Author Topic: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?  (Read 5484 times)

level42

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My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« on: February 22, 2012, 10:36:17 PM »
I have an opportunity to fetch a pretty decent price for my beloved Atari 800.



It is a pretty rare PAL version (the NTSC one's are more common even in Europe because of private imports etc.

On one hand, i can really use the money to invest in the other "real" Atari machines, on the other......I always dreamed of having one of those BEASTS of home computers...

In all honesty, it is just sitting in the attic at the moment and needs to be repaired or at least checked...

Goal was to have it up and running in the still to be build workplace...

I need some help to decide guys.....what do you think ? Keep or sell ?

Etienne MacGyver

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2012, 10:42:25 PM »
I think thats really up to you.

If i had my C64 still and i could get a decent price, i also will be in doubt.

But i think i would keep my C64, as it was such a big piece of memory of my childhood

and i guess you have that with your 800

ataritoobin

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2012, 10:51:35 PM »
Is that your original 800 from back in the day?  If so I'd probably hang onto it!

I just opened the box mine is in up a month or so ago - must have been dropped or something, all the keys had popped off  :-\

level42

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2012, 12:16:03 AM »
No, I never owned an 800 BITD.

I started if of with (my brother and mine) 2600 and switched to a 600XL with data recorder later.

In that period, through clubs etc. I found out about the 800 and that these machines preceded the XL line (Never had seen them before). One guy I knew had one from the US, NTSC version and I could only admire it for it's tank-like build and appearance and always wanted to own one.

A couple of years ago I found this one on marktplaats. Paid 50 Euro for it and can get double now...

I think I'm going to keep it. Can't find it for 50 anymore for sure.... :D

ataritoobin

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2012, 01:03:33 AM »
Cool  :)

My first console/computer was the Atari 800XL (still have it!).  Never had any storage device for it until the late 90s when I bought an 800 and 1050 floppy drive!

Blanka

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2012, 06:58:27 AM »
IMO old computers survive pretty well being emulated. For me collecting stuff means the scoring at least 2 out of the 4 following points:
- The original item offers an user experience unable to recreated in software. This does not apply to the Atari
- The original machine looks damn sexy. This does not apply either. With home computers and consoles it almost never applies. An original ZX spectrum or a Videopac G7200 scores on this one.
- You are pretty unique when having an actual copy of an item. I have no idea in this case, but usually HC's and Consoles are almost never that unique.
- You (or housemates) have a lot of fun with it and use it extensively (added this one as it validates more own purchases, as the 1 year old loves it). You say this does not apply either.

Conclusion: ditch the bitch

For memories: take a nice picture. Always take a nice picture of items you loved and need to move out.
« Last Edit: February 23, 2012, 07:07:54 AM by Blanka »

Etienne MacGyver

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2012, 07:39:47 AM »
No, I never owned an 800 BITD.

That changes the situation in combination with the cash come in handy on a restauration project IMHO
I thought you had it since it came out  :D
or do you still use it often ?

Belike

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2012, 08:01:58 AM »
I would definitely keep it, you won't be able to buy an Atari arcade machine for 100 eur. ;D

atarimania

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2012, 08:30:52 AM »
Only one choice is possible: KEEP IT!!!
The look of the Atari 800 is so.... 80's... It was also my dreaming machine when I was 12, I finally had a 800 XL (I still own it  8) ) but I prefer the look of the 800..
Have You Played Atari Today ?

Superully

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2012, 09:29:33 AM »
if you don't need it and don't use it any more and it is NOT a part of a bigger collection (meaning you wouldn't remove a precious puzzle piece), i'd sell it. get rid off it if it's just there for nostalgic reasons!
all i need is ... PONG - and a select few others: TOUCH ME, DRAGON'S LAIR, JOUST, ROBOTRON, MR DO, SAN FRANCISCO RUSH THE ROCK!!!

level42

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #10 on: February 25, 2012, 01:45:01 PM »
Decided to keep it. Won't find one for 50 Euro's anymore ever I'm sure...I will give it a beautiful spot in my work-place-room :)

ckong

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Re: My beloved Atari 800......sell or keep ?
« Reply #11 on: February 25, 2012, 05:02:13 PM »
Good decision.