Atari 8-bit computers are the first machines that truly bridged the divide between video game players and home computer enthusiasts. The Atari 400 and 800 signaled the start of a new era in computing. Breakout: How Atari 8-Bit Computers Defined a Generation is the first book to cover what made Atari's groundbreaking computer line great: its excellent graphics and sound, flexible programming environment, and wide support from the burgeoning home computer community.

For those of us coming of "gaming age" in the 80s, Atari games were simply amazing—and you'll find out what made over 100 titles so much fun to play. Breakout also explores the Atari 8-bit platform as it stands today, with a robust enthusiast and modding community, the increasing value of Atari computers and peripherals, and how to get started with one now or get your old one working again.

Jamie Lendino is an author, editor, mixing engineer, and vintage tech enthusiast. He is the editor-in-chief of ExtremeTech and has written for PC Magazine, Popular Science, Electronic Musician, Consumer Reports, Sound and Vision, and CNET. He has also appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, CNBC, WCVB Channel 5 Boston, Reuters TV, and many terrestrial radio stations across the United States.