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Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions
Section - 6.10) What graphics tablets were produced for the Atari?

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According to Wikipedia, a graphics tablet (or digitizing tablet, graphics pad,
drawing tablet) is a computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images
and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper.
At the time of the Atari computer the more popular term was, touch tablet.

Several graphics tablets were produced and marketed for the Atari 8-bit
computers:

o Animation Station by Suncom
  - Shipped with DesignLab disk (Suncom version of Blazing Paddles)
  - Fully compatible with the earlier, popular KoalaPad
  - Work surface is about the same size as the one on the Atari Touch
    Tablet - about 50% larger than the KoalaPad's
  - A list of compatible software is elsewhere in the FAQ list.

o Atari Touch Tablet
  - Shipped with AtariArtist cartridge (Atari version of Micro Illustrator -
    by Steve Dompier & Robert Leyland for Island Graphics)
  - Also shipped with CX8104 Atari 810/1050 Master Diskette II disk (DOS 2.0S)
  - Similar to the popular, earlier KoalaPad, but returns reversed
    y-position values compared to the KoalaPad/Animation Station tablets
  - Device measures 7.5" x 9.5" x 1.25"
  - Drawing surface measures 5" x 6.5"
  - A list of compatible software is elsewhere in the FAQ list.

o KoalaPad Touch Tablet by Koala Technologies
  - Shipped with KoalaPainter cartridge (Koala version of Micro Illustrator -
    by Steve Dompier & Robert Leyland for Island Graphics)
  - Device measures 8.5" x 6.5" x 2"
  - The square drawing area is 4.25" on each side.
  - Very popular
  - A list of compatible software is elsewhere in the FAQ list.

o Kurta Graphics Tablet by Kurta Corporation
  - Very early device
  - 400/800 only: requires controller ports 1, 2, and 3
  - Device measures 13" x 15.5"
  - Shipped with Kurta Demo Disk
  - Kurta Atari Graphics System, sold separately, includes software:
    o Road Map Distance Analysis
    o Length
    o Area - Calculation of areas (any shape)
    o Sound - display pen location by means of sound
    o Drawing
    o Graphics
  - See ANALOG #1 for a review (p. 16) and an ad (p. 17)

o PowerPad by Chalk Board, Inc.
  - Shipped with Micro Illustrator cartridge (Chalk Board version for PowerPad
    only - by Steve Dompier & Robert Leyland for Island Graphics)
  - A unique and very large device
  - Device measures 17" x 19" x 1.5"
  - 12" x 12" square drawing area
  - A list of compatible software is elsewhere in the FAQ list.
  - Chalk Board released several cartridges for the PowerPad:
    - BearJam
    - CodeBreaker
    - Leo's 'Lectric Paintbrush
    - Leo's Links
    - LogicMaster
    - MicroMaestro

o Super Sketch by Personal Peripherals Inc. (PPI)
  - Shipped with Super Sketch Graphics Master cartridge
  - a 10" X 14" tablet
  - Similar to the earlier VersaWriter - trace or freehand a drawing
    into the computer.

o VersaWriter Drawing Tablet by Versa Computing, later by Peripherals Plus
  - Shipped with Graphics Software (2 disks)
  - trace or freehand a drawing into the computer
  - Dimensions: 12" x 13.5"
  - See ANALOG #4 (1981) p. 46 for ad, p. 47 for review
  - See Creative Computing vol. 8 no. 4 April 1982 p. 79 for another ad.
  - Reviewed (with picture) in Atari Classics June 1993 pp. 26-28

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Top Document: Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Document: 6.9) What preventative maintenance can I do on my Atari system?
Next Document: 6.11) What light pens were produced for the Atari?

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Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM