John,
You may right that there is no compelling reason for writing a novel
using Xy4. I must say, however, that my impression of Xy4 has changed
when I have been doing the Xy4 service pack project (I have been in the
Xy3/NB3 camp up to this point finding, like you, Xy4 a bit awkward).
While there is no compelling reason, Xy4 will feel much better in the
near future as some quirks will be ironed out with the advent of the
service pack. The font and print subsystems are and will be even more
capable and logical. Foreign language and code page support will be
improved (new accent input system, enhanced accented and special
characters menus and support for wide variety of CPs, even beyond CP437
and CP850). All in all, Xy4 is more mature but Xy3+/NB3 will remain
quite good alternatives as well.
Best regards,
Kari Eveli
LEXITEC Book Publishing (Finland)
lexitec@xxxxxxxxxx
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John Paines wrote:
Comparing ancient word processors comes with a measure of embarrassment,
but if I can ask, what features would make xy4 to 3 preferable for
writing in a novel? I've tried xy4 in the past, but the initial forays
were frustrating, and lacking a compelling reason....