Best Atari 8-Bit Computer model to start collecting with?

[HawkMines]

I'm looking to buy an Atari computer, but there are so many models that I don't know which to start with. I've put a poll here to get a general idea which type is best, but feel free to add specifics below.

 

 

Note: I'm only planning on getting one for now, preferably one that I don't need to extensively upgrade upon arrival.

Edited February 3, 2016 by HawkMines

[Dragon375]

First you would probably want something that will run the majority of the software.. so that would be either XL or XE. Theyre getting harder to find. I recommended the XL series as probably the first thing you would want to do is drop a U1MB into it, and it is just much easier to do that on an XL (most of them have the chips socketed). After that, probably an SIO2SD of some sort to allow you to take advantage of all the software available on the internet. Next addition would probably be a SIDE2, Then a 800, and drop an Incognito (if you can get one) into that. At this point, you may want to round out your collection with 1200XL and 600XL, both of which have unique features that would add to your collection. Just my opinion, of course

 

And then it's off to the ST line...

Edited February 3, 2016 by Dragon375

[Ransom]

800XL's your best bet, IMO. Plentiful, cheap, and compatible with 99% of stuff out there.

[HawkMines]

800XL's your best bet, IMO. Plentiful, cheap, and compatible with 99% of stuff out there.

Whenever I search for any Atari Computer, the 800XL's the first one that comes up.

[Paul Westphal]

A socketed 800xl with a myideII from atarimax is perfect. I have 600/800xl's in stock.

[Kyle22]

I voted for XL since there isn't a selection for XLD.

[Muzz73]

I voted 400/800 line in the poll before actually reading your post. Oops...

 

Since you are only planning on one, I think the 800XL is your best bet. Minimal tweaking, runs just about everything and more robust than the XE line (though the XE's look pretty slick).

[kenjennings]

First computer -- get a 800XL. Better build quality and reliability than the XEs.

 

If you have the opportunity for a second, get an 800. Built like a tank. The 1200XL with a video fix, and SIO power fix would also be an acceptable second.

 

 

If you exhaust the possibilities of the 8-bits and want the next generation look for an Amiga.

[Kyle22]

. . .

If you exhaust the possibilities of the 8-bits and want the next generation look for an Amiga.

 

If you are a guru who likes to meditate on cryptic numbers.

[bbking67]

800XL or 130XE. 65XE a good choice if you don't care about PBI.

[Tillek]

First computer -- get a 800XL. Better build quality and reliability than the XEs.

 

If you have the opportunity for a second, get an 800. Built like a tank. The 1200XL with a video fix, and SIO power fix would also be an acceptable second.

 

 

If you exhaust the possibilities of the 8-bits and want the next generation look for an Amiga.

Amiga? Found one.... in the dumpster.