Commodore 64, VIC computers are back

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Commodore USA has opened a new Web store and is now taking pre-orders for its new Commodore 64, VIC-Pro, and VIC-Slim models that are based on the originals. The new Commodore 64 is the home of a mini-ITX PC motherboard featuring a Dual Core 525 1.8GB Atom processor and a Nvidia Ion2 graphics card with 512MB of DDR3 memory. Check out Adrian Kingsley-Hughes' blog post.

The base Commodore 64 comes with 2 GB of DDR3 memory and is expandable to 4 GB. It's keyboard is the same shape as the original with Cherry brand key switches for a better feel.

C64s are listed with a base price of $250 for a barebones model and $595 for the basic model. The high-end model with a 2TB hard drive reaches $895. It's expected to be available in May or June.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
Like the original, the new C64 can be connected to either monitors or televisions, however it offers 1080p HD and 6 Channel High Definition Audio playback.

The first units will be powered by Ubuntu Linux 10.04, however, a Commodore Operating System is close to completion, according to Commodore USA. With it you'll be able to play original 8-bit games on a built-in emulator - without waiting for minutes for them to load. It appears that the Commodore OS will be shipped to early buyers when it is available.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The back even includes an Internet connection. How's that for a C64?

It comes in the original taupe brown/beige color with more options to come.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The right side includes a multi-format card reader/writer and a USB slot. There are four more USB units in the rear.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
They even include a DVD/RW player - with the option for Bluray.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The original Commodore had 64KB RAM from where its name originated.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
Commodore USA showed off some pictures of its prototype models. The plastic was not colored.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The motherboard.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
Inside the keyboard.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The VIC Pro appears to be retro in name only. The computer components are housed in an aluminum case underneath the keyboard. The unit can support up to Intel Core 2 Quad processors and runs on an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100. It can hold up to 4GB of memory.

The VIC Pro is available for pre-order and starts at $895.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The VIC-Pro comes with a standard full size 3.5" SATA hard drive with up to 2 terabytes of storage space. It also can hold a removable 2.5-inch hard drive.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
Quick launch keys on the top of the keyboard.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The motherboard.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
VIC models are loosely based on the 8-bit VIC-20 which was released in 1981.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
Commodore USA is also taking orders for the VIC-Slim. The company is touting this model as a space-saving desktop. It will run on a 1.8GHz Dual Core Intel Atom D525 processor.

The VIC-Slim is slated to start at $295 for a barebones model and reaches a high end of $495 with a 500GB hard drive. The monitor is not included.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The VIC-Slim also has built in stereo speakers and Wi-Fi antennas on both sides of the keyboard to boost strength. Commodore USA claims it will use one-eighth of the power of a traditional PC.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith
The side of the computer.

Published: April 5, 2011 -- 12:10 GMT (05:10 PDT)
Caption by: Andy Smith