LGR – Amiga 500 Computer System Review

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The Amiga is the stuff of pure legend. The A500 in particular is often looked back on with fond memories and no regrets. But is it worth buying one to a games collector today? An overview of the history, pros and cons of the machine.

The Commodore Amiga 500 Computer System

Many thanks to Borin81 for the Amiga!

More Information:

The Amiga 500, released in 1987, is one of the most iconic home computers of its time, and the subject of LGR’s review likely highlights several key characteristics and features of this system.

Overview of the Amiga 500

The Amiga 500 was part of the Amiga family of computers developed by Commodore. Known for its advanced graphics and audio capabilities, the Amiga 500 was particularly popular among gamers and multimedia creators, which set it apart from many of its contemporaries, such as the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh.

Hardware Specifications

Processor: The Amiga 500 was powered by the Motorola 68000 processor, which operated at a clock speed of 7.14 MHz. This offered good performance for tasks commonly seen in home computing during that era.
Graphics: It featured the Agnus and Denise chips, which allowed for innovative graphics modes that supported up to 4096 colors (though typically displayed 32 colors on-screen at a time). It included the ability to handle bitmap graphics and sprites, making it a favorite among game developers.
Audio: The Amiga 500 featured a built-in Paula chip, which provided stereo sound with four channels of audio, allowing for high-quality music and sound effects in games and applications.
Memory: The base model came with 512 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 1 MB with additional chips or accessories.

Software and Ecosystem

The Amiga 500 had a wide range of software, including game titles, productivity applications, and creative tools. Some notable aspects include:

Gaming: The Amiga 500 is known for its vast library of games, many of which are considered classics today, such as "Shadow of the Beast," "Lemmings," and "The Secret of Monkey Island."
Multimedia: With its capabilities in graphics and sound, it was also used for art creation, video production, and music composition. Software like Deluxe Paint and Soundtracker became staples among graphics artists and musicians.

Expansion Capabilities

One of the strengths of the Amiga 500 was its expandability. Users could add RAM, external storage via floppy disk drives, and hardware enhancements such as graphics cards and coprocessors.

Design and Build

The Amiga 500 had a compact design, making it user-friendly and suitable for home use. The keyboard was integrated, and it featured a simple interface for connecting peripherals like monitors and printers.

Legacy

The Amiga 500 is remembered not just for its hardware specifications but also for its impact on computing and gaming culture. It garnered a loyal following, and its innovative approach to multimedia laid the groundwork for future developments in both personal computing and video games.

In reviewing the Amiga 500, LGR likely touches on these aspects, giving an overview of both its historical significance and how it performed in practical use, offering insights on both the nostalgia it evokes and its technological contributions.