The New Commodore 64

1st april? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 08:32 · Score: 3, Funny

1st april?

Re:1st april? by mwvdlee · 2011-04-06 18:44 · Score: 3, Insightful

It's still mostly a 90's Geocities-style website with 3D renders of products and lacking any real information.
For something as simple as a box to hold standard components, they are taking a long time to release it.

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Re:1st april? by Dogtanian · 2011-04-07 00:53 · Score: 1

It's still mostly a 90's Geocities-style website with 3D renders of products and lacking any real information.
Yes, it's horrendously amateurish and dated, not in an 80s-nostalgia style, just in a badly-designed, incompetent way.

Anyway, if people here think that their C64 was somewhat cynical, at least with *that* they've put it in a case that looks broadly similar to an actual C64.

Elsewhere on the site (when it isn't saying "Service Unavailable") they're using the famous "Vic" name to sell something that looks similar- or identical- to one of those Eee PC "all-in-one" keyboard/computer things that has **** all to do with the original Vic under the moniker "Vic Pro", and something else called a "Vic Slim" that is equally unrelated.

But that's not all! Would you like an Amiga 1000? Well, don't get your hopes up, it's just a generic HTPC/Media Centre case that has precisely jack s**t to do with the original Amiga 1000 (or any other Amiga) and doesn't even look like it. Ditto the "Amiga 2000" and "Amiga 3000". All backed up by more incredibly ugly and badly-designed web pages.

I strongly suspect they have the rights to use the Amiga name and logo, but nothing else. At any rate, it's possibly the most blatantly cynical and low-rent attempt to milk the Amiga name for all its nostalgic worth while doing f*** all.

Utter tat.

(Canned links to cached Google versions for when their shite website isn't working:- Vic and Amiga.

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Re:1st april? by mwvdlee · 2011-04-07 01:14 · Score: 1

Thank god the actual Amiga company (http://amiga.com/) is keeping the brand alive *cough*.

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Re:1st april? by Dogtanian · 2011-04-07 06:28 · Score: 1

Thank god the actual Amiga company (http://amiga.com/) is keeping the brand alive *cough*.
Yeah, slapping the name on some random Android-based tablets (that are probably just rebadged generic models from some no-name Chinese manufacturer). That's one way to respect the Amiga... *coughing fit*

While that website isn't quite as amateurish as Commodore USA's, it's still very basic and cheap looking for a company that has any pretence of being a serious business. They still seem to be trying to flog that "Amiga Anywhere" platform that (also) apparently has sod all to do with the original Amiga... meh.

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So the question is... by dskzero · 2011-04-06 08:32 · Score: 5, Insightful

... Why would I buy one?

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Re:So the question is... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 08:37 · Score: 1

Disposable income and a sense of curiosity/nostalgia.
Re:So the question is... by LastGunslinger · 2011-04-06 08:40 · Score: 5, Funny

FTA: “Thirty years ago computers were an all-in-one product, with the keyboard, memory and components built inside,” Mr. Altman explained. “Over the years that has changed, and we believe there is a huge potential to revive the early format.” Gee, I wish they made computers with all the components built together as one unit. Maybe they could call it a laptop or tablet.
Re:So the question is... by Opportunist · 2011-04-06 08:46 · Score: 5, Interesting

1. Nostalgia
It sure is a novelty item besides being a computer. And if it's a fully functional PC, too, you actually get a pretty usable office machine that way.
2. All-in-one
Computer and keyboard rolled back into one. At a price tag that a laptop probably cannot meet (due to flatscreens still being not free) while taking most likely much less real estate around your desk than the traditional PC, no matter whether it's tower or desktop.
Where I see its space is (home) office users who don't need high end specs but want a simple computer while already having a screen to plug it to. In other words, average computer users. And they're plentiful. Add a few nostalgic geeks and you have a market share.

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Re:So the question is... by Flammon · 2011-04-06 08:50 · Score: 1

From the article.

Mr. Altman says he sees two types of customers for the new computer.
“There are a lot of really young computer users who want to own a retro-looking computer,” he said. ”And of course there are those 30- to 40-year-olds who owned the original Commodore 64 and want the nostalgia of their first machine.”
I for one welcome our new C64 overlords.

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Re:So the question is... by slinches · 2011-04-06 08:50 · Score: 1

I agree. One version later and they drop support for all of the old cartridges and accessories. If I upgrade, my dot matrix printer, 5.25" floppy, joystick and sega genesis controllers will be useless.

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Re:So the question is... by jandrese · 2011-04-06 08:52 · Score: 4, Insightful

It's more expensive than a lot of laptops, and almost all netbooks.

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Re:So the question is... by Lapine · 2011-04-06 08:56 · Score: 1

What you want is a HardSID, then.
Re:So the question is... by MozeeToby · 2011-04-06 08:58 · Score: 1

You can buy any number of micro form factor PCs (usually business workstations) in this power range for equal or less money. I'd argue that nostalgia is the only unique trait that they're bringing to the table.
Re:So the question is... by Urkki · 2011-04-06 09:09 · Score: 2

... Why would I buy one?
If you need to ask... You won't.
Re:So the question is... by elrous0 · 2011-04-06 09:10 · Score: 1

Incidentally, am I the only one having problems today clicking on links on Slashdot (and even right-clicking anything)? They keep fucking with the code on these pages, and every day there seems to be some new pain in the ass to deal with. If it ain't broke, Slashdot seems determined to fuck with it until it is.

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Re:So the question is... by larry+bagina · 2011-04-06 09:11 · Score: 1

3. It also doubles as a hand warmer.

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Re:So the question is... by cayenne8 · 2011-04-06 09:16 · Score: 1, Insightful

Does it run linux?

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Re:So the question is... by Golddess · 2011-04-06 09:16 · Score: 1

Me too. I found that by double-right-clicking, I can still get the right-click menu to open. Unfortunately, double-mouse-wheel-clicking doesn't do the same (give me back single-click functionality).

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Re:So the question is... by Lord+Ender · 2011-04-06 09:21 · Score: 2

Are you talking about the Asus Eee Keyboard?
It's all-in-one and you can certainly run any emulator you want on it to get your nostalgia fix. On top of that, it has wireless HDMI and wifi built in.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_Keyboard

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Re:So the question is... by spun · 2011-04-06 09:22 · Score: 2

The value of a cheap all in one home unit really depends on what side of that estimate they come closer too. I might buy a $250 Commodore-64 form-factor computer I can hook up to my big TV in the living room. I would not pay much more than that, though. Definitely not $900. I think a bargain coffee table computer could attract customers that might be intimidated by a laptop, tablet, or a big clunky desktop.

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- None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
Re:So the question is... by jcoy42 · 2011-04-06 09:25 · Score: 2

If not, give it a week.

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Never trust an atom. They make up everything.
Re:So the question is... by bigredradio · 2011-04-06 09:25 · Score: 5, Informative

Apparently that is what it ships with. From their site:
Note: Commodore OS 1.0, along with emulation functionality and classic game package, will be mailed to purchasers when available. In the meantime, units come with the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS operating system on CD ready to install.

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Re:So the question is... by tepples · 2011-04-06 09:28 · Score: 1

You can buy any number of micro form factor PCs (usually business workstations) in this power range for equal or less money.
Which micro-form-factor PC do you recommend that has non-Intel integrated graphics? Is the AMD-powered Dell Zino any good?
Re:So the question is... by tepples · 2011-04-06 09:30 · Score: 3, Interesting

Of course you can use your C64 joysticks and Sega Genesis gamepads with this Commodore PC.
Re:So the question is... by somersault · 2011-04-06 09:34 · Score: 1

It's not even that unique, the Commodore trademark seems to get passed around almost yearly and more Amiga or Commodore branded machines get pumped out.. at least Amiga has Amiga OS 4, but (possibly to my shame) I haven't ever tried it.. when I was a teenager I used to dream of having a PPC card for my Amiga so that I could run WarpOS.

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Re:So the question is... by LWATCDR · 2011-04-06 09:39 · Score: 5, Insightful

1. It is too expensive for Nostalgia.
2. It is too thick to be comfortable to type on.
I really think they are blowing this. I would love to see a modern C-64 but this isn't it. If I was building one I would start with one of the new AMD fusion chips. Put that into a a thin all in one keyboard that is no thicker than a Notebook. Include an HDMI port so you can hook it to a TV. Install a small Flash drive and no hard drives or CD/DVD. Include few USB 3 ports and maybe a Firewire port for people to add mass storage, and throw on a network port and possibly include wifi.
Put A good Linux on it and a price of $100 to $200.
If you want a DVD and or windows that will be extra.
Schools would love it because it is cheap and should have no moving parts. Kids could use it with a TV in their room and it would actually work out. Of course many people could live with just a monitor anyway since cable boxes have HDMI out anyway. Don't make a copy of the C-64 make an new C-64. A cheap computer that will do what most people want it to do.

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Re:So the question is... by wmbetts · 2011-04-06 09:43 · Score: 1

I'll buy one as soon as I can. Not because it's OMG the best thing ever, but it's something that brings back good memories and I'd love to share something similar with my son.

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Re:So the question is... by repetty · 2011-04-06 09:47 · Score: 1

It's more expensive than a lot of laptops, and almost all netbooks.
A lot of laptops and almost all netbooks cost less that $250???
Re:So the question is... by jdgeorge · 2011-04-06 09:48 · Score: 1

I haven't seen the full spec sheet, but I'm guessing the Commodore 64 will be using something more powerful than the Atom that's used in the Eee Keyboard.
And I suspect a lot of folks are underestimating the brand value of nostagia. We'll see how it does, but there's nothing interesting to me about Asus as a brand. All things being equal, I'd probably lean toward the familiar C64 brand in preference to the very generic-feeling Asus brand.
Re:So the question is... by realityimpaired · 2011-04-06 09:50 · Score: 1

not just you. left click works but is slow, and right click doesn't actually do anything unless all of the hidden/nested comments are expanded. (actually, it expands them. one-by-one. and then finally pops up the context menu once they're all open)
Re:So the question is... by SuricouRaven · 2011-04-06 09:52 · Score: 1

It needs to run silent or near-silent. Give it that, and this could be a viable HTPC. Compact, easily tucked into the space beneath the TV, and without the fiddley remotes or seperate keyboard.
Re:So the question is... by mcavic · 2011-04-06 10:03 · Score: 1

Why would I buy one?
Hang the machine on the wall for retro artwork, and plug in an external keyboard. The C64's keyboard is horrible anyway. :)
Re:So the question is... by spun · 2011-04-06 10:05 · Score: 1

Yeah, I was assuming it was fanless like the original.

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- None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
Re:So the question is... by mirix · 2011-04-06 10:06 · Score: 1

That's how it was for me a few days ago, but now even with them expanded, right click does SFA.
And I can't middle click links. or left click them for that matter. dislike.

