(1986)  The 1040ST home/business computer

This would become the model by which most ST programs would be based, with a full 1MB (1024KB) RAM memory. That's more than the IBM PC (640K) and Mac or Amiga (512K)

 The extra RAM makes this a more versatile system for color graphics and the built-in disk drive is a convenience for your data storage. Atari Corp also released external hard drives with 30MB or 60MB storage capacity, the GEM desktop makes handling your files a simple process.

Remember, this is long before multitasking was around, on any model PC. But you could access installed accessories (.ACC) while a program is running, these are in the DESK drop-down.

Sold only in authorized computer dealers, the Atari 1040ST beat out the Amiga for most early computers geeks. It was picked as best buy for computers under $1000.

LOOK INSIDE, THE ST's MOTHERBOARD: inside 1040.jpg

POINT AND CLICK MAKES THIS COMPUTER SO EASY: Calamus desktop publishing in 1987

SCREENSHOT OF A MS-DOS TYPE EDITOR IN A WINDOW: MSDOS_on_ST.jpg