Computer Shopper (January 1987)

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(Edited)


Cover of January 1987 issue of Computer Shopper


In 1987, Computer Shopper still hadn't peaked yet and the page count was not as high as it would become. This issue still has over 400 pages though. I've mostly thought of Computer Shopper as a PC oriented magazine and for the most part it was. However, during the 1980s especially, it covered a wide variety of machines, even those that were by this time out of date and no longer old (like the TI-99/4a, Timex/Sinclair, etc.). The January 1987 issue includes:

Articles

  • Hyundai Bets Its Blue Chip On Retail Distribution - Hyundai's plans to export PC clones to the U.S. Market via Blue Chip Electronics of Chandler, Arizona. Apparently, Blue Chip retail stores primarily sold Commodore and Atari systems up until this point. However, as far as I can recall, Hyundai was not particularly successful in the computer market. The Blue Chip XT with a monochrome monitor could be had for about $800.

  • What's new in 1987: A look Ahead - Computer Shopper's list of top things coming in 1987 include cheaper laser printers, cheaper RAM, cheaper hard drives, CD-ROM and WORM drives, and the arrival of 386-based computers.

IBM MS-DOS

  • NEC MultiSpeed: The Fastest Laptop Yet - The NEC MultiSpeed is based on the V30 CPU that runs at 4.77 MHz and 9.54 MHz. It includes 512K of RAM, two 720K 3.5" disk drives, and a detachable 80 column by 25 line black and white LCD for $1995.

  • 80386 Computers Star At Comdex - While Compaq's 386 based PC had been out several months at this point, many other manufacturers introduced their 386 clones at the 1987 COMDEX.

  • Timeslips - A time and billing system for the PC. While web based, the system I have to use today isn't really all that different in terms of functionality.

  • How To Build An AT - A guide to building your own PC-AT compatible machine for less than $2000 (as opposed to the $7000 cost of an IBM PC AT).

  • INT.EXE - Listing Your Interrupt Vectors - A program written in Microsoft C Version 4.0 that lists interrupt info on your PC.

  • Prodesign II CAD System - A review of this CAD package for PC. Hardware requirements include a PC with at least 512K of RAM, two floppy drives (or hard drive), and a printer or plotter.

  • Surprise 286! - An expansion board for PC XT compatibles that basically upgrades the CPU to a 7.2 MHz 286. It includes 8K of cache memory and a socket for a 287 math co-processor.

  • Niceprint Hail A New Classic! - Niceprint is software that adds new capability to your dot matrix printer such as additional fonts, more control (e.g. you can do sideways printing), and more.

  • Latest PC-Write (2.7) - The latest version of the PC-Write word processor is trad-off of more features but more complexity.

  • Carousel! Software to Multiply Memory 10 Times - Carousel! is essentially a DOS virtual memory system for PC XTs and ATs.

  • Megatel's Quark: PC On A Half Shell - A small single-board computer that includes a 10-MHz 8088 CPU, 512K of RAM, and other typical features of a PC XT.

  • Stamps World Program - Software to help you manage your stamp collection.

  • Too Much Computerized AUTOmation? - A look at new monitors that automatically detect the graphics signal (monochrome, CGA, EGA, etc.) and sets the right display mode. Unfortunately, at this time, there was a lot of software incompatibility.

  • Innovention's SideClock - A clock/calendar expansion for your PC that snaps onto an expansion slot but still allows you to use that slot for other purposes.

  • Before DOS - Recollections - A look back at the pre-DOS world of computers (mostly CP/M). At this point in time, DOS was only about 5 years old.

  • Menu Relief for IBM/Compatibles - A look at a program called Menu Ease which allows you to create custom menus for starting your DOS based programs.


Table of Contents from the January 1987 issue of Computer Shopper


Tandy

  • TRSCROSS Disk/File Transfer Utility - A DOS based utility that lets you read and write TRS-80 format disks.

  • CoCo 3 - Alive On Arrival - A brief look at the then brand new CoCo 3 from Tandy/Radio Shack.

  • CoCo 3 - Another Opinion - Another look at the CoCo 3 looking at things such as compatibility with the CoCo 2 hardware and software and the new features specific to the Coco 3.