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Re:So the question is... by butalearner · 2011-04-06 10:10 · Score: 3

It's more expensive than a lot of laptops, and almost all netbooks.
A lot of laptops and almost all netbooks cost less that $250???
$250 is for the barebones system: it doesn't even include the motherboard. You have to pay $595 for a fully functional one, unless you can build it cheaper yourself from the barebones.
Re:So the question is... by Planky · 2011-04-06 10:16 · Score: 1

I bought one and am still wondering why I did
Re:So the question is... by bane2571 · 2011-04-06 10:29 · Score: 2

My big issue with this thing is that keyboards are seperate from PCs for a very good reason. If I spill cola on my keyboard (we've all done it), I really dont want to have to buy a new PC to replace the damaged A key or even strip down and repair the keyboard. What I want to do is buy a new $25 peripheral.
Re:So the question is... by PopeRatzo · 2011-04-06 10:38 · Score: 2

I really think they are blowing this. I would love to see a modern C-64 but this isn't it. If I was building one I would start with one of the new AMD fusion chips. Put that into a a thin all in one keyboard that is no thicker than a Notebook. Include an HDMI port so you can hook it to a TV. Install a small Flash drive and no hard drives or CD/DVD. Include few USB 3 ports and maybe a Firewire port for people to add mass storage, and throw on a network port and possibly include wifi.
Put A good Linux on it and a price of $100 to $200.
Except for the "computer in a keyboard" part, I absolutely agree.
I'd love to see a computer like the one you describe, at about 150 bucks, with the form factor of a Mac Mini. About the same footprint as a DVD.

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Re:So the question is... by camperdave · 2011-04-06 10:47 · Score: 1

So the question is... Why would I buy one?
Exactly... I'd rather get one of these.

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Re:So the question is... by gnapster · 2011-04-06 10:51 · Score: 1

Actually, the superficial specs say that it does use an Intel Atom D525 1.8GHz Dual Core CPU with NVIDIA ION2 Graphics (DDR3 512MB). Don't know specifically how it compares to Asus's components, but it's still an Atom processor. There is no arguing that the case and keyboard are higher quality, though: the latter uses Cherry switches, which are miles ahead of any Eee unit.
I am totally with you on the Asus brand being unimpressive. This appeals to me just as much, though, because it is a solid machine. "They don't make them like they used to."
Re:So the question is... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 10:55 · Score: 1

The point of a "new C64" is exactly that .. its nostalgia. As for the price, people dunp thousnds and more on unfunctional nostalilgia items, more on those that actually work. Of course there'sa market for i. Not you, but I am certain you do not represent the entire PC buying market.
As for keyboards, the old C64 keyboard was terrible.. only, so many others were worse. But a laptop keyboad is wrong.it is a compromise for portability only. And really, they had no choice... the C64 is a known item. If, as they claim, they have improved the quality, that's the best they could do.
Re:So the question is... by Migraineman · 2011-04-06 10:57 · Score: 2

The $250 unit doesn't include a power supply either. Sheesh.
Re:So the question is... by Radical+Moderate · 2011-04-06 11:03 · Score: 1

Amen. Back when I actually owned a c64, then an Amiga, I dreamed of not having my keyboard tethered to the mouse, monitor, and a slew of peripherals. I like having my keyboard on an adjustable, sliding shelf, thank you.

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Re:So the question is... by DiegoBravo · 2011-04-06 11:16 · Score: 1

3- turn on, wait 1 sec, and start programming in BASIC (P [SHIFT] + [O] 53281,0 , etc...)
Re:So the question is... by Jerslan · 2011-04-06 11:18 · Score: 2

Maybe you should check out the website, and pay attention to the Commodore Vic-Slim model. That definitely solves your problem number 2. Given that it's a modern take on the original concept, it's housing isn't really all that nostalgic, so problem number 1 is pretty much eliminated.

Basically, it's exactly what you were asking for. "A cheap computer that will do what most people want it to do"
Re:So the question is... by piripiri · 2011-04-06 11:24 · Score: 2

Woot!
Re:So the question is... by marcello_dl · 2011-04-06 11:45 · Score: 1

I cannot understand why people would put in their livingroom such ugly thing.
Get real and get me a vic 20 instead!

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Re:So the question is... by mikael · 2011-04-06 11:48 · Score: 1

From the historical viewpoint of an 80's home computer owner, everything was built into the keyboard (CPU, memory chips, ROM slots), all except for the large collection of separate power transformers for each peripheral. The floppy diskdrives, the keyboard, the hard disk drives, the monitor all had their own separate brick or cube power transformer, requiring not just one, but a daisy chain of power bars. In any promotional magazine, these cables would be conveniently airbrushed out.

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Re:So the question is... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 11:58 · Score: 2

Or an iMac!
Re:So the question is... by Balthisar · 2011-04-06 12:18 · Score: 1

Not only that, switching power supplies were unheard of. It meant that that brick had a ton of copper inside it. I think when I got my C=128, I was amazed that the brick weighed next to nothing.

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--Jim (me)
Re:So the question is... by Digital+Vomit · 2011-04-06 12:20 · Score: 1

Because it's there!

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Re:So the question is... by Darinbob · 2011-04-06 13:07 · Score: 1

A good question. It is most clearly NOT a Commodore 64. So it would not be for nostalgia reasons.
Re:So the question is... by Darinbob · 2011-04-06 13:10 · Score: 1

But it's a lot cheaper than MOST laptops. A $500 laptop is generally a piece of junk, and for that money you may as well get a real computer instead.
Re:So the question is... by FatdogHaiku · 2011-04-06 13:20 · Score: 1

I think I might have an old KAYPro IIsystem laying around in a shed... It looked like a portable sewing machine when closed. I also think a buddy has an old Osborne 1 somewhere. In that time frame, both of them were pretty interesting devices.

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Re:So the question is... by LWATCDR · 2011-04-06 14:45 · Score: 1

I went with the computer in keyboard because people wanted an all in one and it kept the with the 64 feel. You could have a small box version as well of course but in that case I would add an IR remote and Bluetooth so it could be used as media PC and or a gaming console.

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See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
Re:So the question is... by syousef · 2011-04-06 15:37 · Score: 1

I really think they are blowing this. I would love to see a modern C-64 but this isn't it. If I was building one I would start with one of the new AMD fusion chips. Put that into a a thin all in one keyboard that is no thicker than a Notebook. Include an HDMI port so you can hook it to a TV. Install a small Flash drive and no hard drives or CD/DVD. Include few USB 3 ports and maybe a Firewire port for people to add mass storage, and throw on a network port and possibly include wifi.
Sounds like you want a Wii. Okay its USB 2, not HDMI, and not Linux but the rest is pretty close.

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Re:So the question is... by phillymjs · 2011-04-06 16:07 · Score: 1

it's something that brings back good memories and I'd love to share something similar with my son.
Why not just buy an actual C64 setup on eBay for a fraction of the price of this thing? There are always a few on there and some of them come with a large selection of game disks. ~Philly
Re:So the question is... by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 16:38 · Score: 1

You are not properly shopping for laptops. Recently, Dell was selling full-blown laptops running on Core i3's, with the perks, for $400 (kick it up a little higher for accessories, s&h, and tax).
If your idea of a piece of junk is something that won't run the bleeding-edge graphics game, then yes, they are junk. Whatever was around before the Core i3's, yes, they probably were junk. My Core i5 laptop from a year ago is not a piece of junk, and these new suckers are just as powerful for $350 less. (Rrrrrrrrrr.)

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Re:So the question is... by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 16:59 · Score: 1

Modern modular design. Make the keyboard on top of the computer form factor, then make the keyboard detachable from the "computer". If you spill on the keyboard, remove it, and swap in a new part (or clean it).
I think the new C64's have usb ports. Trivial peripheral.
No, what pisses me off is the retarded cost to buy one. As people have pointed out, its a nostalgia purchase, but no way I'm forking over $250 for a "fake" C64, when I can get a color Nook for that price.
The engineers REALLY had to aim for a $100 model, similar to what the OLPC guys do. Make the margin off of NOT providing a screen. Just have HDMI/DVI ports and charge for a DVI/VGA adapter. (Or even go more retro, and use an SVIDEO/CGI(?) connector). Make the DVD drive a chargeable option. As long as I have USB ports, I can live without the nostalgia of the 1541 drive, to have EVERY C64 game stored on a USB stick.
Its useful as a cheap, non-screen netbook, pop in a DVD to make it a DVD player, use the net to stream TV on it. Your kids will look at you like you're retarded, but f**k'em. Its only $100, and its nostalgia.

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Re:So the question is... by damnbunni · 2011-04-06 17:01 · Score: 2

It's not trivial. the SID is a cast-iron bitch to emulate. You can write an emulator that theoretically ought to be perfect, and could match the SID 'reference' perfectly.. but it wouldn't sound right, because the SID was notoriously variable, had a lot of internal interference and crosstalk, and in general had a unique sound that's a pain to try to emulate.
Heck, even different SID chips from the same _batch_ would sound different, and there were different models of SID in the 'breadbox' C64s and the slip C64C/C128.
Re:So the question is... by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:23 · Score: 1

Ah, the look on your kids face (as you demonstrate the C64 graphics), when he thinks to himself, "Is my Dad retarded?"
Priceless.

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon
Re:So the question is... by Eivind · 2011-04-06 18:19 · Score: 1

Uhm, there are sid"players" (really emulators) aplenty. What's wrong with them ? Why don't they count ?
Re:So the question is... by CharlyFoxtrot · 2011-04-06 19:17 · Score: 1

Amen. Back when I actually owned a c64, then an Amiga, I dreamed of not having my keyboard tethered to the mouse, monitor, and a slew of peripherals. I like having my keyboard on an adjustable, sliding shelf, thank you.
Well, you had the c128 and the Amiga x000's which all had detachable keyboards. I think the all-in-one form factor made a lot of sense for the c64 since it was often hooked up to a tv and had to be moved around a lot.

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Re:So the question is... by initdeep · 2011-04-06 20:51 · Score: 1

i much prefer to HAVE a remote to control my HTPC and not need the keyboard or mouse to do so.
for the 2% of the time i need a keyboard, i can grab the wireless low profile one with integrated trackball i keep stashed under the end table next to my recliner.
and i much prefer my Dell ZinoHD form factor over this thing to have sitting in my a/v component shelves.
Re:So the question is... by dintech · 2011-04-06 21:23 · Score: 1

Put that into a a thin all in one keyboard that is no thicker than a Notebook.
Sounds like you want a modern ZX Spectrum.
Now that I would buy.
Re:So the question is... by metacell · 2011-04-06 22:15 · Score: 1

I've done it too, you insensitive clod!
Re:So the question is... by gravis777 · 2011-04-07 01:15 · Score: 1

2. It is too thick to be comfortable to type on.
Is this better? http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_VicSlim.aspx
Re:So the question is... by elrous0 · 2011-04-07 01:39 · Score: 1

It's was that way for a few weeks (and that was annoying enough), but now I can't right-click anything even with the threads expanded, or click on links. As I said, I really wish they would just stop fucking with the code. I think maybe Slashdot has a programmer onboard who constantly feels the need to justify his job by fucking with things that aren't broke (and breaking them in the process).

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Re:So the question is... by LWATCDR · 2011-04-07 02:45 · Score: 1

Well it is about $100 too expensive, Atom is too slow now that we have the AMD Neo and the new Llano APU. Drop the SSD and out in an SD slot. If people want more storage you could include ESATA or USB 3 for an external HD. Build in wifi and your good to go.

