Commodore 64x
The Commodore 64x is a replica PC based on the original Commodore 64, powered by standard x86 Intel processors ranging from the Intel Atom to the Intel Core i7. It was sold by Commodore USA starting in April 2011.[1][2] Because Commodore USA went out of business after the death of its founder, Barry Altman, this machine is no longer available.
 Hardware | |
| Type | Home computer |
|---|---|
| Release date | April 2011 |
| Introductory price | US $295–895 (April 2011) |
| Operating system | Ubuntu 10.10 / Commodore OS |
| CPU | Dual-core Intel Atom D525 @ 1.80 GHz (Ultimate), Intel Core i7 @ 2.2 GHz Sandy Bridge (Extreme) |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM expandable to 4 GB (DDR2 667/800 single-channel) (Ultimate), 8 GB expandable to 16 GB 2 × SO-DIMM DDR3 1066/1333 dual channel(Extreme) |
| Storage | 1 TB hard drive (Ultimate), 3 TB (Extreme) |
| Graphics | Nvidia Ion 2 with 512 MB memory, Intel HD Graphics (Extreme) |
| Sound | Realtek ALC662 6-CH HD Audio Nvidia L-PCM digital audio (HDMI 1.3); can support 7.1 output with external decoder (Ultimate) |
| Connectivity | mini PCI Express x1 Slot, RS232 serial header, 4 SATA Revision 2.0 3 Gb / s Connectors with RAID 0, 1, JBOD functions (SATA#3,#4), 8 bit GPIO header, CIR header, 9-pin Audio Connector, Front Panel Connector, Fan Headers, 4-pin power connector, 12V DC jack, 1 × PS2 KB / Mouse connectors, 1 × HDMI, 1 × DVI-D, 1 × VGA, 4 × USB 2.0, 1 × RJ45 LAN (10 / 100 / 1000), 3 × 3.5 mm Audio with S/PDIF out, WiFi N (Ultimate), mini PCI Express x1 Slot, RS232 / RS432 / RS485 serial header, 2 × SATA Revision 3.0 6Gb / s connectors, 3 SATA Revision 2.0 3 Gb / s with RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD functions (SATA#3,#4), 8-bit GPIO header, 9-pin Audio Connector, 24-pin ATX power connector, 12V DC jack, Front Panel Connector, fan headers, 4-pin power connector, 1 × PS2 KB / mouse connector, 1 × HDMI, 1 × DVI-D, 1 × VGA, 4 x USB 2.0, 3 × USB 3.0, 1 × RJ45 LAN, 3 × 3.5 mm Audio with S/PDIF out, WiFi N (Extreme) |
| Mass | 3.1 kg |
| Website | www |
History
The case of the C64x was designed to resemble the popular Commodore 64 in response to "overwhelming demand" from Commodore USA's customer base.[3][4]
Volume production started in May 2011, with machines being released on to the market in June 2011[5] at a starting price of US $595 for the Basic model and up to US $895 for an Ultimate model, and as of August 13, an Extreme version fitted with an Intel Core i7 chip with 8 GB DDR3 RAM and 3 TB hard drive for US $1499. There was a case-only version of the C64x called the Barebones available for US $295.
It shipped initially with Ubuntu 10.10 Desktop Edition, and in November 2011, Commodore USA released their own Linux derivative called Commodore OS.
Software
The C64x is said to come bundled with Ubuntu 10.10. There is no hardware compatibility with the original C64, with software compatibility provided through the use of an emulator.[6] Ubuntu is able to run VICE, an open source program which emulates 8-bit computers, such as the Commodore 64. VICE is available for free for almost all operating systems currently in use.
As of 18 August 2011, Commodore USA announced it would be providing international keyboards and keys for its customers worldwide for the C64x, with new keyboards made with additional keys for countries/languages if it is needed. For customers outside of its main US support area, keys and keycap pullers will be provided for easy self-installation.[7]
References
- "Iconic Commodore 64 All Set For Comeback".
- "Recreating the Legendary Commodore 64". Archived from the original on 2011-07-14.
- Valentino-DeVries, Jennifer (8 April 2011). "Commodore 64: Welcome Back, Old Friend". The Wall Street Journal.
- "Commodore USA announces the PC64, in a replica Commodore case". Archived from the original on 2012-03-26. Retrieved 2011-06-28.
- "Commodore USA CEO Announces Shipment of C64x".
- BBC News (7 April 2011). "Classic Commodore 64 lives again". BBC News. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
- "World Wide Keyboard Coming to Commodore".