As a kid, I was an avid computer nerd, and in the early 80s, Atari and Commodore computers were all the rage.  I was in elementary school and I wanted an Atari computer very badly.   I never got one - and there was a good reason for this.  In late 1982, the 1200XL was the first Atari 8-bit computer introduced in the new XL line that was going to replace the aging 400 and 800 line of computers.  It was a fantastic aesthetic design, but the new 1200XL had some basic design flaws that led to Atari discontinuing it just months after production began.

:: The Atari 1200XL was produced for only a few months in 1983 - click on image to enlarge ::

What were the 1200XL’s weaknesses?  First was it did not have BASIC programming language incorporated into its onboard ROM.   I do not see this as a weakness, but in that time BASIC was the primary programming language for home computer use.  Alright, so you had to plug in the cartridge to run BASIC, big deal - but others balked at this since almost all other computers at the time (the Commodore 64, for example) had their BASIC language built into the machine.

Another problem with the 1200XL was the lack of an expansion port in the rear.  Expandability was the buzzword back then, and people liked knowing they could expand their computer - even though they likely wouldn’t, and most home computers were primarily used as game systems.

Last but not least, Atari engineers wanted to increase the color saturation on the video signal by boosting the chroma output.  This may sound like a good idea, but it backfired.  The increased chroma caused ‘color bleed’ - a condition where oversaturated colors could not be well defined within borders since they were clipping the color palette of the television.  This boosted chroma signal also did not play nice with monitors of the day, and the result was a generally fuzzy picture when compared to the Commodore 64, which had excellent video output.  Atari corrected this problem with 600XL and 800XL machines, however.

:: The 1200XL featured extra programmable function keys - click on image to enlarge ::

These gripes are minor, in my opinion, when you consider the aspects that separated the 1200XL from its [less equipped] successors, the 600XL and 800XL.  The 1200XL’s keyboard was vastly superior, and the keys were nicely polished with a staircase ascension. The 1200XL also had special programmable function keys, which the 600XL and 800XL also lacked.  Additionally, the controller ports were positioned at a 45-degree angle toward the user, providing a cleaner connection, and finally, the 1200XL just looked a heck of a lot better.  It’s a gorgeous machine, and it’s the last of the Atari computers that were made domestically.  It was only produced for a few months, then discontinued quickly.

So what did the 600XL and 800XL machines offer over the 1200XL?  A short list is below:

• Parallel Expansion Bus - for RAM expansion on the 600XL only, and for peripheral expansion on both.
• Onboard BASIC in ROM - I did not see this as an advantage, and Atari’s ‘Revision B’ OS has serious flaws.
• A +5 voltage rail on the serial port - the 1200XL lacked this, creating compatibility issues with some peripherals.
• Improved video - reverting to the Atari 400/800 chroma settings while boosting signal quality.
• Inferior keyboards - the 600XL and 800XL were exercises in cost cutting, unfortunately.

:: Power switch, cartridge port and two controller ports on left side - click on image to enlarge ::

I’ve been looking for a new-in-box 1200XL since about 2002, and I finally found one.   It’s never been taken out of the box, except by myself, and it’s as new as the day it was made.  I’m not sure, but I don’t think I’ll use this one - it’s just too rare.  The very first thing I did when I opened the box was check out the keyboard, and it’s as smooth and nicely made as I remembered from my childhood.  These days the 1200XL is highly sought after, not only because of its scarcity, but because of its keyboard.  Many modders are updating the this machine for better video output, more RAM, and serial-to-PC connections.

:: The 1200XL featured Atari’s best keyboard - click on image to enlarge ::

Back in 1983, my dad bought me the 800XL, since he did not want to buy a discontinued model for me.  I understand that, and the 800XL was functionally similar to the 1200XL, but it just never looked as nice and the keyboard was awful.  No matter though, I finally have my Atari 1200XL.

Related Links:

• Atari Age
• Atari Museum
  
• Obsolete Technology Website
  

A few weeks back I mentioned the new Haro Team Issue race bike and based on preliminary details I was impressed.  I ordered one based on that first impression and now that it has arrived, I can see my initial thoughts on this bike are justified.  It’s very clear from this example that Haro is getting very serious about their BMX race program, and now that Haro’s sponsored racer, Kahlen Young won the ABA Pro #1 title, more attention will be aimed at Haro for sure throughout the BMX community.  So let’s have a closer look at the Team Issue…

:: Haro Team Issue includes many high end components - click on image to enlarge ::

The first thing you’ll notice about this bike is the flat black finish, which really adds to the bike’s modern, stealthy look.  The graphics also look good, and are painted on - not decals.  The frame is constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, and the welds are very neat and even.  The frame features integrated chain tensioners, and  is only available in 21-inch top tube length for this model, though Haro’s ProXL offers larger sizes. The forks are Sinz Stealth aluminum, which is a fairly exotic item to see on a factory-complete, also with matching flat-black finish.  The cranks are AC’s new Hammer Pro two-piece, featuring Shimano-style outboard bearings and a hollow spindle.  They look really cool, although only time will tell how well they hold up.  One area of concern with these cranks is the lack of steel pedal boss inserts.  While this should not pose a problem, it would certainly add to their durability if they were so equipped.