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See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
Re:So the question is... by LWATCDR · 2011-04-07 02:49 · Score: 1

Actually yes and doesn't that make a lot of sense? The C-64 was used to play games as well as do some useful work. Take the Wii and add support for HD-Video, drop the drive or have it be an option, and add USB-3 or ESATA and an wired network port. If you could write software for it and get say Open Office and a mondern browser it would be a modern C-64.

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See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
Re:So the question is... by LWATCDR · 2011-04-07 02:52 · Score: 1

Except that keyboard is worse than the one on the C-64. Let me guess, your in the UK? I always wanted to have a ZX but they where hard to come by in the US. I did sell a few Timex Sinclairs when I worked at a computer store. I always thought that one of those would be fun to hack into a robot back in the 80s but I never had the time to play with one.

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See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
Re:So the question is... by LWATCDR · 2011-04-07 02:54 · Score: 1

Just put in an emulator. They are common and work very well.

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See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
Re:So the question is... by DarthVain · 2011-04-07 03:14 · Score: 1

Or a Mac.
Re:So the question is... by stewbacca · 2011-04-07 03:17 · Score: 1

1. It is too expensive for Nostalgia.
You underestimate the power of nostalgia.
Re:So the question is... by hitmark · 2011-04-07 04:35 · Score: 1

They got a couple of other models that are not specifically modeled on a old commodore computer (tho they borrow the names), that may be closers to a comfortable typing experience.

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Re:So the question is... by hitmark · 2011-04-07 04:36 · Score: 1

Thinkpads, as and example, have a membrane and a drain system so that if one spill liquid on the keyboard it will not affect the computer parts underneath.

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Re:So the question is... by ladoga · 2011-04-07 04:55 · Score: 1

My big issue with this thing is that keyboards are seperate from PCs for a very good reason. If I spill cola on my keyboard (we've all done it), I really dont want to have to buy a new PC to replace the damaged A key or even strip down and repair the keyboard. What I want to do is buy a new $25 peripheral.
I haven't quite grasped why cheap keyboards are so popular nowadays. Afterall it - together with the screen - is the interface you most interact with and something you actually notice. It's sad to see people invest shitloads of money into computers with highest possible specs and then using it with the cheapest crap keyboard and screen available. Things have got to the point that it's very hard or even impossible to find a good quality keyboard without ordering it from the other side of the globe and paying an arm and a leg for it.
It wasn't always like this. Consider IBM Model M, which was probably the most numerous keyboard in the 80s. Liquid spills are rarely a problem. Just take it to the shower or put it into a washing machine, let it dry before plugging in and it will most likely work just fine. Also it's better to type on than 95% of todays keyboards. Mine was made in 1987 (soon 25 years old), I got it for free (school was throwing old keyboards to the dumpster) and after all these years it's still as good as new. Aside from being a joy to type on they are basically indestructible. At most you might have to change new springs (or swap them around) after 10 years of use if you are picky about even input force.
click-click-click
Re:So the question is... by lastchance_000 · 2011-04-07 06:06 · Score: 1

You can't really mention those in relation to this article without mentioning the Commodore SX-64.
Re:So the question is... by DaVince21 · 2011-04-07 11:26 · Score: 1

I hope they made the rest of the machine close to the original C64 too: being able to run any old C64 software with ease natively, having special SID-like hardware integrated (possibly available as a MIDI driver in the system itself), offering some really quick to launch and use scripting shell (to mimick how you could just start typing BASIC right when the C64) booted up.
If it's JUST a regular computer in a neat retro shell, then eh. I'd want to see the machine itself geared somewhat towards what the old machine was, too.

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I am not devoid of humor.
Re:So the question is... by Opportunist · 2011-04-07 18:16 · Score: 1

Liquids spilled? Hell, an M could take a bullet for you. LITERALLY.

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Re:So the question is... by Radical+Moderate · 2011-04-14 12:12 · Score: 1

I'm pretty sure the c128 had an integrated keyboard. Regardless, my point was that an integrated keyboard isn't a feature to wax nostalgic about, but a cost-cutting move that made sense way back when, but not now that keyboards cost ten bucks.

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Never let a lack of data get in the way of a good rant.
Re:So the question is... by CharlyFoxtrot · 2011-04-14 12:26 · Score: 1

Huh, looked it up on wikipedia :
"Late in 1985, Commodore released to the European market a new version of the C128 with a redesigned chassis. Called the Commodore 128D, this new European model featured a plastic chassis with a carrying handle on the side, incorporated a 1571 disk drive into the main chassis, replaced the built-in keyboard with a detachable one, and added a cooling fan. The keyboard featured two folding legs for changing the typing angle."
I'm european so that explains why I didn't see the integrated keyboard c128. If you wait long enough you become nostalgic about everything, even the bad stuff :-)

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Alternate headline by elrous0 · 2011-04-06 08:33 · Score: 5, Insightful

"Yet Another Company Sells Retro Computer Case"

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Re:Alternate headline by hedwards · 2011-04-06 08:41 · Score: 1

It's a little bit more, they do apparently have some sort of proprietary Commodore OS that you can use. Not sure what they mean by that, if it's the old one or one that's been designed to be compatible with the original ones. Screen shot at the bottom of the page.
Re:Alternate headline by StikyPad · 2011-04-06 08:45 · Score: 1

Yeah, but since you can install a full blown Amiga (let alone C64) emulator on any PC made in the past 10 years, a pre-installed version in hardware isn't really much of a selling point.

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Re:Alternate headline by ackthpt · 2011-04-06 08:49 · Score: 3, Interesting

Yeah, but since you can install a full blown Amiga (let alone C64) emulator on any PC made in the past 10 years, a pre-installed version in hardware isn't really much of a selling point.
The one thing it would require is a drive to emulate the 1541. I have games on disks - not on 3.5 or HD or Flash drive, but original media. I trust I will have a bonafide 5 1/4 drive I can read my old disks with. If not, there's really very little point, unless I want to download the various images from whatever repositories exist. But I do have things you won't find on them, like programs, tools or artwork of my own making. I'd love to see this stuff again.

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Re:Alternate headline by drinkypoo · 2011-04-06 08:50 · Score: 1

If they were actually selling a case with integrated (USB) keyboard that would take a standard motherboard, then it would be a compelling product. It would save the trouble of interfacing to the C64 keyboard, and finding a power supply that would fit in the box. Having to buy a complete PC in that case isn't even interesting. Also, while nobody cared last time this subject came up, that's not the case I want. I want an Amiga 1000. If I were doing an all-in-one, a 1200. But I have a 1200 and I've never been tempted to make it into a PC.

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"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:Alternate headline by jandrese · 2011-04-06 08:55 · Score: 5, Insightful

The problem is that they're missing the entire point of the Commie-64. Every one should come with a full copy of LiveCode or something that lets kids mess around with building their own apps right out of the box, without the training overhead that comes from so many modern IDEs. ROM Basic is too primitive to be of much interest anymore (even with the sprite generator and SID chip), but there are lots of products that are similar and could engage a whole new generation. It needs to be simple enough that clever kids can figure it out by reading the (always available) source in existing programs, and powerful enough to be able to do something interesting.

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I read the internet for the articles.
Re:Alternate headline by Nikker · 2011-04-06 08:59 · Score: 1

Check this out. It's just a case that looks identical to the old C64 but with an Atom/ION2 combo, it runs Windows 7 "premium experience". Nothing really that special, you could probably just put a MicroATX board in an old C64 case and achieve the same. Not to hate or anything but I was kinda hoping for something like a dual boot BASIC or some sort of custom hardware that would let you at the registers but alas.

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Re:Alternate headline by bhtooefr · 2011-04-06 09:02 · Score: 2

First off, it's an Atom Mini-ITX board.
Second, they've also announced an Amiga 1000 and 2000 version.
(Not that I'd buy any of them.)
Re:Alternate headline by drinkypoo · 2011-04-06 09:08 · Score: 1

My point is that if they only sell it with their motherboard, ram, drives etc then that's dumb. I don't want their shitty Atom. In the same form factor you can get a real Socket M, for example, and run a Core Duo.

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"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:Alternate headline by robot_love · 2011-04-06 09:19 · Score: 1

they do apparently have some sort of proprietary Commodore OS
Actually, they have a "propriety" Commodore OS. What that is I have no idea. But it sounds snobbish.

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.there is enough of everything for everyone.
Re:Alternate headline by SharpFang · 2011-04-06 09:34 · Score: 1

Keep your PC humming under your desk where is its place. C64 does not make noise.

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45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
Re:Alternate headline by pscottdv · 2011-04-06 09:39 · Score: 1

It's a little bit more, they do apparently have some sort of proprietary Commodore OS that you can use. Not sure what they mean by that, if it's the old one or one that's been designed to be compatible with the original ones. Screen shot at the bottom of the page.
It's Linux. Read the description.
http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_OS.aspx
And for those of you pining for an Amiga look-alike, they have that too.

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this signature has been removed due to a DMCA takedown notice
Re:Alternate headline by Belial6 · 2011-04-06 10:45 · Score: 1

I think you massively under estimate what it takes to retrofit a new motherboard into an old case and get the keyboard working seamlessly. It certainly can be done, but not by a majority of the population, and I would say that most of the people that would want this would not want to go through the effort of trying to do the retrofit themselves. Heck, most people don't even want to deal with putting a motherboard into a new case that was specifically designed to hold the new motherboard.
Re:Alternate headline by feepness · 2011-04-06 10:47 · Score: 2

But I do have things you won't find on them
Given they are going on thirty years old, I bet there's lots of things you won't find on them either.
Re:Alternate headline by Belial6 · 2011-04-06 10:48 · Score: 1

They do sell the case by itself. The case is mini-itx, and the keyboard is USB, so if you want to plug it into a huge PC hidden under the desk, you can. So, there you go. You asked for it, and CommodoreUSA delivered.
Re:Alternate headline by jedwidz · 2011-04-06 11:57 · Score: 1

I recently had data transferred off a stack of DS/DD 5.25" floppy disks from the 80's. Not many read errors at all, and no evidence of degradation while in (not at all careful) storage.
Re:Alternate headline by Tacvek · 2011-04-06 12:33 · Score: 1
Yes. It has
- "the latest web browsing technology" (Most likely Firefox, but possibly a Webkit based browser)
- "a Microsoft Word compatible Office Suite" (LibreOffice or perhaps OpenOffice.org)
- "advanced graphical manipulation programs" (the GIMP)
- "3D raytracing software" (Probably POV-Ray, despite that not being Open Source)
- "dozens of exciting 3D games" (Oddly I don't know of dozens of exciting open source 3D games. Maybe a dozen in total that qualify as exciting. Many of the best Open source games I am ware of are not 3D.)
What does sound interesting is that:

Commodore OS will also be classic Commodore compatible, able to run classic 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit era software via emulation. A beautiful user interface allows you to easily peruse games for the Commodore PET, Vic20, C16, C64, C128 and AMIGA.
It sounds like they may be shipping the ROMs for those systems as part of this OS, which is interesting.
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Re:Alternate headline by ShakaUVM · 2011-04-06 12:40 · Score: 1

That's exactly right.
Kids these days (/cough) don't know what it's like to turn a computer on and be immediately given a programming prompt. Even if it as just a BASIC interpreter, the barrier to entry was a lot lower then than it is now.
Re:Alternate headline by adolf · 2011-04-06 17:22 · Score: 1

I think the main problem with floppies, these days, is that the hardware to read them is old, dirty, and/or broken.
On PCs, in particular, the floppy drives served mostly as dust collectors that filtered the incoming air. A good cleaning (as in, take it apart and clean it properly) can fix up part of that, if there aren't other issues (alignment, old capacitors, etc).
For drives that haven't seen eons of powered-on dust-catching duty, things work surprisingly well. I keep a USB 3.5" drive handy, just in case, and it's worked fine reading ancient disks at least several times*.
I'd expect a 1541, in good running order, to do just as well.
*: Even though I'm properly-equipped, I still seldom find a use for floppies. Once every year or two, at most.

