| “The Atari 400 was released in 1979 as the entry-level model of Atari’s 8-bit computer line. Designed for home use, it featured a membrane keyboard and a robust plastic case, making it child-friendly and durable. The system used a custom 6502-based CPU running at approximately 1.79 MHz and came with 8 KB of RAM, upgradeable to 16 KB or more through internal expansion. The Atari 400 shared its architecture with the more advanced Atari 800, including the ANTIC and GTIA chips for graphics and the POKEY chip for sound. It supported multiple display modes and up to 128 colors depending on the resolution, with sprite-like graphics through Player/Missile capabilities. Software was typically loaded from ROM cartridges via a front-mounted slot, and peripherals such as disk drives, printers, and cassette units were connected through Atari’s proprietary SIO (Serial Input/Output) port. The computer booted into a BASIC interpreter if the language cartridge was inserted. While limited by its non-tactile keyboard and memory constraints, the Atari 400 helped make home computing accessible and laid the foundation for Atari’s success in the 8-bit market.” |
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