Check out Popular Mechanics Top 6 Computers of 1982, via BoingBoing.
Best part: even in 1982, PopMech knew DRM was shit:
It used to be that programs were easy to copy and change. But manufacturers began to lose money as many people made copies of software and gave them to their friends. Now, many manufacturers have figured out how to ‘copy-protect’ discs. A copy-protected disc-like a cartridge–can’t be copied or changed. To our mind this is a disaster: Most people learn programming by changing programs to fit their own needs. This capability of customization is what makes computers so attractive. New ways of copy protection will probably be found soon. Until then, a computer owner may have to put up with being ‘locked out’ of his own machine.
For the record, their top 6 were:
- IBM PC
- Apple ][
- Commodore PET
- TI 99/4A
- Atari 800
- Radio Shack TRS-80
Said of the IBM, “If interest holds, could be a contender by year end.” Heh. (Drink, Jeff.)