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Kid-proof tablet..
Re:Alternate headline by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:30 · Score: 1

Wow, I never bothered trying to port my 5.25" collection. I had read that it would be hopeless after 10 years.
(Remember those huge mainframes with the huge reel tapes? There was a whole employment niche where tape operators spent most of their time taking a tape off of a rack, after sitting for few years, and rewriting it to another tape. All because the magnetic degradation would guarantee data loss without recopying it within a certain period of time.)
Did you have a fetish about the magnetic media you bought?

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Re:Alternate headline by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:33 · Score: 1

In previous decades, I thought of the Commodore 64 as the most awesome 6502 breadboard. It even came with a functional OS, rather than toggle switches and LEDs! Then again, my love was the Z80 chip, on the Timex/Sinclair 1000s.
I still don't know what to make of the Arduino crowd...

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Re:Alternate headline by Omestes · 2011-04-06 18:56 · Score: 1

Oddly enough, I just went through a random selection of my old C64 disks, and all of the 20 of them from the shoe box of 150-200 worked. Pretty impressive being that they were stored in attics, went through around 5 moves, and survived Phoenix summers in a garages... I'm sure a fair amount of them died, but as long as M.U.L.E., Qix, and Loderunner survived I don't care.
The tapes are all dead though. I was really curious if I could still use my old 300baud modem to connect to a local BBS... But realized that I don't even know if any actually dial-in BBSs still exist around here, and I doubt the C64 could really actually still communicate with them.
Most of my old backup CDs died along time ago.

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As long as I can still play my old favourites by ackthpt · 2011-04-06 08:33 · Score: 1

M.U.L.E.
Paradroid
Ultima II
Below the Root
Impossible Mission stay a while, stay FOREVER!
Slot Car Construction Set...

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A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar

Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by slackzilly · 2011-04-06 08:38 · Score: 1

Paperboy Commando Summer Games

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Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by PsychoticSpoon · 2011-04-06 08:40 · Score: 2

According to their site, you can "Play all your favorite 8-bit era games within seconds ... by selecting the C64 icon from the boot menu to run a C64 emulator directly".
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by powerlord · 2011-04-06 08:43 · Score: 5, Informative

According to their site, you can "Play all your favorite 8-bit era games within seconds ... by selecting the C64 icon from the boot menu to run a C64 emulator directly".
Yes, but they also say:

ote: Commodore OS 1.0, along with emulation functionality and classic game package, will be mailed to purchasers when available. In the meantime, units come with the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS operating system on CD ready to install.

So it doesn't sound like they've worked out all the details yet, and don't expect to be able to just pop in your old Floppies and run the programs (hey, I still have my old Amiga Floppies somewhere ... probably time to get rid of them though).

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Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by Osgeld · 2011-04-06 09:03 · Score: 1

yea its called an emulator they will probally pack in once they figure out what os they are going to use, dont worry they will figure that out after you buy one, some time...
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by bennomatic · 2011-04-06 09:18 · Score: 1

Raid on Bungeling Bay
DROLL
Choplifter!
Jumpman

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The CB App. What's your 20?
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by demonbug · 2011-04-06 09:25 · Score: 1

M.U.L.E.
Paradroid
Ultima II
Below the Root
Impossible Mission stay a while, stay FOREVER!
Slot Car Construction Set...
Slot car Construction Set? Not familiar with that.
Racing Destruction Set, now there was a game.
I probably spent the most time on Pool of Radiance, but there were a lot of others...
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by xded · 2011-04-06 09:45 · Score: 1

You may want to try reading them back on your PC before getting rid of them, in case you've got two PC floppy drives lying around...
See ADFRead from WinUAE (any recent Windows version) or Disk2FDI (Windows 9x only, but better disk format support).
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by Doctor_Jest · 2011-04-06 09:51 · Score: 1

Oh man, Racing Destruction set! Remember making a moon track and turning down the gravity? With insane jumps you could leave the screen for what seemed like forever before you landed. What a great game!
The Pool of Radiance pissed me off to no end... "Thanks for winning. Now go back into the sewers and kill more stuff." What a lame ending screen... the lamest that I can remember... but the game itself was great fun. I loved Wasteland... and Legacy of the Ancients...

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Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by andrewa · 2011-04-06 11:30 · Score: 1

Sammy Lightfoot
Fabulous Wanda (and the Secret of Life, the Universe, and Everything)
Big Trouble in Little China
Just about any game created with SEUCK or The Quill
sarcasm mode off....
I was going to include Flip & Flop, but I actually enjoyed playing that.....

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:(){ :|:& };:
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:38 · Score: 1

I can beat all of that. Who remembers... Raid on Bungeling Bay?
There was another "awesome" game, which had amazing graphics (for a C64), but retarded gameplay. It was shooting flying saucers over the US capitol. I can't remember the name.
I was more of an Ultima III fan, than Ultima II.
Loderunner ran pretty good on the C64. And believe it or not, Microsoft(?) even had a semi-functional flight simulator that ran on the C64.

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Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:39 · Score: 1

Ah! You beat me with Raid on Bungeling Bay!
And I even forgot Choplifter...

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by andrewa · 2011-04-06 18:38 · Score: 1

"There was another "awesome" game, which had amazing graphics (for a C64), but retarded gameplay. It was shooting flying saucers over the US capitol. I can't remember the name."
--- Raid over Moscow?
I liked Mr. Bozo's Night Out... :-)

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:(){ :|:& };:
Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by bennomatic · 2011-04-08 05:20 · Score: 1

There were some great, great, great games on that machine. And don't even get me started on the Amiga. For some reason, that computer inspired a shareware development community that dwarfed every other platform at the time; it was for computers what the iPhone is for mobile devices today. It's a pity that Commodore moved into PC compatibles, infringed on a heavily defended VGA patent, refused to negotiate any licensing, and thus had their PC business shut down in the US, effectively killing the company. I'd love to have a phone with the C= logo on the back.

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Re:As long as I can still play my old favourites by powerlord · 2011-04-13 09:02 · Score: 1

I was under the impression that the disk drives themselves were different (controller wise) between IBM and Amiga.

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Dual Processors? by AnonGCB · 2011-04-06 08:34 · Score: 1

Awesome press release, if they don't even get the terminology right.

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Re:Dual Processors? by TeknoHog · 2011-04-06 08:49 · Score: 1

Because when you put two processors on a single die of silicon, it magically becomes "one processor" with "two cores".

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Re:Dual Processors? by RicktheBrick · 2011-04-06 10:36 · Score: 1

The article left so many questions unanswered that it made the article almost useless. For instance how much ram memory in the computer? 64 million bytes would be way too small and 64 billion would be way too large. Is there a hard drive in the computer and if so how large? A trillion bytes would not be unreasonable today. What about the game port? I guess they forgot about that. What operating system will it have? Will it still be instant on machine? Will it boot from read only memory or will it boot from a hard drive(assuming it has one)? I still have a commodore 64 computer and I still believe they are an excellent computer to teach the basic computer language to even college students as 64k bytes is enough for any program that could be written for an assignment/

That link again... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 08:36 · Score: 1

Not sure why this wasn't linked in the summary.

Re:That link again... by Desler · 2011-04-06 08:39 · Score: 1

Because linking the real site doesn't get page hits and ad clicks for some dude's blog?
Re:That link again... by Compaqt · 2011-04-06 16:26 · Score: 1

>Because linking the real site doesn't get page hits and ad clicks for some dude's blog?
Well, the "some dude" is Arthur Sulzberger, publisher of the New York Times, but, yeah, your point stands. The Times article was informative, though.

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April 1st called... by Nethemas+the+Great · 2011-04-06 08:36 · Score: 1

they want their joke back.

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Re:April 1st called... by ashidosan · 2011-04-06 08:51 · Score: 1

Oh my gosh! Did you warn them? About the dropdowns?
Slashdot became unreadable that day!

ugh-lee! by Thud457 · 2011-04-06 08:36 · Score: 1

Should'a done a Commodore PET 2001, that was space-age looking!

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Re:ugh-lee! by Compaqt · 2011-04-06 16:43 · Score: 1

They also have really nice looking VICs
http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_VicSlim.aspx
http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_VicPro.aspx

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Hey look! by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 08:38 · Score: 1

Atom board stuff inside a Commodore keyboard case!

One look and... by 19061969 · 2011-04-06 08:38 · Score: 1

I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one.

How sad. I never even had a C-64 when a youngster. I had to learn machine code on a Dragon 32 (6809 processor so not so bad!)

But still, I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one I want one.

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bang goes my karma... again...

Re:One look and... by Hatta · 2011-04-06 08:54 · Score: 1

Come on man. You'll be much happier buying a real C64. They're dirt cheap these days, and still as much fun. This thing is just a boring PC.

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Re:One look and... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 09:37 · Score: 2, Funny

You mean...

10 PRINT "I want one " 20 GOTO 10
Re:One look and... by SharpFang · 2011-04-06 09:41 · Score: 1

you might recheck your data.
A set of C64+power supply+disk drive+2 joysticks+all the cables+a box of floppies (and maybe even a monitor) currently costs an arm and a leg.
A C64 without this all will be dirt cheap but good luck completing all the components on your own. In the end it may cost more than the whole set.

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45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
Re:One look and... by Hatta · 2011-04-06 10:10 · Score: 1

Maybe on eBay, but only suckers buy retro computer stuff on eBay. Try Lemon64 or Amibay. And all that stuff isn't hard to come by anyway.
If you get a C64 PSU, you're going to want to replace it anyway. They die, destructively.
Disk drives? People have trouble *giving* 1541s away. If you're willing to suffer with a 1541 drive you can buy one easily for less than it costs to ship.
Joysticks are Atari compatible, there are tons of those around for cheap.
The only cable you really need is a video cable, which is just a DIN cable, can be had for $5 or built for less.
As for the monitor, any TV will do. Though 1702s are really nice. My $2 Goodwill CRT works just as well though.
It wasn't too long ago that I bought a setup similar to the one you described for $60. Except that was for a C128 and 1571, with no monitor. That's not quite an arm and a leg, and those are much more highly desirable than the C64/1541 combo. The C64 was the highest selling model of computer ever, there are millions out there, many more than there are retrocomputing enthusiasts.

