Commodore 64x

Hardware
Release date	April 2011 (2011-04)
Introductory price	US $295-895 (April 2011)
Operating system	Ubuntu 10.10/ Commodore OS
CPU	Dual-core Intel Atom D525 @ 1.80GHz (Ultimate) Intel Core i7 @ 2.2GHz Sandy Bridge (Extreme)
Storage capacity	1 TB Hard Drive (Ultimate) 3 TB Hard Drive (Extreme)
Memory	2 GB RAM expandable to 4 GB RAM (DDR2 667/800 single-channel) (Ultimate) 8 GB RAM expandable to 16 GB RAM 2 x SO-DIMM DDR3 1066/1333 dual channel(Extreme)
Graphics	Nvidia Ion 2 with 512MB memory Intel HD Graphics (Extreme)
Sound	Realtek ALC662 6-CH HD Audio Nvidia L-PCM digital audio (HDMI 1.3) can support 7.1 output with external decoder (Ultimate)
Connectivity	mini PCI Express x1 Slot, RS232 serial header, 4 SATA2 3Gb/s Connectors with RAID 0, 1, JBOD functions (SATA#3,#4), 8 bit GPIO header, CIR header, 9-pin Audio Connector, Front Panel Connector, Fan Headers, 4-pin Power Connector, 12V DC Jack, 1 x PS2 KB/Mouse connectors, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI-D, 1 x VGA, 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x RJ45 LAN (10/100/1000), 3 x 3.5mm Audio with S/PDIF out, WiFi N (Ultimate) mini PCI Express x1 Slot, RS232/RS432/RS485 serial header, 2 SATA3 6Gb/s Connectors , 3 SATA2 3Gb/s with RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD functions (SATA#3,#4), 8 bit GPIO header, 9-pin Audio Connector, 24-pin ATX power connector, 12V DC Jack, Front Panel Connector, Fan Headers, 4-pin Power Connector, 1 x PS2 KB/Mouse connectors, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI-D, 1 x VGA, 4 x USB 2.0, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x RJ45 LAN, 3 x 3.5mm Audio with S/PDIF out, WiFi N (Extreme)
Weight	3.1kg
Predecessor	Commodore 64
Website	www.commodoreusa.net

The Commodore 64x is an 64-bit Intel x86 home computer sold by Commodore USA LLC in April 2011,^[1][2] as a successor of the original Commodore 64 8-bit home computer sold by Commodore International in 1982. Volume production started in May 2011, with machines being released on to the market in June 2011^[3] at a starting price of US $595 for a Basic model and up to US $895 for a Ultimate model, and as of August 13th, an Extreme version fitted with an Intel Core i7 chip with 8GB DDR3 RAM and 3TB hard drive for US $1499. There is also a case only version of the C64x called the Barebones available for US $295. It is known as the C64x or C=64x (after the graphic logo on the case) and as the C64 (for Commodore 64, in reference to its predecessor).

History

Commodore OS desktop

The C64x was designed as the successor^[4] to the popular Commodore 64 in response to overwhelming demand from Commodore USA's customer base. ^[5] It is planned to ship initially with Ubuntu 10.10 Desktop Edition. In addition to this, Commodore USA are also developing their own Linux derivative called Commodore OS, that along with a classic games package, they plan to ship out to early adopters. There will be no hardware compatibility with the original C64, with software compatibility provided through the use of an emulator.

Software

The C64x is said to come bundled with Ubuntu 10.10 as well as an emulator to run the original Commodore 64 software.

Alternative operating systems

As the C64x is based on the Intel x86 architecture, it is able to run OSs such as Microsoft's Windows.

International Keyboard

As of 18th August 2011, Commodore USA announced it would be providing international keyboards and keys for its customers worldwide for the C64x, with new keyboards made with additional keys for countries/languages if it is needed. For customers outside of its main US support area, keys and keycap pullers will be provided for easy self-installation. ^[6]

References

1. ^ "Iconic Commodore 64 All Set For Comeback". http://www.itproportal.com/2011/04/06/iconic-commodore-64-all-set-comeback/. 
2. ^ "Recreating the Legendary Commodore 64". http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx. 
3. ^ "Commodore USA CEO Announces Shipment of C64x". http://www.commodore-amiga.org/en/forum/27-commodore-usa/5142-theyre-on-their-way. 
4. ^ Valentino-DeVries, Jennifer (8 April 2011). "Commodore 64: Welcome Back, Old Friend". The Wall Street Journal. http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/04/08/commodore-64-welcome-back-old-friend/. 
5. ^ "Commodore USA announces the PC64, in a replica Commodore case". http://color64bbs.com/?p=98. 
6. ^ "World Wide Keyboard Coming to Commodore". http://www.facebook.com/notes/commodore-usa/world-wide-keyboard-coming-to-commodore/251327568218771. 

• Future models, planned for 2011