An Essential Guide to Commodore Computer Models: Pioneering the Home Computing Revolution
From the PET to the C128: Exploring the Machines that Defined an Era
The Commodore name is synonymous with the early days of home computing. From the groundbreaking PET to the iconic Commodore 64, these machines shaped the digital landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. Join us on a nostalgic journey through Commodore's most influential computer models and their lasting impact on technology.
The Early Days of Commodore
Long before Commodore became a household name in computing, it had humble beginnings in the world of office equipment. Jack Tramiel, a Polish-American entrepreneur, founded the Commodore Portable Typewriter Company in Toronto, Canada, in 1954. The following year, the company was incorporated as Commodore Business Machines (CBM), setting the stage for its future forays into electronics.
Throughout the 1960s, Commodore expanded its product line to include electronic calculators. This move proved crucial, as it positioned the company at the forefront of the emerging digital technology market. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that Commodore truly found its calling in the nascent home computer industry.
The PET Series: Commodore's First Computers
In 1977, Commodore introduced its first computer series, the PET (Personal Electronic Transactor). This groundbreaking line of machines laid the foundation for many of CBM's later models and established Commodore as a serious player in the personal computer market.
PET 2001: The Original Commodore Computer
The PET 2001, released in 1977, was Commodore's inaugural computer model. It utilized the MOS 6502 CPU, the same processor found in its main competitor, the Apple II. This choice of processor would prove influential, as the 6502 and its variants would power many of Commodore's future machines.
Key features of the PET 2001 included:
4KB of RAM (with an 8KB upgrade option)
Built-in monochrome monitor
Chiclet keyboard
Integrated Commodore BASIC
Datasette for program storage
The PET 2001 was competitively priced at $595 for the 4KB model and $795 for the 8KB version. Despite its somewhat unusual appearance, with a built-in monitor and cassette drive giving it a top-heavy look, the PET 2001 found success in educational and small business markets. Commodore sold 500 units in its first year, a respectable number for the time.
PET 4000: Expanding Capabilities
Building on the success of the 2001, Commodore introduced the PET 4000 series. These upgraded models offered significant improvements over their predecessor:
Up to 96KB of RAM
Enhanced version of Commodore BASIC
Higher-resolution 40-column display
Full-sized keyboard
The PET 4000 series found particular success in schools and universities, where its durability and ease of use made it an ideal choice for computer labs and programming courses.
PET 8000: Embracing Business Users
The PET 8000 series represented Commodore's push into the business market. While internally similar to the 4000 series, the 8000 models boasted an 80-column display, making them more suitable for word processing and spreadsheet applications. This wider screen format would become standard in later Commodore business-oriented machines.
SuperPET 9000: The Ultimate PET
The final iteration of the PET line was the SuperPET 9000. This advanced model showcased Commodore's commitment to both education and professional markets:
Dual-processor design (6502 and 6809)
Enhanced memory capabilities
Multiple programming languages (including APL, PASCAL, FORTRAN, and COBOL)
Compatibility with earlier PET software
While not as commercially successful as its predecessors, the SuperPET 9000 demonstrated Commodore's ability to create sophisticated machines for specialized markets.
The VIC-20: Bringing Color to the Masses
In 1981, Commodore made a significant leap forward with the introduction of the VIC-20. This compact and affordable computer marked Commodore's entry into the true home computer market and set the stage for the company's most famous product.
Key features of the VIC-20 included:
MOS 6502 CPU (same as the PET series)
5KB of RAM
Color graphics capability
Ability to connect to a standard television
Expandable memory and functionality through cartridge slots
The VIC-20's most significant innovation was its Video Interface Chip (VIC), which gave the computer its name and provided color graphics capabilities far beyond what was available in most home computers of the time. This chip, designed by MOS Technology (a Commodore subsidiary), would evolve into the even more capable graphics chips used in later Commodore machines.
Another groundbreaking feature of the VIC-20 was the VICmodem, the first mass-market modem for home computers. This device allowed users to connect to early online services and bulletin board systems (BBS), foreshadowing the internet age to come.
The VIC-20 was a commercial success, with Commodore selling 800,000 units in 1981 alone. By the end of its production run, over 1 million VIC-20s had been sold worldwide, establishing Commodore as a major player in the home computer market.
The Commodore 64: A Legend is Born
In 1982, Commodore released what would become its most iconic product and one of the best-selling computers of all time: the Commodore 64. Building on the success of the VIC-20, the C64 offered significantly enhanced capabilities while maintaining an affordable price point.
Key features of the Commodore 64 included:
MOS 6510 CPU (an enhanced version of the 6502)
64KB of RAM
Advanced graphics capabilities through the VIC-II chip
SID (Sound Interface Device) chip for superior audio
Compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and software
The C64's impressive specifications, combined with its affordable price ($595 at launch, quickly dropping to $199), made it an instant hit with consumers. Its graphical and sound capabilities were particularly appealing to game developers, leading to a vast library of software that kept the C64 relevant for over a decade.
