Atari 2600 CompuMate Keyboard by Spectravideo Rev 1 2

Computer Keyboard for the Atari VCS / 2600 and Sears Game Arcade Game Consoles - Dismantled for reference and curiosity

Atari 2600 CompuMate Keyboard by Spectravideo Rev 1 2

Released in 1983 the CompuMate Keyboard for the Atari VCS / 2600 by Spectravideo really was an amazing add-on, turning the 2600 into a low end home computer.

It came bundled with a cut down version of Microsoft BASIC and the ability for users to load and save programs via the audio jacks on its side. In addition it came with a music and surprisingly usable 8-bit art program that allowed for up to nine frames of animation.

The keyboard plugged into the 2600's cartridge port as well as both joystick ports and sat impressively on the 2600's main flat surface shouting, 'look at me, I'm a computer now!'

Combined with the MARJAC ROM Scanner (see last image) the CompuMate Keyboard was an easy to use, impressive add-on.

Funnily enough with its 16K of ROM and 2K of RAM it was the only keyboard for the 2600 that actually did what the packaging boasted.

Atari 2600 CompuMate Keyboard by Spectravideo Rev 1 2
Computer Keyboard for the Atari VCS / 2600 and Sears Game Arcade Game Consoles