DisplayWrite was the only successful IBM software product for the PC. A 1988
PC reader survey found that 6% used DisplayWrite 4, tied for fifth with
PC-Write among word processors. A 1990
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants member survey found that 2% of respondents used DisplayWrite as their word processor.
PC Magazine found DisplayWrite 1 and
pfs:Write the best of six inexpensive word processors it reviewed in 1985. The magazine said that the IBM product was the most powerful and the "obvious choice for a large office staff". Describing DisplayWrite 3 in 1987 as "a tank — big, powerful, clumsy, ugly, and hard to use"—
John V. Lombardi said in
InfoWorld that DisplayWrite 4 was more powerful and improved the user interface "but performance remains much the same". Noting that WordPerfect was the same price with "more features, better performance, and much better support" for retail customers, he only recommended DisplayWrite to companies needing compatibility with other IBM word processors.
PC in 1988 said that while DisplayWrite still sold well to "businesses where the pixie dust falling from the letters I-B-M is just irresistible" it "remains highly resistible", citing DisplayWrite 4's 1970s user interface and continuing "amazing hostility to the world of non-IBM printers". == Further reading ==