get then branded with any logo we want on them, so either the QUANTA logo of SINCLAIR QL in the infamous Sinclair font maybe? Nice thing to own for nostalgias sake.. I think it's a great idea, but may be worth shopping about anyway; Roy? Do you do USB drives? I have a 2GB one now, and have my life on it. Absolutely indispensable piece of kit. I have several episodes of Star trek, Hmmm, Star Trek rates higher than a QL in your life? ;-) When you have a mental 2 year old running amok, your spare time is best served in front of the TV (or laptop) :-)) There is a QLDEMO thingy in the quanta library, though it probably needs updated... Esp. for high colour. Err, to be honest, I'd rather leave GD2 out of this, especially if using QLay 2 or another emulator not supporting high colour. In the spirit of this, the people it's meant to appeal to are retro and nostalgia people, so closeness to an original QL might be th eorder of the day. Then the QLDEMO is probably perfect, didn't you have it on your website? The one that shipped with the QL originally? 4. Put a sweet and simple front end, which could even be a SuperBASIC program, to let the user select which game or program to run, preferably with a short screen of information before the program starts, especially if it's a program which does not return you cleanly to the menu. Yes, easy to program and easy to use. I was going to do this for the QL DVD idea anyway. IIRC, Ron Dunnett used to have something similar on his Qubbesoft PD Library disks. And Ian Bruntlett many years ago produced something to make disk front ends (the name B0Peep springs to mind, not sure if it was that or something else). Yes - Ron's was very well laid out. He had a system of only putting 10 programs on each disk, regardless of how much spare space was left. The 10 program names were displayed and could be highlighted and run - was nicely laid out on the screen too and a doddle to use. I've convinced myself, where can I buy one Darren? ;-) Well, maybe Roy Wood can get alternate ones cheaper from Hamiltone, might be worth checking. I was part joking, as I have 64MB and 128MB units already, but there was a serious side to my comment to try to convey the fact that I'd already convinced myself this was a good idea if someone could be persuaded to put together an emulator+free software+front end+instructions package. I know:-)) Put still it's a good idea and worth looking at by several of us... I know Steve Reyal and I saw some 8Mb Disgos at a Computer Show in Tottenham Court Road in London about 2 years or so ago for only £1 each, but didn't think of the QL usability!! Pity, the guy had a box full, probably could've had them all for 20 quid. Well, I can get concrete pricing if you want it, The more we order the cheaper they will get - Doubt I can buy quantity at cost, maybe this is a worthwhile spend for some QUANTA funds? Or would this be deemed pushing it as it isn't QL native hardware...?? It's directly QL related, a fairly low cost approach to trying to widen QL usage. Let's see what other people think. I think so... we'll see. Anyone from QUANTA care to comment?? Darren. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Darren Branagh [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I think it's a great idea, but may be worth shopping about anyway; Roy? Do you do USB drives? Yes we do that - and we sell USB hubs cheaper than EBuyer too! I've convinced myself, where can I buy one Darren? ;-) Well, maybe Roy Wood can get alternate ones cheaper from Hamiltone, might be worth checking. www.hamiltone.co.uk -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] QPCPrint othe releases
QPCPrint has been released at Hove :-) ... price is EUR 39,90 plus postage. ... and so was QL Today issue 6 and EasyPTR 4 ... I will update the website soon, but we just returned last night from the UK and it seems I catched Roy's cold. If I feel better tomorrow, I'll send the QL Todays out tomorrow, otherwise Thursday or Friday at the worst. Jochen François Van Emelen wrote: Dilwyn Jones schreef: SNIP 7. New Easyptr software available at last, hope everyone will now get a flurry of releases of colourful new QL software! That's good news. Price for the upgrade? Any news of QPCPRINT? I saw a demo in Eindhoven a few weeks ago; impressive. François Van Emelen SNIP Dilwyn Jones. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Hove Show and AGM
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], François Van Emelen [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Dilwyn Jones schreef: SNIP 7. New Easyptr software available at last, hope everyone will now get a flurry of releases of colourful new QL software! That's good news. Price for the upgrade? £27.50 on CD with manual in pdf format. Any news of QPCPRINT? I saw a demo in Eindhoven a few weeks ago; impressive. Also released at the same price. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Considering that I have (twice, I believe) on this list published a routine to set the name of a QXL.WIN container file, and have gone to a lot of trouble to produce a handy little PE utility, called Qwirc, that is designed to do just that and a lot more besides, I dont quite see why. And if the WIN_DRIVE command is not to people's liking, there is a little utility by me called QXLWINManager to change drive references. Between Qwirc to rename them and QXL WIN Manager to reassign and the SBASIC WIN_DRIVE command, should be easy enough to manhandle your QXL.WINs now. Where is that on your website ? I would like to try it and to mention it in the next start here which deals with this kind of thing. Next cover disk material maybe? QXL.WIN utilities etc. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Can't see 'em anywhere on the hamiltone website, so don't think they do 'em. Tried komplett and cpc, them are more expensive. Darren. Well, maybe Roy Wood can get alternate ones cheaper from Hamiltone, might be worth checking. www.hamiltone.co.uk -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
