• Tag Archives CBM 8032
  • WordPro 4 Plus (CBM 8032)

    commodore_microcomputer_issue_21_1982_dec_jan-005

    Source: Commodore: The MicroComputer Magazine – Issue Number 21 – December/January 1982

    Today, the vast majority of people who use word processing software are using some version of Microsoft Office, or perhaps an Open Office variant or Google Docs. However, there used to be far more choices. This particular ad from the December/January 1982 issue of Commodore MicroComputers is for one such product called WordPro 4 Plus for the Commodore CBM 8032.

    The Commodore 8032 was a later entry into Commodore PET line of computers. Initially considered home/personal computers, the PET line was popular in schools in North America, particularly in Canada. The 8032 was an enhanced version that included improvements like an 80 column display (vs. 40), a better keyboard and more memory. At a time when CP/M dominated the business world but before the days of the DOS stranglehold and before the Apple II dominated in schools, the PET line had a pretty successful run.

    I believe that WordPro 4 Plus and WordPro 3 Plus were released close to the same time. The difference was that WordPro 4 Plus was for the Commodore 8032 and WordPro 3 Plus was for the Commodore 64. I couldn’t find what the original price for the 8032 version was but I suspect it was more than the $89.95 of the Commodore 64 version.

    These versions of WordPro offered enhancements over previous versions including math functions, superscripts, subscripts, bold overstrike, exit to BASIC, variable lines per inch, additional pitch settings, audible feedback, pause command, and simultaneous input/output. All features that are either commonly taken for granted today or otherwise don’t apply.