What is a eight bit computer?

Atari built a series of 8-bit home computers based on the MOS Technology 6502 CPU, starting in 1979. They were the first home computers designed with custom coprocessor chips. Over the next decade several versions of the same basic design would be released. These included the original Atari 400 and 800, and their successors, the XL and XE series of computers. However, the models remained largely identical internally. IBM even considered licensing Atari for their own personal computer, but decided to build their own. However, design flaws, internal corporate turmoil and difficult, fast-changing market conditions contributed to the 8-bit Atari computers' eventual demise.