The Commodore 64 was the very first computer I ever owned, and I have fond memories of learning how to type with it. It doesn’t hold a candle to a proper typewriter but if people weren’t playing video games, just what this machine is used for was limited. For myself, I learned how to code in BASIC and tinkered in GEOS (a graphic user interface) to teach myself elementary graphic design before I finally learned C on an Apple Mac in high school.
Nostalgia is more than likely to drive sales as this machine makes a comeback as a retro gaming device. Amusingly enough, Retro Games Ltd is the maker. Having this focus can be a detriment when I recall the original packaging suggested this computer can do a whole lot more!
The C64 “reloaded” to sport more than just a translucent case.
Back in 2011, the Commodore 64 (C64) was to make a comeback with modern parts while sporting a retro look. While the 64x briefly sold, interest by other companies deciding to use the Commodore name was still wrought with problems.
The original operation died in 1994 and other businesses got the patents to continue the legacy with varying levels of success. Commodore USA was a rebranded Florida firm and they fell to hard times after its founder, Barry Altman, passed away in 2012 — the enterprise ultimately folded. A UK version of the brand is focussing on a smartphone. Fortunately, interest for the original machine remains alive in the form of clubs.
These societies have emerged since this device’s original inception in 1982 and a few are remaining strong — like the Toronto PET Users Group. While these types of groups do not number in the hundred like Macintosh or PC clubs, the love is very clear. Kevin Casteels leads the Commodore 64 Enthusiasts of Victoria, BC and he’s taken over most of the chores in a society once headed by Steve Carpenter and Andrew Anderson since moving to this garden city.
This club is still relatively young. It’s existed as a Facebook entity for over two years, and open meetings started early in the year at venues like Lucky Bar for retro video gaming parties and at Cavity Curiosity Shop for other fun. Their first meeting was held May 13, 2015.
Our goal is to follow the pop culture scene of the Pacific Northwest (Victoria, B.C. especially). This can range from the arts to books to cinema to television. Our content also includes peeks into what's coming out of Asia–but even more importantly, in what we love to populate our book and video shelves with!
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By Ed Sum 