If I'm not wrong Atari 8 bit computers had hardsprites and hardscrolling. When you think that for instance the Amstrad had none of these though it was released a lot later...
Yes the screen memory address could be changed allowing pretty decent scrolling, double the sprites over the 2600 with less limitations, and a faster processor than the C64.
13:42 The ledge was not a handle but a cartridge support for 65/130XE computers to ensure proper cartridge spacing to a table top when inserted in the back of either machine. Embossed lines helped cartridge removal from 600/800XL & XE-GS system vertical slots. Atari had four cartridge designs - Brown dark label (400/800 CXL40xx), Brown grey label (600/800XL computers RX80xx), smooth Grey with rear ledge (XE computer), and Grey with side grips (XE-GS system).
The 400 was my first computer as a kid. My favorite thing to do was to turn the joystick pins from inputs to outputs, so I could do simple device control. First I tried powering a 5V relay to make a phone pulse dialer but the current draw crashed the 400. My dad showed me how to use a 2N2222 switching transistor to drive the relay.
They truly were an advanced machine for when they were released and one of the very first machines that I played with (at the local stores). I always wanted the assembler cartridge, took me ages to find one :)
Somehow people never mention games that were popular in Eastern Europe for 800/XE series : River Raid, Monty (Montesuma's revenge), International Karate - these games were always booted in computer clubs along with Ninja and Commando II sometimes. Also , my favorites are Zeppelin games' Zybex and Ninja Commando (they also made classic Draconus), Dan Strikes Back, Karateka.
The later 400's came with 16k of ram. I think the 400 with star raiders was one that came with 16k. The Atari 400 was my first computer and did come with 16k. I later had it upgraded to 48k.
I so wanted one when they first came out, but no way could I afford one. Played Star Raiders heaps in the local store when ever I could. Later on when I had money I bought a 400 (that had 16k) that came with two disc drives, and then bought the display 800XL (the one I still have now) from the same above store when they slimmed down their computers.
I remember first seeing the 400 and 800 in a computer shop in Dandenong. I remember being amazed by Star Raiders it seemed so advanced at the time my friend and I were like wow.
I think I saw Galaxian being played 1st followed by Star Raiders the next time I came into the store. Played it for ages, every chance I could get access to a machine. I probably should do a video just on Star Raiders :)
Yeah the GS is a Pal version, I do have two 60Hz systems but they are the older ones and I haven’t done any cap replacements in them as yet. It will actually be nice with the mini to be able to play the games at 60hz
Regarding the keyboard let’s never forget how atrocious the manual non electronic typewriters were. I was born in 1984 though and first PC in 2008 😢 I might order the 400 mini. Thanks for the video.
I can remember using a mechanical typewriter to type up my projects in high school. The only computer there was a dumb terminal, it did have a printer, but no word processing software.
@@electricadventures ha ha my mother had / has an old typewriter. I had a Brother PY-80 electronic typewriter for assignments. I first used a computer at a friend’s house, no clue what it was though. We had windows 95 at school in year 5 playing Sim City which I have on SNES.
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If I'm not wrong Atari 8 bit computers had hardsprites and hardscrolling. When you think that for instance the Amstrad had none of these though it was released a lot later...
Yes the screen memory address could be changed allowing pretty decent scrolling, double the sprites over the 2600 with less limitations, and a faster processor than the C64.
13:42 The ledge was not a handle but a cartridge support for 65/130XE computers to ensure proper cartridge spacing to a table top when inserted in the back of either machine. Embossed lines helped cartridge removal from 600/800XL & XE-GS system vertical slots.
Atari had four cartridge designs - Brown dark label (400/800 CXL40xx), Brown grey label (600/800XL computers RX80xx), smooth Grey with rear ledge (XE computer), and Grey with side grips (XE-GS system).
Oh yes that makes sense (I even have a 65 and a 130XE :)).
I need to do a collection video at some stage.
The 400 was my first computer as a kid. My favorite thing to do was to turn the joystick pins from inputs to outputs, so I could do simple device control. First I tried powering a 5V relay to make a phone pulse dialer but the current draw crashed the 400. My dad showed me how to use a 2N2222 switching transistor to drive the relay.
They truly were an advanced machine for when they were released and one of the very first machines that I played with (at the local stores). I always wanted the assembler cartridge, took me ages to find one :)
Somehow people never mention games that were popular in Eastern Europe for 800/XE series : River Raid, Monty (Montesuma's revenge), International Karate - these games were always booted in computer clubs along with Ninja and Commando II sometimes. Also , my favorites are Zeppelin games' Zybex and Ninja Commando (they also made classic Draconus), Dan Strikes Back, Karateka.
So many fantastic Atari 8-bit games, I’ll have to do a collection video next I think so I can talk about more titles.
The later 400's came with 16k of ram. I think the 400 with star raiders was one that came with 16k. The Atari 400 was my first computer and did come with 16k. I later had it upgraded to 48k.
I so wanted one when they first came out, but no way could I afford one. Played Star Raiders heaps in the local store when ever I could. Later on when I had money I bought a 400 (that had 16k) that came with two disc drives, and then bought the display 800XL (the one I still have now) from the same above store when they slimmed down their computers.
I remember first seeing the 400 and 800 in a computer shop in Dandenong. I remember being amazed by Star Raiders it seemed so advanced at the time my friend and I were like wow.
I think I saw Galaxian being played 1st followed by Star Raiders the next time I came into the store. Played it for ages, every chance I could get access to a machine. I probably should do a video just on Star Raiders :)
I could tell it was PAL when donkey Kong music was a bit slower then I’m used to hearing.
Yeah the GS is a Pal version, I do have two 60Hz systems but they are the older ones and I haven’t done any cap replacements in them as yet. It will actually be nice with the mini to be able to play the games at 60hz
Love donkey Kong cool system and still works
An excellent version of Donkey Kong on this one, I’ll have to play some more of the games again soon :)
Regarding the keyboard let’s never forget how atrocious the manual non electronic typewriters were. I was born in 1984 though and first PC in 2008 😢
I might order the 400 mini. Thanks for the video.
I can remember using a mechanical typewriter to type up my projects in high school. The only computer there was a dumb terminal, it did have a printer, but no word processing software.
@@electricadventures ha ha my mother had / has an old typewriter. I had a Brother PY-80 electronic typewriter for assignments. I first used a computer at a friend’s house, no clue what it was though. We had windows 95 at school in year 5 playing Sim City which I have on SNES.
I think you made a mistake in your video. You mentioned it came in 1977. I think it was actually 1979.
Yep officially announced in 1978 and the first stock appeared in 1979.
Next Spring 2025 we should get an Atari 400 Maxi or Atari 800 Maxi.
I reckon if they do a full size one they will do the 800 due to its proper keyboard, another reason why they made the mini the 400.
@@electricadventures I agree with you. It makes sense now!