Atari 65XE/130XE Series
8-bit Home Computers

In 1985, the new Atari Corp. delivered on its promise to advance the 8-bit Atari system by replacing the 800XL/600XL with the new 130XE and 65XE in 1985. The 65XE is nearly identical to the 800XL in features, minus the PBI. The 130XE, however, offers 128K RAM, plus the FREDDY chip, supporting the unique (but rarely used) ability for the 6502C and the ANTIC to independently access RAM banks. In addition, the 130XE replaces the PBI port with the Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI), continuing the powerful feature of direct memory access.

Atari XE Series Computer

Essentially, the XE series of computers were not much of an improvement over the XL series. The ECI (Extended Cartridge Interface) was nothing more then a slightly repackaged XL Parallel Bus Interface (PBI). The keyboards were mushy feeling and difficult to type on.  The keys were white and tended to get dirty quickly.  The function keys were mounted at a 45 degree angle, making them clumsy to use at times.  The 65XE systems didn't even have the ECI.

The cartridge port was moved to the BACK of the system, making it almost impossible to insert/remove cartridges without picking the system up off of your desk.

In a change of marketing strategy, Atari introduced the new XE Game System in 1987.  Despite its label, the XEGS is a true 8-bit Atari computer system.  It offers the convenience of a detachable keyboard and built-in Missile Command game, while offering 64K RAM and full compatibility with the 65XE.

Atari 800XE Computer

The 800XE was released in Europe only.  It was essentially the same as an American 65XE.

Atari officially dropped all remaining support of their 8-bit computer line on January 1, 1992.