The Commodore 64 Final is essentially the most astonishing retro product I’ve ever reviewed. I used to be anticipating it to be a simple, fashionable tackle the all-time best-selling private pc. I imagined it will be a more recent model of the C64 Mini or C64 “Maxi,” with a collection of video games and software program in-built and accessible via a bespoke menu system. Critically, I’d have been completely positive with a contemporary C64 that hooks to fashionable 4K shows and televisions and let me expertise the C64 ecosystem on the massive display. And it does that, extraordinarily nicely.
Nevertheless it additionally does a lot extra, greater than I might have ever imagined it will. Higher nonetheless, it does all these issues amazingly nicely. From the spot-on design of the packaging all the way down to the perfection of the keyboard in each approach, the Commodore 64 Final is the form of fashionable tackle retro {hardware} that every one future endeavors within the house ought to aspire to. They will not. However they need to.
What’s Within the Field
The Commodore 64 Final packaging appears the a part of its predecessor, though dimensionally they differ. The unique C64 field is a bit of taller and rather less vast, however in any other case the trendy take evokes the very same feeling as the unique proper from the packaging. It is a superb mixture of each outdated and new, itemizing the trendy capabilities of the system whereas utilizing old-school photographs of individuals utilizing the unique on CRT shows.
Proper on the copy printed on the field, the Commodore 64 Final positions itself as an antidote to the trendy computing expertise, which I am utterly into. As somebody who’s been utilizing the Web since earlier than Netscape was even a factor, I typically assume again wistfully to how a lot easier it was when a pc was a instrument you used to create issues, not a tool that serves you adverts. The tagline on the again says “Basic Kind. Final Operate. Distraction Free.”
For these of you who weren’t born earlier than 1980, the unique Commodore 64 was not solely essentially the most profitable 8-bit pc of the Eighties, it is the best-selling private pc of all time. So many Gen-Xers grew up with a Commodore 64 as their first residence pc, and in the event that they did not have one (like me), they knew somebody who did. It debuted at $595 in 1982, however inside a 12 months, competitors had minimize the worth in half. Within the 1984 Sears Vacation Wishbook catalog it is listed at $229.99, whereas the Coleco Adam only a few pages later is $700.
The C64 was reasonably priced, nicely supported, dealt with enterprise and productiveness purposes whereas additionally having an enormous library of video games. You can load software program from 5.25″ floppies, cassette tapes, or cartridges. It was versatile, compact, extraordinarily reasonably priced and obtainable all over the place. It additionally had a customized sound chip that allow the C64 sing, actually, giving it an enormous edge. The C64 produced an iconic sound fashionable chiptune artists like 8-bit Weapon nonetheless use.
Contained in the field is the Commodore 64 Final itself, which is definitely obtainable in three totally different variations. There’s the traditional beige, a totally clear and LED-lit mannequin, and a particular version gold translucent model solely obtainable for many who backed the system early on. I will get into the design later, however as quickly as I opened the field I used to be struck by simply how good that is by way of replicating the look of the unique.
There’s additionally not one, however two, small, double-sided sheets of Commodore-branded vinyl stickers. The stickers are nice. They’re high-quality, not rubbish paper ones like I’d have anticipated, and it is simply one other pleasant a part of the expertise. There are just a few for the emblem, one for the traditional “READY” immediate, a tiny tape drive and floppy drive sticker, and extra. It is nice. I will stick these items all over the place (aside from the C64 Final itself, after all).
There is a clear plastic AC adapter with totally different interchangeable plug kinds to your area, and a beneficiant 2.5 meter HDMI cable in a Commodore branded bag. The cable itself isn’t branded, nevertheless, which is possibly the one factor I can level to with the C64 Final and say “I want this have been totally different.” The cable itself helps Ethernet over HDMI, for causes I do not perceive, in addition to 4K decision.
Beneath all of it, nestled in a protecting cocoon of bubble wrap, might be my favourite addition to the C64 Final field: an honest-to-goodness spiral-bound instruction handbook similar to the unique. And it is an ACTUAL instruction handbook, too. It is not only a 4-page fast begin information translated into 16 totally different languages to pad it out. That is an nearly 250-page tome of goodness we simply do not see anymore. It is greater than only a passing resemblance between the brand new and the outdated. Sure, there is a fast begin information, however past that, the handbook teaches you the best way to use the Commodore 64 Final in the identical approach the unique handbook taught you to make use of the C64. There is a part on BASIC, the pc programming language so many oldheads like me first discovered, in addition to Superior BASIC.
That is most likely my favourite factor concerning the C64 Final: the actual fact it is a fashionable model of the outdated {hardware} on which I really like writing BASIC applications. If you happen to’re not conversant in the language, its main goal was to make pc programming simpler for newcomers. The truth is, the title BASIC is an acronym for “Newbie’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.” Nobody makes use of it anymore, not for something critical. Ask anybody now and so they’ll let you know to start out with Python.
