Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 was a groundbreaking 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International. It quickly became one of the most popular and influential personal computers of its era, with sales estimated between 12.5 and 17 million units. Some Commodore 64 units were made in Canada.
Technical Specifications
- Year released: 1982
- CPU: MOS Technology 6510 @ 1.023 MHz (NTSC version) or 0.985 MHz (PAL version)
- Memory: 64 KB RAM + 20 KB ROM
- Graphics: VIC-II chip (320 × 200 resolution, 16 colors, sprites, raster interrupt)
- Sound: SID 6581 chip (3 oscillators, 4 waveforms, filter, ADSR envelope, ring modulation)
- Storage: Cassette tape drive, optional floppy disk drive (1541)
- Operating System: Commodore KERNAL / Commodore BASIC 2.0
Historical Significance
The Commodore 64 played a crucial role in popularising personal computers:
- Affordability: Priced at $595 at launch (equivalent to ~$4,000 CAD in 2025), it was significantly cheaper than many competitors
- Availability: Sold in department stores, toy stores, and other mainstream retail outlets
- Versatility: Used for gaming, productivity, and programming
- Longevity: Produced from 1982 to 1994, with a lifespan far exceeding expectations for home computers of the time
Legacy and Impact
The Commodore 64’s influence extended beyond its production years:
- Gaming: Boasted a library of over 5,500 known games.
- Music: The SID chip became legendary for its distinctive sound, inspiring musicians and spawning a chiptune subculture.
- Programming: Introduced many users to BASIC programming and computer literacy
- Demo scene: Sparked a subculture of programmers pushing the hardware to its limits, creating impressive audiovisual demonstrations
Despite its success, the Commodore 64’s legacy is sometimes overlooked in broader computer histories, possibly due to its perception as primarily a gaming machine or its association with the eventual downfall of Commodore as a company
The Commodore 64’s unique combination of advanced graphics and sound capabilities, affordability, and widespread availability made it a defining machine of the 1980’s home computer era, leaving an indelible mark on the history of personal computing.
