Atari 8-bit Family - Computer Models

Computer Models

  • 400 and 800 (1979) – original machines in beige cases, 400 has a membrane keyboard, 800 has full-travel keys, two cartridge ports, monitor output. Both machines have expandable memory slots (up to 48 KB). Later PAL versions have the 6502C processor.
  • 1200XL (1982) – new aluminum and smoked plastic cases, 64 KB of RAM, only two joystick ports. Help key, four function keys. Older software, if it was written improperly, caused compatibility problems with the new OS.
  • 600XL and 800XL (1983) – replacements for the 400, 800 and 1200XL sans function keys. 600XL has 16 KB of memory, PAL versions had a monitor port, 800XL have 64 KB and monitor output. Both have built-in BASIC and an expansion port known as the Parallel Bus Interface (PBI).
  • 800XLF – 800XL with Atari FREDDIE chip and BASIC rev. C. Released in Europe only.
  • 65XE and 130XE (1985) – A repackaged 800XLF with new cases and keyboards. The 130XE has 128 KB of RAM and a Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI) instead of a PBI. The U.S./Canadian version of the 65XE has no ECI or PBI.
  • XE Game System (1987) – a game machine in a light beige case, with a detachable full-travel but slightly "mushy" keyboard (similar in style and feel to that of the Atari ST).
  • 800XE – the final machine in the series. Styling the same as 65XE and 130XE. A 130XE with 64 KB RAM. Mainly seen in Eastern Europe.
  • Prototypes/Vaporware (Never Officially Released)
    • 1400XL – Similar to the 1200XL but with a PBI, FREDDIE chip, built-in modem and speech synthesis chip. Cancelled by Atari.
    • 1450XLD – basically a 1400XL with built-in 5¼″ disk drive and expansion bay for a second 5¼″ disk drive. Code named Dynasty. Made it to pre-production, but got abandoned by Tramiel.
    • 1600XL – codenamed Shakti, this was dual-processor system with 6502 and 80186 processors and two built-in 5¼″ floppy disk drives.
    • 1850XL - codenamed Mickey, this was to use the "Lorraine" (aka "Amiga") custom graphics chips
    • 900XLF – redesigned 800XLF. Became the 65XE.
    • 65XEM – 65XE with AMY sound synthesis chip. Cancelled.
    • 65XEP – "portable" 65XE with 3.5" disk drive, 5" green CRT and battery pack. Never released
    • 1090XL expansion system, 5 slots in a large case (never released, small numbers leaked out)
    • 1055 3½" floppy drive
    • XF351 3½" floppy drive
    • XF354 3½" floppy drive

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