Commodore C64 Remake to Start Shipping This Week

Commodore USA announced recently that is has nearly finished manufacturing its first batch of C64 systems and that the dual-core Atom PC is expected to start shipping by the end of this week, thus turning into reality the dreams of many computer geeks out there.

The original Commodore 64 machine was launched almost 30 years ago and it has managed to reach cult status as it sold somewhere in between 12.5 to 30 million units until 1994 when it got discontinued.

Its success was attributed to a series of factors including price, performance and retail availability (most computers back then were sold only in electronics stores) and the unit packed a MOS Technology 6510 CPU, which worked at about 1MHz, as well as 64kB of RAM and 20kB of ROM memory.

These specifications are in stark contrast with the system that Commodore USA has released as the new C64x is powered by an Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor that works at 1.8GHz and can feature as much as 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.

Furthermore, graphics is handled by an Nvidia second-generation Ion core that's ages ahead of the VIC-II 320×200, 16 colors video interface chip used in the original Commodore 64.

The other systems specs vary according to the model purchased, and the most basic unit comes as a barebone system which is available for $250 US.

Next in line is the Commodore 64x Basic that adds 2GB of RAM memory, a 160GB hard drive and retails for $595 US, while opting for the Standard version will get you a 250GB HDD, WiFi connectivity, and a DVD-drive.

Even more powerful is the C64x Deluxe which raises the storage capacity to 500GB and doubles the amount of DDR3 memory.

Finally, the top of the line system is called the Commodore C64x Ultimate and packs a 1TB drive and a Blu-ray unit for $895 US.

All the models that are sold by Commodore come with Ubuntu Linux 10.10 pre-installed, but the company will soon release a copy of Commodore OS that replicates the original C64 look and feel. (via Electronista)