• Tag Archives Coleco

  • Computer Fun (May 1984)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment


    computer_fun_vol-1_issue_2_may_84_page_001

    Source: Computer Fun – Volume 1, Issue 2 – May 1984

    Computer Fun, subtitled “The Magazine of Recreational Computing” was an early 1980s magazine dedicated to the popular computers of the day. It was originally Electronic Fun but was revamped to be a more general computer magazine vs. a games magazine for video game systems and computers. However, it only lasted two issues after the makeover. The May 1984 issue of Computer Fun includes:

    Features

    • Let’s Get Physical – The health craze and the computer craze meet in new action-packed software which lets you exercise in your home and gives new meaning to the word RUN.
    • Free For All – Public domain means free software but, more than that, it also provides fledgling authors and unheralded geniuses of game design (such as yourselves) with a showcase for their talent.
    • You Oughta Be In Pixels – George Lucas, look out! With these new animation programs and a little imagination, who knows? You may produce the next Star Wars in your own living room.
    • Dis, Dat and DOS – You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to unravel the mystery of operating systems. It’s not as complicated as you think. In fact, it’s elementary, my dear Watson.
    • Gamemakers: Behind the Gumball – Broderbund’s Bob Cook talks about his game, Gumball, and reveals secrets and hidden messages that you probably never knew were there.
    • Hand On: Atari Times Two – The 600XL and 800XL; Atari’s newest computers. They’re sleeker than the old ones and the’ve got built-in BASIC, but are they really better?

    Departments

    • Editorial
    • Letters
    • Glitches – Comic relief
    • Cartridge Slot – Blanchet on games
    • Input
    • New Products
    • Pass/Fail – Computer tutors
    • Slipped Disks – The unclassifiable
    • Prompts – Your tips here
    • Hits & Missiles – Software reviews
    • Hotware – Pick of the Month
    • Hacker’s Helper – Programming primer
    • First Screening – Readers’ programs
    • Readout – Book reviews
    • Random Access – Silicon Valley dirt

    …and more!


    📂This entry was posted in Computer Arcana 📎and tagged

  • Family Computing (December 1983)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    family_computing_issue-04_1983_dec-001

    Source: Family Computing – Issue Number 4 – December 1983

    Family Computing was a relatively short-lived multi-format computer magazine from the early 1980s. There were a bunch like it but most didn’t survive long. It seems magazines dedicated to one particular computer did much better which I suppose makes sense since most people probably didn’t have multiple computers of different types.

    The December 1983 issue of Family Computing includes:

    Features

    • A No-Hassle Way to Shop? – Beat the crowds and save money to boot just by pounding on your computer keys – with the right connection.
    • The Layman’s Guide to Word Processing – Best-selling author McWilliams makes even rank beginner understand why word processing has become such a popular computer application for home use.
    • A Young Girl’s Fantasy Turns to Fortune – Adventure game designer Roberta Williams turned her talents for storytelling into successful software packages published by the company she heads with her husband, Ken.
    • Buyer’s Guide to Joysticks, Paddles, And Track-Balls – All you need to know to choose the right hand controller for you and your computer.
    • Automatic Pilot – Four homeowners, who’ve turned science fiction into fact with easy-to-install home-controlling equipment, may be part of a wave of the future.
    • How to Make Your Own Computer Cover for Just a Few Dollars – It takes just a small investment of time and money – and a little sewing skill – to protect your computer.
    • Things Computer Salespeople Seldom Tell You – Asking the right questions when you buy a computer can save you hours of frustration and rage – and a bundle of money.
    • What’s A Computer? – California kids have some offbeat answers.
    • Games For Two…Or Ten – A selection of games guaranteed to gather crowds of players around the computer.
    • 10 Gifts Your Computer Wants For Christmas – If your computer makes life easier for you, don’t forget to return the favor – it’s sure to pay off for you as well.
    • How People and Machines Can Work in Harmony – Part two of a special report on ergonomics.

    Programming

    • The Programmer – For enthusiasts of all levels.
    • Holiday Programs – Trim you electronic tree to music, make your own personalized wrapping paper, and divvy up holiday chores with programs for Apple, Atari, Commodore 64 and VIC-20, IBM, TI, Timex, and TRS-80 computers.
    • Puzzle – Shopper Search: Finding Mom at the department store.
    • Reader-Written Program – Writing letters in code – making your own character set.

    Products

    • What’s in Store – 14 pages of product announcements and reviews.
    • New Hardware Announcements – The latest in the field: Atari’s 1400XL, Timex’s 2000, TRS-80’s PC-4, Chalk Board’s PowerPad, and more.
    • Novelties and Notions – A compendium of computer-related items including disk punches, coloring books, calendars, computer printout greeting banners, and more.
    • Software Guide – Quick takes on two dozen new and noteworthy programs.
    • Software Reviews
    • Book Reviews

    Departments

    • Editor’s Note
    • Behind the Screens – People, News, and Trends
    • Home-School Connection – Take a lesson from teachers – choose educational software the way they do.
    • Games – Giving games as gifts.
    • Home Business – A successful home accountant.
    • Computing Confidential – Addicted to computers.
    • Computing Clinic – Questions from readers.
    • Light Touch – The Man Who Bought Two Many Peripherals.
    • Basic Booth – A monthly cartoon.
    • The Primer – A multipart reference guide that appears each month.
    • Advertiser’s Index
    • Sign Off – Avoiding the “Piano Lesson Syndrome.”

    …and more!


    📂This entry was posted in Computer Arcana 📎and tagged

  • Galaxian / Pac-Man (Coleco)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    http://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/177662681307/httpwwwmegalextoriacomwordpressindexphpcat

    Coleco released a series of miniature arcade games in the early 1980s. These were LED based and more tabletop games than handheld. I found this ad on Tumblr and I’m not sure what the original source is but it appears to be targeted towards retail establishments as it mentions them being ready to ship and a national ad roll-out. The two featured here are Galaxian and Pac-Man.

    I never had one of these myself though I remember I had a friend who had a couple. This would have been in 1982 when I was 7. I think he had Pac-Man and Frogger. He also had an Atari 2600 so I spent a lot of time at his house.

    Though I never had one of these, I think it was in Christmas 1982 that I got a handheld knock-off of Pac-Man called Hungry Monster. It was also LED based and it was still a lot of fun despite being a clone. I still have it. I wouldn’t get an Atari 2600 until the following year. I no longer have my original Atari 2600 as I sold it shortly after getting my Commodore 64. However, I did pick up another at a flea market a couple of years later and I do still have that one.

    These Coleco tabletops are pretty collectible these days so if you want one, be prepared to pay a few bucks on eBay. Functional ones start at around $40 but if you want one complete in the box be prepared to pay well over $100.


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