Properly I am right here to say these persons are fallacious, and BASIC is the proper place to start out. One of many best issues about having a hardware-indentical model of the unique Commodore 64 is all these outdated magazines and books with web page upon web page of BASIC code will nonetheless work precisely as they have been supposed. You’ve got most likely seen engagement-farming social media accounts speaking about how “again within the day” folks would copy applications from magazines, by hand, into their computer systems line by line. Can verify, we actually did. And with the C64 Final we are able to use those self same applications, or simply copy and paste them and cargo them in through USB. I believe that is dishonest however I am additionally not above it.
I have not delved deeply into the world of programming the C64 Final, at the least not but, so I am unable to converse authoritatively on whether or not or not there’s some string of code someplace that will not work on the Final. Understanding what little I learn about FPGA, I do not assume that can ever be an issue I am going to come throughout. The fantastic thing about FPGA versus software program emulation is the {hardware} works precisely like the unique. Certain, somebody on the market writing in meeting may discover some peculiarity with the system that wasn’t current within the unique, however for me? Hell nah, let’s get some BASIC code going child!
The very fact you are taught BASIC within the handbook, after which taught superior BASIC, in addition to sprite and sound manipulation, makes the handbook much more of a helpful useful resource. That is precisely the form of factor I really like, and precisely the best way computer systems was. You did not simply purchase a pc to passively entertain your self, you acquire one to do rudimentary spreadsheets, play some video games, and create your personal experiences. I adore it. The perfect factor about studying any pc language is the basics are all just about the identical. When you perceive if-then statements, or “for” loops in BASIC, you will perceive them in JavaScript, or C#, or just about another language.
Peripherals, Fashionable and Basic
What was possibly essentially the most stunning revelation to me concerning the Commodore 64 Final was its help for the unique Commodore peripherals. Issues just like the cassette deck and iconic 1501 floppy disc drive will work with the C64. I haven’t got the cassette deck, sadly, and whereas I’ve the floppy drive I do not even have any floppies with which to check it. The large batch of floppies I picked up earlier this 12 months have been all unreadable, so sadly I am unable to converse to that, at the least till I luck my approach into one other cache, one which hopefully works.
What I can say is the C64 Final will work with a traditional CRT monitor, and that simply makes me all types of delighted. Is it extra handy to apply it to a contemporary show? Sure, a thousand %. Is it extra enjoyable? Not even shut. Fortunately I’ve a number of CRT displays suitable with the Commodore, together with an unique Commodore CM-141 monitor I drove two hours into the wilderness of Maine’s coast to accumulate. Weirdly, the default settings have been in PAL and so I needed to go in to alter them, however as soon as I did, I used to be completely delighted by the CRT-goodness. I haven’t got the right cable to make use of the CM-141, however I do have one that allow me hook it to an outdated Magnavox monitor that has a setting to output in a pretend phosphor-green. Cannot complain about that!
I want extra retro-revival {hardware} had the choice for analog video. I am positive the individuals who need such a factor make up a really tiny share of the inhabitants, however for one thing as specialised because the Commodore 64 Final, it’s a good match. The trendy Commodore firm sells the right cables on its web site, so I am most likely going to purchase some simply so I can plink away at my subsequent BASIC program in entrance of the nice and cozy glow of a buzzing, 13″ coloration CRT TV.
One other odd peripheral I’ve is a Commodore 1670 modem, although the Commodore 64 Final lacks the Person Port from the unique the place it hooks up. As a substitute, the Final has fashionable connectivity like Wi-Fi and an Ethernet jack. It’s most likely for the perfect anyway – I’ve messed round with sluggish, retro modems on outdated {hardware} earlier than and it is enjoyable, however 1200 baud makes even BBSes sluggish to make use of. And in addition to, if I do need that old-school expertise, there’s modem emulation constructed into the system anyway.
Whereas having Wi-Fi guidelines, at first I could not get the Wi-Fi to work. I entered in my Wi-Fi password and waited for some time, tried it once more, rebooted and tried yet one more time and it by no means confirmed the “Hyperlink Up” message on the Wi-Fi configuration web page. It wasn’t till after I hooked it to a wired connection that it determined to come back to life, after which I used to be in a position to disconnect from the Ethernet cable and have it preserve its wi-fi connection. Undecided if that was only a coincidence or a bizarre bug, however it gave me a quick jolt of disappointment.
I am additionally sadly missing in C64 recreation cartridges, which is a bummer for the reason that Commodore 64 Final can play these, natively, via the growth port at the back of the pc. However since it will probably run these carts, it will probably simply run ROM information, ones that you just after all personal legally or are supplied from respected, authorized sources.
Spot-On Design
The Commodore 64 Final is indistinguishable from the unique at first look. All the things about it appears and feels precisely the identical as the unique. The beige case and brown keyboard is fantastically reproduced from the unique, for higher or for worse. It is not till you are taking a better look do you begin to discover the variations, with the trendy ports, a clear window on the facet and a a lot smaller port for the AC adapter.