Apple

  • Ask The Guru - Quick looks at Passport (a program for converting Apple II files on the Macintosh), the LaserWriter Plus and other laser printers, Apple IIgs compatibility problems, and more.

  • Colossus Chess IV Popular Computer Chess Program - A look at this chess program for the Apple II and Commodore 64.

  • The Ditgital Talking Clock - A program written in Applesoft BASIC that will make your Practical Peripherals ProClock (or other ProDOS compatible clock) talk.

Macintosh

  • MacUniverse - Question about Apple's parts policy, a look at a terrible spell checker called Spellnow, and more.

  • New SCIS External Hard DRives - Rodime releases new Rodime 20 Plus and 45 Plus external hard drives for $1295 (20 MB) and $$1695 (45 MB) respectively.

Commodore

  • PC2COM: An IBM to Commodore Interface Standard - The second part in a series on building an inexpensive parallel adapter to allow communications between a PC and Commodore 64 equipment.

  • Some Commodore Buys For 1986 - Some of the best recent hardware and software for the Commodore 64/128 including the Model 1670 1200 Baud Modem, Commodore Model 1700 and 1750 RAM Expansion cartridges, MIDI Magic, BASIC 128 from Abacus, X-10 Powerhouse, and more.

  • Just Another Day In Mudanesville - A look at Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

Amiga

  • The Amiga Workbench - A look at recent games and other software for the Amiga including The Pawn, Chessmaster 2000, MaxiPlan, and more.

  • The Amiga: A Computer For The Right Hemisphere - How the Amiga's graphics and sound capabilities make it a right brain computer.

  • Logistix and Superbase Personal - Logistix is a spreadsheet program comparable to Lotus 1-2-3 while Superbase is a database program (a variation of which I had on my Commodore 64).

  • Organize - Database - Another database program for the Amiga.

Atari

  • Applying The Atari - Questions answered about modifying some Atari BASIC assembly routines, getting your printer to print in cursive, and more.

Atari ST

  • Hacking The ST - A tutorial for using the Setscreen call and switching the display area.

  • Degas Elite From Batteries Included - A review of this paint program for the Atari ST.

  • CP/M For The Atari ST - An emulator that allows you to run CP/M programs on your Atari ST.

  • Atari ST vs. Amiga Round 2: The ST Is Superior - Part of an ongoing debate about the Atari ST vs. The Amiga. I mean, I think it is safe to say that the Amiga was superior in almost every way except perhaps when it came to MIDI, and depending on the exact time period, price.

Sanyo

  • Market Trend Analyzer - A Microsoft BASIC program to analyze market trends for the Sanyo 55X or IBM PC (or presumably any compatible).

  • Sanyo/IBM WordFun! Is Fun - A combination of two word games designed for the IBM PC but also works on the Sanyo MBC 550.

Texas Instruments

  • TI Forum - New EPROM available for the Foundation 128K memory expansion card that allows it to work with Myarc Extended BASIC II software; A type-in game called CINVADERS; a look back at the TI-99/2; and more.

Heath/Zenith

  • Expanding Your Heath/Zenith PC-Compatible - A guide to adding a software speed selector tot he PC-Sprint turbo board for both the PC and H/Z-150.

  • Mouse Menus for Hard Disk Use - The process of installing a hard drive, controller and indicator light, and changing the cluster size on the Heath/Zenith 150 PC plus. Then what the name of article mentions, setting up a mouse controlled menu to launch programs from the hard drive.

Timex/Sinclair

  • Sinclair Survival Column - A guide to SuperBASIC on the Sinclair QL.

Miscellaneous

computers technology neoxian archon waivio drip ecency
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5 comments
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It is interesting to see the pricing.
My family bought an Apple IIe when it was older and then ultimately got an IBM compatible that was a 486 DX 4 with a 420mb harddrive and 4mb of ram.

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Yeah, when I was upgrading from a Commodore 64 in 1993, I really wanted an Amiga. However, it was clear Commodore was dying. Went with a Gateway 486-66 instead.

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I remember Gateways came in the Cow themed boxes. I thought that was so cool. 🐄

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