Atari 1200XL

[RickR]

The Atari 1200XL is the black sheep of the 8-bit lineup.  Most folks believe it has some flaws.  No BASIC built in, and some software compatibility issues.  Heck, Atari pulled the machine off the market in less than a year to produce the "fixed" 800XL and 600XL instead. 

Still, the machine itself is beautiful.  It looks and feels great.  The cartridge slot is on the side, giving it a nice clean look.  And the joystick ports are mounted diagonally, which is pretty cool. 

I've been playing around with the 1200XL I recently picked up and enjoying it a lot.  I haven't found any software issues yet.  I like that I don't have to hold down "option" to disable BASIC while loading games.  I really like the way it looks and it makes me happy to have one. 

What do you all think of this model?

 

Edited December 19, 2023 by RickR

[Justin]

Shoutout to Regan Cheng - a true legend - for penning the 1200XL and the gorgeous XL design language.

[MaximumRD]

Slick and beautiful model. 

[Marco1019]

I never knew anyone who owned the 1200XL. It looks very sleek but the XL models were like that. I see you're running the classic Electronic Arts titles between Dr. J vs. Bird and M.U.L.E.!

[Atari 5200 Guy]

M.U.L.E. Is one of my favorites!  The 1200XL is a beautiful piece of equipment. I have never own one nor seen on in person but if I had to chose one XL model I believe I would pick the 1200. I like the 800XL myself.

[Wihtgar]

Thanks for sharing.  I had an Atari 1200XL, my dad bought for me.  Most of the complaints about it were nonsense.  All you had to do, to use BASIC was insert the catridge which came with the system.  I also had MULE.  My favorite game for it was Gateway to Apshai.