Software:The First XLEnt Word Processor
| Original author(s) | David Castell |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | XLEnt Software |
| Initial release | 1986 |
| Platform | Atari 8-bit family |
| Type | Word processor |
| License | Proprietary software |
The First XLEnt Word Processor is a floppy disk-based word processor for the Atari 8-bit family published by XLEnt (pronounced "excellent") Software in 1986. It was written by David Castell who was a student at the time.[1] Though sold by a budget publisher for US$29.95, it was favorably compared with more established competitors.[2][3]
Overview
The First XLEnt Word Processor was released without copy protection in 1986 for $29.95 (equivalent to $70 in 2019). It runs on Atari 8-bit computers with 48 kB of RAM.[1] Contemporary word processors for the Atari platform include PaperClip, AtariWriter Plus, and Letter Perfect.[2]
The word processor includes cut-and-paste block moves of up to one screen,[3] search-and-replace, chaining files, support for a variety of printers including graphics, mail merge, the insertion of graphics into a text document, inserting a text file into another text file, controlling the cursor with a joystick, editing two documents simultaneously, and raw text file export.[2]
Reception
Charles Cherry of Antic called it, "as good or better than any other word processor you'll find for the 8-bit Atari". His list of advantages included performance and "very comprehensive printing capabilities". In a later comparison of seven word processors, Antic cited the issues with The First XLEnt Word Processor as, "the cut-and-paste buffer holds you to one screen—800 characters. Also, the printing section in the manual could be more informative."[3] The word processor received an Outstanding Product award from Antic in 1987.[4] When version 2.1 was released, Antic's Gregg Pearlman wrote, "First XLEnt Word Processor came highly recommended in its original version, and Version 2.1 merits an even longer look."[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The First XLEnt Word Processor Manual. Springfield, Virginia, USA: XLEnt Software. 1986. https://archive.org/details/FirstXlentWordProcessor10Manual/page/n0.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cherry, Charles (January 1987). "Feature Review: First XLEnt Word Processor". Antic 5 (9). https://www.atarimagazines.com/v5n9/FirstXlentWordProcessor.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Pearlman, Gregg (February 1987). "Word Processors: 7 For The 8-Bit". Antic 5 (10). https://www.atarimagazines.com/v5n10/sevenwordprocessors.html.
- ↑ Friedland, Nat (May 1987). "Antic Awards". Antic 6 (1). https://www.atarimagazines.com/v6n1/AnticAwards.html.
- ↑ Pearlman, Gregg (December 1987). "New Products: The First XLEnt Word Processor V. 2.1". Antic 6 (8). https://www.atarimagazines.com/v6n8/productreviews.html.
External links
- The First XLEnt Word Processor at Atari Mania
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