Atari 800 8-Bit Personal Computer (1979-1984)

Atari 800

The Atari 800, released in November 1979 alongside the more affordable Atari 400, was a landmark in home computing that successfully merged the power of a gaming console with the utility of a personal computer. Originally developed under the code name "Colleen," it featured a high-end design for its time, including a full-travel mechanical keyboard, two cartridge slots, and a unique internal expandable memory system that could eventually support up to 48 KB of RAM. Its custom chipset—designed in part by Jay Miner, who later created the Amiga—gave it superior color graphics and four-voice sound capabilities that outperformed competitors like the Apple II for several years. To comply with strict FCC interference regulations, the machine was famously "built like a tank," featuring a heavy internal cast-aluminum shield that contributed to its reputation for extreme durability.

The Atari 410 Program Recorder was the primary storage peripheral for many early Atari users, offering a low-cost alternative to the expensive 810 disk drive. Launched in 1979 to match the beige aesthetic of the 400 and 800 models, this dedicated cassette deck utilized standard audio tapes to store and retrieve digital data at a rate of 600 baud. A unique feature of the 410 was its dual-track capability: one track handled digital data while the second track was reserved for analog audio. This allowed for "talk-through" educational programs, where the computer would load data and then play pre-recorded voice instructions through the television speaker, a revolutionary feature in the early 1980s. While the device was mechanically similar to standard tape players, it was fully controlled by the computer via the proprietary Serial Input/Output (SIO) port, which could automatically start and stop the motor during program loading.

Donor: Rob and Lisa H., Monroe, CT