Retro Computers Including The Commodore 64x, Vic-20, And Amiga Are Back On Sale – But Are They Worth the Price?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Commodore computer lovers, listen up! Several classic Commodore computers, including the Commodore 64, Amiga and Vic-20 are back on sale! The relaunched machines have modern features including new processors and USB and Ethernet ports. That’s right, these ain’t your 8-bit computers from the 1980s. Then again, it does come with the C-64 emulator, so it can be your computer from the 1980s… if you want.

After a series of companies bought and sold the Commodore brand, a new company called Commodore USA is trying to revive the Commodore computer line again. The new owners have decided to improve several classic models with new technologies while still keeping the retro style of the original.

The New Commodore 64x

The new Commodore 64x contains the Dual Core 525 Atom processor, along with Nvidia Ion2 graphics chipset. Speeds up to 1.8 MHz dual, you can do everything your PC can do.

	C-64 Then	C-64x now
Processor	1.23 MHz MOS 6510	1.8 GHz Dual ATOM
Memory	65kb RAM	Scalable: up to 4 GB
Video	VIC-2 320×200 16 colors	NVIDIA ION (512 MB)
Sound	8-bit SID 6581	6-channel HD audio, 7.1 output
Connects to	TV monitor (with RF adaptor)	DVI or HDMI1 Monitor (with adaptor)
Storage	External Tape Drive, 5.25 Floppy	4 SATA ports for HD, disc
Peripherals	Tape drive, 5.25 Floppy, Printer, 2400 baud modem	USB, Card reader, DVI, Ethernet, mini PCI Express

The Vic-Pro & Vic-Slim

The Commodore Vic-20 also got upgraded with 2 models. The Vic-Slim for simple internet needs (with a single ATOM processor) and the Vic-Pro, which can have up to a Quad-core 3.0 GHz processor. It doesn’t look like the Vic-20 of past, but is still an all-in-one box computer. The Vic line also has a touchpad on the front.

The Amiga 1000, 2000, 3000 Line

The Amiga of past was the premier in computers for CGI graphics. Using a device called a “Video Toaster”, the Amiga was used to create some of the scenes you saw in Sci-fi TV and movies.

Now, the Amiga is just a case. You can put in your own Motherboard (as long as it’s an ATX style), memory, hard drives and more.

Are The New Commodore Computers Worth the Price?

While the C-64 starts at $250, all you get is a case and card reader. You can get a full ATOM PC inside with 1 TB drive and Blu-Ray for $895. Therefore, you could get a case, then build your own machine. Of course, if you want a bigger machine, an Amiga case is what you need.

In all, if you are an enthusiast, then this would be a great case to have. It even has the function keys – except in this case, they get you to the internet, email and more.

Do you have a C-64? Planning to get the new C-64? Let me know. Twitter me @geekazine