The Commodore 64 rises from the ashes

(CBS)  One of the earliest and most popular computer models ever is about to make a comeback.

Introduced in 1982, the Commodore 64 sold 30 million units over the next dozen years. Its graphics capabilities made it popular with gamers; at least 10,000 software titles, including games and business applications, were developed for the computer.

But the company folded, and the model became a nostalgia piece, its early fans resorting to running 64 games on emulators.

Now, CBS Station KYW correspondent Bob Bicknell reports, the Commodore 64 is arising from the ashes in a new version named, appropriately, Phoenix.

Commodoreusa.net is now selling new versions of the "computer in a keyboard" design, though with added extras not available in 1982, such as Intel Pentium processors, a DVD drive, wireless Ethernet and USB ports.

And whereas the classic 64 held a hefty 64 KB of RAM, the Phoenix runs on more than 4 GB, and can store 2 TB.

The Phoenix runs Microsoft Windows 7 or Ubuntu (Linux).

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Commodore USA also has other models available, including the Invictus (which sports a touchpad) and Amigo. Prices start at $475 for a bare-bones model, topping out at $1,300.


For more info:
c64.com (Commodore 64 Fan Site)

[ralphing]

I learned to program on a TI programmable calculator, then the C-64 came out. WOW!!!

I built my hacking skills on that computer. By the time the Amiga, came out, where I was extremely jealous of my friend who had one, the PC was common place. The C-64, once a serious business/gaming machine, became a toy you gave to your kids.

It's hard to believe that anyone who grew up with a Commodore, would be tempted by this blatant marketing ploy. You can buy a PC built into a 19" touchscreen for about the same price. Lots more practical then everything stuffed into a keyboard.

[BigMykul]

As long as they support it...

[RogerInHawaii]

How is this new computer a Commodore 64?

[rf35]

It's not...it's a Commodore Phoenix. It's just resurrected the design of having the computer's guts build into the keyboard housing instead of a separate box. Problem is peripheral keyboards tend to fail before the rest of the system. Can this be replaced if it goes bad???

[JustYourAverageReader]

I was raised on Commodore's as well. I am very disappointed that Agnes, Paula, and Denise have been replaced by Intel product. I am also disappointed that AmigaDOS and Workbench have not been continued. Windows? Come on, that is the maximum insult to the spirit of Commodore. I doubt that this product will do well.

[BigMykul]

Actually, the company folded because they offered little to no support. Everytime they produced a new series, they would not support the preexisting ones. I used Commodores all through the days of the PET, VIC 20, 64C, C64, 128...etc.

The lack of support drove many people away from the company.

Commodore then focused on the UK and European markets to sell their products.

Unfortunately Commodore did not really get on the PC bandwagon and even with emulators for later systems, the compatibility for most applications and games did not transfer over to the Amiga series.

On the plus side, the Commodore allowed graphix, color and sound that was not available for most personal computers of the time.