Xebec Posted July 17, 2017 Share Posted July 17, 2017 (edited) I have a small pile of 800XL's, 3 x 800s, 2 x 1200XLs, a 130XE, and a 65XE.. I'd like others thoughts on what to do with the 65XE. My 65XE has a keyboard that needs repair, probably has flaky RAM (system would halt at a black screen after power on.. then after inserting/removing a Star Raiders cartridge now it magically boots all the way to BASIC). The motherboard is the revision without the ECI (Cart only), and only 8 ram chips (no "available" spots on the PCB), so no easy path to upgrade the RAM. I've been cleaning and repairing every 8-bit that I have; I ultimately plan to carefully store my 8-bit collection but keep 1 (or 2) 800XL's out as daily drivers. I have no interest in the 5200 or XEGS. Should I keep the 65XE or just sell it? Why? The 65XE seems like the runt of the bunch? EDIT: Should I just keep it as parts for my 130XE? Thanks John Edited July 17, 2017 by Xebec Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DrVenkman Posted July 17, 2017 Share Posted July 17, 2017 Keep it as parts. It's the most poorly- and cheaply-made 64K Atari computer built, generally speaking, so unless you have an emotional attachment to it for some particular reason, and given that you have other options with the same basic configuration (800XLs, 1200XLs), plus an XE with more stock ram to begin with, it's arguable that the "highest and best use" for it is to sacrifice so that other machines may live. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xebec Posted July 17, 2017 Author Share Posted July 17, 2017 Keep it as parts. It's the most poorly- and cheaply-made 64K Atari computer built, generally speaking, so unless you have an emotional attachment to it for some particular reason, and given that you have other options with the same basic configuration (800XLs, 1200XLs), plus an XE with more stock ram to begin with, it's arguable that the "highest and best use" for it is to sacrifice so that other machines may live. Thanks - Kinda wanted to hear it before committing to it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoundGammon Posted July 17, 2017 Share Posted July 17, 2017 Somewhere, I have a 130XE with a 3 in one OS chip, 320K ram from ICD. I also have an ICD expansion board for it that plugs right into the 130XE and allows hard drives and parallel printers to be used. Works great with Sparta-Dos cart! Which I don't have any more. When I find everything, I will test it and then post it on Atari Age for sale! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rybags Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Poorly made... IMO XEGS takes that title. Generally comes with the worst revision of the XE keyboard, the console keys look like Fisher Price and it just feels a step below the other XEs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marius Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 I don't know why, but I love the 65XE. The PAL versions though with ECI and 64 KB 130XE pcb's. When I put 65XE 800XE and 130XE in a line on my desk... I find the 65XE the prettiest. Probably because I find the 65XE badge cooler because of 4 characters in stead of 5 (800XE/130XE). Still... I find 800XE cooler than 130XE. For some reason I find the 130XE badge not as cool as the other badges.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xebec Posted July 18, 2017 Author Share Posted July 18, 2017 I don't know why, but I love the 65XE. The PAL versions though with ECI and 64 KB 130XE pcb's. When I put 65XE 800XE and 130XE in a line on my desk... I find the 65XE the prettiest. Probably because I find the 65XE badge cooler because of 4 characters in stead of 5 (800XE/130XE). Still... I find 800XE cooler than 130XE. For some reason I find the 130XE badge not as cool as the other badges.... I do think I'd have a warmer feeling about my 65XE if it had that half-populated 130XE board with ECI .. I do admit the XE's look very sharp.. (I also really like the look of the 520STm).. Are there any keyboard upgrades to give a better feel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whisperer_in_darkness Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 I was a Commodore 64 kid originally. Then acquired Atari STe and now I just love the 65xe. Particularily the case. It's like I'm living in alternate version of history. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marius Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 My opinion about the coolest case changes as fast as fashion. Most of the time I find the XL range the best looking equipment... but from time to time I love the XE looks better. To be very honest deep in my heart I find the Atari 400 has the most fabulous looks but ok.... I have been a heavy ST user too in the past and I absolutely love the smaller XE case with 'ST' look. The only downside of the different designs (400/800, XL, XE) is that the peripherals do not match so well in design. I find an XE with a 1050 really ugly... Strange enough fits the XF551 better to an 800XL although it is still not great. An Atari 850 fits pretty nice to my 800XL although that fits the best to my 400 and 800... lol better get and keep it ALL!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xebec Posted July 21, 2017 Author Share Posted July 21, 2017 (edited) I was a Commodore 64 kid originally. Then acquired Atari STe and now I just love the 65xe. Particularily the case. It's like I'm living in alternate version of history. Love this comment - I picked up an Amiga 500 and 1200 over the last few years.. and that's the same exact feeling I got using those platforms. The 500 as sort of a "what if I went there instead of the ST?". I went from the ST to the PC around late 89-early 1990 (switched my BBS and then later just stopped playing with ST software), the Amiga would have kept me on platform for at least 4-5 more years given there was a viable upgrade path.. Like some others I really like the look of the XE the most.. (and the 520STm) but .. I'm also a keyboard snob so every time I "touch" the XE my like quickly goes away Edited July 21, 2017 by Xebec 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle22 Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I do think I'd have a warmer feeling about my 65XE if it had that half-populated 130XE board with ECI .. I do admit the XE's look very sharp.. (I also really like the look of the 520STm).. Are there any keyboard upgrades to give a better feel? Yes, Best has a nice keyboard upgrade for the XEs. It's good, but nothing even comes close to a Mitsumi (some 800, and all 1200XL, 1400Xl,, 1450XLD). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xebec Posted July 23, 2017 Author Share Posted July 23, 2017 Yes, Best has a nice keyboard upgrade for the XEs. It's good, but nothing even comes close to a Mitsumi (some 800, and all 1200XL, 1400Xl,, 1450XLD). Hmm I wasn't aware of that.. It looks like you remove the mylar to install these? After replacing the 1200XL mylar i'm curious how robust the XE Mylar is.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle22 Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I think it's not the mylar, but the little silicone rubber bubbles that get replaced along with some added springs. They are supposed to improve the mushy feel of the XE keyboard. I have never installed one (I don't have an XE). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darwinmac Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I have had the XE Touch keyboard upgrade installed in my XEGS keyboard. I think it is tremendous improvement to the keyboard. If you are interested, I would talk to Best first. As I recall, the upgrade does not work with every XE keyboard type. Bob C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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