Fans of retro computing will soon be able to buy a modern PC clad in a classic case.
Commodore is making a Windows PC that fits inside a boxy beige shell that looks exactly like its original C64.
The 8-bit machine was released in 1982, had 64 kilobytes of memory and became one of the best-selling computers ever.
Commodore's updated version will run Windows 7 but also has an emulator capable of playing games written for its ancestor.
Commodore has started taking orders for the C64x, priced at $595 (£364), and said the machines would ship between May and June. It is expected to appear in shops later in the year.
The machine's internal hardware will be based around a dual-core Intel Atom D525, a chip typically found in notebook computers.
Its 1.8Ghz chip is far faster than the 8-bit 1MHz MOS 6502 processor used in the 80's original.
The C64x will also use an integrated Nvidia graphics chip and buyers have the option of equipping a model with a Bluray DVD player.
All the hardware for the machine fits inside the keyboard case.
The first models will sport the same taupe colour scheme as the original along with a "clicky" keyboard familiar to anyone who used the older C64 or its predecessor, the Vic 20.
It's back... and better than ever! The new Commodore 64 is a modern functional PC as close to the original in design as humanly possible. It houses a modern mini-ITX PC motherboard featuring a Dual Core 525 Atom processor and the latest Nvidia Ion2 graphics chipset. It comes in the original taupe brown/beige color, with other colors to follow.
A Keyboard Better Than the Original
The new Commodore 64 features genuine Cherry brand key switches, which provide a feel much better than the original, with a lovely IBM classic mechanism and click sound. The keys are the exact same shape as the original and are color matched. No expense has been spared. This is the ultimate hackers keyboard on which to wield your key-fu.
Modern Media for a Modern Day Computer
The new Commodore 64 also features a slot or tray load DVD R/W(Bluray optional) on the left side of the unit.
The base Commodore 64 comes with 2 GB of DDR3 memory and is expandable to 4 GB.
A 21st Century Update
A multi format card reader/writer and a USB slot are provided on the right side of the unit. There are an additional 4 USB slots on the rear of the unit for all your peripheral needs.
The classic power light is now the power button.
Connects to the Latest TVs and Monitors
The new Commodore 64 can be connected to the latest televisions and monitors, and can deliver 1080p HD quality video playback and 6 Channel High Definition Audio for an excellent home theater experience. It also incorporates wireless n wifi for exceptional internet video streaming quality.
The New Commodore 64 Is Fun!
Play all your favorite 8-bit era games within seconds of turning the Commodore 64 on, by either selecting the C64 icon from the boot menu to run a C64 emulator directly, or from a media center program within our own Commodore Operating System.
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.
Welcome back, myth!
No idea how many hours I've spent waiting for stuff to load with the original one, but I'd say it's many months of my life to say the very least
Maybe I'll get one
I had a commodore 128 with the fucking tapes back in the day. I also entered like a 50 page basic code to play fucking pong ffs. Took e like three fucking days and I wanted to die.Does look pretty fucking cool though man!