Editing Atari Mega ST (section)

== Desktop publishing ==

The Mega ST became closely associated with desktop publishing following its launch alongside the '''Atari SLM804 laser printer''' (US$1,500). The SLM804 was unusual in that it connected via the ACSI DMA port rather than a parallel interface, using the ST's RAM as its page buffer — the printer itself contained no processor or memory of its own. This required a minimum of 2 MB RAM in the host computer and made the Mega ST2 or ST4 the natural companion.

Key DTP software on the Mega ST included:
* '''Calamus''' — Professional page layout and typesetting application by DMC. Widely used in German-speaking countries.
* '''PageStream''' — Page layout by Soft-Logik.
* '''Publishing Partner''' — Earlier DTP package by SoftLogik.
* '''Fleet Street Publisher''' — UK-oriented DTP package.

The Mega ST's high-resolution monochrome mode (640 &times; 400) on the SM124 monitor was the standard display for DTP work, and the Moniterm Viking adapter provided 1280 &times; 960 resolution via the MegaBus for true full-page WYSIWYG layout.