manterola Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Hi All, If I want to jump to the ST train now, which one is a good compromise between price and "performance"/compatibility/ upgradeability ? I would love to get a Falcon, but thinking about $ and being realist maybe a 1040stf or 520st would make it. However, I really don't know, and I would like to hear your advice. I like the All-in-one design of STf and I am not interested on the more standard deign of Megas. Thanks ps: where to get one beside eBay? I am located in the US Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 (edited) As part of my broader collection, I used to have several ST series machines, including a Falcon and STacy. I got rid of them when I downsized my collection. My plan was to replace the ST series and certain other platforms like the Amiga with the MiST and MiSTer, which I did, but I still ended up getting another Atari ST series computer off of eBay just the other day to have it (not sure when it will get here). I got a 520STe, which was upgraded to a 1040STe level. It has 1MB RAM and TOS 1.62. It's a UK model, but I already have the necessary power converter. I also ordered a stereo SCART cable, which I'll use with an XRGB-mini to get proper video output, a PS2 mouse adapter that I can use with a trackball. At some point I'll likely add an UltraSATAN and be done with it (I prefer to keep my current varied collection of systems more compact). Anyway, to answer your question, while it certainly depends upon your needs, getting a 1MB STe model should cover a lot of bases. A Falcon is overpriced and overpowered for most things. Edited November 24, 2020 by Bill Loguidice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParanoidLittleMan Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Considering compatibility and upgradeability STE is best choice. It has RAM sockets unlike ST machines, so very easy to expand to max 4 MB RAM. And it is very compatible with STs. Only few not well coded SW makes problems, but it is mostly fixed now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzip Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 STe is a good place to be, but I don't think they are exactly cheap. I sold my STe last year, and it sold for as much as I paid for it in 1991! (not inflation adjusted) I think you can get a less-coveted ST model for much less if price is an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atari8guy Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 (edited) What's your intended usage? Just gaming... or do you want to play around with other stuff. Personally, when I downsized, like everyone else has mentioned, the STE became the one I kept. Mine has 4 megs, which I recommend if you want to game off the hard drive (Ultrasatan). Oh and I got mine through the buy/sell forum here on Atariage. Edited November 24, 2020 by 8bitguy1 added info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 For what it's worth, my refurbished STE was around $400 USD from a European seller on eBay. Of course, separately getting the 4MB RAM, TOS 2.06, and Ultrasatan definitely shot the price up well beyond that, but you usually have to account for additional upgrades on just about any vintage computer you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfollowell Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 I purchased a U.K. 1040STE and converted it, since they seem to be pretty rare in the U.S. I got a good deal on the STE at only $50, but shipping wound up being more like $100, if I remember correctly. Still not a bad deal. Upgrading the memory is easy and cheap. You should be able to pickup 4MB of RAM for $10-$15. TOS upgrades are usually fairly cheap as well. You could always burn your own if you have the equipment. I wanted the ultimate in terms of TOS compatibility, so I went with a U.S.A. dual-TOS 1.62/2.06 card and that was closer to $75 shipped from the U.K. By the time you factor in all of my conversion parts, U.S. keyboard, the upgrades & fixes and adding in an UltraSatan, I probably hav $500-$600 in mine. Most people won't get as good a deal on their STE as I did though, so your end price could be more, or less, since everyone doesn't bother with changing the keyboard like I did. Anyway, I waited for almost two years for a U.S. STE before I finally adopted internationally. You could wait and watch, but chances are, doing the same will likely be your best bet. If you were interested in an STF or an STFM, you would have much better luck finding a U.S. model and, honestly, there wasn't all that much that took advantage of the added STE features. Heck, I have an STF that's had the missing composite circuitry added and the disk drive has been swapped out for a Gotek with a 3D printed mounting plate and an OLED screen that I'll be putting up for sale in a few months, but you probably don't want to wait. If you were leaning towards the STE, like I was, you'd probably be better off getting one. My STF was fine, but I'd always wanted an STE, and I just wasn't happy until I finally got one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DarkLord Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Get an STe....little more expensive but it's just a better value, overall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinroh Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 (edited) I would also say STe! Some of the newer software and games use the Blitter and such to give you some nicer sound (and graphics). Like the awesome Wolfenstein 3D port. Edited November 25, 2020 by