Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Unearthing a Relic: My Palm IIIx Journey

2025-08-24

While cleaning, the author rediscovered their 1999 Palm IIIx PDA. This 16MHz device with 4MB of RAM evoked nostalgic memories of 90s technology. Though its Graffiti input and monochrome screen seem primitive today, it represented a technological marvel at the time. The author experimented with it, but found limited usability due to a lack of network connectivity and a non-backlit screen. This post chronicles the author's experience with the Palm IIIx and reflects on retro tech.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Misc

Commodore Amiga's 40th Anniversary: The Rise and Fall of a Legendary Computer

2025-08-07

Forty years ago, in July 1985, the Commodore Amiga was launched, taking the computing world by storm. This article recounts the Amiga's incredible journey: from the vision of Atari engineer Jay Miner, through the struggles of Hi-Toro (later Amiga), to its acquisition by Commodore and eventual demise. Known for its advanced graphics and multitasking capabilities, the Amiga faced challenges due to its high price and design flaws. While ultimately losing out to the Atari ST in market share, the Amiga left an indelible mark on computing history, its influence still felt today.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Tech

Atari Mega ST: A High-End Flop?

2025-06-01

Atari's Mega ST, announced at CES 1987, aimed to be a professional workstation, upgrading their ST line. Featuring a low-profile design, integrated floppy drive, and a detachable keyboard with Cherry MX switches, it had some appealing aspects. However, the Mega ST fell short. Its compact case hampered expandability, and the 8MHz processor offered no speed advantage over cheaper predecessors. High pricing, coupled with a lack of significant performance improvements beyond increased RAM (2MB or 4MB) and a graphics blitter, hindered its success. Despite a nice keyboard and some technical advancements, the Mega ST ultimately failed to capture the market.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Hardware workstation

Atari's Asteroids: From Simple Idea to Arcade Legend

2025-05-19

Following the breakout success of Space Invaders in 1978, Atari sought its next big hit. Inspired by Space Invaders and Star Wars, Asteroids was conceived in 1979. Its simple premise—shoot and destroy asteroids—belied its innovative gameplay. Unlike the simpler controls of Space Invaders, Asteroids featured complex maneuvering and challenging gameplay: players controlled a spaceship, moving freely, rotating to shoot, and dodging splitting asteroids and UFOs. Utilizing vector graphics for a stunning space aesthetic, Asteroids became one of Atari's best-selling games, with over 70,000 units sold. Ported to numerous platforms including the Atari 2600, it spawned countless versions and remains a beloved classic.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Game Arcade Game

The Altair 8800: The Unsung Hero of the PC Revolution

2025-05-02

Before Apple, before Commodore, there was the MITS Altair 8800. Released in 1975, this kit-based computer, featured on the cover of Popular Electronics, is considered the first commercially successful personal computer. Priced at $397, it lacked a keyboard and display, relying on switches and lights. Its popularity, exceeding 25,000 units sold, spurred the creation of Microsoft (Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed BASIC for it) and inspired Steve Wozniak's Apple I. The Altair's legacy extends to the S-100 bus standard, solidifying its place as a pivotal moment in computing history.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Tech personal computer

Atari 1200XL: The Short-Lived 8-Bit Champion

2025-04-17

The Atari 1200XL, the third in Atari's 8-bit computer line, aimed to replace the increasingly expensive Atari 800 and compete with the Commodore 64. Featuring 64K RAM and a sleek 1980s design, its $800 price tag and incompatibility with popular software like Letter Perfect doomed it to a short lifespan, discontinued after only six months. Despite this, its excellent keyboard and fixable compatibility issues make it a sought-after collectible today, even retaining practical use.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Hardware 8-bit

Flight Simulator II on the Atari XE: A Retro Look Back

2025-03-09

This article revisits the 80s classic, Flight Simulator, and its sequel, Flight Simulator II, specifically its port to the Atari XE. It traces the series' journey from the Apple II to the IBM PC and finally the Atari XE, highlighting the technological feats and unique aspects of Flight Simulator II as a pack-in game for the XE. Despite its simple graphics, the game was groundbreaking for its time as a flight simulator, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Game flight simulator

Atari 2600+ & 7800+: Retro Gaming Reimagined

2025-02-09

Atari's new 2600+ and 7800+ systems bring classic Atari gaming to modern TVs via HDMI. Both boast retro designs and compatibility with original controllers. The 7800+ includes a wireless gamepad, though its quality is questionable. While load times are slow and some game compatibility issues exist, the high-definition visuals and ease of connection to modern displays make them attractive for retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Game

Atari ST's 40th Anniversary: A Budget 16-bit GUI Revolution

2025-01-09

Atari's 1985 CES unveiling of the Atari ST, a 16-bit GUI computer, sent shockwaves through the industry with its surprisingly low price ($800-$1000 for a 520ST bundle). While the 130ST failed due to insufficient RAM, the 520ST's powerful performance and innovative GEM operating system made it a hit, challenging Commodore and Apple and injecting new energy into the personal computer market. Its impact on software development remains significant.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Tech 16-bit computer

Atari ST and DOS PCs: A Forgotten Disk Compatibility Story

2025-01-06

In 1984, Atari faced a challenge in getting an operating system for the Atari ST. Due to time constraints, they partnered with Digital Research, opting for their nearly-complete GEM OS instead of the then-unfinished Windows. GEM would later be ported to PCs, but it didn't gain traction. However, Atari ST's use of GEMDOS, similar to PC-DOS, and the identical disk format, allowed for surprisingly easy file transfers between the Atari ST and PCs. Despite minor compatibility issues, this was revolutionary at the time and remains relevant today. The article also recounts an attempt to run DOS programs on an Atari ST using pc-ditto, a third-party emulator. While slow, the ability to run some DOS applications showcases the Atari ST's unique charm in the retro computing world.

(www.goto10retro.com)

Tech