MailBITS/05-Apr-93

To clarify recent comments on the Nisus upgrade, there are two versions, 3.4L and 3.4C, which differ in two ways. The most common version, Nisus 3.4L, supports Roman languages and Japanese, and is NOT copy protected. Nisus 3.4C adds support for all non-Roman languages (Farsi, Russian, Hebrew, Arabic, etc.) and is copy protected with a dongle. I won't discuss this issue further, but I'm sure Nisus Software would gladly listen to constructive suggestions on how they can avoid the dongle and still convince recalcitrant overseas distributors to carry Nisus 3.4C.

Nisus Software -- nisus.mktg@applelink.apple.com

New Performas -- Expect three new models of the Performa to appear in mid-April, the 405, 430, and 450. The Performa 405 will be exactly the same as the Performa 400 (essentially a 4/80 LC II) with a new Apple Mouse and System 7.1P replacing 7.0.1P. The 430 will also be an LC II at heart, but with a 120 MB hard disk. The Performa 450 will continue the imitation tradition, mimicking the LC III with 4 MB of RAM and a 120 MB hard drive. All will come with an external 2,400 bps data/9,600 bps send-only fax modem. None will be priced competitively with comparable Macs.

Information from:
Bill Waits -- gt3017c@prism.gatech.edu

BCS Clarification -- Roz Ault writes to clarify "A Tale of Two Cities" in TidBITS #170, "BCS Mac is starting its own FirstClass system this week. Also, the latest client for FirstClass is version 2.0.9, which available on <sumex-aim.stanford.edu> as </info-mac/comm/first-class-client-209.hqx>."

Information from:
Roz Ault -- roza@aol.com

Duo Price Drop -- Mark Anbinder passed on news of a price drop on Duo suggested retail prices. The Duo 210 4/80 fell $410 to $1,839; the 230 4/80 dropped $310 to $2,299; the 230 4/120 descended $310 to $2,659, and the 230 4/120 with Express Modem sunk $320 to $2,899.