[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)]

And as you mention, Pac Man isn't a terrible game.  It is fun.  But so frustrating they didn't even try to get the colors and animations correct.  That's all it would have taken to avoid most of the flak they got IMO.

[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)]

For me personally, Pac Man really hurt Atari's reputation.  After Pac Man, I really had to read a review or try a game out first before plunking down the $30.  Losing the trust of  your loyal audience is never a good thing for any company. 

Listen, we all knew the 2600 had limitations...but this game wasn't even close to the original.  Colors, character graphics, bonus fruits....all so terribly wrong. 

You also mention Defender...and that was another nail in the coffin.  The fact that your ship disappears when you fire was just plain wrong.  At that point, most trust was gone. 

[Radar Lock (Atari 2600)]

Just found a copy on ebay.  Thanks for the recommendation. 

[Radar Lock (Atari 2600)]

I do not have this one, but sounds like I need to find a copy.

[Something amiss with the 130XE...]

Remember...the XE line was made on the cheap.  Cost cutting was the goal.  I've had much better luck with the XL or 400/800. 

[I promise you it's not an Atari Jaguar doormat...]

Sticker?

[One strong synth for man, one strong sampler for mankind...]

When I was in school, I had a Casio Sampling keyboard that I had a blast with.  I think it was an SK-5.  Well, looking on ebay...those things are just about the same price as this Roland you have.  I think you've found a great deal.  I need to look into getting one of these. 

[One strong synth for man, one strong sampler for mankind...]

That thing is SWEET. 

[Welcome to the New Age of Atari]

Atari 8-bit computers are my favorite Atari to collect for. 

[SIO2PC USB was meant to busy bee...]

I'm still using the SIO2PC serial edition.  See my "Scraptop" blog entry. 

[Behold -- The power of the "Scraptop"]

Postscript - A used CPU just arrived in the mail.  It's an Intel Core Duo T2500 @ 2.0 GHz.  I paid $3 shipped (see what I mean?  CHEAP parts.)  The CPU is only slightly faster than the old one, but it's a newer revision and has better "speed step" technology....meaning longer battery life.  Took about 10 minutes to pop it in. 

[The End (Or Is It?)]

This is a great story.  Never feel bad about giving stuff away.  Your heart was in the right place....giving toys to kids you thought would have fun with them.  Giving is good for your soul!  Yes, you miss those objects.  But the memories are yours FOREVER. 

[Multi-cart Reviews - Atari 5200 (128 in 1)]

Sure thing.

[Multi-cart Reviews - Atari 5200 (128 in 1)]

Looks like the 128 in 1 *is* still available from Atarimax for $130 + shipping. I'd get the SD card version if I was buying today.

[Playing The Atari]

Missile Command, Adventure, Ms Pac Man, Joust.  Demon Attack.  Any of the Activision titles.