Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

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