Task: Explore Atari Computer Sales Brochures and Catalogs
Needed: Web browser
Time: 10-15 minutes
Introduction
One of my favorite things to is to explore sales brochures and catalogs for the Atari 8-bit line of computers. Fortunately, my packrat father saved a number of these so I can enjoy them again today in my hands. Of course, many are available for exploration online. Some can be found on eBay for purchase. Enjoy browsing!
Instructions
There are a number of product catalogs which have been scanned and uploaded to the Internet Archive. There are also a number available on Atari Mania. I list some of these below.
Here is the “Touch the Future” brochure from 1979 introducing the Atari 800.
An Atari 800 brochure from 1980.
Atari home computer catalog from 1981 featuring the 400 and 800 with peripherals and software.
Here is a product catalog from 1982 featuring the 400 and 800 line with peripherals and software.
“Discover the World” Atari home computer catalog from 1982.
A comprehensive Atari home computer catalog from 1982 featuring the 400, 800, peripherals, and software. Note the $1 price tag.
An Atari 400 brochure from 1982.
A 1983 catalog featuring the XL series.
Atari home computer catalog from 1984 featuring Alan Alda. Covers the XL series.
“The Next Generation” Atari computer catalog from 1984. Includes the 600XL, 800XL, 1400XL, and 1450XLD along with peripherals and software.
A catalog from 1986 listing the XE series.
A 1987 catalog focusing on the Atari 65XE and 130XE.
Comments
These are so much fun to explore. Particularly interesting are the products listed like the 1450XLD or the 1090XL expansion system which never materialized in stores. What a tease! Below is a coming soon page from the 1984 catalog listed above featuring Alan Alda.
