Which Atari 8-bit to get is always the eternal debate and one that regular pops up on the aforementioned AtariAge forums. While it's impractical for most just from a space standpoint, I made sure to get at least one example from each category, though I do have multiples across the line: Atari 400, Atari 800, Atari 800XL, Atari XEGS and Atari 130XE (I obviously purposely avoided any of the 600 series systems, which have limited memory, though some like to expand the 600XL because of the small case size). Certainly the 1200XL looks the best and has the best keyboard, but has minor compatibility issues that require some workarounds or a BIOS replacement. The XEGS is interesting because you can use it without it's external keyboard as a game console, though it looks the worst and has a spongy keyboard (which can be replaced/upgraded like all the models). There are compatibility issues between the original 400/800 and later XL/XE systems, due to the latter's 64K expectation, though it's easier to make the XL/XE run the few incompatible 400/800 software items with either a translator cartridge or disk (something I made sure to purchase), than it is to get the 400/800 to the right BIOS and memory, particularly since the 800 typically maxes out at 48K using standard means.

With all that said, I too would recommend a 48K Atari 800 because of the aesthetic, build quality and compatibility. I would then choose either the 800XL, XEGS or 130XE (65XE would suffice, it's just as 64K version of the 128K 130XE) so you can run all 64K software. It sounds crazy to have two systems, but I think it's far less hassle for anyone but the truly dedicated to try to have it all with one system (meaning doing various BIOS/memory/internal upgrades). You'd obviously only need the system and the power supply, everything else can be shared freely between the two. Regardless, as was stated, the homebrew community in regards to hardware and solutions to use ROMs and whatever is probably the strongest of any community out there. It's really something else.

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Bill Loguidice, Managing Director | Armchair Arcade, Inc.