The Commodore 64 emblem badge on the highest? Good. The crimson LED energy mild? Flawless. The keyboard? OK, like I mentioned earlier than, absolute perfection – for higher or for worse. Let me clarify myself.
Typing on the Commodore 64 Final provides you the very same tactile really feel of the unique. The important thing journey is ideal, the “clunk” of the switches, even the delicate texture of the plastic feels precisely like the unique. It is simply implausible. I believe my love of recent mechanical keyboards could be straight traced again to this period of computing, and the texture is great.
Holding with the unique in each doable approach, nevertheless, goes to require you to unlearn a few of the fashionable keyboard placements you have been utilizing since issues settled all the way down to a regular structure. This is not a fault with the design, it is sadly a byproduct of preserving issues so completely retro. I discover myself combating a few of the key placement, like the place the double-quotes are (they’re over the 2-key, by the best way).
If the C64 is the pc you grew up on, your muscle reminiscence may come again to you simply. However in any other case, there’s a bit of extra hunting-and-pecking right here than I’ve finished in years. It is not a fault of the design in any respect, and it will probably’t be averted, however it’s simply one thing that you’re going to positively expertise while you shift from the trendy keyboard structure burned into your mind. And I would not need it another approach.
One main, constructive design change is the facility provide. The unique C64 energy provide was a brick nearly actually, and just about each unique C64 energy provide is ready to sometime blast the unique {hardware} with an overvoltage that can run it. The brand new one is cased in clear plastic and does not take up half your desk like the unique monster.
It plugs in proper subsequent to the multifunction button, a rocker-style swap that turns the Commodore 64 Final on and off and allows you to swap to the particular configuration menu. It took a bit of extra effort than I used to be anticipating, and it is only a contact too small for my massive palms. Turning off the Commodore 64 Final requires you to push down and maintain for 4 seconds, and I do not like that. Greater than as soon as, I believed I would activated the button, however was as a substitute standing there like an fool with the button 90% pressed for 10 seconds. Given the change of configuration of slots and peripherals, I’d have appreciated a two-position swap for energy and a momentary swap to go between C64 and configuration modes.
Software program
Consistent with the retro-modernity of the Commodore 64 Final, there is a USB stick within the form of a cassette tape, full with cassette case, included in every field. You plug it into a really fashionable USB port within the again after which entry it through the configuration menu in a really old-fashioned, hierarchical file system sort of approach.
The software program on the drive is beneficiant, to say the least. There may be a lot right here, it is overwhelming. Relatively than undergo each single included piece of software program (which I would not thoughts doing, truthfully), I will contact on a few of the extra notable applications.
However earlier than I do this, I will shout out a characteristic they did not want to incorporate, however they did anyway: while you begin up a program from the file browser, the Commodore 64 Final begins whirring and clicking, with the occasional buzz for good measure. It is making the sounds you’ll anticipate from a program loading from a floppy disc and it is completely great. Once I was a child utilizing computer systems, I cherished the suggestions of these mechanical drives. I all the time felt like I used to be listening to the pc “assume.” This little characteristic provides a lot to the expertise, in a approach I did not anticipate in any respect.
Again to the software program, there are dozens of demos on the USB drive, and never those we’re all used to. The demo scene, whereas nonetheless round, is a pale reflection of its former self. Mainly, programmers and hackers would flex their expertise by creating demonstrations of their programming prowess. They might push machines to do issues that did not appear doable with customized animations and music, and you may see a few of them right here. One of the crucial notable and well-known demos is Unhealthy Apple, introduced right here as Unhealthy Apple 64. The Commodore 64 Christmas Demo can also be on the USB, which is pleasant. I am nothing if not filled with vacation cheer.
There’s additionally an enormous collection of video games on the USB, however possibly my favourite addition right here is GEOS, a graphical person interface designed particularly for the Commodore 64. Whereas I do not see myself switching from macOS to GEOS any time quickly, it is so cool to see this rudimentary GUI working on unique {hardware}. Sadly I am unable to find my suitable Commodore 64 mouse, however there are nonetheless devoted hobbyists on the market making them in our fashionable instances, and Commodore sells suitable units by itself website.
I am a bit of shocked you possibly can’t use a contemporary USB mouse, which might have been a lot simpler for the end-user. I do not assume it will have taken something away from the expertise, both. The truth is I would argue it will improve it, given most individuals personal at the least one USB mouse however only a few folks personal suitable Commodore mice. I dug via the varied menus and did not discover any choices, but when there is a approach, please let me know.
I am mildly obsessive about totally different GUIs, and can take any alternative to attempt them out, so I am going to most likely scour eBay for a mouse, particularly as a result of it additionally has an entire suite of GEOS software program. If I actually wished to (and I do), I’ve the choice to hook up a Commodore printer and print off my very own stunning GEOSPaint creations, or I can use the Digital Printer and save generated information to the USB as .pngs. From there I can simply open it on a contemporary pc and print it from there. And buddies, finest consider I will be doing that after I get a suitable mouse.
