Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!uwvax!astroatc!nicmad!madnix!daehl
From: daehl@madnix.UUCP (Donald Aehl)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: New Beagle Software...
Message-ID: <996@madnix.UUCP>
Date: 16 Dec 89 05:36:18 GMT
Reply-To: daehl@madnix.UUCP (Donald Aehl)
Organization: ARP Software, Madison, WI
Lines: 37

I just got a look at some of the "new" Beagle Bros. software. Namely:
BeagleWrite GS, BeagleDraw and Beagle Desk Accessories GS.

Now, I have always been really supportive of Beagle software, but I must say
that I am quite dissapointed in these "new" titles.

First of all, BeagleWrite GS (formerly "MultiScribe GS") has virtually no
improvements whatsoever.  It is labeled version "3.2", but is all but
indistinguishable from Multiscribe GS 3.1c.  The only change is that it is no
longer copy-protected.  The dictionaries are still useless when installed on a
hard drive.  The manual simply says "we're working on it.." Yeah, right.

BeagleDraw.  The only change is that the menubar no longer uses that awfull
font which was so hard to read.  It is an interesting variation on Chicago, but
it is proportioned for 320 mode. Still, the program is buggy & sluggish.  It
is frustrating to have the magnification at maximum but still not be able to
align objects accurately.  Something is wrong with the refresh routines, and
the main window is regularly trashed during scrolling.  It was really
frustrating to work with.  Draw Plus is heads and shoulders above this beast.

And finally, Beagle Desk Accessories GS.  I was really hopeful about this one. 
I really loved the Menuclock permanent init file on my system 3.2 disks.  And
hoped that this new one would be compatible with System 5.0.2 Well, it wasn't. 
It interferes with the Font Manager Toolset and causes all kinds of problems
with everything from AWGS 1.1 to BeagleWrite. As far as the other DAs go, I
don't have anything negative to say.  The notepad works fine and so does the
scrapbook (both extremely useful utilities).

Well, I don't want to seem like a jerk.  I applaud Beagle Bros for takiing the
initiative to purchase the StyleWare products.  However, distributing them
without even correcting the bugs (which have existed for a few years now) seems
reckless and thoughtless at best.

I sure hope Beagle puts some support into these products.   They have the
potential to be the best on the market.  However, if they take their time and
decide to let them be, then Beagle Bros probably shouldn't have bought them in
the first place.