The Fiery Source » Computer Hardware

Commodore 64 is back, with the same ol’ look but better

admin — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 14:38:02 +0000

Anyone remember the Commodore 64 computer? Yes indeed we do, it was the machine of it’s time. Well, it’s back but only better. The new Commodore 64 computer, first released in 1982, looks the same on the outside, but whats under the hood is a different animal. It’s still a computer sitting beneath a big keyboard — mouse and monitor aren’t included.

Don’t let that retro look fool you, it’s a new up-to-date machine with modern features even some of today’s computers to include Apple haven’t caught up with, such as HDMI outputs to connect to a HDTV and the option of a combination Blu-Ray and DVD player.

“It looks just like the original Commodore 64, with even the old-style keyboard,” said Barry Altman, chief executive of Commodore USA, LLC, the company making the new all-in-one PCs. “In fact, that keyboard was the biggest accomplishment of all, so far. The keys look like a piece of clay that you pushed a marble into — so it fits your fingertip.”

Whats the price for this new Commodore 64 basic model? Surprisely the price is the same as it was for the base unit in 1982 — $595. The new and improved Commodore 64 went on sale on the company’s website Tuesday for it’d debue and sold out within 24 hours.

“We expected our audience to be the nostalgia crowd and that’s true, a lot of people buying them owned an original Commodore 64 back in the ’80s, like me,” he said. “But we’re also finding that there are young kids who are geek geniuses who have iPhones and iPads and things like that and they’re looking at this thing and they’re into it. They’ve actually been a big part of our customer base so far too. It’s been a surprise.”

The company is hosting a second sale and is going on as we write this, but won’t be shiping out until about May or June.

“We’re having a hard-time keeping our online store up, because the servers are getting overloaded from the amount of traffic,” Altman said. “That’s been a bit of a surprise, too.”

“Almost 30 years ago, we were filing our paperwork and even payroll manually — we couldn’t afford the expensive IBM machines at the time,” Altman said. “And someone showed us a Commodore and it worked incredibly well to do what we needed to do and we used it for about five or six years and then we upgraded like everyone else, but I’ve always had a love in my heart for that product.”

“It’s a good basic computer for work, for email, for multimedia use, for even basic gaming,” Altman said. “It’s more like a Mac Mini than a little netbook.”

The new Commodore 64 has a dual-core Intel Atom 1.8GHz processor, a Nvidia Ion2 graphics chipset, and as much as 4GB of RAM and 1TB of memory under the hood. The machine runs on Ubuntu, an excellent choice, but are also capable of running Windows 7. What I like best about the new Commodore 64, like the old one, is built in the United States — in Ft. Lauderdale Florida, which is where the company operates from.

“It’s 99% American made — everything except the motherboard is American made,” Altman said. “It just didn’t seem right to have the Commodore 64 become a Chinese import, though we sell other computers that are and they’re just fine. It probably goes back to a nostalgia thing, and we don’t have the benefit of the less expensive labor, but we felt strongly that it was the right thing to do for this model.”

LA Times

How to Make Your Own Backlit Keyboard

Bob — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:26:55 +0000

In the past we have discussed how to light up your keyboard for typing in the dark, but Tinkernut Tech Blog is going to show us how to make an awesome backlit keyboard using electro luminescent wire. This cool method will work with just about any keyboard, it’s suggested you use a keyboard that has a built-in USB port, this way you can plug the el-wire’s inside.

The instructions are fairly simple and straight forward, although you will have to disassemble your keyboard. Seriously, you will have to remove each key from the board, but just make sure you remember the the order of the keys when it’s time to assemble, or take a snap shot of the keyboard will work. Check out the video above for step by step block of instructions.

