After Atari released the 400 computer, A more professional version was set. This computer was the Atari 800 and included a full stroke keyboard which made typing much easier and faster than a membrane keypad could provide. The specs of the 800 are somewhat similar to the 400 but is a better computer. Many Atari 2600 games have been programmed on an Atari 800 and programmers like Howard Scott Warshaw even have photographs of it being used. (When I find it ill put it here.) Originally these computers had their OS and other carts encased in a metal cover which would over heat and needed to be repaired. Repair was simple and all later versions came without the metal case. Its codename was Colleen.
Atari 400 | Specs |
First Year | 1979 |
Last year of production | 1982 |
Processor CPU | 6502 (very common) |
Processor Speed | 1.79mhz |
Co-Processor 1 | ANTIC |
Co-Processor 2 | CTIA/GTIA (later models) |
Co-Processor 3 (sound) | Pokey |
RAM | 8k up to 48k |
ROM | 10kb |
Colours | 16 colours, with 8 shades |
Sound | 3.5 Octaves and 4 Voices |
OS | 400/800 OS in the ROM |
I/O ports | RGB video output |
2 Cart slots | |
Expansion Bus | |
Atari Serial I/O (SIO) | |
4 joystick sockets | |
Tape recorder port. | |
4 Internal Slots |