This product review describes and evaluates the features of the TI 99/4 (including its speech synthesizer), its costs, peripherals, and software. (SJL)

Presents product characteristics, costs, and a personal evaluation of Radio Shack's three new personal computers: the TRS-80 Model III; the TRS-80 Color Computer; and the TRS-80 Pocket Computer. (SJL)

Looks at microcomputers manufactured by Altos Computer Systems, Cromemco, Exidy, Intelligent Systems, Intertec Data Systems, Mattel, Nippon Electronics, Northstar, Personal Micro Computers, and Sinclair. (Part I of this article, examining other computers, appeared in the May 1981 issue.) Journal availability: Hayden Publishing Company, 50 Essex…

Begins a two-part look at some of the personal computers now on the market. Discusses microcomputers being offered by Apple, Atari, Commodore (PET), Heath, Hewlett-Packard, Ohio Scientific, Osborne, Radio Shack (TRS-80), and Texas Instruments. Journal availability: Hayden Publishing Company, 50 Essex Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662. (Author/SJL)

Presents a model procedure for defining one's own computing needs and using that definition to compare the features of various microcomputers. (SJL)

Criteria for selecting administrative computer hardware are provided. (MCG)

Eight criteria for evaluating microcomputer software are discussed: ability to perform specified tasks, ease of operation, vendor stability, other users' reports, speed of operation, ease of configuration, support from supplier, and quality of documentation. Secondary criteria (e.g., adaptability, expansion potential, security, environment…

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)

The guidelines described here were developed to help novices to microcomputer hardware develop an increased understanding of the different types of microcomputer hardware available. (Author)

This guide for educational practitioners who are considering the purchase of a microcomputer provides a brief discussion of basic information about computers, some criteria to use in conducting a needs assessment prior to the purchase of any microcomputer equipment, and criteria for use in the evaluation of various microcomputers in relation to…

Reviews six operationally compatible microcomputers that are most able to run IBM software without modifications--Compaq, Columbia, Corona, Hyperion, Eagle PC, and Chameleon. Information given for each includes manufacturer, uses, standard features, base list price, typical system price, and options and accessories. (MBR)

Explains the basic features of floppy disk and hard disk computer storage systems and the purchasing decisions which must be made, particularly in relation to certain popular microcomputers. A disk vendors directory is included. Journal availability: Hayden Publishing Company, 50 Essex Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662. (SJL)

The comprehension of three systems of synthesized speech for computer screen output by 20 naive staff members at a Blind Rehabilitation Center was evaluated. The study found poor overall recognition performance on all the systems regardless of whether default or subject set parameters were used. (DB)

This bibliography, prepared with the information specialist, end-user, and administrator in mind, presents citations to 167 journal articles that provide concrete comparisons of commercially-available microcomputer software packages and hardware equipment. An index divided into software and hardware sections with references to type of comparison…

New "supermicros," extremely powerful microcomputers, may take the place of minicomputers in college administration. The differences between the two types of computers are explained and suggestions are offered for what and when to buy. (MLF)