"C64 -Commodore's Cash Cow and a Brilliant Computer"
Founded in 1958 by Jack Tramiel, Commodore International was a pioneering American computer manufacturer. Known for producing a wide range of 8-, 16-, and 32-bit systems—including the iconic Amiga series—Commodore’s most successful product was the Commodore 64 (C64). With over 14 million units sold between 1982 and 1994, the C64 became the best-selling single computer model of all time.
COMMODORE 64 AT A GLANCE
- Powered by MOS Technology CPUs -MOS 6510/8500 @ 1.023 MHz (NTSC) / @ 0.985 MHz (PAL)
- Supported 16 colors, 8 hardware sprites (24×21 pixels), and smooth hardware scrolling
- Included the legendary SID (Sound Interface Device) chip -it also appeared in the C128, CBM-II, and Commodore MAX
- 3 audio channels
- 8 octaves
- 4 waveforms per channel: triangle, sawtooth, variable pulse, and noise
C128 AT A GLANCE
Unveiled at CES in January 1985 (not 1989), the C128 was an advanced successor to the C64. Key engineers included Bill Herd, Dave Haynie, and Frank Palaia.
Core Features Across All C128 Models:
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Dual processors:
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MOS 8502 @ 2 MHz
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Zilog Z80 @ 4 MHz (enabling CP/M support)
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128 KB of RAM (split into two 64 KB banks)
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72 KB ROM
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Advanced VDC (Video Display Controller) for 80-column CGA-compatible output
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Backward-compatible with C64 software and hardware
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BASIC 7.0 (an upgrade from the C64’s BASIC 2.0)
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Compatible with GEOS, a graphical, mouse-driven OS
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Extensive software library, especially rich in video games
» Read the full Review of C128
Colors & Graphic Modes
The C64 supported multiple graphics and video modes:
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Hi-Res Mode: 320×200 pixels with 16 colors
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MCI Mode: 320×200 with 4 mixed colors
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5 additional graphics modes
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Full support for hardware sprites and hardware-based scrolling
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Commodore 16 & Plus4
The C16 and Plus/4 were designed as low-cost home computers but featured a much more extensive 121-color composite video palette. While they lacked the SID chip, they still supported:
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Hardware scrolling
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Basic sprite capabilities (though not as advanced as the C64)
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Sound Capabilities: The SID Chip
The 6581 SID chip, designed by Bob Yannes, was a major innovation in home computer sound synthesis and became a legendary feature of the Commodore 64/128.
Highlights:
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3 mono channels with ADSR envelope control
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8 octaves per channel
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4 waveform types: triangle, sawtooth, pulse, noise
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Ring modulation
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Multi-mode analog filter
Yannes would later co-create the Ensoniq 5503 (DOC) sound chip for the Apple IIGS.
Commodore's 8-Bit Computers & Sales Figures
Here are some basic sales estimates for Commodore’s 8-bit line:
Table: Commodore International 8-bit computers (Prices adjusted to inflation -2023)
■ Commodore 64/128
Binaryvalue.com 2022 (c) -Sources: c64-wiki.com, studiostyle.sk, c128.com, wikipedia.com