RE: Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Whoops Hamiltone DO do them, they are listed under RAM (weird, but then I suppose they are..) 128MB USB 2.0/1.1, 4003, Samsung £8.48+VAT = £9.97 inc. Darren. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QPCPrint othe releases
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], SMSQ - Jochen Merz [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I will update the website soon, but we just returned last night from the UK and it seems I catched Roy's cold. That was quick! Still it is only a three day cold so you should be OK soon. I think I made it worse by going diving just before it kicked in. Sorry to give that to you. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Darren Branagh [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Can't see 'em anywhere on the hamiltone website, so don't think they do 'em. Yes we do but they are with the RAM Connect 3D 128MB USB 2.0/1.1, 4003, Samsung £8.48+VAT = £9.97 inc. Canyon Canyon 512MB USB 2.0/1.1, Black, USB Extender Neck Cord £24.20+VAT = £28.44 inc. and look under the Kingston DATA travellers too Sorry to advertise here but it is not for me so I suppose that is OK. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Phil Jordan
In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dilwyn Jones [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Is anyone in contact with Phil Jordan? I think he may have left an item behind at the Hove Quanta AGM yesterday, I seem to have one more CD coming home than I thought I should have. The last email address I have for him seems to be returning mails undelivered. At the show he gave me this address: philiplATfreeserveDOTcoDOTuk Sorry I did not reply before but I was quite ill after the show and spent most of yesterday in bed with a high temperature. I just about managed to get through the day at the show. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 skype : royqbranch web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Considering that I have (twice, I believe) on this list published a routine to set the name of a QXL.WIN container file, and have gone to a lot of trouble to produce a handy little PE utility, called Qwirc, that is designed to do just that and a lot more besides, I dont quite see why. And if the WIN_DRIVE command is not to people's liking, there is a little utility by me called QXLWINManager to change drive references. Between Qwirc to rename them and QXL WIN Manager to reassign and the SBASIC WIN_DRIVE command, should be easy enough to manhandle your QXL.WINs now. Where is that on your website ? I would like to try it and to mention it in the next start here which deals with this kind of thing. Next cover disk material maybe? QXL.WIN utilities etc. On the My Freeware page, in the Software section of the Tesco.net site. This is really getting out of hand, trying to keep three sites (Tesco, TopCities and Freeola) up to date. I'll have to get round to putting the whole lot on one site soon. http://homepages.tesco.net/dilwyn.jones/software/freeware/freeware.html Not only does it do WIN_DRIVE but DOS_DRIVE names as well. Designed for my own use, got reworked slightly for release and so not the most user friendly thing, but adequate. -- Dilwyn Jones -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.18 - Release Date: 19/04/2005 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: RE: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Lovely! Just had a chat with the Manager who looks after Disgo - he doesn't know what show of the low-end stuff is left since the Dixons/Spectrum Emulator deal was done, so he'll get back to me. He also mentioned that if we ordered over 100 units, he could get then branded with any logo we want on them, so either the QUANTA logo of SINCLAIR QL in the infamous Sinclair font maybe? If you must! Nice thing to own for nostalgias sake.. I think it's a great idea, but may be worth shopping about anyway; Roy? Do you do USB drives? Don't have to come to any quick decisions, but worth finding out. Bear in mind that buying up cheap disgos might be one thing, finding time/person to do a good software package might be less easy and take longer! There is a QLDEMO thingy in the quanta library, though it probably needs updated... Esp. for high colour. Err, to be honest, I'd rather leave GD2 out of this, especially if using QLay 2 or another emulator not supporting high colour. In the spirit of this, the people it's meant to appeal to are retro and nostalgia people, so closeness to an original QL might be th eorder of the day. Then the QLDEMO is probably perfect, didn't you have it on your website? The one that shipped with the QL originally? Yes, it's in the Psion programs page IIRC (not sure how I ended up putting them there). Along with Quill, Archive, Abacus, Easel and the QL Games cartridge. I