Classic 80s home computer is reborn as a Windows PC
A 1980s computer which was the best seller of its time and introduced users to games such as Donkey Kong and Lemmings is being relaunched as a retro classic.
The new Commodore 64 comes complete with the original chunky beige casing, clunky keyboard and rainbow logo.
But as well as allowing owners to play the original games, this version is also capable of running the latest software packages.
It lives again: The 1980s Commodore 64 has been reborn as the C64x (above) - with state-of-the-art tech specs
All change: The new version has expandable RAM, Blu-ray drive and all the ports and connections you would expect of a modern computer
Back to the future: The Commodore C64 represented the cutting edge of computer technology 30 years ago
COMMODORE'S SPECS CHANGE
The original's specs:
The new version:
The C64, as it was known, was an instant hit when it launched in 1982 when the home computer industry was in its infancy.
Its popularity was due largely to the fact that it could be plugged into a television set, enabling the user to play video games such as Donkey Kong, Ghostbusters and Lemmings.
But its styling fell out of favour as home computers rapidly developed and eventually production ceased.
The brand was relaunched last year by a firm called Commodore USA, which obtained licensing rights to reproduce the C64.
While the new version, the C64x, looks like the original and can be used in the same way, it is far more powerful, has a DVD or Blu Ray slot, and is compatible with modern operating systems such as Windows.
Wireless internet is also built in as standard.
The C64x will cost about ?360 on mail order from America and is expected to appear in shops later in the year.
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Return of the Commodore 64: Classic '80s home computer is given new lease of life as a Windows PC | Mail Online
A 1980s computer which was the best seller of its time and introduced users to games such as Donkey Kong and Lemmings is being relaunched as a retro classic.
The new Commodore 64 comes complete with the original chunky beige casing, clunky keyboard and rainbow logo.
But as well as allowing owners to play the original games, this version is also capable of running the latest software packages.
It lives again: The 1980s Commodore 64 has been reborn as the C64x (above) - with state-of-the-art tech specs
All change: The new version has expandable RAM, Blu-ray drive and all the ports and connections you would expect of a modern computer Back to the future: The Commodore C64 represented the cutting edge of computer technology 30 years agoCOMMODORE'S SPECS CHANGE
The original's specs:
- O/S: Basic 2.0
- RAM: 64k
- Connectivity: joystick, cartridge, floppy drive, printer, tape recorder
- Graphics: 320x200 (hi-res mode), 16 colours
- Processor: Commodore VIC-20
- Smooth scrolling (vertIcal AND horizontal)
- Comes with built-in keyboard
The new version:
- RAM: 2GB of DDR3 memory - expandable to 4GB
- Processor: Dual Core 525 Atom
- Graphics: NVIDIA Ion2 graphics
- Connectivity: Slot or tray load DVD R/W (Blu-ray optional). Multi-format card reader/writer and a USB slot
- 1080p HD quality video playback and 6 Channel hi-def audio
- Plays 8-bit era games
- Fully PC compatible
The C64, as it was known, was an instant hit when it launched in 1982 when the home computer industry was in its infancy.
Its popularity was due largely to the fact that it could be plugged into a television set, enabling the user to play video games such as Donkey Kong, Ghostbusters and Lemmings.
But its styling fell out of favour as home computers rapidly developed and eventually production ceased.
The brand was relaunched last year by a firm called Commodore USA, which obtained licensing rights to reproduce the C64.
While the new version, the C64x, looks like the original and can be used in the same way, it is far more powerful, has a DVD or Blu Ray slot, and is compatible with modern operating systems such as Windows.
Wireless internet is also built in as standard.
The C64x will cost about ?360 on mail order from America and is expected to appear in shops later in the year.
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Return of the Commodore 64: Classic '80s home computer is given new lease of life as a Windows PC | Mail Online
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