AtariDude Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 Hi everyone. I am considering obtaining either the Atari 800 or Atari 800XL. I used to have an Atari 800XL as this was the first computer I ever owned. I recently went to a computer show where someone was selling an Atari 800 for $10 but it seem to have a problem with the hinge where the metal shielding had come and I don't think the gentleman who was selling it had the cables. Anyway, I was considering obtaining the 800 since I never owned it and I understand that it has a better keyboard than the 800XL. I know that with the 800XL you can get a translator disk to let you run software that only ran on the Atari 800 but it wouldn't be the same. If you had to choose between the two systems, which one would you choose and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heaven/TQA Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 emotional view: Atari800... love the keyboard, the heaviness, the 2 module cart slots the damned baby is massive... 4 joystickports... practical view: 800xl/xe or 130xe as most software runs on them... as they have more RAM. hve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clint Thompson Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 The Atari 800 was my first system.. then I got the 800XL... sold them both off a few years ago, now I just recently aquired a 800XL again... I like the small-form of the 800XL oppose to the big and bulkyness of the 800... however... I can't run certain things like Moon Patorl without the sound being messed up or SAM (Software Automatic Mouth) becuase of some built in basic it has.... I don't have a translator disk and never messed with one yet.. so I'm not sure about that... maybe it's more a persoanl preference? The keyboard on the 800 is a little nicer than the XL, I will admit, but I still like the cosmetic appearance of the XL much more, plus it has 64k built in as the 800 only had 48k I think? If you get an 800 though, I don't think you'll have any of the problems that are fixable with the XL.... 10 bucks, I would pick it up!! Clint Thompson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goochman Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 800XL def - I was an original 800 owner as well and still love it, but it hasnt been booted in a long time. I use a 130XE but if I had to choose an 800XL vs 800 it would be the XL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Sauron Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 The 800XL, despite their notorious keyboard problems. Speaking of which, I just got mine in yesterday! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8BIT 1337 Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 I'd definitely take the XL over the original. Having more RAM means having to pass through disks less often (i.e. when I use Copymate 4.4 on my XE it only has to read the disk once - if I use it on an XL or my 400 it takes two passes to read the disk). I don't even like the XE keyboard as much as I do the XL keyboard and I still use only my XE at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+davidcalgary29 Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 An 800, because: 1) It's got the best keyboard on any home computer, period; 2) It fits in very well to any decorating scheme that incorporates "harvest", "avocado", or "umber"; 3) It has that groovy right-cartridge slot; 4) You can't turn off that key click by adjusting volume controls on your monitor; 5) That meagre amount of RAM can always be expanded with internal additions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goochman Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 I guess the 800 would serve double duty as a personal protection item (ie, it would hurt more being thrown at an intruder vs the 800XL ) They didnt call it the 'Tank' for nothing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t.skid Posted February 19, 2003 Share Posted February 19, 2003 I suggest you a 130XE my preferred 8-bit But, you wrote that 800XL was your first computer, so I think you could go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Mitchell Posted February 21, 2003 Share Posted February 21, 2003 The Atari 800 is an impressive piece of hardware .. but you gotta check under the hood and see if there are three 16k memory modules installed. I would lose the RF cord and use with a monitor. The Atari 800XL is better for transporting to the office .. for a little gameplay between customers. Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyranthraxus Posted February 23, 2003 Share Posted February 23, 2003 I have an 800 and 800xl. The XL is my favorite of the two. The 800 is just too bulky for my liking. Also the Xl is juat a plain better looking computer. Since you owned an 800XL originally I am sure you will end up prefering it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heaven/TQA Posted February 23, 2003 Share Posted February 23, 2003 atari800 -"the tank"... i love that quote... hve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin42 Posted March 4, 2003 Share Posted March 4, 2003 Clint-- the Translator disk will take care of the sound problems, more than likely. That sound issue used to drive me crazy (I remember the 5200 Gremlins and Mario Bros. having the problem), as well, until I accidentally booted the Translator one day before loading the game... and the sound was perfect! The 800XL was the first computer I ever bought... got it used on 7/14/85, in box.. for like $110.. had the "official computer of the [whatever] Olympics 1984" sticker... I think I still have that box somewhere, the 800XL is currently in hibernation under my bed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godzilla Posted March 4, 2003 Share Posted March 4, 2003 i suggest an xegs. u can use a standard pc 15pin jstick xtension cable and have a nice extended detachable keyboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godzilla Posted March 4, 2003 Share Posted March 4, 2003 i suggest an xegs. u can use a standard pc 15pin jstick xtension cable and have a nice extended detachable keyboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walter_J64bit Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 I have the 800(288k + speed chip) and 1200xl(256k) I can do more with the 1200xl but my 800 kick butt in speed, Battlezone runs so much better with a speed chip! theres nothing like a good game of 4 player M.U.L.E. You know I like all my 8 bits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldunko Posted March 9, 2003 Share Posted March 9, 2003 i have an 800xl, a pretty sweet machine... though my opinion is rather redundant because i've never used a regular 800. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A2600 Posted March 11, 2003 Share Posted March 11, 2003 My first and only 8-bit computer is an 800 and I love it!!! Ive seen the XL and its nice and all but... SIZE DOES MATTER!! J/K For me the big difference is in the K's They sell for almost about the same Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A2600 Posted March 11, 2003 Share Posted March 11, 2003 Its a Matter of what you want the most Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon-paul Posted March 14, 2003 Share Posted March 14, 2003 An 800, because: 1) It's got the best keyboard on any home computer, period; 2) It fits in very well to any decorating scheme that incorporates "harvest", "avocado", or "umber"; 3) It has that groovy right-cartridge slot; 4) You can't turn off that key click by adjusting volume controls on your monitor; 5) That meagre amount of RAM can always be expanded with internal additions. May I add:- 6) 4 player mule Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sashswash Posted April 5, 2003 Share Posted April 5, 2003 800xl ----->more memory, smaller size... (the only negative is only 2 joystick ports..... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A2600 Posted April 5, 2003 Share Posted April 5, 2003 for that you go with the moderns! 130XE most memory nicer style and overall good but sick to the Biggums (800,400) Welcome to Atari Age Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super-Genius! Posted April 9, 2003 Share Posted April 9, 2003 I have both, but I still like the Atari 800 the best!! I love that right cart slot....!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markimus of K. Posted April 9, 2003 Share Posted April 9, 2003 i suggest an xegs. u can use a standard pc 15pin jstick xtension cable and have a nice extended detachable keyboard. Godzilla: I had no idea such a cable existed. I've never seen anything like that pinout. I've always wanted to extend my XEGS keyboard cable (Jeez, why did they even bother making a detachable keyboard when the cable is that short!). Where can I get one, what is it called, RS part# or any info anyone can provide would be much appreciated! As always, Markimus of K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nukey Shay Posted April 9, 2003 Share Posted April 9, 2003 Penn: Is this your card? Click here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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