The Commodore 128, also known as the C128, C-128, or C= 128, is an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1985 by Commodore International. It was the last 8-bit home computer that was commercially released by Commodore.
The C128 was a significant expansion of the Commodore 64, with nearly full compatibility. It had 128 kilobytes (KB) of RAM (hence the name), which could be expanded to 640 KB. It also had two processors: a MOS Technology 8502 microprocessor running at 1-2 MHz, and a Zilog Z80A or Zilog Z80B microprocessor running at 4 MHz. This allowed the C128 to run both Commodore 64 software and CP/M software, a popular operating system for business computers.
The C128 also had a more advanced graphics and sound system than the Commodore 64. It could display 640×200 pixels with 16 colors, and it had a sound chip that could produce three channels of sound.
The C128 was not as successful as the Commodore 64, but it did have a loyal following. It was popular with programmers and hobbyists, and it was also used for educational purposes.
Here are some of the features of the Commodore 128:
- 8-bit home computer
- MOS Technology 8502 microprocessor
- Zilog Z80A or Zilog Z80B microprocessor
- 128 KB RAM (expandable to 640 KB)
- VIC-II E graphics chip
- MOS 8563 graphics chip
- SID sound chip
- 640×200 pixels with 16 colors
- Three channels of sound
- Compatible with Commodore 64 software
- Capable of running CP/M software
- Popular with programmers and hobbyists
- Used for educational purposes
- Discontinued in 1994