How to Make a Backlit Keyboard [Tinkernut]

Toshiba Launches Libretto W100 Dualscreen Laptop

Bob — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:33:20 +0000

Toshiba has just announced a dual-screen notebook/laptop, the Toshiba Libretto W100. As you can see in the video below the Toshiba Libretto W100 has dual 7″ 1024 x 600 touch screens, along with a virtual keyboard. You can use one screen as the display and the other as a keyboard. Under the hood the notebook is powered by a 1.2GHz Intel Pentium U5400 processor, 2GB of RAM, and Windows 7 Home Premium. Features include a 1 mega-pixel web cam, microSD card reader, and the battery offers up to five hours of usage. The Toshiba Libretto W100 should run around $1,099 USD within the next few months. Check out the video after the break to see it in action.

OCZ Releases Fatality Modular 750W PSU

Bob — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:36:52 +0000

Your power supply is one of the most critical components inside your computer. Get your hands on a bad one, and it doesn’t take long before your computer crashes. OCZ has just launched a new power supply designed for hardcore gamers and PC enthusiasts, the OCZ Fatality Modular 750W PSU. The unit supports multiple GPU configurations, and features a 135mm double ball bearing fan which is designed to keep it nice and cool the way you want it. This bad boy is also 80-Plus Bronze certified with up to 85% efficiency.

The OCZ 750W power supply unit features modular cabling, so you will only have to use the cables you need rather than have them all connected to the power supply at once, the only connectors that are hard wired into the unit are the ones for the motherboard and CPU power common to different computers. The OCZ power supply includes four 6+2 pin PCI-E cables, six peripheral cables, two floppy cables, and six SATA cables. No word yet as to how much this unit will cost so stay tuned in and we’ll let you know when it’s available and how much.

High-Performance PSU Meets the Demands of Gamers and System Builders with Low-Profile Cabling

SAN JOSE, CA—May 17, 2010—OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCZ), a worldwide leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs), memory modules, and power supplies for computing devices and systems, unveils the Fatal1ty 750 Watt power supply, a new high-performance PSU targeted at gamers and enthusiasts that prefer modular cabling.

OCZ is dedicated to delivering premium power solutions, and the new 750W was co-developed with Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel, twelve-time World champion, to meet the specific needs of fellow gamers. “I worked with OCZ on this new modular 750W Fatal1ty power supply to give the strength and power to my PC; I need to win!!,” stated Johnathan “Fatal1ty’” Wendel. Featuring new “low-profile” flat modular cabling with efficiencies in airflow and control, the Fatal1ty 750W PSU not only provides stable, efficient power, but also unique, user-friendly connectors that promote greater flexibility and organization inside the PC case. Featuring glowing red LED lights to add style, Fatal1ty power supplies are an ideal upgrade for users who need a computer setup able to take on hours of non-stop gaming. Additionally, Fatal1ty 750W power supplies are designed to perform even at elevated temperatures of up to 45°C, nearly twice that of the industry standard.

“Working with Fatal1ty to build the ultimate PSU for a high-performance gaming environment was a great experience,” commented Ryan Edwards, Director of Product Management at OCZ Technology. “Jonathan and OCZ share a common commitment to performance and reliability aimed at supporting the user in even the most intense competitive gaming and enthusiast environments. With the new Fatal1ty 750, gamers and power users alike can be confident their system is fueled by a top-notch PSU with the latest in technology and design.”

The Fatal1ty 750W features maximum and efficient power distribution, a thermally controlled 135mm double-ball bearing fan for airflow at near-silent audible noise levels, and an array of connectors for multiple power-hungry drives and video cards. Offering excellent energy and cost-savings, the Fatal1ty 750W has an 80-Plus® Bronze certification, converting up to a full 85% of AC to DC power at typical loads.

Fully compliant with the latest ATX12V and EPS12V specifications, the Fatal1ty 750W Series accommodates a wide range of cases, and comes backed by a 5-year warranty and tech support for additional peace of mind.

The Fiery Source » Computer Hardware

Commodore 64 is back, with the same ol’ look but better

Similar Articles

How to Make Your Own Backlit Keyboard

Similar Articles

Toshiba Launches Libretto W100 Dualscreen Laptop

Similar Articles

OCZ Releases Fatality Modular 750W PSU

Similar Articles