Message-ID: <496@ittral.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 8-Jan-85 14:41:23 EST
Article-I.D.: ittral.496
Posted: Tue Jan  8 14:41:23 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 10-Jan-85 07:03:33 EST
Lines: 77



Just got back from the Winter Consumer Electronics Show
in Las Vegas.  Commodore introduced two new computers
but not the Amiga as some people had predicted.

One of those introduced was the C128 - a lower profile than 
the C64 but extending back farther and having a numeric keypad,
and additional seperate cursor control keys, escape, tab, help,
etc. in adition to the standard Commodore key layout.  The 
product is really three computers in one package:

  1) C64 Mode -  they claim this is the same as the C64 with 
the same processor, same operating system, sprites, sound,
etc.

  2) C128 Mode - this is the new part.  This option has
128K RAM expandable to 512K (with external ram disk 
option -whatever that is).  Basic 7.0 which boasts 140
commands is offered.  It uses an 8502 processor 
which is listed as 6502 compatible.  The display can be 
either 40 or 80 columns and the video output can either 
be the standard Commodore video or an RGB output.

 3) CP/M Mode - This mode uses a built-in Z80A processor and
has 128K RAM expandable to 512K under the same conditions as
the C128 Mode.  It uses the " CP/M Plus operating system
Version 3.0".  There is a choice of Composite video or RGB as
in the C128 mode.  40/80 column selection is also available.

The options are selected by a slide switch on the side.  It
does not appear that the C64 mode has access to any of the new
features - supposedly to insure 100% compatibility with the
C64.  And in fact, they advertise that all the existing
peripherals will work with the C128.  

They are also offering NEW peripherals to go with the C128.
One is the C1571 Disk Drive which is serial but will not only
run at C64 speed (300 cps) but also at C128 and CP/M speed
(41,350 cps).  They also claim that it recognizes formats
other than Commodore, so for example standard (if there is
such a thing) CP/M disks for other machines can also be used
on this one.

There is also an RGB monitor the C1902 (also capable of
composite video input).  RGB (listed as "RGB1" or "RGBl" in their
literature) mode is 80 x 25 with a 5x7 matrix character and
the Composite video mode is 40 x 25 with a 6 x 7 matrix.  The
screen is 13 inches as is the 1702.

There is also a Mouse available and an MPS 803 Printer.


The second Computer introduced is the Commodore LCD - portable
with a flip up LCD display.  The display is 80 x 16.  RAM is
32K, CPU is 65C102 and in the 96K or ROM there is built-in :
word processor, file manager, spreadsheet, address book,
scheduler, calculator, memo pad (seems to run in the
background mode), and communications software.  It has a built-
in 300 baud modem, is compatible with  all Commodore serial
peripherals, and runs on batteries or external power.


Sorry if this sounds like an advertising brochure, after all -
it was easier to carry a brochure back than to take notes.
Incidently the brochure has in fine print:

 "All specifications are subject to change without notice"

Commodore wouldn't comment on price or availability, but
popular opinion was that the C128 would be out in April at
about $250 (the Commodore folks there wouldn't confirm or deny
this).  

Jay Gwatkin
ITT Telecom
Raleigh, NC