🚀 go-pugleaf

>I'm considering purchasing an Atari ST 1040.  One of its
>primary uses will be for word processing.  I currently
>own a Diablo 630 printer (RS232 serial interface).  

>	- Are there word processors for the Atari 
>	  that support the Diablo 630?

>	- If "yes," what hardware (in addition to the printer
>	  cable) would be needed?

 I'm not sure of the hardware specs of the Diablo, but I have seen printer 
drivers for Diablo models included for First Word. Most word processing 
programs have a means of configuring to a specific printer.
 As for the cable- if it's a standard parallel port on the Diablo, all you need
is a $10 printer cable ($2.50 if you make it yourself :-)). The ST has its own
built in parallel port capabilities, unlike the 8-bit models.

>I would very much prefer to get the color monitor over the 
>monochrome.  My understanding is that the color monitor is
>lower resolution than the monochrome. Is the display quality
>of the color monitor good enough to use it for word processing?

 I've used the medium resolution mode for several years (well, actually 2)
for word processing, and I'm completely satisfied with it. The standard 80
character mode is very legible, and there is nothing wrong with using a 
color monitor for word processing. The only difference with the Monochrome 
monitor is that it allows more legible text to be displayed on the screen.
(I think it can go up to 160x48 in mono mode (Am I correct, anybody?) rather
than the 80x24 in color). Unless you have a need for this, I'll reccomend
the color monitor. You can play Dungeon Master after writing your Great
American Novel. 
 The Atari is a good choice for word proccessing, for there are many Word proccessors to choose from, and having 1 meg doesn't hurt. However, check out the
keyboard and see if you really want to type for hours on it. I'm trying to
replace mine on my 1040.

>Thanks for any help.
  
You're welcome.

                                                          Derrick Williams
                                                          Roch. Inst. Of Tech