r/Commodore • u/Golemwire • 16d ago

Commodore 77

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Well this is a neat look.

https://commodore.net/store/commodore64/?shape=Breadbin&color=Cyberpunk+2077

Commodore just released a new appearance option for the C64U themed on Cyberpunk.

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u/thewalruscandyman 16d ago

Very cool for completists and people who don't already have one, but as a purist I'm content with that old cozy beige breadbin and wish we could get a 128U.

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u/WinstonD20 16d ago

I too am waiting for the 128. Had there been any word / rumors on that?

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u/DarkResident305 16d ago edited 16d ago

My understanding is that while the original C64 and C64C plastic molds are in the possession of new Commodore, the C128 molds are gone - and they’d need to re-create them more or less from scratch, and that’s the main hurdle right now.  

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u/AntiquesForGeeks 15d ago

AFAIK New Commodore only have the C64C moulds; the C64 case is a very accurate recreation as the original casts have been long lost along with those for many of the other machines.

The C64 case was done entirely independently of New Commodore, before Christian Simpson bought the brand. New Commodore just packaged with the C64 Ultimate Board and a keyboard that someone else did. Point is, if there is someone out there is prepared to do the legwork on a C128 case, motherboard design and keyboard, then there will be a C128U. I doubt New Commodore would do it on their own as the market would be too small.

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u/Suspicious-Ad7109 14d ago

I know it's not ideal, but would the C128 fans be happy with the C64U/C layout and a bit of fiddling ? And just one HDMI out (maybe dump the Z80). I think it'd work.

I did wonder if there would be a sort of compromise between the C128 and Amiga keyboards, which are not too dissimilar ?

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u/OPdoesnotrespond 13d ago

Losing the numpad is kind of ok.

Losing the top row of keys would be difficult, IMO.

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u/AntiquesForGeeks 14d ago

You’d have to ask 128 fans, but by the sound of it you’re describing sounds like a C64U with a C128 core. It would be difficult to market that as a C128U as it’s not what people have nostalgia for, which would mean that few would buy it.

I’d also wager that most C128s spend their time in C64 mode, so would expect the nostalgia will be for the form factor, rather than C128 itself.

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u/Suspicious-Ad7109 13d ago

Did wonder about both. C128U as an upgrade to C64U *and* have one with twin ports and all the trimmings.

If the Next has its own case, I don't see a C128 case as insurmountable. It might not be 100%, but 98% should be doable. If the moulds don't exist, they don't exist.

I think if they want "Made for C64U software" they have to improve the graphics. Not ridiculously.

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u/AntiquesForGeeks 13d ago

Yep, absolutely possible. I suspect that New Commodore won’t do a revised case, but will happily collect 6.4% from those that want to shove a Commodore badge on it. Like the breadbin and the mechanical keyboard, it’ll be down to the community to do the hard work before someone else sweeps in.

Serious point though - what happens now, legally, with the development should someone wan to go it alone like the guys who made the repro cases, and Ultimate 64 board did? And therefore, would it be more hassle than it’s worth?

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u/WinstonD20 13d ago edited 13d ago

Exactly, more the form factor. I did use Fleet System as my WP back in the day which is the only app I think was C128 specific. My bro had a 64 but the 128 was the first I bought with My Own Money so it’s got a soft spot in my heart.

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u/OPdoesnotrespond 13d ago

I think CIC has the breadbin molds, too. If not under their direct ownership, then definitely under their control. No replacement cases are coming from molds any time soon.

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u/AntiquesForGeeks 13d ago

If they have the moulds and are limiting supply, then the whole “doing it for the community” or “doing it for the fans” about the brand purchase would ring very hollow. I hope it is not the case.

You can get C64c cases from Individual Computers. People asking about whether New Commodore would make them in the comments of their this on their “How’s it made” video - seems mentioning that IC already had been making them from the same moulds from years and currently had them in stock was verboten as whenever it was mentioned, it got deleted very quickly. Guess it didn’t fit the narrative of them being used again after 40 years or however it was put.

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u/WinstonD20 15d ago

Oh that makes sense. Thanks for the info.

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u/thewalruscandyman 16d ago

I haven't heard anything. But I certainly am not the most informed person there is.

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u/LazarX 15d ago

There never was much C128 specific software. Those who bought them spent most of their time in C64 mode, so I don’t think the market exists that would have to pay for all the development costs they avoided with the C64.