Atari Stacy

Computer Model
Specifications
Manufacturer	Atari Corporation
Type	Portable computer (laptop)
Discontinued	1991
CPU	Motorola 68HC000 @ 8 MHz
Memory	1 MB RAM (expandable to 4 MB)
Storage	Internal 3.5″ DS/DD floppy drive; optional 20 MB or 40 MB SCSI hard drive (Conner Peripherals)
Display	10.4″ EPSON passive-matrix LCD (backlit supertwist), 640×400 mono
Sound	Yamaha YM2149F (3 voices + noise)
OS / Firmware	Atari TOS 1.04
Predecessor	None (first portable ST)
Successor	Atari ST Book

The 'Atari Stacy' (also written as 'STacy') is a portable computer manufactured by Atari Corporation, released in September 1989. It was the first portable version of the Atari ST platform, designed as a clamshell laptop with an integrated keyboard, trackball, and LCD display. While marketed as a portable, the Stacy weighs approximately 6.9 kg (15.2 lb) and is more accurately described as a 'luggable' desktop replacement. It was roughly comparable to the Apple Macintosh Portable, which launched the same year at a significantly higher price point.

The Stacy was particularly popular among musicians for live performance and studio use, thanks to its built-in MIDI ports and compatibility with professional sequencing software such as Steinberg Pro-24 and C-Lab Creator/Notator.

History

The Stacy was developed as a global project, with design work carried out at Atari's Sunnyvale headquarters and Cambridge (UK) facility. Final PCB layouts were produced by Atari in Japan, where the first units were manufactured. Later production took place in Taiwan. The distinctive sculptured charcoal-grey case was designed by Ira Velinsky, Atari's chief Industrial Designer.

When Atari showed prototypes of the Stacy at the 1989 Hannover CeBIT fair and COMDEX, responses exceeded expectations. Atari CEO Jack Tramiel estimated initial demand at 5,000 units per month, with factory capacity of 35,000 units per month at the Taiwan facility. Despite this, supply frequently lagged behind demand following the US launch.

The Stacy was originally designed to operate on 12 standard C-cell batteries for portable use. However, Atari discovered that the machine consumed batteries far too quickly — especially problematic given that rechargeable NiCd cells of the era supplied insufficient voltage compared to fresh alkalines. Atari's solution was pragmatic: they simply glued the battery compartment lid shut on production units, making the Stacy AC-only in practice. An optional NiCd battery pack was listed but rarely available.

The Stacy was discontinued around 1991, replaced by the much smaller and lighter Atari ST Book.

Models

Model	Code	RAM	Storage	Approx. Price (1989)
Stacy	LST-1141	1 MB	1× 3.5″ floppy	US$1,495
Stacy 2	LST-2124	2 MB	2× 3.5″ floppy	—
Stacy 2	LST-2144	2 MB	1× 3.5″ floppy + 20 MB HD	US$2,299
Stacy 4	LST-4144	4 MB	1× 3.5″ floppy + 40 MB HD	US$2,999

All models share the same motherboard and case; they differ only in RAM population and storage configuration. Any Stacy can be upgraded to 4 MB RAM with a memory expansion board.

Technical specifications

Component	Specification
'CPU'	Motorola 68HC000, 8 MHz. 16-bit external data bus, 32-bit internal registers, 24-bit address bus.
'RAM'	1 MB, 2 MB, or 4 MB depending on model. Expandable to 4 MB via internal upgrade.
'ROM'	192 KB. Atari TOS 1.04 (Rainbow TOS).
'Display'	10.4″ EPSON passive-matrix LCD with backlight. Supertwist technology. 640×400 pixels, monochrome. Supports high-resolution mode only on the internal display.
'Graphics'	Atari Shifter IC. External monitor port supports all three ST video modes: 320×200 (16 colours), 640×200 (4 colours), 640×400 (mono).
'Sound'	Yamaha YM2149F PSG. Three square-wave channels plus noise generator.
'Storage'	Internal 3.5″ DS/DD floppy drive (720 KB). Optional internal SCSI hard drive (20 MB or 40 MB, Conner Peripherals). ACSI/DMA port for external hard drives.
'Keyboard'	95-key integrated keyboard.
'Pointing device'	Built-in trackball (functions as ST mouse).
'Blitter'	Yes (hardware bit-block transfer).
'Ports'	1× Parallel (Centronics), 1× Serial (RS-232C), 2× Joystick (DE-9), 1× External floppy, 1× ACSI/DMA (hard drive/laser printer), 2× MIDI (In/Out, 5-pin DIN), 1× ROM cartridge, 1× Modem, 1× External monitor.
'Power'	DC 18V 2.0A 36W external AC adapter. Battery compartment present but sealed (unused on most production units).
'Dimensions'	13.3 × 15.0 × 3.3 inches (338 × 381 × 84 mm).
'Weight'	15.2 lb (6.9 kg).

MIDI and music

The Stacy's built-in MIDI ports made it one of the most popular portable MIDI controllers and sequencers of its era. Musicians used the Stacy on stage and in the studio, running software such as:

'Steinberg Pro-24' and 'Cubase' — professional MIDI sequencing
'C-Lab Creator/Notator' — notation and sequencing
'Dr. T's KCS' — Keyboard Controlled Sequencer
'Hybrid Arts' MIDI software suite

The Stacy's portability (relative to a full ST desktop setup with monitor) and rock-solid MIDI timing made it an essential tool for touring musicians. Notable users include Jimmy Urine of Mindless Self Indulgence.

In popular culture

The Stacy appears in two 1991 films: 'Nothing but Trouble' (directed by Dan Aykroyd) and 'Delusion'.

Known issues

'NiCd battery leakage' — The internal real-time clock NiCd battery is the most common source of damage in surviving Stacy units. Leaked electrolyte corrodes PCB traces and component leads. Preventive removal is strongly recommended.
'LCD degradation' — The passive-matrix LCD can develop dead lines or uneven contrast over time.
'Capacitor failure' — Electrolytic capacitors from the late 1980s may dry out or leak, causing power instability, audio issues, or display problems. See the Atari Stacy Capacitor Replacement Guide.
'Trackball mechanism' — The trackball rollers accumulate debris and may need cleaning for smooth operation.

Production numbers

Exact production figures are not confirmed, but Atari's factory capacity and sales reports suggest an estimated 35,000+ units were manufactured across all models.

Maintenance and repair

External links