VP-Graphics - Presentation Graphics and Drawing System
                        Copyright 1989 David Batterson


     VP-Graphics is the paint program/graph maker from Paperback Software,
publishers of such programs as VP-Planner and Executive Writer.
     As with Paperback's other products, you get good performance at a fair
price, and it doesn't take weeks to learn VP-Graphics.  You'll be up and
using it right away.
     VP-Graphics is object-oriented, which means you can move parts of the
drawing around independently.  This also results in compact file storage,
and high resolution from output devices.
     Normally one thinks of presentation software having the ability to
produce slides and transparencies, and/or to create onscreen slideshows.
VP-Graphics doesn't create slides (unless you happen to have a Polaroid
Palette Image Recorder), nor does it make slideshow presentations.
     The presentation mode does let you construct five types of printed
graphs: line, bar, XY, stacked-bar, and pie.  Graphs are formed by entering
data from the keyboard, or by importing standard DIF or ASCII files.
     You can also load PIC graph files from Lotus 1-2-3 (or VP-Planner), and
then embellish them with VP-Graphics.
     Many users will use VP-Graphics for its drawing capability.  It is
similar in features to PC Paint, PC Paintbrush, Paint Show Plus, Dr. Halo
III, and the like.  VP-Graphics uses pulldown menus, however, instead of
displaying tool icons on the side.
     The program allows creating up to 30" x 30" printed drawings.  [You do
this by printing the individual "drawing windows" in a continuous form, then
pasting together the printed pages.]  Or you can print "drawing windows"
individually with margins, either in portrait or landscape mode.
     Two things I missed right away with VP-Graphics were an erase tool, and
an "oops" or "undo" command.  [There is an "UNDELETE" command.]  In order to
erase, you have to select and delete a section of your drawing.
     It comes up a bit short in other areas too.  There are only 7 shades
(for making boxes, polygons, etc.), and only 8 colors.  Text choices are
Roman, Block, Italic, Old English, and Greek/Math, from 9 to 36 point size.
     VP-Graphics is compatible with the HP LaserJet Plus, HP Plotter, IBM
Plotter, and Postscript printers, as well as Epson-compatible.  With other
printers/plotters, you may have to call tech support.
     The software is no longer copy-protected--that's a commendable change.
The package's cover indicates it works with VGA adapters.  However, there
are only drivers for Hercules, CGA and EGA.  I think there needs to be an
upgrade if VP-Graphics is to be a serious contender.  List price is $99.95
with street price much less; 5 1/4" OR 3 1/2" disks (not BOTH).
     Contact Paperback Software International, 2830 Ninth St., Berkeley, CA
 94710; 415-644-2116, FAX: 415-644-8241.
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     David Batterson writes PC computer articles and reviews.  Contact him
via MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.