Adobe Type on Call comes on an encrypted CD-ROM disc, and carries the entire Adobe type library of over 2,000 fonts. Purchase of the CD includes:
To unlock the two free fonts, you call Adobe on an 800 number, and provide the operator with the disc serial number. Each font has it's own code, which you give to the operator. Entering a supplied code for each font unlocks them. These codes, or 'keys', are stored on the hard drive, and are necessary to access the CD. I was on the phone to Adobe less than five minutes before Myra began the unlocking process. Five minutes more, and I had my new fonts. Next, you click on the install font button to install them to your hard drive. The only problem I had was in the selection of the fonts. My pin printer, an IBM ProPrinter II does not have a high enough resolution driver to make full use of the high quality fonts.
The installation creates a new group which contains four icons. Instructions is information on ordering packages from the CD. Adobe Purchaser opens the ordering and unlocking dialog box, which allows you to select, order, unlock, and install new fonts. Adobe Type Browser is used to preview the fonts available on the CD, to see exactly what each font looks like. The fourth icon is the Backup or Remove TOC. This allows you to backup your fonts to another source so a hard drive failure will not result in a call to Adobe for new keys. It will also delete the directory containing Type On Call.
Every Adobe typeface is in the Type 1 digital format, the worldwide standard. The Adobe Type Library contains typefaces from companies such as Adobe, Agfa, Berthold, ITC, Linotype-Hell, Monotype, and Morisawa. You can print on the full range of Adobe PostScript and non-PostScript devices and with a wide variety of printers such as dot matrix, inkjet, LaserJet, imagesetters and film recorders.
If you do desktop publishing, or any application that requires a wide variety of print types, then this CD is worth a look. Most PC users however, will probably not need most of what this has to offer. I was unable to find a copy in stock locally, but it is available from mailorder sources. The suggested retail price is $69.00, and mailorder it runs $49.95. This seems a little steep for two type packages, but you do get ATM, which has a suggested retail price of $60.00, which makes the price more reasonable. As a registered Type On Call owner, you receive substantial discounts on other font purchases.
| Suggested
Retail |
Type
on Call |
|
|---|---|---|
| Single typeface | $75.00 | $25.00 |
| 2 typeface package | $105.00 | $49.00 |
| 3 typeface package | $105.00 | $69.00 |
| 4-5 typeface package | $145.00 | $95.00 |