Amiga Computers, Software & Accessories

The Amiga line of computers, an alternative to IBM-compatibles and Macintosh systems, were popular during the 1980s and 1990s. Because of their relatively impressive features and unique design, they continue to have a substantial following although they are no longer being manufactured. It is still not particularly difficult to find and purchase Amiga software, accessories, and computers.

The timeline on convergence.org indicates that the first model of the Amiga computer series (the A1000) was made available for purchase in 1985, and additional models were introduced throughout the '80s and early '90s. However, the brand ran into difficulties in the mid '90s and was sold to Gateway in 1997. The A500 and A1200 are all-in-one units (the keyboard, processor, and disk drive are built into a single unit, although the display is attached separately), while the A1000, A2000, A3000, and A4000 are more traditional desktop-style units.

Amiga computers have impressive graphics capabilities. According to obsoletecomputermuseum.org, the Amiga A500 can display a maximum of 4,096 colors; at the time it was introduced (1987), most IBM compatibles were still limited to four or sixteen colors. Amiga computers have been used for many important artistic purposes. According to wikipedia.org, these computers were used for creating special effects in some episodes of the TV series "Babylon 5", "Max Headroom", and "seaQuest DSV", as well as the cartoon "Animaniacs" and the movie "Jurassic Park." It also states that they were used by artist Andy Warhol to produce a new style of computer-based art.

These computers also have some additional sophisticated capabilities. Obsoletecomputermuseum.org indicates that the Amiga A500 features digital sound, a graphical user interface (looks somewhat like Windows or Mac OS), the ability to read software and data from 3.5" disks, internet access capability, a standard serial port, and easy installation of upgrades or accessories. As indicated by amigadeals.co.uk, most Amiga models use a power supply which only consumes 25 watts; many newer desktop computers use up to 200, 250, or 300 watts of electricity.

Amiga products, including the computers, books, compatible software, and accessories, can often be purchased online. They are frequently listed on eBay.com auctions, and it is not uncommon to find them on CraigsList.org classifieds in the large cities. Keep in mind that some models require an external power supply/adapter. The A500 is usually the most affordable model on eBay, while the other models generally sell for $100 or more.

Some major online booksellers, including bn.com and abebooks.com, offer Amiga related books. There are also online shopping websites which offer a good variety of Amiga accessories and software, such as oldsoftware.com. Amigakit.com sells new and refurbished computers, accessories and software.

Overall, the Amiga series of computers had impressive features and capabilities for their time period, and still have some advantages in terms of compact size, ease of upgradability, and low power consumption.