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

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)

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 floppy disk information storage systems and discusses capabilities and advantages of floppy disks for microcomputer users. The functions of disk operating systems (DOS) are reviewed and the effect of DOS formats on the choice of an appropriate disk drive system is outlined. (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 the unique features, available software, performance capabilities, system options, costs, advantages, disadvantages, and eccentricities of the Osborne 1 microcomputer. A table summarizes specifications, features, and costs. (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)

The author critically and thoroughly evaluates the text editing capabilities and performance of word processors and concludes that for programing applications MicroPro's WordMaster is the best software bargain around, with WordStar, Magic Wand, and Electric Pencil running behind. (KC)

Surveys the choices available in new 16-bit microcomputers which run the MS-DOS operating system and which are IBM compatible. The 18 microcomputers reviewed are divided into the categories of compatibles offering additional features, low-cost compatibles, sleeker and faster compatibles, and coprocessor boards that yield compatibility. (MBR)

This guide provides a chart describing and rating the features of eight 16K microcomputers: Apple II, Atari 800, Commodore PET, Compucolor Mod III, Exidy Sorcerer, Ohio Scientific C4PMF, Tandy TRS-80 Level II, and Texas Instruments 99/4. A glossary of microcomputer terminology and a resource directory are appended. (SJL)

Converting to word processors, microcomputers, or other automated systems requires that office needs be analyzed, equipment and software packages examined, and personnel eased through the transition. Guidelines are provided. (MLF)

Examination of the emergence of microcomputer word processing in the library environment highlights library applications, hardware considerations, evaluations of four word processing programs (Apple Writer II, Screen Writer II, Magic Wand, WordStar), and "nonperformance" factors that influence selection of word processing package. Ten…