View price in:  

Commodore 128

Commodore 128
click to see larger image
Video
Description

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
Customers who bought this item also bought
Reviews
Product Reviews
Write an online review and share your thoughts.
CPUs:[14] MOS Technology 8502 @ 2 MHz (1 MHz selectable for C64 compatibility mode) Zilog Z80 @ 4 MHz (running at an effective 2 MHz because of wait states in order to allow the VIC-II video chip access to the system bus) (C128D(CR)): MOS Technology 6502 for the integrated floppy controller MMU: Memory Management Unit controls 8502/Z80 processor selection; ROM/RAM banking; common RAM areas; relocation of zero page and stack RAM: 128 KB system RAM, 2 KB 4-bit dedicated color RAM (for the VIC-II E), 16 KB or 64 KB dedicated video RAM (for the VDC), up to 512 KB REU expansion RAM ROM: 72 KB 28 KB BASIC 7.0 4 KB MLM 8 KB C128 KERNAL 4 KB screen editor 4 KB Z80 BIOS 16 KB C64 ROM: ?9 KB C64 BASIC 2.0 + ?7 KB C64 KERNAL 4 KB C64 (or international) character generator 4 KB C128 (or national) character generator 32 KB Internal Function ROM (optional: for placement in motherboard socket) 32 KB External Function ROM (optional: for placement in REU socket) Video: MOS 8564/8566 VIC-II E (NTSC/PAL) for 40-column composite video (a TV set can be used instead of a monitor if desired) Direct register access through memory-mapped I/O Text mode: 40×25, 16 colors Graphics modes: 160×200, 320×200 8 hardware sprites 2 KB dedicated 4-bit color RAM, otherwise uses main memory as video RAM MOS 8563 VDC (or, in C128DCR, the 8568) for 80-column digital RGBI component video, compatible with IBM PC CGA monitors, monochrome display also possible on composite video monitors; usable with TV sets only when the set has SCART and/or baseband video-in sockets in addition to the antenna connector. Color is possible through SCART, only monochrome through baseband video-in. Graphics modes: Fully programmable, typical modes are 320x200, 640×200, and 640×400 (interlaced).