Jinroh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+CyranoJ Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 13 hours ago, manterola said: If I want to jump to the ST train now, which one is a good compromise between price and "performance"/compatibility/ upgradeability ? https://misteraddons.com/products/mister-bundles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youxia Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 MiSTer is great but it's not an original machine. I bought STFM last year, for about 150USD. It's enough for me because it's not my main 16 bit crush (that'd be Amiga) and so I'm fine with using just Gotek on an unexpanded setup. If you're more of casual Atari fan, like me, I'd say this is probably the most reasonable choice. If you go down the more advanced route (STE/UltraSatan/etc) then you'll probably need to spend 2, maybe even 3 times as much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGB1718 Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 Some years ago I bought what was advertised as a 1040STFM (already had a 520 from new), much to my surprise it turned out to be a 1040STE big smiles all round, I had loads of 1 Meg SIMM's from old PC's (never throw anything away) so upgraded to 4 Mb and I just love it, STE is the way to go is you can get one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goochman Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 If you are interested I might be tempted to sell my 1040STf w/Color Monitor for $300. Bonus is I live in the Washington, DC area so could avoid shipping (Im in the Rockville, MD area). PM me if thats of interest and I will spend some time over the Thanksgiving weekend testing things out. I will add up front that I replaced the internal drive awhile back, however I wasnt too interested in making things look "stock", so the case is cut a bit on the floppy end for the new drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzip Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 20 hours ago, Bill Loguidice said: For what it's worth, my refurbished STE was around $400 USD from a European seller on eBay. Of course, separately getting the 4MB RAM, TOS 2.06, and Ultrasatan definitely shot the price up well beyond that, but you usually have to account for additional upgrades on just about any vintage computer you get. True. The STe I sold had 2.06 Roms and 4mb as well. But I would think the type of SIMMs an STe needs would be dirt cheap these days, so I don't think that particular upgrade should affect the value much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 5 minutes ago, zzip said: True. The STe I sold had 2.06 Roms and 4mb as well. But I would think the type of SIMMs an STe needs would be dirt cheap these days, so I don't think that particular upgrade should affect the value much. I'm sure I could have gotten the 4MB RAM chips cheaper, but I got them for roughly $44 shipped. The TOS was around $32 shipped. My only concern about upgrading the TOS is getting the "jumpers" right, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzip Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 27 minutes ago, Bill Loguidice said: My only concern about upgrading the TOS is getting the "jumpers" right, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. I don't remember having to set any jumpers to go from 1.62 to 2.06. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGB1718 Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 1 hour ago, zzip said: I don't remember having to set any jumpers to go from 1.62 to 2.06. Recently did mine and was a straight swap, maybe there are different ROM type available Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DarkLord Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 (edited) First 1040 STe that I owned, I changed to straight TOS v2.06 - I did have to change one jumper. Is was very close to the 2 TOS ROM sockets. Edited November 25, 2020 by DarkLord grammer correction... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DarkLord Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 MiST/MiSTer is another option, but there ain't nothin' like the real thing baby... Accept no substitutes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 Yeah, I was going by what this guy had to go through: I was hoping it was plug and play. We'll see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+CyranoJ Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 2 hours ago, DarkLord said: MiST/MiSTer is another option, but there ain't nothin' like the real thing baby... For that complete "typing on used chewing gum and cleaning mouse balls" feeling. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DarkLord Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 Makes me wonder if you've ever used a Mega ST, Mega STe, TT030, or best of all...the STacy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+CyranoJ Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 Just now, DarkLord said: Makes me wonder if you've ever used a Mega ST, Mega STe, TT030, or best of all...the STacy. Yes (Own), Yes (Own), Yes, No Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+DarkLord Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 Then I'm baffled as to how you can make that comment about their keyboards.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+CyranoJ Posted November 25, 2020 Share Posted November 25, 2020 11 minutes ago, DarkLord said: Then I'm baffled as to how you can make that comment about their keyboards.... The rose tinted glasses came off years ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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