think these are configured mostly for microdrive in the versions on the website, but a simple FLP_USE MDV or stuffing them through DP's Transfer Utility or the CST Convert_exe should fix that. http://homepages.tesco.net/dilwyn.jones/psions/psions.html IIRC, Ron Dunnett used to have something similar on his Qubbesoft PD Library disks. And Ian Bruntlett many years ago produced something to make disk front ends (the name B0Peep springs to mind, not sure if it was that or something else). Yes - Ron's was very well laid out. He had a system of only putting 10 programs on each disk, regardless of how much spare space was left. The 10 program names were displayed and could be highlighted and run - was nicely laid out on the screen too and a doddle to use. What I can't remember is if this was a simple basic program or what, probably worth looking into how he did it. I was part joking, as I have 64MB and 128MB units already, but there was a serious side to my comment to try to convey the fact that I'd already convinced myself this was a good idea if someone could be persuaded to put together an emulator+free software+front end+instructions package. I know:-)) Put still it's a good idea and worth looking at by several of us... I know Steve Reyal and I saw some 8Mb Disgos at a Computer Show in Tottenham Court Road in London about 2 years or so ago for only £1 each, but didn't think of the QL usability!! Pity, the guy had a box full, probably could've had them all for 20 quid. :-) Dilwyn Jones -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.18 - Release Date: 19/04/2005 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
Roy wood wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Jeremy Taffel[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP Getting back on topic... I would be interested in the DVD, but, as I am limited to plain vanilla QDOS emulation (uQLx, QLAY), because, I can't justify the outlay for QPC2. (I'm not saying that it's over-priced, but in a limited and shrinking market, no selling price can be a commercial proposition, so better surely to drop the price and get some new sales than leaving it at a price where it costs a comparable price to complete linux distro, complete with professional manuals, and 6 cds or so of applications, or an oem version of Windows) The point is that QPC2 has represented a great deal of work on the part of Marcel who is still at university and has a low income. If you take it that the LINUX distribution and that Windows is more widespread then the payment you are making in respect of the work put into their construction is far higher. If you had a similar payment to make to Marcel for the time effort and dedication he has put into making QPC2 such a superb system you would be paying a lot more. I don't disagree with any of that . I think you are just agreeing with me that QPC2 is not an economic proposition. Marcel's income from it is , I am sure, scant reward for all his long hours and unparalled skill. Please don't read any of what I said as criticism of Marcel, or the product, it isn't. It would also be totally unfair for me to use this list to try to apply pressure to get him to change the price. That is not the intent. He deserves to get as high an income as possible from sales of his product, and the product deserves to get the widest possible useage. However, it occurs to me that if there are many potential buyers like myself who have not bought it because of the price, then perhaps neither goal is being achieved at present. I can't be the only casual user who would be interested in seeing what the new high colour apps are like and perhaps pickiung up some old projects using Turbo, now that most of the old limitations have been removed, but can't justify the type of expenditure that would be involved in getting up to date. But how many more like me are there? Another posting on this list suggested that there can't be much of a market left to fill. If that's the case, current new sales must be very low, and I suspect that most recent sales have been upgrades from previous versions. So, suppose, for the sake of argument, he were to half the price of buying it from new. There's a risk that he gets no more sales than he would have had anyway, and his income takes a hit. However, if he doubles his sales, then he breaks even, but the community is possibly re-invigorated by the renewed enthusiasm of those new purchasers. If he more than doubles the number of sales, then everyone wins. So, which would be the most likely scenario? How many casual visitors do the various QL web sites get? how many have downloaded a QPC demo version and not gone out to buy the full thing? If they were interested enough to download the demo , why didn't they buy it? was it because of lack of functionality? (unlikely IMHO), or was it because of price? How many of those visitors would be tempted to get back into the QL if the purchase didn't leave a sizable hole in the wallet that needs to be explained to he/she who must be obeyed? With the current pricing scheme on his website, upgrade to the latest version is relatively low cost. However, the only prices are for the latest version or for upgrade to it. One possibility that comes to mind would be to enable purchase in small chunks; eg initial purchase QPC1 for a small amount, with upgrade to QPC2v3 via v1,v2. Thoughts? Flames? Regards, Jeremy ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
