Atari 800 User Manual

Introduction to the Atari Computers and Peripherals 13
Illustration 1-4. Atari 800/Video Display Monitor Hook-Up
Plug-In Cartridge Hatches
Both the Atari 400 and 800 have a hatch on the top of the unit
which can be opened for the purpose of inserting a plug-in
cartridge (see Illustration 1-1). These cartridges contain ROM
memory (discussed later) on which programs are stored. These
programs may be games, applications programs, or even a BASIC
language
interpr ete r.
The Atari 400 allows the insertion of a single cart ridge while the
800 allows two cartridges to be inserted.
Computer Memory
Computer memory is measured in units known as bytes. A byte
is used to store a single character in the computer's memory.
Bytes are represe nted in units of measurement known as

Atari 800 Specifications

General

Processor	MOS Technology 6502
Processor Speed	1.79 MHz
ROM	10 KB
Graphics	ANTIC and GTIA chips
Release Year	1979
Display Resolution	up to 320 x 192
Colors	128 colors
Sound	4 channels
Storage	Cartridge, cassette, floppy disk
Ports	Cartridge, serial, monitor
Operating System	Atari OS