| The Atari MEGA STE is based on the STE hardware platform, offering better compatibility with Atari ST software than the Atari TT while including several features from the TT model. Its design resembles the ST-grey version of the TT case, with a separate keyboard and system unit. The 2 MB and 4 MB RAM versions include an internal SCSI hard drive and usually come with a high-resolution monochrome monitor, unlike the 1 MB model which lacks these features. The MEGA STE supports enhanced connectivity with two additional RS-232 serial ports, all using 9-pin connectors instead of the older 25-pin type. It also has a LocalTalk/RS-422 port, supports 1.44 MB high-density floppy disks, and includes support for a third or middle mouse button. An optional floating-point unit (FPU) can be added for advanced calculations. One unique feature is the software-selectable CPU speed. The Motorola 68000 processor can run at either 8 MHz, for compatibility with older software, or 16 MHz for better performance. After the initial release, the operating system ROM was upgraded from TOS 2.05 to versions 2.6 and 2.06. The system also includes a VMEbus expansion slot allowing for add-on cards that can improve graphics or add Ethernet networking capabilities. The MEGA STE’s technical specifications include a Motorola 68000 CPU with 16 KB cache, optional Motorola 68881 or 68882 FPU, a BLiTTER graphics co-processor, and 1 to 4 MB of RAM expandable via 30-pin SIMMs. Sound is provided by the Yamaha YM2149 chip plus an enhanced sound chip from earlier STE models. Storage began with a 720 KB floppy drive but was later upgraded to support 1.44 MB disks. The computer includes ports for MIDI In/Out, three RS-232 serial connections, printer, RGB and monochrome monitors, RF modulator, extra disk drive, ACSI and SCSI interfaces (via daughterboard), and joystick and mouse ports located on the detachable keyboard. The operating system is TOS with the GEM graphical user interface, running from ROM versions 2.05 to 2.06. Display modes include 320×200 with 16 colors, 640×200 with 4 colors, and 640×400 monochrome. The case is a two-piece slim desktop design. |
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