Atari ST: Difference between revisions
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The '''Atari ST''' was the first [[TOS Family|TOS machine]] developed by [[Atari Corporation]], being released in 1985. For the time, the ST featured a powerful processor, a large amount of memory, a colourful display, and an easy-to-use GUI operating system, all for a very cheap price. These attributes all contributed to ST representing a significant evolution in the personal computer market, and consequently it was a massive commercial success. Without this success, the [[TOS Family]] would not have existed. | The '''Atari ST''' was the first [[TOS Family|TOS machine]] developed by [[Atari Corporation]], being released in 1985. For the time, the ST featured a powerful processor, a large amount of memory, a colourful display, and an easy-to-use GUI operating system, all for a very cheap price. These attributes all contributed to ST representing a significant evolution in the personal computer market, and consequently it was a massive commercial success. Without this success, the [[TOS Family]] would not have existed. | ||
The name ‘ST’ is derived from the capabilities of the Motorola 68000 processor upon which the original Atari line was based. The 68000 uses a <font size=3>'''S'''</font>ixteen-bit data bus with a <font size=3>'''T'''</font>hirty-two bit address bus. | |||
==Features== | ==Features== | ||
* | The original ST computers featured the following: | ||
*Motorola 68000 32-bit processor running at 8MHz. | |||
* | *Integrated GEM/TOS operating system. | ||
* | *RAM memory storage of 256k, 512k, or 1 Mbyte. | ||
* | :512KB in the first signifcant base model, the 520 (early 260 models existed with only 256KB of memory). The 1040ST was equipped with 1MB of RAM. | ||
*Built-in MIDI, dual joystick, floppy drive, ACSI, serial, and parallel ports. | |||
*Sophisticated DMA peripheral access. | |||
*Yamaha 3-voice FM sound generator. | |||
*External 128k cartridge port. | |||
*Integrated video controller capable of generating (320x200x16), (640x200x4), and (640x400x2) video modes from as many as 512 colors. | |||
==Revisions== | ==Revisions== | ||
*ST | *ST+ - As original ST, but with factory fitted 1MB 'piggyback' upgrade | ||
*STM - The '''M''' signifying the built in RF modulator for output to television sets. The STM was the last small form factor ST - all subsequent ST's had built in power supplies. | *STM - The '''M''' signifying the built in RF modulator for output to television sets. The STM was the last small form factor ST - all subsequent ST's had built in power supplies. | ||
*STF - The '''F''' signifies a built in floppy drive | *STF - The '''F''' signifies a built in floppy drive | ||
Revision as of 08:31, 26 July 2011
The Atari ST was the first TOS machine developed by Atari Corporation, being released in 1985. For the time, the ST featured a powerful processor, a large amount of memory, a colourful display, and an easy-to-use GUI operating system, all for a very cheap price. These attributes all contributed to ST representing a significant evolution in the personal computer market, and consequently it was a massive commercial success. Without this success, the TOS Family would not have existed.
The name ‘ST’ is derived from the capabilities of the Motorola 68000 processor upon which the original Atari line was based. The 68000 uses a Sixteen-bit data bus with a Thirty-two bit address bus.
Features
The original ST computers featured the following:
- Motorola 68000 32-bit processor running at 8MHz.
- Integrated GEM/TOS operating system.
- RAM memory storage of 256k, 512k, or 1 Mbyte.
- 512KB in the first signifcant base model, the 520 (early 260 models existed with only 256KB of memory). The 1040ST was equipped with 1MB of RAM.
- Built-in MIDI, dual joystick, floppy drive, ACSI, serial, and parallel ports.
- Sophisticated DMA peripheral access.
- Yamaha 3-voice FM sound generator.
- External 128k cartridge port.
- Integrated video controller capable of generating (320x200x16), (640x200x4), and (640x400x2) video modes from as many as 512 colors.
Revisions
- ST+ - As original ST, but with factory fitted 1MB 'piggyback' upgrade
- STM - The M signifying the built in RF modulator for output to television sets. The STM was the last small form factor ST - all subsequent ST's had built in power supplies.
- STF - The F signifies a built in floppy drive
- STFM - Floppy, Modulator
- Mega ST - aimed more at the professional and business market
- STE
- Mega STE
- Please see Atari ST motherboard revisions
Impact
- It was a success, explain why - price, power. Influence, competition with Amiga
History
- Discuss development politics, Sam Tramiel leaving Atari, all that stuff
Video