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What to purchase?


Mock

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Hey guys...I need some advice on the 8-bit world...I am thinking of getting one and I'm not sure what to get? I've been reading around for a while and was thinking of trying to pick up an XE, but I can't make up my mind...anyone have any advice? I'd like to have composite A/V so I can hook it up to a 20" flat screen TV in my office...other than that I'm not very picky...space is a consideration...but software/hardware compatability is also something that I would consider important.

 

:?

Mock

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I use an 800XL (they're just sturdier than XE's) and an XF551 disk drive. If you don't need the double sided support, then 1050's are much cheaper.

 

The most important thing to do with the XL is to install the Super Video upgrade (which will allow you to have standard video or S-Video output). The difference is amazing.

 

-Bry

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I prefer the 800XL. Reasons:

 

A) Keyboard has much, much nicer feel than an XE.

B) Cartridge port is top of machine and easy to get to on XL; cartridge port on an XE is on the back of the machine which, for me, is a clumsy and awkward place to have it.

 

Just my opinion.

 

Mendon

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My pick would be the XE(GS)

 

I like it the best, as I'm primarily a gamer. I don't even use the keyboard except for when a game requires it, like Congo Bongo, Star Raiders, etc.

 

So I can put away the keyboard for most games. Guess I'm still a console gamer at heart. ;)

 

Cart port on top, unlike the other XE machines, I owned a 130XE, and this was my biggest complaint, it was odd, well mot really odd since Commodore did the same thing, but still not as fun as a top loading system.

 

The XEGS also has Composite outputs, (RCAs in the back) so no finding cables that will work with it and a TV, it was ready to go out of the box.

 

Shannon said theres a cable for the XL/XE machines, I believe you can get off ebay, works with Commodore & Atari 8-bits. The standard cables, that I had for my Commodores only came with separate Luma & Chroma out, not as a composite, but you may could make one for S-video off that? There is a 5-pin DIN cable, with probably 5 separate RCAs, which gives you Composite, mono audio, and the chroma & Luma, that is what some have gotten on ebay. I haven't tried one thou.

 

 

Compatibility is a big deal for me too, as there are XE games, that won't work on the old 400/800 machines, originally why I wanted to upgrade in the first place, but also some games are 400/800 only, and wont work on the XL/XEs. This goes for all 65XE, 130XE, & XEGS as well. BUT you can buy a translator cart, or now you could save it to a flash cart, and then load that to allow the incompatible games to be played on your XE machine.

 

Really it comes down to a few things,

 

Do you plan to program, or use the keyboard for anything?

 

If you do, you may find the XL series slightly better than the XE series computers. Although, with the XEGS, you can add an extension cable to the keyboard, and then lay the keyboard in you lap while typing away from the base unit.

 

Compatibility between the XL & XE in nearly the same. It's a bigger jump & problem between the original 400 & 800 machines and then the XL & up. But with a translator disc/cart, you can still enjoy most all the games with the XL & XE machines.

 

This isn't a real big deal regardless, I've only got around 5 carts out of 130 or so that don't work in my XEGS. There's plently to enjoy whether you have the translator or not.

 

 

Hookups for most XLs & XEs, besides for the XEGS are the same. There are mutliple cables around and I believe some that will give you a great picture on a newer tv, without the need to mod your system. I think the key is on finding the right cable as there are many out there. I liked the XEGS better because it had the RCAs and was Composite ready without finding any specific cable.

 

 

Honestly it's hard to go wrong with any, and you may want to try several different machines until you find what works best for you. :) They are not that pricey, compared to other classic systems, I've bought & sold several until I decided to stay with the XEGS, 400, 800, 600XL, 800XL, & 130XE, none cost more than $40, fully equiped with all hookups, and even a few games in most cases. $25 is a good ballpark figure on most.

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I've bought & sold several until I decided to stay with the XEGS, 400, 800, 600XL, 800XL, & 130XE, none cost more than $40, fully equiped with all hookups, and even a few games in most cases. $25 is a good ballpark figure on most.

 

Can I ask where you would look to find a good 400 or 800?

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  • 3 months later...

I'm still looking to pick up something....thought I might re-visit this post...anyone have anything else to add? I'm leaning towards an XE(GS) but have not been able to find one...second choice is the 800 but I'm thinking the XE would best fit my needs based on the video situation.

 

Mock :?

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XEGS's appear on eBay all the time, but are usually overpriced.

 

I would still think that the 800xl is a good bet. Thay can be bought for next-to-nothing, and can run the majority of software without modification.

 

A floppy drive is a worthwhile investment, as disk games sell for peanuts on eBay.

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