Build quality questions about expansion port models

[ApolloBoy]

I just bought a very early 7800 with the expansion port today, and as I've never owned one before I'm curious about the build quality on these models. Is the build quality just as bad as the later Atari Corp. models or is it slightly better? And is the cartridge port any different than later models?

[towmater]

In my case the 7800 has expansion port and every major chip is socketed, so I don't see any "cheapness".

[ApolloBoy]

Got mine in the mail sooner than expected. It's definitely got higher quality plastic, the texture is more noticeable and feels pretty solid compared to the later models. The motherboard looks to be of higher quality too and all the major chips are socketed so that's a big plus.