Atari

Atari 8-bit and ST-family computers from the collection.

The collection spans Atari’s 8-bit XL/XE computers and the later 68000-based ST family.

Detailed entries

1989

Released: 1989
CPU: 68000 at 8 MHz
RAM: 512K, expandable to 4 MB
ROM: 256K
Text: 40×25 in 16 or four colours, or 80×25 in two colours
Graphics: 320×200 in 16 colours, 640×200 in four colours, or 640×400 in two colours; 4,096-colour palette
Sound: Four-channel stereo
Controls: Four joystick ports
Interfaces: MIDI and external hard-disk connections
Storage: Integral 3.5-inch floppy disk

An enhanced version of the 520STFM whose extra facilities were not widely used by games publishers.

1983

An entry-level member of Atari’s XL range.

1985

A 128K development of Atari’s 8-bit computer family.

1985–1986

Released: Original ST in 1985; STFM in 1986
CPU: 68000 at 8 MHz
RAM: 512K, expandable to 4 MB
Text: 40×25 in four or 16 colours, or 80×25 in black and white
Graphics: 640×400 in two colours, 640×200 in four colours, or 320×200 in 16 colours; 512-colour palette
Sound: Three-channel mono
Interfaces: MIDI ports; port for an external hard disk
Storage and television output: Original ST without an integral floppy drive or TV modulator; STFM with an integrated 3.5-inch floppy disk and TV modulator

The MIDI ports helped make the ST family popular with musicians.