:: Flat black finish and graphics give this bike modern appeal - click on image to enlarge ::

The Team Issue also features Weinmann 36H rims, which seem fine if not somewhat generic.  Sealed cartridge bearing AC Race Day hubs are laced to the rims with black spokes.  Worth noting about this setup is that this is not a cassette hub, rather it’s a flip-flop unit equipped with a somewhat substandard freewheel.  I had thoughts of swapping this freewheel with a White Industries unit until I found out that White does not make a 14T freewheel.  Well, why not install a 16T unit?  This brings us up to an important point - the bike’s factory-equipped 39/14 gearing is fine for its purpose (my GHP has the same gear ratio), however, frame clearance is very right, which precludes installing anything larger than a 40T chainring up front unless your cranks are spaced precisely.  Florida NBL 39X Brian Callahan runs a 44/16 ratio on his Team Issue, using Shimano DXR cranks.   Since this bike is not equipped with a cassette rear hub, spacing the chainline out is not possible, so I’ll be using either this Chinese-made 14T freewheel or I’ll have to find something else other than a White freewheel.  Bummer.

:: New AC Hammer Pro 180mm aluminum crank - click on image to enlarge ::

On on the positive side of things, the chain/seat stays are boxed and very substantial, especially the chainstays.  This could be the reason for the limited gear clearance, and I’m willing to bet this frame won’t flex as much as most frames as a result.  Something else I noticed on this frame - “Team Issue” is stamped on the underside of the bottom bracket next to the serial number.   That doesn’t mean much to most people, but I just think it’s plain cool anyway.

:: Frame features integrated chain tensioners that work well - click on image to enlarge ::

Moving right along, the brakes are Tektro’s carbon MTB units which look and work great.  The seat and post seem generic, but I’m willing to accept some low end parts in exchange for the killer forks this bike came with.  One serious concern is Haro’s illogical decision to use high-tensile steel handlebars on this model - and they weigh a ton too.  I have no idea why a bike in this class does not have chromoly handlebars.  Could it be a safety issue?  I doubt it, since the weight of the factory-equipped unit would suggest that the tubing is quite thick, and yes, it also affects the balance of the bike as well.  I would strongly suggest replacing these for a high end, 4130 chromoly handlebar. While you’re at it, you’ll want to swap that stem out too (keep reading to find out why).  Still if these are my only complaints about the bike, then we’re pretty far ahead of the game here, as the rest of this bike is killer.

:: My Team Issue on the Haro website!  Thank you Tony D - click on image to enlarge ::

So how does it ride?  In a word, smooth.  The frame’s geometry makes it feel larger than it is, and everything just feels in the right place.  The AC cranks feel stiff, and the Intense tires roll nice on soil-tac and pavement.  I remain disappointed in the cheap feeling freewheel, which feels like it has about ten engagement points.  Alright, I’m exaggerating there, but I suppose getting used to the Chris King hubs on my GHP didn’t give the freewheel a fighting chance, though I still think Haro should have included a cassette hub for a bike in this price class.  Unlike the Kuwahara Team model I reviewed, this bike does not feel overly-flighty in front - it’s actually balanced quite well.  Out of the gate, this bike moves quick and straight.

I strongly suggest you swap the stem and bars.  A-Pro Ryan “Z-Man” Zielinski put the Team Issue through its paces and though he felt the frame’s geometry was fantastic, the bars slipped back after landing a large triple, resulting in a pretty bad crash on an asphalt berm.  I had fears this could happen the moment I saw the stem when I unboxed the bike.  I swapped the stem and bars with S&M Race XLT units and the problem was solved.  I also saved nearly a pound of weight in the process, so I suggest making this change if you’re a jumper.

:: A cassette hub and 4130 bars would make the Team Issue nearly perfect - click to enlarge ::

At an MSRP of $545, no other factory-complete can touch it.  Do the math - the Sinz Stealth forks alone retail for $160, and the AC Hammer Pro cranks weigh in at close to $200.  Word is that the Team Issue frame will sell at the absurdly-low price of $150.  More photos and feedback to come, so stay tuned!

Related Links:

• Haro Bikes