Commodore 64 Gets Priced, Comes in 5 Models

As promised on Monday, Commodore USA has unleashed the eagerly-awaited Commodore 64 keyboard PC. For the uninitiated, this isn't a re-release of the ancient AIO that initially depended on cassette tapes to load up software. This is a modernized version packed with Intel's dual-core Atom 525 CPU, Nvidia Ion2 graphics, 2 GB of DDR3 memory (expandable to 4 GB), an optical drive, and more. It may not be ideal for running Crysis 2, but it sure beats the dinosaur 8-bit technology from the 1980s.

The company hinted to its launch yesterday in a cross-promotion announcement with Disney. "In 1982, both the original Commodore 64 and Disney's blockbuster Tron were released," the company said. "Almost 30 years later, they both simultaneously reappear on April 5, 2011. Each Tron Legacy DVD or Blu-ray packet features advertising for Commodore and the new Commodore 64."

Now the doors are open for pre-orders with an estimated ship date of mid-May to early June. The keyboard PC is offered in five flavors: the C64x Barebones for $250, the C64x Basic for $595, the C64x Standard for $695, the C64x Deluxe for $795 and the C64x Ultimate for $895. All units come packed with the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS OS on a disc ready to install. Commodore OS 1.0-- which includes an emulator and a classic game package-- will be made to purchasers when available.

Here's a breakdown on what each model offers:

C64x Barebones

• Case, chassis and keyboard
• Card Reader (multi format + USB port)

C64x Basic

• Case, chassis and keyboard
• Card Reader (multi format + USB port)
• Intel Atom D525 1.8 GHz Dual Core CPU
• Nvidia ION2 Graphics (DDR3 512 MB)
• Motherboard (mini-ITX)
• 2 GB Memory (DDR2 667/800)
• 160 GB Hard Drive

C64x Standard

• Case, chassis and keyboard
• Card Reader (multi format + USB port)
• Intel Atom D525 1.8 GHz Dual Core CPU
• Nvidia ION2 Graphics (DDR3 512 MB)
• Motherboard (mini-ITX)
• 2 GB Memory (DDR2 667/800)
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth
• DVD Tray Drive (R/W)
• 250 GB Hard Drive

C64x Deluxe

• Case, chassis and keyboard
• Card Reader (multi format + USB port)
• Intel Atom D525 1.8 GHz Dual Core CPU
• Nvidia ION2 Graphics (DDR3 512 MB)
• Motherboard (mini-ITX)
• 4 GB Memory (DDR2 667/800)
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth
• DVD Slot Drive (R/W)
• 500 GB Hard Drive

C64x Ultimate

• Case, chassis and keyboard
• Card Reader (multi format + USB port)
• Intel Atom D525 1.8 GHz Dual Core CPU
• Nvidia ION2 Graphics (DDR3 512 MB)
• Motherboard (mini-ITX)
• 4 GB Memory (DDR2 667/800)
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth
• BluRay Drive
• 1TB Hard Drive

To pre-order a Commodore 64, head here. For those looking for something a bit more sleek, Commodore USA also announced the launch of its VIC-Slim, another keyboard PC. "It is so small it is hard to believe it is a computer at all," the company said.

The VIC-Slim is available now in three models with prices ranging from $295 to $495. For ordering information, head here.