1450XLD

The Atari 1450XLD, announced in 1983, was designed as the top-tier model in Atari’s XL series. It was to include 128KB of RAM, a built-in 5.25" double-density floppy drive, a 300 baud modem, and speech synthesis via a Votrax SC-01 chip. It retained full compatibility with earlier 8-bit Atari machines and featured two cartridge slots, SIO ports, and expansion capabilities that rivaled small business systems. Unfortunately, despite functioning prototypes and press previews, the 1450XLD was never released commercially. Its cancellation during Atari’s corporate shakeup makes it one of the most coveted unreleased systems of the 8-bit era.

Notable Features

• Integrated disk drive — no need for external 810 or 1050
• Built-in modem (Bell 103 compatible) for direct telecommunications
• Speech synthesis hardware (Votrax SC-01) included by default
• 128KB RAM allowed larger applications, advanced BASIC extensions
• Dual cartridge slots supported system utilities and software combos

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Historical Significance

• Designed as the ultimate XL machine for power users and schools
• First home computer from Atari to combine modem, disk, and speech in one box
• Previewed at CES and in trade publications (Antic, Creative Computing)
• Cancelled due to internal corporate upheaval and the 1983 video game crash
• Some design DNA passed into the 130XE and Atari ST's case design language

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Collector's Notes

• Rarity: Extremely rare – prototype only; most units in private collections or museums
• Desirability: Exceptionally high – widely considered a “holy grail” of 8-bit Atari collecting
• Common Issues:
  • Drive mechanisms often non-functional
  • ROMs may be unstable or unfinished
  • Unpopulated modem or speech boards in some variants
• Display Tips: Perfect centerpiece with working 810/1050 drive, datasheets, and period promo materials; pairing with 1200XL or 1400XL gives historical context

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	1450XLD
Manufacturer	Atari
Launched	Friday, February 25, 1983
Discontinued	Cancelled before launch (late 1983)
Launch Price	N/A (projected ~$1,000 USD)
Country	United States
CPU	MOS 6502C @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC)
Units Sold	Fewer than 50 prototypes (estimated)
Power	External PSU (~30W); regulated internally
Ports	SIO, audio out, composite video, RF, joystick ×2
Cartridge Slots	Dual front-loading software expansion ports
Keyboard	Full-travel mechanical keyboard with function keys
Modem	Built-in 300 baud modem with RJ11 telephone connector
Disk Drive	Built-in 5.25" single-sided, double-density floppy drive
Sound	4-channel POKEY + Votrax SC-01 speech chip
Graphics	Player/Missile Graphics, fine scrolling, color registers
Display	ANTIC + GTIA: 320×192 resolution, 16 colors, hardware scrolling
ROM	24KB (XL OS, extended device support, speech routines)
RAM	128KB (bank-switched)