Atari PC2
| Atari PC2 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Atari Corporation |
| Type | IBM PC Compatible |
| Released | November 1987 (announced); Q1 1988 (shipping) |
| Discontinued | 1990 |
| Intro price | US$1,000 |
| CPU | Intel 8088-2 @ 8 MHz (switchable to 4.77 MHz) |
| Memory | 512 KB RAM (expandable to 640 KB) |
| Storage | 2× Chinon FZ-502 5.25" 360 KB floppy drives (dual floppy config) or 1× 5.25" floppy + 20 MB HDD |
| Display | Onboard EGA graphics (NSI Logic EVC315-S) |
| Sound | PC Speaker |
| OS / Firmware | MS-DOS 3.2, GW-BASIC 3.2 |
| Predecessor | Atari PC1 |
| Successor | Atari PC3 |
The Atari PC2 was an IBM PC-compatible computer manufactured by Atari Corporation, announced at COMDEX '87 in November 1987. Originally marketed as the "Business PC Expandable System", the PC2 addressed the most significant criticism of its predecessor, the Atari PC1, by providing a full-size desktop case with internal expansion slots.
Overview
[edit | edit source]Where the PC1 had reused the compact Atari Megafile 44 chassis with no room for expansion cards, the PC2 was built in a new, purpose-designed desktop case. This provided space for five 8-bit ISA expansion slots, multiple internal drive bays, and a more conventional PC layout. The PC2 shared the same core specifications as the PC1 — an Intel 8088-2 processor, 512 KB of RAM, and EGA graphics — but offered the expandability that the market demanded.
The system was sold in two configurations: a dual floppy drive model with two 5.25" 360 KB drives, or a single floppy drive with a 20 MB hard disk.
Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel 8088-2, switchable between 8 MHz and 4.77 MHz |
| Co-processor socket | Intel 8087 |
| RAM | 512 KB (expandable to 640 KB) |
| Graphics | Onboard NSI Logic EVC315-S EGA controller, supporting EGA, CGA, and Hercules modes |
| Storage | 2× Chinon FZ-502 5.25" 360 KB floppy drives, or 1× floppy + 20 MB HDD |
| Hard drive controller | Adaptec ACB-2072 RLL controller (on HDD models) |
| Expansion | 5× 8-bit ISA expansion slots |
| Ports | Mouse port (Atari ST compatible), external floppy drive port (Atari ST compatible), monitor port, RS-232 serial port, Centronics parallel port |
| Keyboard | Atari 83-key XT keyboard |
| Mouse | Atari PCM1 (relabelled Atari STM1) |
| Sound | PC Speaker |
Bundled Software
[edit | edit source]- Microsoft MS-DOS 3.2
- GW-BASIC 3.2
- Digital Research GEM Desktop EGA v2.1
- GEM Write
- GEM Paint
Compatible Peripherals
[edit | edit source]- Atari PCM-124 — 12" EGA monochrome monitor
- External floppy disk drive (Atari ST compatible)
Reception
[edit | edit source]The PC2 was a much more conventional and capable machine than the PC1, offering everything buyers expected from an XT-class IBM clone. However, by the time it shipped in early 1988, it faced stiff price competition from established brands such as Tandy (whose 1000 series frequently went on sale) and budget clone makers like Leading Edge and Amstrad.
The PC1's earlier reputation for non-expandability also carried over to the PC2, making it difficult for Atari to convince buyers that the newer model was a serious contender. Despite being a perfectly competent XT-class system, the PC2 never achieved significant market penetration.
See Also
[edit | edit source]External Links
[edit | edit source]