Almerian

Look here at the model #: https://atariage.com/software_page.php?SoftwareID=3872

Epyx game : Is it Gateway to Apshai? 614R seems to reference that.

There was a color composite and Y/C monitor port on the 800 that works fine with both color and monochrome monitors. Atari even sold a dedicated monochrome monitor cable.

There is no hurry. I woud rather have an enhanced 8 bit Atari computer. So I don't think an 8 bit Atari mini console is a good idea. It would attract those interested in 8 bit Atari games. That would leave a very limited market for an enhanced 8 bit Atari computer initiative, like the ZX Spectrum Next. Effectively killing it before it started. Also, a computer is much more likely to get the blessing from any (Atari) rights holders. It doesn't compete directly with the mass games market.

In hindsight the Atari 8 bit lacked 2 things to take on Apple and CP/M: - 80 column mode - optional dedicated monitor(s) Could Atari have known this was needed in 1978? Probably not. But by 1982? Yes. Games vs productivity: Atari's strength was games, so they were right to use that in their early advertising. They probably didn't get the balance right in their advertising, but who knows? What other marketable strong points did the 8 bits have compared to the competition, other than their strength in gaming? Why would you buy a educational, business, home or hobby computer from a game company? Back to the original question: I don't believe the Tramiel Atari (Atari corporation) made a loss on the 8 bit, but I wouldn't be surprised if Atari inc. did.

For the 810, it's here: http://atariage.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=367921

Some things to try. - Does the Option key work in the self test? - Do the the ROM an RAM test ok? Repeat several times while leaving the machine on. - Try another known good tape game.

Great information, CharlieChaplin. I hope a new version of the book can be updated with the information in this thread. Perhaps only the Kindle version. Fred, I remember Pokey, I had a few of them back in the days. Something to look into this summer.

Fred_M, I love these stories. Those were the days. During that Intertoys 'liquidation sale', I bought an extra 800XE and cartridges, and put most of it away at my mothers along with almost all of my other 8 bit stuff. Last year I went to get it and she said she threw it all away. My disk drives, 130XE, XEP 80 too. It might still be there though, she won't let me check that part of the house and I respect that . I agree with your line of thought that those early 800XE's probably came about through the (East German) language connection.

Fred, what about this story about an early German 800XE? http://atariage.com/forums/topic/251252-800xe-vs-65xe/?p=3486756

Depending on your budget, you can now get a brand new 'classic' 8 bit computer, but probably only today. The Kickstarter project ZX Spectrum Next is a fully ZX Spectrum compatible 8 bit computer with an easy keyword Basic and a good manual. It will be brand new and there are many books (pdf's) and programs (including games) widely available. There will be an active community of new owners. Otherwise, I recommend an Atari 8 bit, an 800 XL is preferable. Solid, reliable, great games, lots of developing tools. Good luck with your choice.

PM sent

Finally arrived here in the Netherlands. The magazines are great! Lots of good and colourful content.

But what will it be? Some nice flying and hovering craft?

800 has different power supply. Or is the 800 an XL or XE? I had a new in the box 800XE (PAL) once, that I checked once before putting it away in storage, and it had weak colors compared to my XL and 130XE.

I can't agree with the first sentence. Thinking about a modern day 8 bit successor, the Amiga came close, the others are different beasts. A modern day 8 bit successor would not need a mouse and would not primarily need to be a game console. Just more graphic modes, more simultaneous colors in hi-res, greater resolution, more sprites that can be of any dimension, 80 columns, extra sound channels, modern day connectivity added, SD card, USB, HDMI, more advanced controllers, a compatible 16 or 32 bits processor to address more memory and I could go on and on. But all with backwards compatibility with the original 8 bit for cartridges, peripherals and software.

PluginDrive

Those that are interested in the feasibility of a modern day recreation of an 8 bit Atari should take a look at the FPGA based ZX Spectrum Next Kickstarter project for what's possible now. While keeping the legacy ports and interfaces, it adds HDMI, VGA, SD card, GPIO and a connector for a Pi zero with the possibility for USB. And 512k SRAM standard. All this in a retro-inspired new case. Prices start at £175, with over 1900 backers with two weeks to go. I wonder what would be possible with a modern day Atari.

Turbo mode, additional graphics modes, HDMI. And the possibility of adding 'hardware' in the FPGA without even opening up the case. You could even put an entire obscure Sinclair QL, MSX, Oric or the great Atari 800 in there.

Another theory is that there was a temporary shortage of IC's, or a (suspected) bad batch of IC's and instead a socket was put in. Time is money, so better to put out populated boards with sockets than having to wait or having to solder in IC's at a later time.

I would like a cartridge breakout board. I have reserved issue 4 of the Excel magazine. And also ordered 1, 2 and 3

Michael, it is my understanding switching between PAL and NTSC will be automatic after updating:

One for me in a case please.

The power supply should be 5V DC, you can measure this at the power switch. Use a multimeter. Check it with the power switch in the on and off position. Should be about the same.

Don't forget to check the power supply.