kek@mgweed.UUCP (Kit Kimes) (11/12/83)
#text follows According to the Wall Street Journal (Nov. 10, 1983) Atari is going to raise prices on its computers, video games, printers and disk drives. "Atari said yesterday it will raise prices charged to retailers $40 on its 600XL and 800XL computers to $180 and $280, respectively." Price rises will be effective Jan. 1, 1984. I doubt that you will be able to buy a 600XL for under $199 then so you might want to try to get one of the new ones before then. That might be a problem though as the article went on to say: "Atari also can't fill 40% of its retail orders for the 600XL and 800XL through Christmas because of production snags in Hong Kong. Atari...isn't taking any new orders for the rest of the year; and the shortage will continue into early 1984." Reasons given: "Atari spokesman said, `Atari is really sending out a message--we don't intend to sell superior products at unrealistic prices.'" I called the Atari hot line to inquire about the 1400XL and 1450XLD and was told that they would not be available until early 1984. Although no firm prices have ever been set for them, I am sure they will also reflect the price increase noted above. That is, they won't be as cheap as some magazines are speculating they will be. Cheers... Kit Kimes Western Electric Co. Montgomery Works Aurora, Il. 60507 ..!ihnp4!we13!mgweed!kek