Where can i find one?

[sega saturn x]

I dont even know what to type in on ebay i tried atari 8-bit computer but that got 0 hits. I want to get one of them but i dont know where to get one.

[+davidcalgary29]

"atari 400 800" or "atari xe" will get you a couple of hundred matches on eBay. But why not just by from a friendly AAer? You'll get a much better starter setup, and it'll probably be cheaper, too.

[kevin242]

try starting here:

 

 

http://computers.listings.ebay.com/Vintage...ListingItemList

 

 

 

 

kevin

[sega saturn x]

Wow there cheap . If any one is intristed i might buy one from another member but ebay tends to be kinda reliable. Any way whats the diffrence bettween them all? Like the 400 800 and xe? Also can they play each others games? One last question can can they play any other atari games like say the 2600?

[+davidcalgary29]

Wow there cheap .  If any one is intristed i might buy one from another member but ebay tends to be kinda reliable.  Any way whats the diffrence bettween them all?

 

You should probably check the 8-bit faq before buying an A8 machine.

 

Also can they play each others games?  

 

For the most part, yes. A very few games have compatibility problems, but almost all games made for the A8 machines will run, say, on an 800XL.

Many European games coded to accommodate the PAL standard will not work correctly on NTSC (North American) 8-bit Ataris.

 

One last question can can they play any other atari games like say the 2600?

 

No.

[sega saturn x]

Well that no 2600 thing kinda sucks but the system itself looks awsome. Im not talking about the games i mean the look of the system itself its awsome looking. I really want one now im seeing alot of my old favorites in (or close to) arcade form. One more question well two does it have space invaders and what is the key board used for?

[+davidcalgary29]

Well that no 2600 thing kinda sucks but the system itself looks awsome.  Im not talking about the games i mean the look of the system itself its awsome looking.  I really want one now im seeing alot of my old favorites in (or close to) arcade form.  One more question well two does it have space invaders and what is the key board used for?

 

I'm not sure which system you're looking at; Atari developed many different 8-bit computers (400/800 -- 1200/1400XL -- 600/800XL -- 65/130/800 XE -- XEGS), and they all boast unique individual styles.

 

Both "Space Invaders" and "Space Invaders Deluxe" were ported to the A8, along with many, many knock-offs.

 

The keyboard is used for user input, just as it is for modern computers. These are fully-functioning computers, and not just gaming consoles.

[sega saturn x]

Thats very sweet i think this will be my first ever atari console i always figured the jag would be but this system looks better in general. Is the XEGS like the final one? Can it play all the other ones games to? Sorry about all the questions but im really intristed. Your help has been well helpfull how many computers were there?

[deathtrappomegranate]

The XEGS is the last in the line of Atari 8-bit computers.

 

It will play all of the xe and xl games. There are a few older titles that will only run on the 400 and 800.

 

BTW Atari's own version of Space Invaders is B-A-D.

 

Deluxe Invaders by Roklan is much more like the original.

 

That aside, though, many 8-bit game are accurate ports of the arcade originals.

 

BTW How much does it cost to ship to Hell?

 

(I'm not that far away )

[sega saturn x]

Im going to try and track the XEGS down how what can the xl play?

[bjk7382]

There is MUCH atari 8-bit computer info on the internet. I am sure with a little bit of google-ing you could probably tell us a thing or two

[Major Havoc 2049]

If you get a complete system and just want to use it for games, the XEGS is a nice system. Make sure it comes with the grey joystick, keyboard and lightgun. Most of the arcade conversions are better on the Atari 8-bits than they were on the 2600, so in that respect it's better. The XEGS is also nice because you can hook it up to the TV with A/V cables, for a much better picture.

[Goochman]

I would have to vote for the 800XL - nice look, 64K, small footprint, nice keyboard - The XEGS is goofy to say the least and the detachable keyboard is kind worthless (esp with the length of the cord!)

[deathtrappomegranate]

The comments above are all fair.

 

However, the 8-bit computer games are nearly always better than the 2600 equivalents.

 

[sega saturn x]

I have been looking at some screen shots and its like night and day.