[ Usenet FAQs | Search | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]
    Search the FAQ Archives

Single Page

Top Document: Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Document: 1.1) What is an Atari 8-bit computer?
Next Document: 1.3) What is the Atari 800?


1.2) What is the Atari 400?


Released along with the 800 in 1979, the 400 was the low-end model of the two.
The only 8-bit Atari with a membrane keyboard rather than a full-stroke
keyboard.  One of the few 8-bit Ataris lacking a composite monitor port.
Originally released with just 8K RAM, but most were sold with 16K RAM.

Atari sold the 48K RAM Expansion Kit for the 400, which required a little
soldering, to dealers only.

Only the 400 and 800 8-bit Atari models have four controller (joystick) ports.

The 400 was produced in both NTSC (North America) and PAL (Europe) versions.
Early 400 units contain the CTIA chip; later units, including all European/PAL
units, contain the GTIA chip, which is also present in all later 8-bit Ataris.

Atari marketing used the trademark, The Basic Computer, as an alternative name
for the 400 from 1981-1982.

The 400 was made in the USA (early production) and Hong Kong (later).

Production of the 400 ended in May 1983.



Top Document: Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Document: 1.1) What is an Atari 8-bit computer?
Next Document: 1.3) What is the Atari 800?

Single Page


[ Usenet FAQs | Search | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]

Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
Michael Current <michael@mcurrent.name>

Last Update July 24 2008 @ 00:12 AM

© 2008 FAQS.ORG. All rights reserved.