Connection CoProcessor
                        Copyright 1990 David Batterson

     The Connection CoProcessor was the first product to support the DCA/Intel
Communicating Applications Specification (CAS).
     The CAS standard provides the means of sending e-mail, binary files and
faxes directly from word processing, database, spreadsheet or other software.
It eliminates the need to stop and load a separate program.
     CAS was introduced into the public domain to get software developers to
add the interface to their programs.  Those programs supporting CAS include
WordPerfect 5.0, Ventura Publisher, Lotus 1-2-3, GEM applications, Q&A 3.0,
Freedom of Press, Higgins TO:FAX 1.0, FAXit for Windows and many others.
     With the CAS interface, you use a command or menu selection to start
communicating, similar to selecting Print.  You don't have to exit to
send/receive files or faxes, and you can continue working immediately after
the command is made.
     With CAS, you can send a Lotus graph directly to another user's PC, zip
off faxes to any Group III fax machine, send a database file to a mainframe,
and zap a memo via your local area network (LAN).
     The Connection CoProcessor lets you exchange any file--text, graphics and
binary data--with other Connection CoProcessor owners at 9600 bps.  Users can
also send faxes to (and receive from) any Group III fax machine.  You can
choose high or standard resolution for faxes.
     The board works with all IBM compatibles, including the PS/2 series.  It
has its own 10MHz 80188 microprocessor and 256K of memory.  This lets it work
in the background, independently from the PC's microprocessor.
     It works with all scanners that save files in the .PCX format.  These
include the HP ScanJet, Canon IX-12, MicroTek M5300A and Datacopy 220/230.  It
also supports more than 50 dot matrix and laser printers.
     The Connection CoProcessor's software (CONNECT) is easy to use, with
well-designed menus.  There's a phone book, containing up to 999 distribution
lists with 999 names in each one.  The activity Log keeps track of things.
     CONNECT requires 640K RAM (with minimum 480K free), a hard disk, and a
CGA/EGA/VGA or Hercules graphics card.  A mouse is recommended.
     You can make logos and other graphics with the bundled PC Paintbrush, and
edit graphics files that you receive.
     Senders can broadcast the same file(s) to a large number of recipients.
Transmissions can be delayed to any time and date you wish.  You can include a
custom made cover sheet with logo, or no cover.  When you send without a
cover, it still indicates who it's coming from, and a time/date stamp.
     In the Status section you watch a call going through (or cancelled if it
doesn't go through.)  It reports the time it was sent, length of transmission
and any errors encountered.
     Transmissions that are aborted or fail to go through may be sent again
easily by using the Retry command.
     The optional 2400 bps internal modem pops into a handy piggyback site on
the board.  The Connection CoProcessor and modem share the same phone line,
with calls routed to the right place automatically.
     The advantages of using a fax board are convenience and image quality.
Most fax machines (except expensive ones) use thermal paper.  Faxes sent
directly to your PC can be printed on a laser printer for higher quality.
     Suggested list price of the Connection CoProcessor is $695; the optional
2400B Piggyback Modem is $195.  Those who buy a Connection CoProcessor by June
30, 1990, can get FAXit for Windows for $19.95 (list price $179.95).
     The CAS program, Send Off!, is now bundled with the board.  This program,
used with Lotus 1-2-3, has a list price of $50.
     For more information, contact Intel PCEO, Mail Stop C03-7, 5200 N.E.
Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6497; 800-538-3373; 503-629-7354; to
receive product information via fax, call FaxBack: 503-629-7576 (voice).
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     David Batterson is an independent computer writer who lives in Sausalito,
CA.  Contact him via MCI MAIL: DBATTERSON.