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Re:One look and... by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:45 · Score: 1

Find me these people "giving away" these 1541 floppy drives.
My problem is that my freaking 1541 died while sitting in a box! Went in working, 5 years later, took it out, and it was catatonic. An EE acquaintance and C64 buff thought the ROM chip went bad, and I probably could scrounge around for a replacement EEPROM, but screw that.
Many things about the C64 I have nostalgia towards, but the 1541 drive wasn't one of them. Took forever to load, even with those "fastload" cartridges. I do remember cutting notches in the floppies, to write on both sides (ha ha).

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Re:One look and... by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:47 · Score: 1

The odd thing is the C64 unit started near instanteously. You'd think vendors would want to sell that "instantaneous" feature for their computing devices today.

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon

How many by tsa · 2011-04-06 08:38 · Score: 1

How many new C=64s have we seen already? How many are there still to come?

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-- Cheers!

Re:How many by repetty · 2011-04-06 09:49 · Score: 1

How many new C=64s have we seen already? How many are there still to come?
Seven and, before it's all over, twelve more. Exactly.

Slashdotted already by enterix · 2011-04-06 08:38 · Score: 1

www.commodoreusa.net is down already...

Re:Slashdotted already by morningstar8 · 2011-04-06 08:44 · Score: 1

Methinks they're running the website on a Commodore 64.
Re:Slashdotted already by ArcherB · 2011-04-06 09:17 · Score: 2

www.commodoreusa.net is down already...
Maybe it's running on a C64.

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This again again? by name_already_taken · 2011-04-06 08:40 · Score: 2

Covered a while back, here: http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/10/03/24/0625211/Commodore-64-Primed-For-a-Comeback-In-June.

It's just another article covering the same machine discussed previously.

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Putting moderation advice in your .sig lowers your karma!

Re:This again again? by Inner_Child · 2011-04-06 08:56 · Score: 1

Nope, this isn't quite the same thing. Of course, if you'd read the article, you'd know that, so I guess I shouldn't expect too much...

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Today is red jello day - all workers must eat all of their red jello. Failure to comply will result in five demerits.

Pass by thebra · 2011-04-06 08:41 · Score: 1

250-900 for an expensive case? Why would anyone want this. If you want a modern pc buy a modern pc, if you want a Commodore 64 then get on ebay and buy one. I don't see this selling well at all.

It's a casemod. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-04-06 08:43 · Score: 1

A quite expensive casemod. What's the point of putting an underpowered PC that won't even be able to run a proper cycle exact C64 emulation into an impractical case? Commodore doesn't exist anymore. It's just a brand name now, an attempt to sell overpriced crap under an emotional name. Others do the emulation in a more practical setting, others do the peripherals for the real thing better, others do the keyboard computer thing better.

Re:It's a casemod. by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:49 · Score: 1

What bothers me is that they could have successfully put out a much more marketable product for much cheaper if they had made more of an intelligent effort.

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Tumbleweed · 2011-04-06 08:44 · Score: 5, Insightful

I think that unless it comes with a seperate numpad, this is going to fall flat on its face. The tactile response of the keyboard may be nice (assuming they use individual switches for each key), but the lack of keys will make it close to useless.

What part of 'Comodore 64' did you not get?

Not laughing by dleemaas · 2011-04-06 08:44 · Score: 3, Insightful

Did they just decide to completely ignore the fact that almost every major PC builder has been making media center and all-in-one PCs for a number of years? They act like having a computer built into the keyboard is something that's going to revolutionize the market. The Commodore 64 keyboard layout is a joke, and the "Pro" and "Slim" versions are a joke because there are already plenty of alternatives from the big names (HP, Dell, etc.) that have better specs and sell for around the same price, if not less for what you get in these pieces of junk. Maybe this is their April Fool's Month joke.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by tuffy · 2011-04-06 08:45 · Score: 1

Apple seems to be doing okay without included numpads. I don't think average people care that much one way or another.

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Ita erat quando hic adveni.

Re:Bigger than an iPad... by Tumbleweed · 2011-04-06 08:45 · Score: 1

No screen, Lame.

Same goes for a Mac Mini, and that's a pretty big seller.

Proprietary Commodore OS? by hoppo · 2011-04-06 08:46 · Score: 1

I'm interested to see what that's all about. Please, please, please bring back ",8,1"

Could have been great... by FrankSchwab · 2011-04-06 08:47 · Score: 5, Interesting

Now, if they had followed through ...

OS in ROM - no Virus worries or update hell. All the machines are the same.
BASIC (replaced with something modern) in ROM - make it easy and attractive to program.
Applications in ROM - Build in OpenOffice, FireFox, whatever else is commonly needed and make it front and center. Build an entire Linux Distro of applications in that are available with a bit of digging. But mostly, make it really friendly to start writing a letter, using the internet, whatever.
Cartridge slot for commercial apps.
An HDMI porrt

Make the computer an appliance again. Don't require the owner to be a SysAdmin to use it. Sure, you lose some flexibility, but you gain hugely in usability. I know precisely the number of times my mother has opened her computer to install a new add-in card - zero.

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And the worms ate into his brain.

Re:Could have been great... by crafoo · 2011-04-06 08:52 · Score: 1

I agree, the Xbox360 should come with a keyboard and C# dev environment.
Re:Could have been great... by PCM2 · 2011-04-06 09:03 · Score: 1

OS in ROM - no Virus worries or update hell. All the machines are the same.
BASIC (replaced with something modern) in ROM - make it easy and attractive to program.
Sounds like it's got that. It can boot to a C64 emulator "within seconds." It's just not "replaced with something modern."

An HDMI port
It's got that.

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Breakfast served all day!
Re:Could have been great... by jd · 2011-04-06 09:10 · Score: 1

OS in ROM is easy enough - use CoreBoot (and/or OpenBIOS) to install the kernel. The equivalent of the old BASIC chip (which was really more than just BASIC, it was also your system shell) would be to have a mini root disk in the same prom as the OS - your minimal /bin, /sbin, /lib stuff. It just needs to be enough to boot from. You can have a more complete image file (compressed or whatever) elsewhere, or if you want to use the BBC style of sideways ROM then have each application plus non-editable supplemental files as a root-jailed disk image file that is mounted when you switch to that ROM.

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It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
Re:Could have been great... by mdm-adph · 2011-04-06 09:13 · Score: 1

Sounds like a tablet computer with some sort of IDE built-in? Would that be the modern analogue?

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It is by my will alone my thoughts acquire motion; it is by the juice of the coffee bean that the thoughts acquire speed
Re:Could have been great... by ThePhish · 2011-04-06 09:18 · Score: 1

...and the purple and green plugs indicative of PS/2 architecture...now I can break out that ol' IBM XT keyboard with the clickety-clack function and really turn back the hands of time.
Re:Could have been great... by mijelh · 2011-04-06 11:34 · Score: 3, Insightful

OS in ROM - no Virus worries or update hell
BASIC (replaced with something modern) in ROM - make it easy and attractive to program.
Applications in ROM - Build in OpenOffice, FireFox

AKA permanently vulnerable. Back in the days of the Commodore 64 virus were practically non existent, and they were made only to show off how 133t the coders were. Today Malware is a huge business, a large industry, and with the population increasingly using the computers for stuff like buying online, checking the bank account, etc. this can only go worse. I do think that we need to figure out how to make things easy again, but just locking ourselves to vulnerable software is almost suicidal.
Re:Could have been great... by jgrahn · 2011-04-07 09:30 · Score: 1

Back in the days of the Commodore 64 virus were practically non existent, and they were made only to show off how 133t the coders were.
I didn't own a C64, but a few years later on the Amiga viruses were plentiful and widespread. The users were the same, and the virus programmers ... I bet most people had an infected floppy or two. But yes, they spread more slowly with no internet connection, and there were no online personalities or credit card numbers to steal.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by MBGMorden · 2011-04-06 08:48 · Score: 3, Insightful

I think that unless it comes with a seperate numpad, this is going to fall flat on its face. The tactile response of the keyboard may be nice (assuming they use individual switches for each key), but the lack of keys will make it close to useless.

The market for this thing is nostalgic people interested in a retro looking computer. Adding a numeric keypad (which the original C64 did not have) would probably negatively impact the machine in that market segment.

It looks interesting for what it is.

Funny story: once upon a time as a Commodore 64 equipped kid I had no concept that a keyboard wasn't a whole computer. I remember being in a store (I believe it was a Service Merchandise, if anyone remembers those) and seeing what I now know was a standalone keyboard for an IBM computer. Price tag was $35, and I thought that was unbelievable for a computer (remember - to my mind back then keyboard = computer). I begged my mom to buy that for me. Thankfully, she didn't. I'd have been mighty disappointed to get home and discover that that keyboard was useless to me :).

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"People who think they know everything are very annoying to those of us who do."-Mark Twain

It's a fake! by Hatta · 2011-04-06 08:48 · Score: 5, Interesting

This is nothing but a PC in a custom case with a famous trademark. I read a lot of vintage computing sites and no one has expressed an interest in these. It's a dumb idea, not worthy of mention,

What is worthy of mention, yet no one reports on, is all the custom retro modern hardware available these days. Want a C64 or Amiga without the hassle of maintaining old hardware? Try a C-One, an FPGA platform that implements both C64 and Amiga computers. Or, do you have a C64 but tire of floppy swapping? Get a 1541-Ultimate, a cycle accurate 1541 emulator that even emits the sounds of a real disk drive. Or, do you love the sound of the SID audio chip inside the C64? Control it via MIDI with the MSSIAH cartridge. Any of these projects are more worthy of attention in the tech media than the crass money grab we see in TFA.

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Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!

Re:It's a fake! by Paul+Slocum · 2011-04-06 09:00 · Score: 1

Agreed. I'm an active C64 user and have released recent music software for the C64, but I just can't get that excited about a Commodore-branded PC put out by someone who bought some old trademarks and IP.
Re:It's a fake! by drinkypoo · 2011-04-06 09:05 · Score: 1

MSSIAH sounds totally awesome. It's too bad there's no SID in the Amiga, because it has a 31250bps serial port and can do MIDI with a dumb converter box. I guess you could use an Amiga as a MIDI-playback sampler, but there's no point today.

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"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Re:It's a fake! by _Sprocket_ · 2011-04-06 09:12 · Score: 1

Or, do you have a C64 but tire of floppy swapping? Get a 1541-Ultimate, a cycle accurate 1541 emulator that even emits the sounds of a real disk drive.
Wonder if you can make it play music.

It's not all about you. by DerekLyons · 2011-04-06 08:49 · Score: 1

My wife would probably love one for her studio in place of the space sucking and noisy desktop that's up there now. (Laptops with sufficient screen size for her research are too friggin' expensive.) I also might consider one for the living room - it's a cheap way to get an internet enabled TV without the bother of replacing my existing non internet enabled one.

So, just because you wouldn't buy one doesn't mean others won't.

