Describes the features and performance of the Radio Shack TRS-80 Pocket Computer. Programming capacity, various system commands, and the speed of the computer's operations are discussed. (JL)

Discusses the various factors involved in the selection of a satisfactory and flexible microcomputer system, with emphasis on the limited technological sophistication of current models produced by Apple, Radio Shack, and others. Disk operating systems, questions of intersystem compatibility, and the future of microprocessor chip technology are…

Recounts some of the problems encountered in the use of an Osborne-1 microcomputer for personal purposes by a computing veteran, describes some of the shortcomings of the sales system for microcomputers as it presently exists, and makes some conjectures concerning the impact of those shortcomings on the personal computer industry. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the hardware, operation, peripheral devices, software, and performance capabilities of the Atari 400 microcomputer system. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the hardware, operation, peripheral devices, software, and performance capabilities of the Radio Shack Color Computer System. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the hardware, operation, software, and performance capabilities of the Sinclair ZX81 personal computer. Designed as a beginning computer for learning BASIC, this compact, inexpensive microcomputer also has prepackaged software for tax computation, personal finance, education, graphics, and arcade-style games. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the components and performance of the IBM Personal Computer. Data processing and memory capacity, compatible software packages and programming languages, and system options are discussed. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the basic hardware, peripheral devices, system software, graphics capabilities, operations, and other features of the low-cost Commodore VIC-20 color microcomputer system. Included are three simultaneous musical tones plus one noise generator. (JL)

Describes and evaluates the basic hardware, peripheral devices, functions, capabilities, and available software for the TI-99/4A home computer. A table summarizes the computer's specifications. (JL)

Documentation of author's personal experience in the purchasing of a microcomputer discusses background learning, the purchase decision, needs assessment, computer literacy, general information on microcomputers, the situation assessment, and the final check. (EJS)

Describes and compares the features, performance capabilities, specifications, and available options for a number of recently-marketed microcomputers, including the Apple II Plus, the Atari 800, the Commodore PET 400 and CBM 8000, and the Radio Shack TRS 80 Model III. (JL)

Describes the software modules produced by Texas Instruments for use with the TI-99/4A home computer. Among the modules described are: Personal Real Estate, Programing Aids, Home Financial Decisions, Music Maker, Weight Control and Nutrition, Early Learning Fun, and Tax/Investment Record Keeping. (JL)

This discussion of microcomputer selection for schools presents three hypothetical plans--ranging from $500 to $15,000--for establishing an educational computing program and examines the best way to budget the money. Purchasing information on a variety of microcomputers is included. (JJD)

Examines computerized financial accounting programs that can help administrators with the management of school finances. A detailed chart of financial accounting software packages for microcomputers is included. (JJD)

Discusses factors that should be considered before purchasing a computer, given the objectives of computer literacy; considering programing in Pascal or Logo, computer-assisted instruction, teaching practical applications, art and music, special education, telecommunications, administration, and library management. A chart showing prices and…