Siren Software To Make Disk Drive Interface For 464
Welcome reprieve for 464 owners as supplies of official DDI-1 drive dwindle
Supplies of the Amstrad DDI-1 drive are slowly drying up. Amstrad stopped making the beast some time ago, and although large numbers were nevertheless stockpiled within the trade, they obviously wouldn't last for ever. The DDI-1 drive package includes the interface needed for a 464 to be able to use disks.
However, Siren Software is shortly to release its own version of the interface: "We will be supplying an identical system to the DDI-1 However, the actual drive interface will be to our design. We have managed to retain 100% compatibility with the DDI-1."
Excellent news for 464 owners, who were otherwise facing the prospect of never being able to upgrade their machines. However, the reprieve may only be temporary, since Siren's supply of the 40015 disk ROMs, essential to the manufacture of the interfaces, is limited: "When we run out of 40015 disk ROMs, we will be unable to supply the DDI-2 to 464 owners. It is a first come first served situation."
- • 464 owners need the discontinued Amstrad DDI-1 disk Interface to use an external drive. Siren Software now plans to make its own.
Siren's drive/interfaoe pack will cost the same as the discontinued Amstrad unit - £159.99. It will be supplied with operating manual and CP/M 2.2. (Once stocks of CP/M 2.2 are exhausted. Siren will supply alternative disk copying/formatting software running underAmsdos.)
Siren Software can be contacted at: Wilton House, Bury Road, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 9UH (061 724 7572)
Pagemaker latest
When we reviewed Alan Scully's Pagemaker Deluxe DTP program (AA73) we neglected to point out it was 6128-only. Sorry about that, folks. However, look out for next ish when we put the 64K version, Pagemaker Plus on the covertape... yoweee!
Fair statistics
It seems that 73% of the visitors who attended the Midlands All Formats Computer Fair are regular games players, 53% use a PC regularly, 47% own and ST or Amiga, 66% own 'multiple machines' and...
Well, yes, you get the picture. The point is that there are still some Fair dates left this yeai. including December 1st at the City Hall. Candleriggs. Glasgow. December 14th at the Horticultural Hall. Westminster and December 15th at the University Sports Centre, Leeds. Don't expect mega new releases, just bargs galore.
Opening hours are 10am to 4pm, and don't be surprised if some bod with a clipboard accosts you on the way in...
New retail chain opens
If you live in Ruishp or Muswell Hill, you'll already know about a new computer store chain called Game Vision. No? Well check them out! The rest of us can look forward to branches of the store springing up all over the country.
The company behind the new retail chain is Cityvision, which is the parent company of the Ritz video chain (Europe's largest, apparently) The stores will be designed specifically to appeal to the youth market, and will include "unique" demonstration consoles.
Game Vision shops will cover a variety of formats. including consoles. We don't know yet how much coverage the Amstrad will get, but the shops will be stocking a variety of goodies like joysticks too. so they'll definitely be worth a visit. And you may also get the chance to sample gaming of the future, in the form of interactive virtual reality machines...
PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN!
• Spectravideo's new Mega Star is designed to give arcade looks and feel.
• Put the pedal to the metal with Spectravideo's new foot controller...
• Spectravideo's new Mega Star is designed to give arcade looks and feel.
Spectravideo's always turning out weird and wonderful new game controllers, but this time it's excelled itself. ..
The Quickjoy Foot Pedal controller has three pedals, which can be configured to replace three of the five controls of a standard joystick - great for driving games I Most games let you set up the controls yourself, so why not use the foot-controller for accelerator and brake and the keyboard for steering? The third pedal could be for nitro boost, or whatever.
• Put the pedal to the metal with Spectravideo's new foot controller...
Also new is the Mega Star, another 'nude' joystick (the Top Star was the first). Apart from having a transparent case, the Mega Star boasts super-chunky styling and heavy-duty microswitches and a short n' stubby handle, just like an arcade controller... "when the 'stick is in use you can see its microswitches rippling like a muscle builder" Sure.
The Mega Star will cost £27.95. Look out for both controllers in a shop near you real soon.
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