Mr.Amiga500

In some ways, yes - but in other ways, no. I wrote many many programs and learned on my own - specifically because I had a low-spec computer with a pathetic amount of games. I made my own games. However, years later, when taking some of the first computer classes, I realized that my code was a spaghetti nightmare and I had to re-learn how to properly code - with commenting and proper structures. (and I eventually went back and re-wrote all my games and they were much more efficient)

Wow - I used to have a similar plan, but for my Amiga 500 - with ultimate upgrades, custom case and an awesome keyboard (spherical double-shot keycaps). It was going to be an "Amiga 800XL" - Amiga awesomeness with XL beauty. But then I ran out energy, realized that it would be futile and gave up the whole idea. (yes, I give up too easily - but I'm old with only a few decades left)

Yes, if you got a General Instruments or Alps version of the TI-99/4a, they were great. The Hi-Tek/Stackpole ones weren't as good. (I have both types) The thing I really hated (and the reason I returned the first TI I bought from a friend) was the awful non-standard layout. FCTN-I for "?" !?! It was impossible to type properly on it. Even with the excellent switches, typing on it could produce even more errors than with a crap keyboard. Wow, I never even considered using my friends in that way. My childhood could have been so much more profitable.

I don't think you'll have any luck with that. IBM beam spring keyboards have gone up in price 10-20 times from when I got mine. Expect a bidding war and a minimum of $1300 - if you're lucky. (one sold recently for over $2000 ) Nice vintage keyboards are getting very hard to find cheaply on eBay anymore - and even if you did find one, you'd have to find some way to convert the keyboard protocol to work with the 1200XL. It's easier and cheaper just to find another 1200XL keyboard.

Yes, those keyboards I mentioned were originally 2-3 times the price of the entire Atari computer back then - and they're just keyboards! This is the main keyboard I use - 1980 IBM 3278 beam spring (USB converted): It was actually my memory of the beautiful Atari XL computers that started my obsession with finding the best keyboards ever made. But... I've gone too much off topic, so I'll stop ruining this thread.

This thread has some converted games: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/266761-cool-2600-games-never-released-for-800xlxe/?do=findComment&comment=3786085

There were 3 different Atari 800 keyboards, 6 different 600XL/800XL keyboards (see Beetle's excellent thread here), but only one version of the 1200XL keyboard. Most of the 600XL/800XL versions are stepped. One version of the 800 is Mitsumi, which is similar to the 1200XL, but two other versions are stiffer & scratchier Hi-Tek/Stackpole. I own every XL version keyboard except the last "Type 5" mushy Mitsumi. I do think the 1200XL is smooth, but I was mildly disappointed after all the hype. Possibly the 1200XL I tried was old. My Alps 800XL was new, never used. It felt a bit better than the 1200XL. (but as I said, I much preferred the 1200XL keycaps) (The thing is... ALL Atari keyboards are inferior to something like a 1970's Micro Switch SW, 1970's IBM beam spring, 1982 Victor 9000 Key Tronic, early 1980's IBM Model F, Teletype Model 40, etc... all of which I own and can compare with)

Doesn't the 1200XL use Mitsumi "rubber dome on a stick" switches just like the C64 does? I haven't disassembled a 1200XL lately and can't find pictures to verify if they're the same. I would have thought that the Alps version of the 800XL would be considered the best Atari keyboard. The 1200XL has nicer keycaps, but it uses cheap membranes instead of individual soldered switches. The 800 keyboards that I've seen were Hi-Tek, Stackpole or Mitsumi - and all were worse switches than the Alps SKFL in that version of the 800XL.

How ironic... back in the 80's I was so proud of my skills in editing out those damn TV commercials and other junk, but now it's the stuff that I edited out that is rare and the stuff I recorded is easily available (and in far better quality) on DVD and Blu-Ray.

I assume not.. (but maybe they added 8 years worth of amazing upgrades to it ) Funny video. I'm surprised it has only 6000 views after 11 years.

Ah yes, I can see from your signature that it's a faraway beach. I too am on a beach, but it's -10˚C, so it's not as fun.

I didn't say I turned it into decor. It's set up, ready to use - and I do turn it on and use it. My point was that I don't have to waste my time tinkering because I've done everything that I've wanted to do - and that just seeing it there is comforting. I don't know where you got "nostalgic consumerism" from. I said my closet looks like a store - but it isn't one. (...but maybe... yessss... maybe.. [said while looking at the ceiling and rubbing chin thoughtfully] )

I too have reached the limit. I've got basically everything I ever wanted. My closet looks like a computer store from 1984 with loads of new Atari stuff in boxes - backup for my main Atari stuff that's all set up, ready to use. After years of tinkering, upgrading, connecting, playing with my old computers, I'm starting to lose the interest. I haven't lost the nostalgia, but I've found that just by looking at them (set up nicely as if in a "70's office of the future"), I can get just as much satisfaction without wasting too much time playing around. (The quote "When I became a man, I put away childish toys" still haunts me... but these are manly toys)