Re:It's not all about you. by hjf · 2011-04-06 08:55 · Score: 3, Informative

Too bad this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_Keyboard never took off. It's a nice idea - all-in-one with wireless HDMI.
Re:It's not all about you. by wagnerrp · 2011-04-06 08:59 · Score: 2

It's a 1.8GHz dual core Atom, paired with low end nVidia graphics. You can pick up a mini-itx board and case with the same specs for $250, and hide it and all the connecting wires behind the TV. Another $50 gets you a wireless bluetooth keyboard you can stuff on the side of the couch, and you have all the same functionality, only without the big clumsy keyboard on your coffee table and wires strung across the floor to your TV. There is literally no worth to this device besides a gimmick.
Re:It's not all about you. by realityimpaired · 2011-04-06 09:45 · Score: 2

Most laptops have external display options as well... the netbook I'm typing this on has a tiny screen, yes, but it also has a D-Sub display out. My main laptop has a 16" screen (which is good balance between portability and useability, IMO), and also has D-Sub, HDMI, and DisplayPort output....
Others have suggested buying a small form factor system like a Mac Mini, or an all-in-one system. Good suggestions. But why not also consider getting a laptop for the portability and using an external display? My main laptop is driving 3 displays... the built-in 16" display (1920x1080), and two 24" displays (both also 1920x1080) using the DisplayPort. For added bonus, I'm also pushing audio through the DP, so it's essentially a docking station... I set the lappy on the desk, plug in the DP and the USB hub, and it's good to go. I can also unplug and take the laptop on the road with no trouble. It's quiet, and more than capable of doing the work that I need it to do. (and depending on the type of research your wife is diong, she may appreciate having a dual display setup too)
Re:It's not all about you. by TwistedMind66 · 2011-04-06 10:54 · Score: 1

Not AC because I don't care, but yes I can't click/right-click on any link on comments. It's been like that for 2 days now, before it worked fine. I tried with Firefox (win and linux), chromium and even tried with IE (why does it have to ask me 9 questions the first time I launch it? No I don't want any fscked up feature that is supposed to improve my experience of the world wide web microsoft!)
Re:It's not all about you. by DocHoncho · 2011-04-06 11:26 · Score: 1

YES! The only way to get a link to open is to right click and pick "Open in new tab/window".. this is almost as bad as the unholy abortion that is MySQL Workbench 5.2.33b... but that's a whole other rant.

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Celebrity worship is a poor substitute for Deity worship and costs more to boot.
Re:It's not all about you. by DrgnDancer · 2011-04-06 16:41 · Score: 1

I've been having to double right-click to use auto-correct and bring up the "link context menu". I think they broke slashcode again. Try double clicking.

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I don't need a million points of light, just two points of multi-mode fiber and a 10 Gig-E router.
Re:It's not all about you. by Jaruzel · 2011-04-06 20:54 · Score: 1

Ditto here as well. Had to highlight the whole link and copy/paste into new tab. FF 3.6 here.
-Jar

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Together, We Can Make Slashdot Better. I Do NOT Mod ACs. - Check Me Out
Re:It's not all about you. by hesiod · 2011-04-07 03:02 · Score: 1

Oh, I thought it was FF4 that broke that for me. Sometimes my right-click doesn't even work right (unless I r-click like 10 times, then the context menu suddenly appears).

Weird Al said it best by dkleinsc · 2011-04-06 08:50 · Score: 2

"You think your Commodore 64 is really neato, What kind of chip you got in there, a Dorito?"

vid

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I am officially gone from /. Long live http://www.soylentnews.com/

Re:Weird Al said it best by grouchomarxist · 2011-04-06 13:10 · Score: 1

"The uploader has not made this video available in your country."

Why would I buy one? by dnahelicase · 2011-04-06 08:54 · Score: 4, Informative

Why would I buy a new one when my old one still works?

Re:Why would I buy one? by bennomatic · 2011-04-06 09:12 · Score: 1

I'm so jealous. Mine was stolen.

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The CB App. What's your 20?
Re:Why would I buy one? by tepples · 2011-04-06 09:31 · Score: 1

Why buy a Commodore PC when you have a working PC? Possibly because you have more than one person in the household.

Check the date. by Mike+Van+Pelt · 2011-04-06 08:56 · Score: 1

Yeah, yeah, ho hum, another story that his the nets on April ... 6?

Huh?

Checks date again.

Not April 1. Still says April 6.

Re:Check the date. by zill · 2011-04-06 09:43 · Score: 1

The ethernet cards on these new C64 are having some serious latency issues, it seems.
Re:Check the date. by HomelessInLaJolla · 2011-04-13 09:46 · Score: 1

undo'ing the downmod.
it occurred to me that there's a joke in that. there is no latency issue in the ethernet card. it is the latency issue in the audio card, providing the race, which allows for dedicated attackers to attach a short-circuit to a root shell. the completely untraceable traffic to the remote x server causes the latency.

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the NPG electrode was replaced with carbon blac

But will it come with a cassette recorder by OS2toMAC · 2011-04-06 08:56 · Score: 1

to load the programs?

Not necessarily proprietary by PCM2 · 2011-04-06 08:57 · Score: 2

It's a little bit more, they do apparently have some sort of proprietary Commodore OS that you can use.

I don't see anything on the manufacturer's site that necessarily indicates it's a proprietary OS. For one thing, they say "Commodore OS 1.0" isn't available yet, but they'll mail it to people who buy the computer when it's ready. In the meantime, it says the machines will ship with Ubuntu LTS. That suggests to me that Commodore OS 1.0 is likely to be yet another Linux distro, maybe with some sort of nostalgic Commodore-like skin.

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Breakfast served all day!

Re:Not necessarily proprietary by Elder+Entropist · 2011-04-06 09:06 · Score: 1

In order to run a Commodore 64 emulator, you need a copy of the Commodore 64 ROM images. Those are copyrighted and presumably owned by this company.
Re:Not necessarily proprietary by IrquiM · 2011-04-07 03:55 · Score: 1

In the meantime, it says the machines will ship with Ubuntu LTS. That suggests to me that Commodore OS 1.0 is likely to be yet another Linux distro, maybe with some sort of nostalgic Commodore-like skin.
ooooh! Want one! Unless it's Ubuntu-based...

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This is blinging

AGAIN?! by Zedrick · 2011-04-06 08:57 · Score: 1

This is not a Commodore 64, it's not in any way related to a C64, it has nothing to do with Commodore (don't care if they "own" the name) and we've seen it "featured" on slashdot before.

The only positive thing to say about this is that fake-Commodore has a very good marketing department, congratulations on another free slashvertisement.

Re:AGAIN?! by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:59 · Score: 1

You're being a little unfair to the fake-Commodore company.
The Commodore 64 was always about marketing hype. Trammiel rightly thought he could stick a piece of crap into every home if it was cheap enough. For many years, he was successful. He just couldn't get over the hump of competing with REAL computers for cheap.
No, the sad thing about fake-Commodore is that they really could have brought back the retro-product if it was cheap enough. It still would have been overpriced at $150, but fans could just use it to jury rig any low-end computing device, like an (overpriced) cheap Net TV, DVD player, and retro game machine. But an obsolete PC starting at $250?!?!? Just stupid, on their part.

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon

Nostalgia aside... by filthpickle · 2011-04-06 09:01 · Score: 1

I just put together an i5 2400K sandy bridge rig with everything except the monitor for $1050. Including a pretty nice vid card.

Someone already said it further up...buy an old one if you are feeling nostalgic. Still, I hope it takes off.

Everyone under 35 should STFU by jmcbain · 2011-04-06 09:04 · Score: 1, Funny

If you're under 35, you have absolutely no reason to be commenting on this article for the following reasons:

You're too young to fully appreciate what it was like working on an all-in-one box in the early 80s. I'm still waiting for someone to put together a PC in an Atari 800 or 1200 body.
You're too poor to have enough disposable income to buy something like this new Commodore. Have fun paying off the loans you took out for your Mazda car and Sager laptop.
You're too busy trying to install yet another ROM in your rooted Android phone.
You're too stupid. That's right. Everyone under 35 is stupid. I went there. Now get off my lawn.

Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by SharpFang · 2011-04-06 09:30 · Score: 3, Insightful

I think you set the age bar far too high.
I'm below 33, I fondly recall my Atari 65XE and later Amiga 600, I think I could afford such a toy, I have some spare time and no, you are the one who is stupid.

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45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by ogdenk · 2011-04-06 15:51 · Score: 1

Wrong..... I'm 29.... started with an Atari 800XL as a small child, got a 130XE for my 9th christmas w/ a 1010 cassette drive and later a 1050 5.25" floppy drive and 1200bps modem. Still play the hell out of Star Raiders.... so does my son. My first programming language was Atari BASIC. Hell I even was a regular MINIX user on PC's for a while. I even own a small VAX that runs Ultrix.... never owned an -11 however.
Not poor, small business owner actually. Doing reasonably so far. Been in IT professionally since 1997 though admittedly I was a screw turning tech for the first year. And yes, your math is correct, I had to pay child support at an early age.
So while you were probably wasting your first few working years at restaurants or 7-11, I already had tech certifications (at least an A+), a nice work area/office and my own extension. Fuck you.
While my Android phone is rooted, I have yet to flash a new ROM on it. Though I'd much rather have a modern Newton MP2100 with a phone duct taped to it, Android is cool, get over it. Oh, and I had smartphones back before they were cool....though they ran PalmOS and cost $500+ back in 2000.
Stupid? I probably got started in this industry BEFORE you did douchenozzle and have actually had to support myself and survive with several kids. I can't be too stupid.
As a general rule, just because you're older doesn't mean you've studied harder, studied as long, have as much experience (life or work) or talent as someone a few years younger. I've met folks in their mid-40's in IT that can't even write a simple batch file. And that was a SysAdmin....one who insisted you don't need the command line for sysadmin tasks and that "he doesn't bother with it". Supposedly had 25 years of tech experience. Didn't even believe in automated deployment.....liked to look busy so everyone thought he was overworked.
In short, people like you with age complexes make me sick especially since when it comes to actual achievement, most of these sorts tend to be on the average to below-average side and try to keep their position based on golf games and seniority rather than actual merit and honest performance reviews.
There's a reason I work for myself now and people like you are one of them. But sadly while folks like you pass folks like me up for promotions and treat them like shit at work, they're more than willing to shell out $150/hr in consulting fees when we DON'T work there. And I'm happy to take it.
Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 17:18 · Score: 1

Oh cut the crap. Yer lying, or your parents liked dumping "expensive" toys on you as a toddler.
Lessee, I got my Commode Door 64 when I was 18. It was $500, $250 for the unit, $250 for the 1541 floppy drive. I got it at the "Toys R Us", which I'm not even sure it exists anymore. Figger it was around 1983. Then guess it had a "popular" product life of roughly 8 years. You would have had to have gotten it as a hand-me-down, and then developed a technofetish for 6502 8bit processing in the 1990's, while every other sane teenager would be playing Nintendo, or working a Windoze 95.
Sorry, I'm not buying it. Unless you were a very, very weird kid. Something to make even us C64 weirdos cringe at.