The exact sales figures for the Commodore 64 are subject to some debate, with estimates ranging from 12.5 million to 17 million units sold between 1982 and 1994. Regardless of the precise number, the C64 remains one of the best-selling single computer models of all time, cementing its place in computing history.
Variants of the Commodore 64
The tremendous success of the C64 led Commodore to develop several variants and spinoff models:
C64 Games System (C64GS)
Released in 1990, the C64GS was an attempt to repackage the C64 as a dedicated game console. It lacked a keyboard and could only run cartridge-based games. Unfortunately, it failed to gain traction in the competitive console market dominated by Nintendo and Sega.
SX-64 and DX-64
The SX-64, introduced in 1984, was a portable version of the C64. It featured a built-in 5-inch color display and a single 5.25-inch floppy drive. The DX-64 was a planned upgrade with dual floppy drives, but only a handful were ever produced. Despite their innovative design as the first color portable computers, these models saw limited success, with the SX-64 selling approximately 85,000 units.
Commodore Plus/4
Released in 1984, the Plus/4 was positioned as an upgraded C64 for home office use. It featured:
Built-in productivity software (word processor, database, spreadsheet, and graphics programs)
Enhanced BASIC programming language
Improved keyboard with cursor keys
Despite these enhancements, the Plus/4 was not fully compatible with C64 software, limiting its appeal. It also had less powerful sound and graphics capabilities than the C64, further hampering its success.
Commodore 64C
Introduced in 1986, the 64C was essentially a cosmetic refresh of the original C64. It featured a sleeker case design similar to the Commodore 128 but retained the same internal specifications as the original C64. This model remained in production until the C64 line was finally discontinued in 1994.
The Commodore 128: The Final Evolution
In 1985, Commodore launched the Commodore 128 as a more powerful successor to the C64. The C128 was designed to bridge the gap between home and business computing while maintaining compatibility with the vast C64 software library.
Key features of the Commodore 128 included:
Dual CPUs: MOS 8502 and Zilog Z80
128KB of RAM (two 64KB banks)
80-column display capability
Enhanced keyboard with numeric keypad
Three operating modes: C128, C64, and CP/M
The C128's ability to run in three distinct modes made it a versatile machine:
C128 mode: Utilized the full capabilities of the machine, including the enhanced BASIC 7.0.
C64 mode: Provided nearly 100% compatibility with C64 software.
CP/M mode: Allowed the computer to run business-oriented CP/M software using the Z80 processor.
While innovative, the C128 couldn't match the runaway success of its predecessor. Many users found the C64 mode sufficient for their needs, and the business-oriented features didn't attract enough professional users to compete with IBM PC compatibles.
Commodore 128D
About a year after the C128's release, Commodore introduced the C128D. This model featured:
Redesigned case resembling contemporary PCs
Built-in 5.25-inch floppy drive
Detachable keyboard
Optional internal power supply
The C128D's design made it more appealing to business users and enthusiasts who appreciated its more professional appearance. However, like the original C128, it struggled to find a large market in the face of competition from both the C64 and increasingly affordable PC clones.
The Legacy of Commodore Computers
Commodore's impact on the home computer industry cannot be overstated. From the pioneering PET series to the ubiquitous Commodore 64 and the ambitious Commodore 128, the company consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible in affordable home computing.
Key contributions of Commodore to the computer industry include:
Popularizing home computing: The VIC-20 and C64 brought affordable, capable computers into millions of homes worldwide.
Advancing graphics and sound technology: Commodore's custom chips, particularly the VIC-II and SID, set new standards for home computer capabilities.
Fostering a generation of programmers: Many current IT professionals and game developers got their start on Commodore machines.
Creating a vibrant software ecosystem: The popularity of Commodore computers, especially the C64, led to a vast library of software and games.
Innovating in hardware design: From the all-in-one design of the PET to the portability of the SX-64, Commodore often led the way in computer form factors.
While Commodore ultimately couldn't survive the rapidly changing computer market of the 1990s, its legacy lives on in the memories of millions of users and in the DNA of modern computing devices. The company's focus on affordability, ease of use, and powerful multimedia capabilities can be seen reflected in today's smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems.
Conclusion
From the groundbreaking PET to the iconic Commodore 64 and the ambitious Commodore 128, Commodore's computer models played a crucial role in shaping the home computing landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. These machines introduced millions of people to the world of personal computing, fostering innovation, creativity, and a lifelong passion for technology in countless users.
As we look back on these pioneering devices, we can appreciate not only their technical achievements but also their cultural impact. Commodore computers were more than just machines; they were gateways to new worlds of learning, entertainment, and personal expression. Their influence continues to resonate in the digital age, reminding us of a time when the future of computing was wide open and full of possibilities.
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