On 7/30/21 4:36 PM, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote: > Well, form letters are "important". > But, once microcomputer word processing matured, they could be done > easily and much better. > > An acquaintance was working on creating an emulation of the MT/ST, as a > way for those who were familiar with the MT/ST and/or actually liked it, > to be able to continue unchanged on a microcomputer. > > But, then he started adding features. Besides delaying the completion > until it was no longer relevant, it was suggested that he change the > name from "MT/ST" (pronounced "empty ST") to "FULL ST".
One of the shortcomings of the MT/ST when compared to word processors is the lack of a good "mailmerge" option. You could code a stop code on the tape, where the typewriter would allow for manual fill-in-the-blanks operation, but that gets pretty cumbersome when dealing with hundreds of copies. Superseded by the MC/ST system, the "mag card" Selectric in 1969. Far more convenient and better integrated into the typewriter itself (no separate keypad). The MC/ST II in 1973 introduced the ability to "batch" up to 50 cards. Here's a promo film from the period, narrated by the guy driving his road yacht with the AM radio and chatting about it. https://youtu.be/bW_jJjUarp0 --Chuck
