Commodore USA Launching C64 Tomorrow?
On Tuesday Commodore USA may be launching the C64 keyboard PC in conjunction with Disney's release of Tron Legacy on DVD.
Looks like the rebirth of the Commodore 64 is getting closer to reality, as Commodore USA recently uploaded a batch of new images showing "some quick prototype shots." The company noted that the plastic, color and overall finish seen in the photos are not representations of the final product, but served up only to show the keyboard-based PC's progression.
The company officially announced the C64 device "reboot" back in August 2010 with a planned release date of Q4 2010, but so far the keyboard PC still remains in development. When launched, it's expected to offer an Intel Atom 525 CPU with Nvidia Ion2 graphics, 4 GB of DDR3 memory, a 1 TB HDD, HDMI output, a DVD/CD optical drive (Blu-ray optional), dual-link DVI, six USB ports, integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a 6-in-1 media card reader.
Naturally the final product is expected to resemble the classic C64 keyboard PC released back in the 1980s. However there will be obvious differences due to what's "under the hood," or in this case, what's under the keys. On the back, the device will sport an I/O interface consisting of USB, Ethernet, HDMI, sound jacks and other ports in addition to the exhaust fan. The left side will house the optical drive and the right side will offer additional USB ports and the 6-in-1 reader.
For now there's no set release date or price listed on the official website. In fact, Commodore USA hasn't even listed retailers on its online shop that will eventually stock the device. However the Commodore USA Facebook and Twitter pages suggest that its Commodore machines will actually go on sale tomorrow, April 5 in conjunction with the release of Disney's Tron Legacy DVD. This more than likely includes both the Commodore 64 and the sleeker Commodore Phoenix.
For the moment, Commodore USA hasn't released an official announcement, so pricing is still unknown. Stay tuned and we'll post any additional information about the keyboard PC's release here. In the meantime, check out the batch of prototype photos by heading here.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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mister g I wasn't born yet when these things were released. Can anybody clue me into how it used to be?Reply -
Onus With an Atom processor, this will be a cheap toy, nothing more. Basically, it sounds like a netbook without the screen. The only thing that would make it actually impressive is a max $100 price.Reply
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memadmax I started off with a c64, it was so far out my mom thought I stole it and made me throw it away. So that began my underground years when I took the 64 and stuck it in the basement along with a IBM PC...Reply
ahh the good ol' days... -
I actuall played arround with a VIC 20 as the first home computer. When the C 64 came out, I wanted one very badly. I begged my mom to get one and she got it one Christmas. It was better then the the first apples, and it worked in color. Using a TV for the screen was a great plan at the time, because it cut down on the cost of the system. The use of "Sprites" made it very well suited for video games. (sprites were like tiny moveable screens that could contain the artwork for the charactors for games. I learned to program, dial into the Schools computer system, played a ton of games, and was able to print out book reports that I was able to turn in to multiple classes for credit. It was truly a turning point for me. Lots of fond memories.Reply
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tburns1 I must have had 500 games for that puppy. What memories. Some of the games I miss today. Luckily, the best of the bunch (IMHO) -- Impossible Mission -- is available for the Nintendo DS! I only wish I could get the Castles of Dr. Creep, and maybe a dozen others as well ...Reply