August18 0401: scuzzblog: Atari 1050 - At long last
ScuzzBlog: Diaries February 2024
Entry 14th February 2024: Post 1: Atari 130XE - XL Compatible Eight bit.
Atari 130XE - XL Compatible Eight bit.
So what were Atari thinking in bringing out a brand new 8-bit
machine just at the very time they were releasing the 520ST their
newest 16-bit machine. I guess if Commodore are doing it then why
not do the same.
The Atari 130XE was modelled on the new ST range and represents
the end of the 8-bit line for the platform. There were two of
the machines in the XE camp if you exclude the games machine, and
that included the 65XE. And why 130XE, well 130 represents the
126K memory and the XE is cus it's part of the XL range. Don't ask.
So what do you get for your extra money in buying the 130XE over
the 65XE. In truth just the extra RAM and nothing else. What was
sad was that no developer really made software or games that took
advantage of the extra RAM. Interestingly the extra RAM could be
used as a RAM disk.
The computer was pretty well dead in the water at launch, though
it represented a very good quality 8-bit machine if you were in
the market to compete with Amstrad and maybe Commodore. By 1985
pretty much evert other 8-bit machine had bitten the dust.
Anyway... I am still undertaking my review of machines that I
have 'left out' for general use and I'm not doing very well in
my efforts to put stuff away. I guess I do enjoy having a play
every now and then.
This sad little machine sits in a most vulnerable location and is
subject to breaking my rule about placing things on top of
keyboards. Just happens to sit next to a book store and great pile
of magazines.
I do have other 130XE machines and 65XE and boxed versions. Of the
ones I have this is the only one that has slightly faded. The
others have retained their grey colour without loss.
The machine came with a quite massive brick of a power supply.
Originally it was wired to the supply to the 1050 disk drive. The
drive itself was a real pain to get operational as it took me
years to get the DOS 2.5 disk.
Although the TV image is a little poor the actual output on this
computer is crisp and clear. She powers up immediately and works
like a charm. The keyboard is ideal for WP work. I do like this
computer even if she is an Atari. The line editing to the BASIC
is so easy and simple to use and lets you edit every word on the
screen including error messages. Quite a unique feature.
I took the opportunity to promote Modest Pelican who has a comedy
gaming channel on YouTube featuring Hitman and GTA Online. He is
a hoot and half and refers to his audience as legends or dodgy malakas.
Some dope on the 'malaka' [ Australian stupid or annoying ]. Just
kidding ...
Atari 130XE from 1985 using the 6502C processor running at 1.79MHz.
Custom chips: GTIA Graphics, POKEY sound, ANTIC screen input/ouput
FREDDY memory. The RAM is 131 072 bytes, with 24 576 bytes of ROM.
Operating System plus ATARI BASIC.
Has 11 graphics modes, 256 colors, 320x192 highest graphics screen.
40 columns by 24 lines. 5 text modes. Has 4 independent sound plus
3.5 octave range.
Keyboard is a full stroke and has 62 keys, international characters
and 29 graphics keys.
The machine is compatible with the 65XE and 800XL.
The computer also supports the RAM disk storage DOS 2.5. But for
that you need the disk and that means a 1050 disk drive. Good luck
getting the disk.
The most underrated design feature of Atari machines of the 8-bit
range is the Serial I/O connector which really is way ahead of its
time. So much so it almost feels it was given to Atari from
someone from the future.
All the classic Atari games are available on cartridge plus loads
of software. The library is quite enormous. In truth if you were
ever minded to buy just one 8-bit machine I would get a C64. OK
who is the 'dodgy malaka' now.
Tomorrow I have a play with another 8-bit machine.
Atari 130XE - XL Compatible Eight bit.
~ August 4th 2018~
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Last updated 14th February 2024
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