The End of Commodore 128

The chance to own a Commodore 128 can undoubtedly offer far broader dimensions than a Commodore 64 or any of the 8-bit machines built before it. Perhaps the Commodore 128 can be called "The King of the 8-Bit World."

This expensive computer contains a variety of rare and diverse chips, and experiencing each part of it can occupy hours and days. The Commodore 128 is truly three computers in one case! When first powered on, the computer appears in its native Commodore 128 mode. In this mode, crisp RGBI video output, abundant memory for an 8-bit microcomputer, a 2 MHz processor, and advanced BASIC 7.0 are all at your disposal.

BASIC 7.0 commands are truly evolved. On the Commodore 64, to have a small portion of the 128's BASIC capabilities, one could use the Simons' BASIC cartridge — but many other powers of BASIC 7.0 would need to be added through freezer cartridges. The C128 mode with BASIC 7.0 alone is more powerful than a fully equipped Commodore 64 loaded with various cartridges.

Extensive built-in commands for sprite editing, advanced music creation commands, and countless other capabilities make working with the Commodore 128 a far more powerful programmer's computer. This vast workbench can be transformed into the entertainment-filled world of the Commodore 64 with just one short command line.

With the "GO 64" command, we are greeted by the beloved old Commodore 64. This mode is fully compatible with C64 programs and games, runs all types of cartridges, and all the experiences you previously had with the Commodore 64 are available.

CP/M is a different realm — perhaps obsolete by the time the C128 was introduced — but this vast world alone can occupy days and weeks to re-explore.

Numerous pages of the book "The Amazing Computers of the 1980s" were dedicated to the world of Commodore home and 8-bit computers. These computers hold a huge portion of the memories and scientific growth of millions of people around the world.