X-SciTech

Back to the future: New Commodore 64 en route

By Daniel Terdiman

April 5, 2011 / 12:08 AM EDT / CBS News

Commodore USA released a set of "sneak peek" images today of its prototype of a brand-new Commodore 64. One of the most beloved home computers of all time--and part of the group of machines, including the Commodore Vic-20, Atari 800, Apple II and IIe, and Commodore Amiga, that forever changed the way people interacted with computers.

Although 29 years have gone by since the C64's 1982 release, Commodore USA says it is releasing a new version of the venerable computer, complete with a new version of the Commodore OS that has been updated for modern day and which includes a Web browser and a Microsoft Office-compatible suite of productivity tools.

The company isn't saying when--or definitively if--the new machine will be released, but since the pictures were released days after April 1, we can only hope that this isn't a joke.

And remember, Commodore implores, "The new Commodore 64 is a fully functional PC compatible, so you can even install and use the latest versions of Windows if you really feel you need to. We provide a beautiful graphical boot menu at start up from which Windows can be selected to run, so you needn't lose any of the functionality of the new C64's included Commodore operating systems."

Inside the case

A look inside the case of the all-new Commodore 64 prototype. Commodore says the new computer is "better than ever! The new Commodore 64 is a modern functional PC as close to the original in design as humanly possible. It houses a modern mini-ITX PC motherboard featuring a Dual Core 525 Atom processor and the latest Nvidia Ion2 graphics chipset. It comes in the original taupe brown/beige color, with other colors to follow."

The new C64

A product shot of the all-new Commodore 64.

Name plate

The name plate on the new C64 should look extremely familiar to any of the millions of people who owned one of the originals.

Stylized side view

According to Commodore, the new C64 has a slot for loading read/write DVDs--and which is Blu-Ray optional--on its left side.

The computer is said to come standard with 2 gigabytes of DDR3 memory, expandable to 4 gigabytes.

The insides

A look at the electronics inside the new C64.

Side slots on the C64 prototype

A view of the right side of the prototype Commodore 64.

Right side

According to Commodore, "A multi-format card reader/writer and a USB slot are provided on the right side of the unit. There are an additional four USB slots on the rear of the unit for all your peripheral needs."

Plus, says Commodore, "The classic power light is now the power button."

Left side slot

A look at the left side of the prototype C64, where the DVD slot is located.

Full interior

A look at the full interior of the prototype C64.

The rear

A look at the rear of the all-new prototype C64.

Stylized rear

According to Commodore USA, "The new Commodore 64 can be connected to the latest televisions and monitors, and can deliver 1080p HD quality video playback and six-channel high-definition audio for an excellent home theater experience. It also incorporates wireless n Wi-Fi for exceptional Internet video streaming quality."

Prototype rear

Another view of the rear of the prototype C64.

Keyboard information

According to Commodore, the new C64 "features genuine herry brand key switches, which provide a feel much better than the original, with a lovely IBM classic mechanism and click sound. The keys are the exact same shape as the original and are color matched. No expense has been spared. This is the ultimate hackers keyboard on which to wield your key-fu."