Side 2 and Ultimate 1Meg redundancies?

[Gunstar]

I'm planning on buying one or both of these for my 1200XL (they have a special price for both in one order), but I'm a bit confused as it seems like both of these devices offer 1088K memory upgrade, built-in flash memory, HD support, SpartaDOS X, etc.

If I just get the Side 2, am I getting what's in the Ultimate 1Meg already? Is the Side 2 an external memory upgrade as well s a hard-disk solution? Is the Ultimate also a hard disk solutiion/interface too (I see what looks like an IDE connector on it)? If they are redundant then why are they (Lotharek's Lair) selling them as a possible package deal?

 

If they are redundant, then should i just get the Side 2 and VBXE? or Ulimate 1Meg and VBXE? Recommendations?

 

Sorry if all this is newbie questions, but I really wan't around the community when these devices were being introduced and released.

Edited May 11, 2014 by Gunstar

[+David_P]

The SIDE 2 is a CF interface cart, with built-in SDX. No RAM.

 

Ultimate 1 Meg gives 1 Meg RAM plus built in SDX. No CF interface.

[Gunstar]

I think I'm confusing myself by looking at the Side 2 and Ultimate separately and then as the combo and pictures of the Ultimate board separately and with the Side 2 must be different versions...The board they show in the "combo" option appears to have an IDE plug on it and the one shown separately is a "revised" version that doesn't have the same IDE connector on it. Though that doesn't alleviate my confusion. I'm trying to read up on the site and understand what I'm looking at with the boards...

Edited May 11, 2014 by Gunstar

[Gunstar]

GEEZE! I'm being overwhelmed here at Lotharek's Lair! i see the F7 turbo and Rapidus upgrades in the works now too, now I don't know if I should get a VBXE or wait for these other devices, if they will be compatible with VBXE, etc.!

[AtariGeezer]

The IDE type looking connector actually is for a cable that plugs into the CPU chip socket...

[Gunstar]

Thanks AG. That helps. I know what's described as included with these devices on the site, but I can't help but wonder about stuff like that when looking at the boards. Anyway, after doing a EURO to DOLLAR conversion, I've decided just getting the ultimate 1Meg upgrade is enough for now, since it includes OS's, SpartaDOS X and a meg of memory to replace my 32-in-1 OS and 512K memory upgrade. Plus, I already have APE SIO2PC so the Side 2 can wait. The VBXE can wait too, until I make sure my current troubles are with my current upgrades and not with the 1200 motherboard itself. I don't want to blow too much money on upgrade if I'm going to have to repair or replace my 1200 motherboard anyway.

[+David_P]

Best still lists 1200xl motherboards for $65 (fully populated). Not a terrible price. (http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/800xl.htm#1200XL)

[Gunstar]

Best still lists 1200xl motherboards for $65 (fully populated). Not a terrible price. (http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/800xl.htm#1200XL)

I was looking at that, not terrible, but they were $40 a year ago. If I need to replace the motherboard, I can get an entire 1200XL off of eBay for that or less if I'm patient. But I think my problem is really either my 32-in-1 OS has gone bad or it's bad memory chips. I decided it's probably easier, for now, to just remove those upgrades and return the mobo to stock to see if it works, and if so, then just install the Ultimate board and worry about my old upgrades later. I need to get around to fixing a 600XL, 800XL and another 1200XL motherboard anyway and I can re-install my Atarimax upgrades in one of them later on. I may end up getting another mobo from Best, but I think I can do better with a complete used 1200XL.