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From: Bob_BobR_Retelle@cup.portal.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: Make my STe sweat...?????
Message-ID: <27242@cup.portal.com>
Date: 23 Feb 90 06:46:19 GMT
References: <1725@uniol.UUCP> <1990Feb16.214425.8758@sun.soe.clarkson.edu>
  <27176@cup.portal.com> <5621.25e2afdc@elroy.uh.edu>
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 59

Paul Sears asked:
>I am new on this  newsgroup.  I have an Atari 520ST upgraded to 1 meg.  I am
>aware of the new products that Atari is planning on releasing but this STe i
>new to me.   I have only heard of the TT and the Stacey Laptop - unless the 
>is the same as the Stacey....  Someone give me some info...
 
The STE is a minor upgrade to the original ST series.  It is externally
a 1040 ST with the letter "e" at the end of the model number and several
new ports and plugs.
 
Internally, the machine has been completely redesigned with a few added
features in addition to the standard ST.
 
There is a two channel PCM digital sound system, which allows almost CD
quality stereo sound in addition to the standard Yamaha sound chip through
the monitor speaker.  The PCM sound comes out two RCA style jacks on the back
of the STE and can be used to drive a stereo system.
 
There are two new ports on the left side of the machine, both are DB-15
connectors.  These can be used for analog joysticks, paddles or even
light pens or light guns.  Atari does not currently offer anything to plug
into these ports, but is hoping third-party companies will take up the
challenge and come out with some nifty gizmos to utilize the new ports.
From what I've been able to gather, these ports are somewhat similar to the
A/D ports on the Atari 800.
 
The system incorporates some new graphics hardware, which allows selection of
colors from a pallatte of 4096 colors.  The resolution is the same as the
standard ST, and only 16 colors can still be displayed at one time, but it
will allow finer graduations of color, valuable for ditization (for one
example).  The graphics hardware also includes the ability to "fine-scroll"
the screen, eliminating the need for mass copying of data in software,
resulting in faster and cleaner animations.  The STE also comes with the
legendary blitter chip.
 
Probably the greatest departure from Atari policy of the past is the use
of standard SIMM modules for memory expansion.  The basic 1 Meg STE can
*easily*  be upgraded to 4 Megs, and rather inexpensively as well.  According
to Bob Brodie, Atari doesn't plan to sell very many 4160STEs (4 Meg units)
since it would be so easy to upgrade the 1040STE.
 
In my opinion, this change in policy regarding memory upgrading is one of
the most positive moves Atari has made in 5 years.  (The other of course
being hiring Bob Brodie...   :)
 
The STE is planned to replace the 520 and 1040 models sold through Atari
computer dealers, while the 520 will be sold through "mass marketers" like
Montgomery Ward and Target stores as part of a $399 package bundled with
a group of software packages to be called the "Atari Advantage" or the "Atari
Power Pack"  (they're not sure yet).
 
The STACEY is a completely different product... it's tranportable version
of the standard 1040ST.
 
The STACEY should be available once Conner, the hard disk manufacturer
corrects a bug in its drives, and the STE should be available in the US once
a new RF shield is passed by the FCC...
 
BobR