<img width="500" height="238" data-tf-not-load src="https://dayintechhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Atari-1200XL.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Atari-1200XL" decoding="async" srcset="https://dayintechhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Atari-1200XL.jpg 500w, https://dayintechhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Atari-1200XL-300x142.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" />

1982 – After a decent success of the Atari 400/800 line the company noticed the console was looking a little “old”. After all, the Atari 400 actually discolors upon UV light. The 400’s non-tactile keyboard was replaced with the 800’s raised key keyboard. Still, Atari felt they needed to bring this personal computer into the 80’s.Therefore, the 1200XL was born. It was a hybrid computer – using what they called “Sweet 16” – a byte language developed by Steve Wozniak.  It was to manipulate 16-bit pointer data from an 8-bit system.

The Atari 1200XL also featured 64 KB of RAM and a redesigned cable port and keyboard layout. Unfortunately the community felt the 1200XL was poorly designed for certain ports were in the wrong place. There was also a color enhancement feature that couldn’t be used because it wasn’t connected to the monitor port.

The Atari 1200XL was $599.99

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