Atari 1450XLD
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Atari, Inc. |
| Type | Home Computer (prototype) |
| Released | Never released (c. 1983–1984) |
| Discontinued | Cancelled |
| Intro price | N/A (prototype only) |
| CPU | MOS Technology 6502C @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) |
| Memory | 64 KB RAM, 16 KB ROM |
| Storage | Built-in 5.25" double-sided floppy disk drive (360 KB), external SIO peripherals |
| Display | 320×192 pixels maximum, 16 colours with 16 intensity levels (ANTIC/GTIA) |
| Sound | POKEY: 4 voices; Votrax SC-01 (or SC-02) speech synthesizer (built-in) |
| Dimensions | Larger than 1200XL due to integrated disk drive |
| Weight | Unknown |
| OS / Firmware | Atari XL OS, Atari BASIC Revision B/C |
| Predecessor | Atari 1200XL |
| Successor | Atari 800XL (production replacement) |
| Model no. | 1450XLD |
The Atari 1450XLD was the most ambitious prototype in Atari's XL computer series, combining a built-in 300-baud modem, speech synthesizer, and an integrated double-sided 5.25" floppy disk drive into a single unit. Developed alongside the Atari 1400XL, it was never commercially released due to technical difficulties with the parallel disk drive controller and the broader corporate upheaval at Atari, Inc.
Background
[edit | edit source]The 1450XLD represented Atari's vision for an all-in-one home computer that would eliminate the need for multiple external peripherals. By integrating telecommunications (modem), voice output (speech synthesizer), and mass storage (floppy drive) into a single enclosure, the 1450XLD would have offered an unusually complete home computing package for its era.
The "D" suffix in the model designation refers to the integrated disk drive, distinguishing it from the 1400XL, which shared similar features but lacked the built-in storage.
Specifications
[edit | edit source]- Processor: MOS Technology 6502C at 1.79 MHz (NTSC)
- RAM: 64 KB
- ROM: 16 KB (Atari BASIC on cartridge)
- Co-processors: ANTIC (video/display lists), GTIA (colour/sprites), POKEY (sound/I/O), FREDDIE (memory manager)
- Modem: Built-in 300-baud modem (Bell 103 compatible)
- Speech: Votrax SC-01 (or SC-02) speech synthesizer chip
- Disk drive: Built-in 5.25" double-sided floppy disk drive (360 KB capacity), with space for an optional second drive
- Disk controller: Parallel disk drive controller (faster than standard SIO-based arrangement)
- I/O: SIO serial bus, Parallel Bus Interface (PBI), 2 joystick ports, cartridge port, RGB output, composite video, expansion port
- Keyboard: Full-stroke keyboard with function keys (Reset, Option, Select, Start, Help, F1–F4)
- Power: External power supply unit
Parallel Disk Controller
[edit | edit source]Unlike other Atari 8-bit computers that connected disk drives via the SIO serial bus, the 1450XLD used a parallel disk drive controller for significantly faster data transfer rates. This was a major technical advancement, but it ultimately proved to be the project's undoing — Atari engineers reportedly struggled to get the parallel controller working reliably, contributing to the project's cancellation.
Integrated Features
[edit | edit source]The combination of modem, speech synthesizer, and disk drive in a single unit was remarkably forward-thinking for 1983–1984. The built-in modem eliminated the need for a separate Atari 1030 modem, the speech chip allowed software-controlled voice output, and the integrated floppy drive meant users could load and save programs without purchasing an external Atari 1050 drive.
The 1450XLD's case was designed with space for two 5.25" disk drives, though it is unclear whether any prototypes were built with dual drives installed.
Cancellation
[edit | edit source]The 1450XLD was cancelled before reaching production. The primary technical obstacle was the parallel disk drive controller, which could not be made to work reliably within the project's timeframe. Additionally, the sale of Atari's consumer electronics division to Jack Tramiel in July 1984 brought a complete change in direction. Under Tramiel's leadership, Atari Corporation focused on the more cost-effective Atari 800XL, Atari 65XE, and the new 16-bit Atari ST line.
Surviving Prototypes
[edit | edit source]Only a handful of 1450XLD prototypes are known to survive. These include both pre-production and engineering sample units. Some 1400XL prototypes have been found to contain 1450XLD motherboards with the floppy drive controller board removed, suggesting that the two models shared significant design heritage.
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- Atari 8-bit computers — Wikipedia
- Atari 1450XLD — Gury's Atari 8-bit Forever Portal
- ATARI 1450XL Integral Disk Drive Specification — AtariWiki