Atari 1200XL
8-bit Home Computer

1982 marked the introduction of the 1200XL in late 1982 marks the single largest advance in the 8-bit Atari system. The 1200XL runs most software and hardware designed for the 800 and 400, but now runs a slightly more advanced 6502C microprocessor, and includes a full 64K RAM. The single cartridge and monitor ports remain, along with 2 controller ports. In addition, the 1200XL includes 4 programmable Function keys and a Help key, built-in diagnostic and graphics demonstration programs, and probably the favorite keyboard of any 8-bit Atari computer. Clicks previously outputted through the built-in speaker are now heard from the television or monitor's speaker. The revised 16K Operating System offers many new features, including an alternate International Character Set.

Atari 1200XL Computer

The 1200XL was a streamlined system that took up a lot less space than the previous Atari 800 system.  It also had was was considered to be the best keyboard ever designed by Atari.

The 1200XL had plenty of problems though, and wasn't quite the smash that Atari expected.  There were some severe compatibility issues that prevented many older programs from running.  "Translator" disks were released by Atari that helped to fix the problems.  If you had an older program that would not run properly on the 1200XL, you would load the "Translator," which was actually a copy of the Atari 400/800 OS on a floppy disk. 

There were also some problems with cartridges.   The cartridge port itself was the same, but the plastic housing around the cartridge port was slightly different.  Certain cartridges wouldn't fit into the system.

I remember when I got rid of my Atari 400, I looked everywhere trying to find an 800 so I wouldn't get stuck with a 1200XL.    I finally found one at a local K-Mart.  Both the salesman and my parents thought that I was nuts that I didn't want the new model.  I was 13 at the time, and I had saved all of my paper route money, and I heard talk of all of the problems in the Atari magazines.  I didn't want to get ripped off.  Although I do have one now for my collection, I'm glad I didn't get one back then.

The 1200XL is viewed by the hardware hackers as the best Atari 8-bit computer for modifications & upgrades.  There is plenty of room in the case for expansion, despite the fact that it was never designed to be expandable.  Many "hacks" were created for this system, including memory upgrades, video upgrades, and a modification that added the PBI interface found in the 800XL & 130XE computers.