Atari MEGA Computers

Summary

The MEGA computers introduced in 1987 were Atari’s next ST generation. They have a larger case, a fan, a battery-backed clock and a high-quality separate keyboard made by German manufacturer Cherry.

There are the MEGA computers in 1 MiB, 2 MiB or 4 MiB RAM; they are called Mega 1 (the indication “ST” is missing in the first model), Mega ST2 and Mega ST4. For its introduction in Germany the Mega 1 costs about 2500 DM, with 2 MiByte about 3000 Mark and with 4 MiB RAM about 4000 Mark; memory is still very expensive. The Mega 1 appears last.

Technically, the computers differ little from the earlier 1040ST. They use a Motorola 68000 running at 8 MHz; only the Mega STE can switch to 16 MHz through software. All Mega ST computers have the BliTTER graphics coprocessor. The Mega STE replaced the Mega ST in 1991, but the PC market was thriving and the days of home computers were numbered.

According to the slogan “Power Without the Price”, a Mega ST can be connected to a good, cheap laser printer, similar to Apple’s device.