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The command structures are slightly different
from the C64 version. This means users
upgrading from the 64 program will have to
relearn a few things. Not too devastating, but
annoying and somewhat inconvenient.
While C-128 keys such as HELP, ALT, CAPS
LOCK and NO SCROLL work, the standard 64
arrow (cursor) keys do not. They arc replaced
by the 128 arrow keys. And, of course, the
numeric keypad is an important asset.
Pressing HELP pulls up a few screens which
detail command key uses and various
functions. Several icons spice up the on-line
aid, adding some visual impact in the process.
The NO SCROLL keys toggles on and off. In
one position the cursor bar remains stationary
and the lines (rows) scroll by. In the other
position the bar moves and the lines (rows)
remain stationary.
The ALT key moves the cursor from one
window to another when the window mode has
been activated. If pressed simultaneously with
function or other menu option keys it
suppresses their normal functions.
Undoubtedly the biggest advantage to the 128
mode is the exlra RAM available for worksheet
construction. About 60K is free, allowing you
to build sheets of up to 255 rows by 255
columns for a total of 65,025 cells. (Compare
this to a little over 28K free in the 64 mode).
All command key functions are listed at the
bottom of the screen, rendering the manual and
on-line help unnecessary in most cases. Novices
and casual users will probably be the only ones
who need to access the documentation after the
initial learning curve is passed.
While there are no 128-unique operators,
there are several differences in commands and
function keys. Users can blank the entries and
formats of individual cells or cell ranges, a
function which replaces the 64 mode erase
command. More importantly, you can easily
delete rows or columns. (The 64 version only
allows row/column insertion).
SUPPORT
Registered owners are entitled to support via
a toll-free telephone hotline and a single
backup disk. To get the spare disk you just
send in another $10.00 and hibernate for the
winter - it takes 6 to 8 weeks for Activision to
respond to requests. Don't wait until the disk
blows to request a backup.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Even though the C64 version has seen little
refinement since its days as Creative Calc it is
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still a viable solution for light users, and the
128 version now makes it easy for 64 owners
to upgrade while retaining data. For those on
the upgrade path, Planner's Choice could be a
good choice.
VIZASTAR 128
Solid State Software, Commodore 128
Disk/Cartridge, $119.97
There is a productivity program for the
Commodore 128 with a "one-two punch" that
separates it from all the rest. It's Vizastar 128,
the Information Processor from Solid State.
This multifunction program combines a
flexible, capable database and an extremely
powerful, quick spreadsheet with stunning
graphics.
The spreadsheet is Vizastar's primary
function, the foundation for everything else.
Though the database and graphic functions add
a good deal of utility, it's spreadsheet
capabilities are reason enough to buy Vizastar.
THE NICKEL TOUR
Vizastar 128 is a combination cartridge/diskbased
application. The cart takes care of copy
protection, making it easy for users to backup
the unprotected program disk. (Solid State
recommends duplicating the master disk).
This menu-driven, autoboot program gives
you 80-column output, and supports color
printers in addition to the usual black & white
units. The manuals and disk-based tutorials use
real life examples to drive important points
home.
Vizastar is menu-driven, and either the
Commodore logo key or the ESC key is used to
activate the menu mode. Once there your
selection is made by pressing the SPACEBAR
(to move the highlight), followed by RETURN;
or you can merely enter the first letter of the
desired operation. Nothing could be simpler.
Instead of relying solely on many layers of
menu options, function keys may be used to
replace the most-used functions like
spreadsheet recalculation, scrolling forward
and backward by screens, and moving to a
specific cell. Fl and F2 perform two versions
of the same function, placing a cell within a
formula. F2 is the absolute (as opposed to
relative) pointer. Fl also allows quick entry
edits (math, logical, or text) when the cursor is
positioned over a filled cell.
Two function keys arc reserved for a special
set of Vizastar operations, the automatic
execution (macro) routines. With this internal