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Atari Home Computers |
The next line of computers included a revamped version of the 800, called the 800XL. The 400 was replaced by the 600XL. This phase also includes the problematic 1200XL, the super 1450XLD (which had a built-in modem and speech synthesizer) and the 1400XL. The later three units are some of the most rare XL units.
The next phase of Atari computers included the continuation of the 8-bit line with the 65XE and 130XE as well as the XE Game System, which was based on the 65XE. The XEGS featured a keyboard, light gun, the built-in Missile Command and BASIC programming, and games Bug Hunt and Flight Simulator. The 130XE was the first Atari 8-bit computer to feature 128K of RAM. The 65XE had 64K.
There are thousands and thousands of games for the 8-bit computer line. Of course, the Atari 5200 SuperSystem and 8-bit computer share the same hardware, so many of the games are identical. Common games for the 8-bit line include Asteroids, Dig Dug, Jungle Hunt, Defender, Qix, Joust, and the all-time classic, Star Raiders.
The Atari 800XL
Atari 8-bit Specs:
(Note: Each systems specs are slightly different.)
Processor: 6502 (8-bit @ 1.79 MHz)
Sound: 4 channel
Resolution: Up to 320 x 192
Colors: Max 16 colors onscreen of 256
Memory: 16K-128K (depending on model)
Original 1979 price for the 800: Under $1,000
Special Features: Player-Missile graphics, uses 2600 controllers, easy access cartridge port, built-in BASIC on later models.