As far as mainstream PC specific magazines go, PC World was probably the best. I preferred Maximum PC but that one was a little more specialized. Plus it came along more than 20 years after this issue. 1984 was still early days for the PC and PC magazines. The November 1984 issue includes:
Getting Started
Of Spreadsheets and Models - A look at financial modeling programs that started life in mainframes including Micro/Prophit and Encore! Micro!
Community
World Class PC - Readers pick their favorite PC software and hardware. Some items here include the Compaq-Plus Portable Computer, Lotus 1-2-3, Peachtree Accounting, Tallgrass TG-3012 12MB hard disk and 20MB tape backup combo, Hayes Smartmodem 1200, Tandon TM 100-2 floppy drive, SixPakPlus, Wordstar, Smartcom II, Microsoft Flight Simulator, PC-DOS 2.10, and lots more.
In Quest of True BASIC - The creators of BASIC discuss the past and future of the language.
Framework: Simplicity and Synergy - Framework is an integrated software package from Ashton-Tate that includes word processing, spreadsheet, data management, graphics, communications, and more.
Planning for Profit - A review of Micro/Prophit, a financial modeling and analysis program.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road - A review of Oz, a financial modeling package that helps analyze budgets, create org charts, and more.
PCjr World
PCjr Gets Bigger and Better - The latest iteration of the PCjr includes an improved keyboard and 128K more RAM. However, the PCjr was never a good deal as far as low end computers go.
Two Word Processors in Search of a Home - A look at Bank Street Writer and WordPlus-Jr.
80286: Intel's Multitask Master - Details of Intel's new 286 processor and how it may eventually give the PC the power to run four programs simultaneously, act as a server in a 16 PC network, and more.
Toward a Graphics Standard - A look at the NAPLPS standard for graphics communication and display.
Hands On
Frame by Frame - A hands on example using Framework.
Personal Macro Economics - Using Lotus 1-2-3's Macro feature to help keep track of your budget.
Departments
David Bunnell - A history of MITS and the Altair.
Harry Miller - A look at recent changes in PC World with the goal of making information more accessible.
Letters - Letters from readers about warranties, copyrights and trademarks, repair costs, and more.
PC World View - A look at a company called Namelab that helps companies figure out how to name themselves.