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon
Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by bigt_littleodd · 2011-04-06 17:54 · Score: 1
If you're under 35, you have absolutely no reason to be commenting on this article for the following reasons:
1. You're too young to fully appreciate what it was like working on an all-in-one box in the early 80s...
The response I wish I could have written! Thank you! The $300 C64 was a godsend for a poor kid in a world of $2000 IBM XT's and Apple II's. And those are 1985 dollars, which are *much* larger than today's 2011 dollars that these young whippersnappers use.
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Let's play Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. I'll be Pestilence.
Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by Omestes · 2011-04-06 18:46 · Score: 1

You're too young to fully appreciate what it was like working on an all-in-one box in the early 80s. I'm still waiting for someone to put together a PC in an Atari 800 or 1200 body.
You don't say? I'm under 35 (by 3 years) and still have my original C64 plugged into my TV (next to my Atari 2600, 5600, NES, Dreamcast, and PSX). Every school had Apple IIs. My best friend's parents had a Vic-20, before finally uprgading to a 286 (I was very impressed). A ton of people younger than me have experience with crusty Macs.

You're too poor to have enough disposable income to buy something like this new Commodore. Have fun paying off the loans you took out for your Mazda car and Sager laptop.

Very doubtful. Yes, if your under 21 you might have some trouble with $500, but past that you might pull it off. Again, I'm younger than 35, and probably have twice that worth of computers sitting around my house. Most of them wouldn't cost that much now, but at the original price they would probably total pretty high. I paid for every single one of them. Well, my girlfriend paid for her computer, and we both paid for our HTPC (she's under 30 to boot... gasp).

You're too busy trying to install yet another ROM in your rooted Android phone.
Why would I? I don't see the point, honestly.

You're too stupid. That's right. Everyone under 35 is stupid. I went there. Now get off my lawn.
As is everyone above it. Which means... I'm having difficulty solving this problem, would his crusty old lordship lend a hand, my poor immature brain is a bit too... spry.. for such problems.

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A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. -edward abbey
Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by Omestes · 2011-04-06 18:47 · Score: 1

I am, on the other hand, too young and hasty to actually preview. Sorry about that.

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A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. -edward abbey
Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by sourcerror · 2011-04-06 20:54 · Score: 1

I'm 26 and I got my used C-128 in 1990. (It was 6 years old by then. And in 1996 I still could sell it for 20000 HUF ($140)).
Re:Everyone under 35 should STFU by gainead · 2011-04-07 02:37 · Score: 1

You could not be MORE wrong... I am 31. I owned a commodore 64 and a 128d from the ages of 10-15. I am now a professional developer for a major software company and it all started with my beautiful commodore.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Osgeld · 2011-04-06 09:04 · Score: 1

what part of pc in a remake case did you not get

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Tumbleweed · 2011-04-06 09:09 · Score: 2

Commodore 64 had no numpad, therefore this one wouldn't, either. Most laptops don't have numpads, either, and they're outselling desktops.

Reading fail by name_already_taken · 2011-04-06 09:10 · Score: 1

Nope, this isn't quite the same thing. Of course, if you'd read the article, you'd know that, so I guess I shouldn't expect too much...

I read both articles; they describe the same machine, and both articles point to the same website, www.commodoreusa.net

It's the same damn thing.

Of course, if you'd read and understood both articles, you'd know that, so I guess I shouldn't expect too much...

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Putting moderation advice in your .sig lowers your karma!

Re:Reading fail by Inner_Child · 2011-04-06 11:03 · Score: 1

Last time it was a new type of case, with a built-in trackpad, etc. This time it's a classic C64-style case. Hence why I said that it isn't *quite* the same thing.

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Today is red jello day - all workers must eat all of their red jello. Failure to comply will result in five demerits.
Re:Reading fail by Inner_Child · 2011-04-06 11:11 · Score: 1

The original story covered what is now known as the VIC-Pro, seen here - http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_VicPro.aspx
This story is about the new C64, seen here - http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx
The original story says:

The computer will be an all-in-one keyboard, with Intel's 64-bit quad-core microprocessors and 3D graphics capabilities.
The page for the machine covered here says:

It houses a modern mini-ITX PC motherboard featuring a Dual Core 525 Atom processor and the latest Nvidia Ion2 graphics chipset.
How are two different machines, both in appearance and hardware, the "same damn thing"?

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Today is red jello day - all workers must eat all of their red jello. Failure to comply will result in five demerits.
Re:Reading fail by YoshiDan · 2011-04-06 16:54 · Score: 1

I think he might have linked to the wrong article. Recently (a few months ago I think) there *was* an article on slashdot about the exact same computer as this article.

What is so impressive about this? by Sl0vi · 2011-04-06 09:12 · Score: 1

1.8 gigahertz dual processors, a Blu-ray player and built-in ethernet and HDMI ports and a C64 emulator is not impressive, I can get better than that with any cheap modern day PC running vice. More important, are they going to feature to original blue OS or just a look-alike? Will it use SID chips for sound, so we can experience the legendary C64 sound once again? Will it have a VIC-II graphics chip? How about support for all of the old accessories (tape-drives, cartridges, joysticks etc.) ? So far this just looks like a low-end modern day PC with a retro look.

Did this get stuck in the queue from April 1st? by theNAM666 · 2011-04-06 09:13 · Score: 1

???

This was already done in 2003 by howardd21 · 2011-04-06 09:14 · Score: 1

This was accomplished years ago http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/c64/

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no comment

Epic. by SimonUK · 2011-04-06 09:25 · Score: 1

This will be fucking epic if it happens...

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Known+Nutter · 2011-04-06 09:31 · Score: 1

At least they put the quote key where it belongs, right next to the RETURN key, rather than up on SHIFT-2.

Shift-2 was the stupidest place for the quote key - never could get the hang of it there.

http://www.classiccmp.org/dunfield/c64/h/front.jpg

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Beware of the Leopard.

I'll buy it... by Badmovies · 2011-04-06 09:35 · Score: 1

...just to play "Questron" again.

And "Forbidden Forest"
And "Wizard's Crown"

While I'm making wishes, maybe they could let it run the 3DO version of "Star Control II" as well.

No, I don't want an emulator. I want all the same colors and the same beeps, though I do want it to run faster than my C64 did.

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Andrew Borntreger
Champion of cinematic disasters

PyQt by mangu · 2011-04-06 09:36 · Score: 1

Every one should come with a full copy of LiveCode or something that lets kids mess around with building their own apps right out of the box, without the training overhead that comes from so many modern IDEs

Python with PyQt is the closest thing I can imagine. Although programming GUIs is still a PITA compared to the old ways, Qt comes close to having the best possible GUI API and Python has the simplest syntax among modern languages.

And, yes, it should be a Linux computer. If you want to motivate kids, there's no reason to encumber them with all the cruft that MS-Windows has accumulated over twenty years.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by h4rr4r · 2011-04-06 09:36 · Score: 1

Unlike your computer that keyboard is probably still working. Typed on a model M older than many Slashdot posters.

64-bit? by HTH+NE1 · 2011-04-06 09:37 · Score: 1

I might wait for the 128-bit version with 64-bit compatibility mode to come out.

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Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?

not quite by Charliemopps · 2011-04-06 09:40 · Score: 1

From their site:
"Note: Commodore OS 1.0, along with emulation functionality and classic game package, will be mailed to purchasers when available. In the meantime, units come with the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS operating system on CD ready to install. "

So it's not a commodore... in any way shape or form... and they don't even have the licensing for the old OS emulator nailed down, and probably never will.

Re:not quite by markimusk · 2011-04-06 17:38 · Score: 1

You might want to look up the definitions to the words "shape" and "form".
No, really.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by GodfatherofSoul · 2011-04-06 09:42 · Score: 1

Coming from the opposite side, one day a friend and his kid came across a plain old typewriter. His kid asked where the monitor was!

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I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!

LOAD "*" ,8,1 by BigSes · 2011-04-06 09:44 · Score: 1

You can keep the BRD and give me a nice, reliable 5.25. I could really see the appeal if it ends up being a replacement for some used and old C-64 from the attic or eBay ALONG with the functionality of a standard Win/Ubuntu PC. If C-64 is your favorite thing, along with the necessity of a small computer to use as needed fitting in a small space, one size could really fit all. Reminds me of the old Sega TeraDrive, with much more thought about cross-platform functionality put into it.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Doctor_Jest · 2011-04-06 09:52 · Score: 1

The one thing you miss without a numpad is the ease of moving about in Nethack. :)

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It's the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.

Why the C64? by jcr · 2011-04-06 09:56 · Score: 1

Surely re-launching the Amiga would have more chance of success?

-jcr

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The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."

Re:Why the C64? by JoeCommodore · 2011-04-06 11:41 · Score: 1

There was a mere pittance of software for the Amiga as compared to the 64... anyway there are already Amiga clones - minimig comes to mind.

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"Enjoy what you're doing! If it becomes drudgery, you're doing it wrong!" - Jim Butterfield
Re:Why the C64? by damnbunni · 2011-04-06 16:50 · Score: 1

This guy doesn't have the license for AmigaOS 4. It's a whole legal mess, but in all important ways Amiga, Inc has lost the rights to the Amiga OS, and Hyperion Entertainment isn't about to license it; and the "Workbench" trademark is actually owned by Cloanto, who make the official, legal Amiga emulator package.
If it can't run AmigaOS or at least something else called 'Workbench' you'd have a hard time selling it as an Amiga.
Re:Why the C64? by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 18:02 · Score: 1

Plus, the Amiga was so overpriced, it never developed much of a nostalgia market. Cheaper than a Mac, at the time, but Apple was going through its retarded management as well.

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon

How about a VIC-20? by MBraynard · 2011-04-06 10:00 · Score: 1

That was my first and I wouldn't mind seeing that get re-released.

Re:How about a VIC-20? by JoeCommodore · 2011-04-06 11:44 · Score: 1

like the VIC? check this out: http://www.mega-cart.com/

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"Enjoy what you're doing! If it becomes drudgery, you're doing it wrong!" - Jim Butterfield

Re:No numpad? FAIL by HTH+NE1 · 2011-04-06 10:05 · Score: 1

Blame the person who decided to put " at 0x22 in the ASCII table, one bit of difference from 2 at 0x32. It was your basic buckybit layout where Shift only had to force one bit high. It's the same reason why & was on 6, ' on 7, and ( and ) on 8 and 9 instead of 9 and 0, and ^ and * were elsewhere.

Simple designs keep prices down.

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Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?

The long-term upgrade path... by Dr+Black+Adder · 2011-04-06 10:12 · Score: 1

I guess I'll have to buy one when my C64 dies.... don't hold your breath it's still going strong!

Re:No numpad? FAIL by tonyfugere · 2011-04-06 10:13 · Score: 1

4 USB ports on the back. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=USB+numpad

VIC-20 please! by dstyle5 · 2011-04-06 10:17 · Score: 1

Commodore 64, no thanks. I want a new VIC-20 please! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_VIC-20

The one I had as a kid didn't work for long. It required taking back two defective ones before getting one that kept working, for a while. Then it started blowing fuses and that was the end of that experiment as my parents got tired of returning defective hardware. For the short time it did work we tried buying a cassette drive for it and had the same result, they were defective as hell. Ended up borrowing a neighbors that worked for a while so I could save my Basic programs.

