If you’re old enough (and might I say cool enough) to remember the original Commodore 64 home computer then prepare to get stoked: not only is the device back rocking the same retro look, but it’s back running Ubuntu as well.
The original Commodore 64 was released back in 1982, and went on to become one of the most popular and well-known home computers of all time. The reborn Commodore 64 heeds to the mantra of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix” by keeping the same ‘look’ as the original.
You do need to bring your own mouse and monitor, but you do get a keyboard.
Boy do you get a keyboard: –
The outside might look ancient but the inside is more than capable as a general purpose home computer.
A dual core Atom processor is teamed with a Nvidia Ion2 to make 1080p video playback a smooth affair. 2GB RAM comes as standard, although the C64 supports up to 4GB.
There’s the usual smattering of USB, Audio in/out and VGA ports. A card reader is thrown in for good measure, too.
Somewhat annoyingly the “basic” model ships without a DVD drive or WiFi! The meagre 160GB HDD included hardly cushions this oversight, either.
The ‘new’ Commodore 64 costs $595 – the same price as the original Commodore 64 back in the early 80s. For this price you could undoubtedly find better value for money elsewhere, but you’d lack the Commodore look and the Commodore brand.
“Extras”, such as a larger HDD, WiFi and a Blu-Ray drive can be added, but will bump the price. The OS provided is Ubuntu 10.10.
Fancy biting one of these beauties? Nab them @ the Commodore 64 Website