Atari XL facts for kids
The Atari XL was a group of home computers made in 1983. These computers were better versions of the earlier Atari 400 and Atari 800 models, which came out in 1979.
Atari XL computers used a special brain called a CPU, specifically the MOS Technology 6502. There were three main types: the 1200XL, the 600XL, and the 800XL. All of them could connect to a regular television to show what was happening on the screen.
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What are Atari XL Computers?
The Atari XL series was a big step forward for home computing in the 1980s. These machines were designed to be easy to use for families and for playing games. They were also used for learning and doing simple tasks.
How Atari XL Computers Worked
Atari XL computers used an 8-bit system. This means they processed information in chunks of 8 bits at a time. This was common for computers of that era. The MOS Technology 6502 CPU was a popular choice for many home computers and game consoles.
Connecting to a TV
One cool thing about these computers was that they didn't need a special monitor. You could just plug them into your family's television. This made them more affordable and easier for people to use at home.
Different Atari XL Models
Atari made a few different models in the XL series. Each one had slightly different features, but they all shared the same basic design and technology.
Atari 1200XL
The 1200XL was the first model in the XL series, released in 1983. It was designed to look very modern and sleek. It had a special keyboard and built-in self-test features.
Atari 600XL
The 600XL was a smaller and more affordable version. It had less memory than the 800XL, but it was still a powerful computer for its size. It was a good option for people who wanted an Atari computer without spending too much.
Atari 800XL
The 800XL became the most popular model in the XL series. It offered a good balance of features and price. It had more memory than the 600XL and was very popular for playing games and running different programs.
Atari XL's Place in History
The Atari XL computers were important because they helped bring computers into more homes. They showed how computers could be used for entertainment, education, and everyday tasks. They were part of a time when home computers were becoming very exciting and new.
Images for kids
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Atari 400 (1979) with a membrane keyboard and a door covering the single cartridge slot.
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Atari 800 with the cover removed, showing expansion cards and two cartridge slots. The slots are molded into the cast aluminum RF shield.
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The Atari 800 uses expansion cards for the RAM, ROM, and processor. It eventually shipped with three of these 16KB RAM cards, for a total of 48KB.
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The 800XL was the best-selling model in the Atari 8-bit line.
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The 600XL has a slightly shallower case than the 800XL, as it lacks one row of RAM chips.
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The 800XL main circuit board
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Atari 130XE
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Atari XE Game System
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The processor board for the Atari 800, showing the 6502, ANTIC and CTIA chips
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Atari 1020 four-color plotter
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The Atari 400/800 boots into the Memo Pad text editor when no program is loaded.
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Moiré pattern in 320 horizontal pixel graphics mode. The colors are artifacts of displaying hi-res pixels which are half the size of the NTSC color clock.
See also
In Spanish: Familia Atari de 8 bits para niños