Not authentic! by scotts13 · 2011-04-06 10:21 · Score: 2

If it doesn't have a 6502/6510 processor, it's not a C64. They may stick something else in there for modern software; but if it has to emulate "itself" it's disingenuous to use the name. Of course, they may emulate other things, too - when I was selling the originals to schools, they'd put 15 on the truck for each 10 that were ordered. Because about 1/3 were dead out of the box.

priced between $250 to $900 by Ezekiel68 · 2011-04-06 10:35 · Score: 1

Could they be any less specific?

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Imagination is more important than knowledge -Einstien

Re:priced between $250 to $900 by wabudd() · 2011-04-06 11:17 · Score: 1

I agree, $250 - $900 is quite a wide range, though obviously not in the "high end" range of computing. I would imagine these would fall into the basic desktop, almost "netbook" kind of computer.

The only retro machine I want by SteeldrivingJon · 2011-04-06 10:36 · Score: 1

is the Fairlight CMI 30th anniversary edition.

http://fairlightinstruments.com.au/

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September 2011: Looking for Cocoa/iOS work in Boston area Cocoa Programmer Quincy, MA

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Belial6 · 2011-04-06 10:53 · Score: 1

About 5 year ago, when my son was 2, he thought that flat panels were computers and CRTs were TVs. I found this out when at a friends house, he pointed out how strange it was that they had a TV with a computer keyboard.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by MBGMorden · 2011-04-06 11:05 · Score: 1

Actually, my Commodore 64 does still work - or did at least the last time I powered it up (about 2 years ago).

I also have an IBM Model M as well (got it from a thrift store for $4 about 10 years ago), but it sits in the closet. I do have an updated version of it made by Unicomp though that is basically a USB Model M with the more updated 104 key layout.

I've also got 2 additional unused mechanical switch keyboards as well - one by Smith Corona and an iOne Scorpius.

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"People who think they know everything are very annoying to those of us who do."-Mark Twain

Does that $250 to $900 include an external .... by Radical+Moderate · 2011-04-06 11:07 · Score: 1

...5.25" floppy drive, or should I plan to use my cassette deck for data storage?

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Never let a lack of data get in the way of a good rant.

So basically by unity100 · 2011-04-06 11:09 · Score: 1

its just another pc ?

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Is that the worst article you could find? by countertrolling · 2011-04-06 11:32 · Score: 1

Totally devoid of anything useful... Oh.. I forget... advertisement... From another 'anonymous reader' (automatic aggregator). Do any humans work here anymore?

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For justice, we must go to Don Corleone

Re:No numpad? FAIL by arth1 · 2011-04-06 11:32 · Score: 1

I think that unless it comes with a seperate numpad, this is going to fall flat on its face.

Yeah, much like all the notebooks and netbooks, really. No one will ever buy them!

I find the lack of joystick ports more of a problem. If I can't plug in my Competition Pro, it doesn't matter how good the emulator is. That is, if the emulator ever makes it. Right now, all you get is Ubuntu, and a vague promise that the real deal will be released later. I believe that when I see it.

Not enough for fans by JoeCommodore · 2011-04-06 11:39 · Score: 1

No graphic legends on the keyboard.

No Commodore interfaces for drives... Will there be a USB->IEC adapter that works with the emulator? I have serious $$ in C= drives :-D

How about paddle support? I really miss that, can't really play LeMans without paddles.

I'ts a nice thought, though I think they could have had better reception if they worked with Jeri on making the 64 DTV or C-1 info a full fledged unit instead of a micro ATX style clone.

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"Enjoy what you're doing! If it becomes drudgery, you're doing it wrong!" - Jim Butterfield

Re:Not enough for fans by markimusk · 2011-04-06 17:29 · Score: 1

I kept looking at the picture of the keyboard and something was wrong... couldn't figure it out until you posted
"no graphic legends on the keyboard"
yep, that was it. And I have a C128 currently hooked up to my 1701 monitor and a 1541-II drive.
Kudos for you keen eye!

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Just+Some+Guy · 2011-04-06 11:40 · Score: 1

I think that unless it comes with a seperate numpad, this is going to fall flat on its face.

I started programming nearly 30 years ago (with much of the early time being on an original C-64). In my entire life, I bet I've used a numpad less than 10 times. I think you greatly overestimate the portion of potential users who will ever even notice its absence.

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Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?

But can it run Linux? by Tablizer · 2011-04-06 12:06 · Score: 1

For once, this question is appropriate

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Table-ized A.I.

Is this an interesting form factor? by Required+Snark · 2011-04-06 12:09 · Score: 1

Ignoring the Commodore issue, is this an interesting form factor? A computer integrated in a case that contains the keyboard with USB ports and an HDMI port for display? The power supply could be an external brick to keep the cost down.

Would this sell if it cost less then sub-notebooks or note-pad systems? It would be portable in a different way, in that you would still have an external monitor or TV screen. I really don't know. What does Slashdot think? (Always a risky question to ask I know...)

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Why is Snark Required?

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Tablizer · 2011-04-06 12:10 · Score: 1

That's called a "Scotty Mac Moment"

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Table-ized A.I.

the-keyboard-is-the-computer form factor by j1m+5n0w · 2011-04-06 13:01 · Score: 1

It may sound strange, but sometimes it's actually pretty nice to have the computer built into the keyboard, but no screen. For several years I used an old laptop I bought cheap from a friend because the screen was cracked. I took the screen off and just plugged it into a monitor and used it like that -- it's nice to have a computer that's portable, but you can use with a full-size screen without the bulit-in screen getting in the way.

Re:the-keyboard-is-the-computer form factor by Yoozer · 2011-04-06 20:02 · Score: 1

sometimes it's actually pretty nice to have the computer built into the keyboard
Until you spill your drink. Though I agree that a flat box with only the connections, laptop-sized and having 2 or 3 DVI outputs would be pretty neat. It'd do the job as HTPC and portable workstation. The room saved by not needing a screen or keyboard could be used to improve specifications or cooling - but not to the point where you'd make it completely bulky.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by Nimey · 2011-04-06 13:49 · Score: 1

It's highly unlikely a Model M would have gone for $35 back then. That would have been the price of a commodity unit.

Mine's from Feb '88. Yours?

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Hail Eris, full of mischief...

E pluribus sanguinem

Nostalgia...it was awful then, so why go back? by herojig · 2011-04-06 14:35 · Score: 1

Nostalgia? Give me an IBM System/370 and then I would feel the love (http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/mainframe/mainframe_PP3138.html). I recall getting a Commodore for the kids, so they could play games. Maybe I'm just too old to appreciate this one...pass.

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I think therefore I can't be ~TTNH

Re:Nostalgia...it was awful then, so why go back? by stewbacca · 2011-04-07 03:25 · Score: 1

It was awful...for you. I was busy cranking out 3-channel music tracks that I couldn't do on other consumer level devices for years to come.

Now get me a copy of COMPUTE! by seanvaandering · 2011-04-06 15:39 · Score: 1

..and i'll be busy in my bedroom...

...coding machine language!

/What!?

It's even the same price! by rbrander · 2011-04-06 15:40 · Score: 1

Well, at least at the high end. According to the page at newegg that came up when I googled 'inflation calculator' :

What cost $400 in 1982 would cost $891.63 in 2010.

Classic Commodore software by Compaqt · 2011-04-06 16:12 · Score: 1

It's great to hear it'll run C128 and Amiga programs too.

But how will you get the software onto the new C64? With an ancient 5.25" drive?

Is there a repository (informal, of course) of old C64/128 software?

I'm particularly interested in Fleet Street Writer, a word processing program for the C128, which was nice in that you got a full 80 columns as opposed to the C64's 40.

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I'm not a lawyer, but I play one on the Internet. Blog

Re:Classic Commodore software by Tacvek · 2011-04-08 12:21 · Score: 1

The main way they are advocating is an app store for the old apps. That is of course insane, since many important old programs are now owned by companies that don't even know they own the program! In practice you will just look for a copy somebody has "helpfully" extracted and posted to the web.

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Stylish sheet to fix many problems in Slashdot's D3: https://gist.github.com/801524

Woo :P by haqrboi · 2011-04-06 18:08 · Score: 1

Oh, I would be all for a C64 remake, but this is just ridiculous. It's just a PC, and a fairly expensive one. If they ever release an OS that isn't just a built in VICE emulator, I'll be surprised. Their site looks really professional compared to how it was six months ago. Scary. But at least we have the dog on the board of directors to assure us that everything is in order. In general its obvious that they are living i their own reality in that company. Too bad the Commodore and Amiga brands had to suffer such a fate. Should've stayed dead.

Re:Woo :P by doccus · 2011-04-06 19:34 · Score: 1

*If* the new 'Commodore OS 1.0' that is being promised materializes, i think it would be a go.. having an embedded emulator as part of the package is a plus and makes it more than a 'PC in a novel box' which is what it really is now.. But if it's such an important part of the package.. i find it ominous that it's NYA..if it's really going to come out, why couldn't they have delayed the commodore's release until there really was an installed and functioning copy of the OS available?

Re:That's NOT a Commodore 64 by slashdot_commentator · 2011-04-06 18:10 · Score: 1

Actually, that would suck, and you don't know what you're talking about.

The C64 OS was a marvel of geek efficiency. If anything, the fact that C64 could run whole BASIC programs detracts from its elegance.

But the C language is an outdated, 3rd generation compiler language. It doesn't support new programming concepts. Its like trying to push for a return to COBOL.

Now, if you still have a working C64, what would be geek cool is run it using the FORTH language. Granted, FORTH is obsolete as well, but much better for writing for embedded devices than BASIC.

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There is no America. There is no democracy. There is only IBM and AT&T and DuPont, Dow, General Electric, and Exxon

Re:No numpad? FAIL by oobayly · 2011-04-06 19:04 · Score: 1

Nice, I never knew that. It neatly explains the 6 char gap between the alphabets too. Now I just need to find somebody to impress with my new found knowledge, and who knows what the hell I'm talking about.

Optional components by Drakkenmensch · 2011-04-07 01:22 · Score: 1

Will my old Fastload cartridge increase the hard drive data transfer speed?

Silly Youngins by stewbacca · 2011-04-07 03:21 · Score: 1

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess most of the negative posts here are made by kiddies who weren't even alive when the C64 was in its heyday.

For those of who owned a C64 as a child, we probably are far along enough in our careers that $500 is not really that big deal for something kinda cool and nostalgic.

Personally I'd rather pay $500 for an original C64 with some working games, but this is pretty cool too.

Re:No numpad? FAIL by h4rr4r · 2011-04-07 06:28 · Score: 1

This one right now is from july 90, the one I was typing the other comment on is from 88. I also have one of the inferior lexmark made ones from 94.

Crap... by GCPSoft · 2011-04-07 23:37 · Score: 1

"Don't forget that the new Commodore 64 is a fully functional PC compatible, so you can even install and use the latest versions of Windows if you really feel you need to." Well, at least we will have the possibility to show a BSOD on the Commodore 64 after all...

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