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From: Patrick@ark.cs.vu.nl (Patrick van Kleef)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: New Atari Computers
Message-ID: <877@ark.cs.vu.nl>
Date: Sat, 10-Jan-87 05:44:46 EST
Article-I.D.: ark.877
Posted: Sat Jan 10 05:44:46 1987
Date-Received: Sat, 10-Jan-87 23:10:51 EST
Organization: V.U. Informatica, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Lines: 40
Keywords: new ST's, new PC

Atari has announced four (4!) new computers on the CES this month.
In short, here is a description of the new models. In two weeks
I'll have news of a new Atari computer that is to be released in
Europe only (for the time being). I can't tell now, because the
magazine I work for would like to publish it first. Maybe Alan or
Neil can post the press-release they put in the Atari BBS?

Anyway:

1) Atari is to release a IBM-PC klone for abt. $500. The machine
includes 1 diskdrive (5,25"), serial port, parallel port, mouse port 
(Microsoft compatible, with ST-mouse), disk port (for external 2nd drive,
be it another 5,25" or 3,5" ST drive).
The interesting thing about this machine is that it is supposed to support
Hercules, CGA *and* EGA video output. A special new intelligent monitor
can display all modes (it detects the output signal). The computer is
22 " in square, 2" high and will therefore probably lack extension ports
(my view).

2) There are 3 new ST-models to be released: the Mega ST's.They come in a
1, 2 and 4 megabyte version. The machines are upward compatible with
existing models, but have a completely new design. All connections of the
68000 microprocessor are available at a new extension port. If I read well,
there are one or more extension ports inside as well. The computers are
easily expandible to 16 megabytes and are prepared for network applications.
They come in a new cabinet (PC-like?) with a new keyboard (Ah, at last) that
is detachable. The 1-megabyte model will be priced like the current 1040STf,
so a price-fall for the current machines can be expected (again, my view).

3) The laserprinter was shown in a prototype version (do we know what that
means? Remember the IBM-Emulator box.... [which will be dropped? Neil, Alan,
shed some light, please]). A bundle, computer and laserprinter, is supposed
to be retailed for something like $3000 (a mini-revolution).

4) There is a new, slimmer, harddisk that will probably have a design
adjusted to the new models (the cabinet of these computers is meant to
carry both monitor and harddisk)~r.

In two weeks more information will come your way! (rumours, but} pretty
reliable){_