The Commodore 64 is an important step in computing history: it popularised the up-take of the home personal computer. The Commodore 64 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 C64 was released onto the market in 1982. It is said to have been the world's best selling home computer - selling more that seventeen million units between 1982 and 1993. During its lifetime it certainly outsold both IBM clones and Apple computers. The Commodore 64 is the subject of many emulations - its popularity succeeding its lifetime by more than two decades.

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
December 2011

Both units were designed and manufactured by Commodore Business Computers Inc, Japan 1982

The Commodore 64 was purchased by the donor for his son so the young teenager could learn about computers, entertain himself and gain skills. He used it to play games and develop a knowledge of personal computing. As he became more savvy, the type of games he purchased became more advanced and strategic.

Computer with transformer and packaging, Commodore 64, plastic / metal / electronic components / cardboard, made by Commodore Business Machines Inc, Japan, 1982

The Commodore 64 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 transformer is a tan shell, with a lead for connection to the computer on the left side, and a lead to connect to the mains on the right side.

Made: 1982

2012/19/1

1982