Atari 8-bit family

Atari built a series of 8-bit home computers based on the MOS Technology 6502 CPU, starting in 1979. Over the next decade several versions of the same basic design would be released, but the models remained largely identical internally. They were, for their era, one of the most technically advanced machines on the market, but a combination of factors, largely business related, meant they did not have a major market when the Commodore 64 shipped a few years later and took over most of the market.

Computer models

• 400 and 800 (1979) – original machines in beige cases, 400 had membrane keyboard, 800 had full-travel keys, two cartridge ports, monitor output, expandable memory slots (up to 48KB).
• 1200XL (1982) – new aluminum and smoked plastic cases, 64KB of RAM, only two joystick ports. Help key, four function keys. A new OS caused compatibility problems with older software.
• 600XL and 800XL (1982) – replacements for the 1200XL sans function keys. 600XL had 16KB of memory, 800XL had 64KB and monitor output. Both had built-in BASIC and a expansion port known as the Parallel Bus Interface (PBI).
• 800XLF – 800XL with FREDDIE MMU chip and BASIC rev. C. Released in Europe only.
• 65XE, and 130XE (1985) – 800XLs repackaged with highly inexpensive cases and keyboards. 130XE came with 128KB of RAM, a FREDDIE MMU chip and a Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI) instead of a PBI.
• XEGS (1987) – a game machine in a light beige case, with a detachable full-travel but slightly "mushy" keyboard (Atari ST'ish)
• 800XE – the final machine in the series. Styling the same as 65XE and 130XE. 64KB RAM. Mainly seen in Eastern Europe.
• Prototypes (Never Officially Released)
• 1400XL – Similar to the 1200XL but with an PBI, FREDDIE MMU chip, built-in modem and speech synthesis chip. Cancelled by Atari.
• 1450XLD – basically a 1400XL with built in 5 1/4" disk drive and expansion bay for a second 5 1/4" disk drive. Code named Dynasty. Cancelled due to sale of Atari computers/consoles to Tramiel Family.
• 65XEM – 65XE with AMY sound synthesis chip. Cancelled.
• 65XEP – "portable" 65XE with 3.5" disk drive, 5" green CRT and battery pack. Never released