Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!husc6!bloom-beacon!mit-eddie!killer!dcs!wnp
From: wnp@dcs.UUCP (Wolf N. Paul)
Newsgroups: comp.text
Subject: Re: LJ and Doc Workbench
Summary: I know 2: Textware & Jetroff
Message-ID: <269@dcs.UUCP>
Date: 22 Dec 88 12:44:08 GMT
References: <237@cosi.UUCP>
Reply-To: wnp@dcs.UUCP (Wolf N. Paul)
Organization: DCS, Dallas, Texas
Lines: 42

In article <237@cosi.UUCP>, bill@cosi.UUCP (Bill Michaelson) writes:
> If there is anyone out there using troff and associated pgms to produce
> output on a HP Laserjet II printer, I'd appreciate some info.

I am (somewhat) familiar with two products which link the HP LaserJet
and DWB 2.0.

A. Textware International's TPLUS:

   A commercial package available from brent@textware, has post-processors
   not only for the HPLJ, but for such devices as Compugraphics photo-
   typesetters, etc. Also supports phototypesetter preview on the laser
   printer.

   Main strength in my opinion: "Logical Fonts", the capability to
   construct non-existent special characters from existing characters
   without having to use the \o sequence in troff. This is useful in
   building half a dozen different language fonts using just one set
   of, say, HP Softfonts bitmaps.

   Main weakness in my opinion: poor documentation. I have worked with
   this package as a user for about four years, but every time I try
   to penetrate its mysteries and really figure out how it works, I am
   daunted by the absence of complete documentation.

B. PC Research's JETROFF:

   A shareware package available in source from jetroff@pcrat. Very well
   documented, easy installation. Comes with Computer Modern Roman and
   Sans Serif typefaces.

   Main strengths in my opinion: Price ($50 for individuals, $100 for
   companies), source code availability, good docs and ease of installation.

   Main weaknesses: (these comments refer to the 286 version, some of these
   may be fixed in larger machines): No logical fonts, bitmaps limited to
   (sizeof int) pixels. Of course these can be fixed, if one has the time
   and inclination, since the source is available.
-- 
Wolf N. Paul * 3387 Sam Rayburn Run * Carrollton TX 75007 * (214) 306-9101
UUCP:     killer!dcs!wnp                 ESL: 62832882
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