Byte (May 1982)

Cover of the May 1982 issue of Byte
In the early 1980s, there was probably no better computer magazine than Byte. In 1982, the PC had only recently been introduced and there were a variety of mostly incompatible machines to chose from. Earlier issues of Byte could also be quite huge. This issue weighs in at close to 600 pages. The May 1982 issue of Byte includes:
Features
- Everyone Can Know the Real Time - In the early days of personal computing, you would have to set the time and date every time you turned on the machine. This article describes how to install an increasingly affordable real-time clock chip into your computer.
- Six Personal Computers from Japan - A comparison of new computers from Japan including the BMC if800, Canon CX-1, Hitachi MB-6890, NEC PC-8001A, Fujitsu FM-8, and Systems Formulate Corporation Bubcom80.
- Japan Update - A look at new computers from Japan introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show, including the Casio FX-9000P, NEC PC-6000 and PC-6001, and more.
- The Machines Behind the Machines - A look at the Japanese computer market and some of the Japanese companies producing computers, including Canon, Oki, Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, and Systems Formulate Corporation.
- The Japanese Manufacturers - How Successful Will They Be? - Speculation on the potential success of Japanese companies producing computers, particularly in the American market.
- Japan Maps Computer Domination - Japan aims to leapfrog the U.S. in terms of computer technology in terms of computer technology with fifth-generation computers.
- The Atari Tutorial, part 9: Even More Colors! - Displaying more colors on Atari 8-bit computers with the new GTIA chip.
- Ports of Entry and Soft Breezes for the Color Computer and Model III - Using the Cassette Interface of the TRS-80 Model III or Color Computer as input for remote sensing projects such as an anemometer.
- The Input/Output Primer, Part 4: The BCD and Serial Interfaces - The fourth in a six-part series on computer input/output. This part concentrates on the RS-232C interface (commonly used with modems).

Table of Contents from the May 1982 issue of Byte
Reviews
- Alien Typhoon - An arcade style game inspired by Space Invaders for the Apple II.
- PL/I for Microcomputers - PL/I-80 is a PL/I implementation for CP/M. This language was originally intended to be the primarly language used for the System 360.
- Apple II 80-Column Video Boards - A look at five different 80-Column video boards for the Apple II including the Full-View 80, Omnivision, SupRTerminal, Vidterm, Wizard-80, and others.
Nucleus
- Editorial - How much competition will Japan offer in the personal computer industry?
- Letters - Readers write in about the IBM PC, warranties, the Intertec Superbrain, and more.
- Book Reviews - Reviews of Fifty BASIC Exercises, Programmer's Guide to the 180s, and TRS-80 Color Computer Technical Reference Manual.
- Programming Quickies - A general purpose BASIC routine for creating structured strings which could be used to sequence vents in control programs.
- BYTELINES - IBM looks to expand IBM PC distribution (at the time, Sears and Computerland were the only retailers), more computers using the Motorola 68000 CPU including thr TRS-80 Model 16, IBM expects to have sold 200,000 PCs by the end of the year, new slimline 8-inch floppy drives, Intel introduces the 80286, and much more.

Back cover of the May 1982 issue of Byte
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Good old times..
Ohh, what great vibes. Current technology doesn't make me happy like those old computers did 🥹
Thanks for sharing.
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