Atari Computer Keyboard - Dismantled for reference and curiosity
Released in 1987 to compliment the Atari XEGS the XEGS Keyboard elevated a fairly sophisticated game console to an average (for the time) home computer. It seems only these days we're appreciating what a neat little box it was.
Powering on the XEGS without the keyboard runs the hardware as a game console and saw Missile Command start by default. With the Keyboard attached the system starts in Atari Basic Rev C and the unit functions as a micro computer; see separate XEGS page on this site.
The keys themselves are spongy and not overly pleasant to use for serious work Still far better performance than a membrane keyboard as seen on the Atari 400.
The keyboard attached to the front of the XEGS to make it look more like a complete computer which is good as the keyboard to console cable is ludicrously short.
