The VIC 20 is an important step in computing history: it popularised the up-take of the home personal computer. The VIC 20 made computing accessible and fun, and although it was certainly not the only home PC on the market at the time, it was definitely one of the most affordable.

The VIC 20 was released onto the market in 1981. VIC is an acronym for Video Interface Chip, and the chip was initially produced to sell to third-party game console producers, but when interest in the chip was slow, Commodore designed their own computer to put it in. With the VIC chip installed, the VIC 20 was the first affordable personal computer to feature a colour display. This aspect made the VIC 20 attractive to people who wanted a home personal computer for gaming and learning about computing.

Commodore was founded in the mid 1950s. It was a small company that sold and repaired typewriters; though did not manufacture typewriters. The company then began to sell calculating machines. By the 1970s Commodore was manufacturing calculators using Texas Instruments microchips. As the market increased, Commodore purchased MOS-Tech - a company that produced microchips. The first personal computer Commodore marketed was the Commodore PET, in 1977.


Damian McDonald, Curator
April 2010

Both units were designed and manufactured by Commodore Business Computers Inc, Japan 1980, 1981

The Commodore VIC 20 was purchased and used by the donor to learn about computers. She used it to play games and develop a knowledge of personal computing, and she taught herself how to program; gaining a grasp of the BASIC programming language which came with the VIC 20. As she became more savvy, the VIC 20's RAM was increased with the addition of the VIC 1010 expansion unit.

Personal computer, Commodore VIC 20, VIC 1010 memory expansion unit, plastic / electronic components / paper, made by Commodore Business Machines Inc, Japan, 1980

The VIC 20 unit is a tan moulded plastic shell, with a QWERTY keyboard at the front, and five function keys. The right side of the unit features the power input and power switch; the rear features the input and output ports.

The expansion unit is a tan moulded plastic shell, with the expansion slot plug-in on the front left. there is venting on the top of the unit, and the power chord is situated at the rear of the unit.

Made: 1980

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1980