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Atari 800

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description Atari 800 Overview

The Atari 800 was a significant desktop computer released in 1979. It utilized a MOS Technology 6502 processor and offered innovative custom graphics and sound capabilities for its time. Primarily designed for home entertainment, it became notable through popular gaming titles and remains relevant for collectors and those interested in early computing history. It’s suitable for enthusiasts exploring retro gaming and computer technology from the late seventies.

help Atari 800 FAQ

What made the Atari 800 powerful for a 1979 home computer?

The Atari 800 used a MOS Technology 6502 CPU and custom Atari chips for graphics and sound. ANTIC, CTIA or GTIA, and POKEY helped it produce smoother games than many early home computers.

Could the Atari 800 play cartridges as well as cassette games?

Yes. The Atari 800 had cartridge slots for software and could also use cassette storage through Atari's SIO peripheral system.

How much memory did the Atari 800 have?

The Atari 800 was sold with expandable RAM, and many systems were upgraded to 48 KB. That mattered for larger games and productivity software in the early 1980s.

What were the Atari 800's main competitors?

Its early competitors included the Apple II and Commodore PET, and later the Commodore 64 became a major rival. The Atari 800's strength was game-oriented graphics and sound rather than business software.

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