Message-ID: <478@ptsfa.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 14-Feb-85 14:39:11 EST
Article-I.D.: ptsfa.478
Posted: Thu Feb 14 14:39:11 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 18-Feb-85 05:37:51 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: Pacific Bell, San Francisco
Lines: 22

On Feb 9th and 10th, in San Francisco, there was held the first all-Commodore
show the West Coast had ever seen.  I worked the Commodore booth for the entire
show and had the pleasure of seeing and using privately the new 128.  At this 
time, the machine is simply know as the "128" not B or C - 128, just 128.  It
will be marketed for "under $300.00".  This price is firm.  No other price 
information has been released (not even on the drive or monitor).

Now for the machine itself.  It is 3 (yes, THREE) machines in one.  In the 128
mode, it is a 128k computer with future expansion to 512k.  It's slick and fast
and has Commodore 7.0 basic incorporated in it with EVERY basic command you
could ever hope for or even think of.  In the CP/M mode, it will run version 34
CP/M.  And just for bells and whistles, there is a regular old C64 throw in.
Again, yes it is a REGULAR C64.  In C64 mode, the computer and drive behave as
a C64 because that's EXACTLY what it is.  No extras, no additional speed, 100%
C64 compatable.

Marv Gold
Pacific Bell
San Francisco

In no way does this posting reflect anything but MY opinions.

Message-ID: <240@eneevax.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 16-Feb-85 20:57:04 EST
Article-I.D.: eneevax.240
Posted: Sat Feb 16 20:57:04 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 19-Feb-85 08:39:39 EST
References: <478@ptsfa.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: U of Maryland, EE Dept., College Park, MD
Lines: 26

The 128k commodore computer is a real dud. I hear that it is not
fully compatible with the c64, I mean those programs that do a
lot of fiddling with the disk. Some of the things that make the
c64 bearable like 1541 Flash!, Kwikload and fastload(by Epyx)
will not work. There isn't any software available for the 128
mode and my guess is there won't be very much later on. The only
thing you have that is any good is the CPM mode, but even here
the z80 cpu is only running at 2Mhz. I think most people compare
a 1Mhz 6502 to a 4Mhz z80. Also none of the CPM software will
take advantage of  the color display and graphics unless there
is new software written. If you want CPM software you should buy
a kaypro. You can get a kaypro with 2 disk drives(blinding fast
compared to the 1541), monitor and "$3000" worth of free
software for about $900. In my opinion the c128 is a transition
product and will not have a long life. I would suggest you hold
on to your c64 until the fireworks start this summer between the
amiga and the new atari ST computers. Most software writers I
believe will be writing software for those two machines rather
than the c128 or atari's 128k machine.

BTW, was there any info on the amiga released at the show. I
read an article in this newsgroup that commodore might say
something.
-- 
ARPA:	eneevax!ravi@maryland
UUCP:   [seismo,allegra]!umcp-cs!eneevax!ravi