The home computer wars. (book reviews) Russ Lockwood.

The Home Computer Wars

The subtitle of this book is "An Insider's Account of Commodore and Jack Tramiel.' So who is Michael S. Tomczyk? Only Jack's assistant, Guy Friday, and gofer all rolled into one from April 1, 1979 to May 15, 1984.

Like a general, er, admiral, writing his memoirs after a war, Tomczyk chronicles the rise of Tramiel and Commodore. He provides the appropriate light touch in describing people, places, events, and anecdotes. Of course, everything turns up roses during his tenure, with three exceptions: a heretical corporate backstabber, a "downright rude' David Ahl who wears "glitzy black T-Shirts,' and pneumonia. Well, the backstabber was fired, Dave converts to become a "good personal friend,' and Tomczyk recovers. End of his troubles until Jack resigns.

The Home Computer Wars makes good light reading for anyone interested in Commodore, Tramiel, and the battle for the low end computer market.

Review Grade: B