Examines options for buying microcomputers (the manufacturer or his/her representative, computer stores, general retail stores, mail order, system integrators, traditional vendors, second-hand). Three major factors are considered: support before sale; price/cost; and support after sale. Advantages and disadvantages of each option and…

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)

Reviews companies to help educators make decisions in selecting microcomputers. Companies include Acorn, Apple, Atari, Coleco, Commodore, Franklin, IBM, Radio Shack, Texas Instruments, and Timex. Indicates that educators cannot simply look for the best deals but need to look at companies that are serious about long-term involvement in quality…

This buyer's guide to seven major types of statistics software packages for microcomputers reviews Edu-Ware Statistics 3.0; Financial Planning; Speed Stat; Statistics with DAISY; Human Systems Dynamics package of Stats Plus, ANOVA II, and REGRESS II; Maxistat; and Moore-Barnes' MBC Test Construction and MBC Correlation. (MBR)

Discusses the selection and purchase of microcomputer software, recommending that buyers beware of free or undemonstrated software, buy computer programs written in assembly language, and evaluate the company as well as the software. A software evaluation checklist is included. (JJD)

Offers an overview of ERIC resources that can assist in making a microcomputer purchase. (AEA)

This resource directory provides brief evaluative descriptions of six popular home computers and lists selected sources of educational software, computer books, and magazines. For a related article on microcomputers in the schools, see p53-58 of this journal issue. (SJL)

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

Examines features of currently available electronic spelling checkers to assist in purchasing decisions. Hardware considerations are discussed, and several standalone checkers for the IBM and Macintosh are described, as well as checkers included with word processing programs. Ordering information for the programs is included. (MES)

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…

Three methods employed to price and sell computer equipment are discussed: computer pricing, hardware pricing, system pricing (system includes complete computer and support hardware system and relatively complete software package). Advantages of system pricing are detailed, the author's system is described, and 10 systems currently available are…

Humorous fantasy of things that might go wrong when a school district purchases a "Lemon" computer. (MLF)