The Atari Key on an Atari 800

[mozartpc27]

I only have an Atari 800XL, which does not have the Atari key that the 800 has. What was this key used for, and why was it dropped?

[+DrVenkman]

I only have an Atari 800XL, which does not have the Atari key that the 800 has. What was this key used for, and why was it dropped?

 

It's the inverse video key.

[+Philsan]

I would love a replacement Atari key for 800XL.

[Rybags]

For whatever reason there was a move away from using the Atari logo on the computer and the box it came in with the XL. Even the silver boxed carts don't seem to have the fuji logo.

But the sticker on the back still has it. Losing the Atari key IMO was a bad idea, the replacement is barely more recognisable for it's function and there was some software that specified the Atari key for special functions.

Maybe it's because Commodore had the C= key, I don't think anything predating the Vic-20 ever had one.

[+DrVenkman]

For whatever reason there was a move away from using the Atari logo on the computer and the box it came in with the XL. Even the silver boxed carts don't seem to have the fuji logo.

But the sticker on the back still has it. Losing the Atari key IMO was a bad idea, the replacement is barely more recognisable for it's function and there was some software that specified the Atari key for special functions.

Maybe it's because Commodore had the C= key, I don't think anything predating the Vic-20 ever had one.

 

I think you're right. The Apple //e got an Apple key, but not until 1981 or so. The Fuji key had been on the 400/800 for 2 years by then, more or less.