The Commodore 128, also known as the C128, was a home computer released in 1985 by Commodore International. It was the successor to the popular Commodore 64 and was intended to be a more advanced and powerful system.

One of the most notable features of the C128 was its ability to run in three different modes: C64 mode, CP/M mode, and native mode. In C64 mode, it could run software designed for the Commodore 64 with added functionality. In CP/M mode, it could run software written for the popular CP/M operating system. In native mode, it could run software specifically designed for the C128 with access to its enhanced features.

The C128 had a faster processor than its predecessor – a 2 MHz MOS Technology 8502 CPU – and came with either 128 KB or 64 KB of RAM. It also had an improved sound chip and graphics capabilities compared to the Commodore 64.

One unique feature of the C128 was its built-in Zilog Z80 processor, which allowed it to run CP/M software without needing additional hardware. This made it popular among business users who relied on CP/M software for word processing and other tasks.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the C128 did not sell as well as expected. The high price tag – around $300 at launch – made it less accessible than other home computers on the market at the time. Additionally, many users had already invested in software and hardware for their Commodore 64 systems and were hesitant to upgrade.

Today, the C128 is remembered as an interesting footnote in computer history – a powerful but underappreciated system that never quite lived up to its potential. However, for those who did use it during its heyday, it remains a beloved piece of technology that represented an exciting step forward in home computing.

 

7 Tips for Maximizing Your Commodore 128 Experience

1. Familiarize yourself with the Commodore 128’s keyboard layout and use the shortcut keys to quickly access commands.
2. Use a disk drive to save your work and programs, as it will be much faster than using cassette tapes.
3. Take advantage of the C128’s graphics capabilities by experimenting with different resolutions and color palettes.
4. Utilize the built-in sound chip for creating music or adding sound effects to games or programs you create.
5. Make sure you have a compatible monitor that can handle all of the C128’s video modes for optimal performance.
6. Learn about BASIC programming so you can write your own programs for the C128 from scratch or modify existing ones to suit your needs better.
7. Take advantage of user groups and online resources to find new software, tips, tricks, and advice on how best to use your Commodore 128 computer system!

Familiarize yourself with the Commodore 128’s keyboard layout and use the shortcut keys to quickly access commands.

If you’re using a Commodore 128, taking the time to familiarize yourself with its keyboard layout and shortcut keys can save you a lot of time and effort. The C128’s keyboard is designed to give users quick access to frequently used commands, making it easier to navigate the system and get things done efficiently.

Some of the most commonly used shortcut keys on the C128 include:

– Shift + Run/Stop: This key combination will reset the computer.

– Shift + Commodore: This will bring up the BASIC programming environment.

– Commodore + Q: This will quit a program or return to the command prompt.

– Commodore + M: This will switch between modes (C64, CP/M, or native).

– Commodore + F1/F3/F5/F7: These keys are used for screen formatting in word processing programs.

By learning these and other shortcut keys on your C128, you can streamline your workflow and avoid having to navigate through menus or type out long commands. So take some time to study your C128’s keyboard layout and experiment with different shortcuts – it could make all the difference in your productivity!

Use a disk drive to save your work and programs, as it will be much faster than using cassette tapes.

If you’re using a Commodore 128 for your computing needs, one of the best tips for improving your experience is to use a disk drive to save your work and programs. Compared to using cassette tapes, which was the standard method of storage for many home computers in the 1980s, using a disk drive will be much faster and more reliable.

Cassette tapes were notoriously slow and prone to errors when loading or saving data. It could take several minutes just to load a single program, and even longer if there were any issues with the tape. Additionally, cassette tapes were not very durable and could easily become damaged or degraded over time.

Using a disk drive, on the other hand, was much faster and more reliable. With typical load times of just a few seconds, it was a vast improvement over cassette tapes. Disk drives also had much higher storage capacity than cassettes, allowing you to store more programs and data on a single disk.

While disk drives were initially more expensive than cassette decks, they quickly became more affordable as their popularity grew. If you’re still using cassettes with your Commodore 128, consider investing in a disk drive to improve your computing experience. Not only will it save you time and frustration when loading or saving data, but it will also allow you to take full advantage of the capabilities of this powerful computer system.

Take advantage of the C128’s graphics capabilities by experimenting with different resolutions and color palettes.

If you are lucky enough to own a Commodore 128, you should definitely take advantage of its impressive graphics capabilities. One way to do this is by experimenting with different resolutions and color palettes.

The C128 is capable of displaying graphics in a variety of resolutions, ranging from the low-resolution mode used by the Commodore 64 to high-resolution modes that can display up to 640×200 pixels. By experimenting with these different modes, you can create stunning graphics that take full advantage of the C128’s capabilities.

In addition to resolution, the C128 also offers a wide range of color palettes. By choosing the right palette for your graphics, you can create rich and vibrant images that really pop on the screen.

Of course, experimenting with different resolutions and color palettes can be a bit daunting if you are new to programming or graphic design. But don’t worry – there are plenty of resources available online that can help you get started. Whether you are looking for tutorials, sample code, or just inspiration from other C128 enthusiasts, there is no shortage of information out there.

So if you own a Commodore 128 and want to explore its full potential as a graphics machine, start experimenting with different resolutions and color palettes today! You might be surprised at what you can create.

Utilize the built-in sound chip for creating music or adding sound effects to games or programs you create.

The Commodore 128, or C128, was a home computer that was released in the mid-1980s. It was an advanced system for its time and had several features that made it stand out from other computers on the market. One of these features was its built-in sound chip, which allowed users to create music or add sound effects to games or programs they created.

The sound chip on the C128 was called the SID (Sound Interface Device) chip and was capable of producing high-quality audio output. It had three independent channels that could be used to create complex sounds and music. This made it a popular choice for musicians and game developers who wanted to add sound effects to their creations.

To utilize the sound chip on the C128, users needed to have some programming knowledge. They could write code that would access the SID chip and use it to produce sounds or music. There were also several software programs available that made it easier to create music or sound effects without needing extensive programming skills.

Today, many people still enjoy using the C128’s built-in sound chip for creating music or adding sound effects to their games or programs. It is a unique feature that sets the C128 apart from other computers of its time and has helped it maintain a dedicated following even decades after its release.

In conclusion, if you have a Commodore 128, consider utilizing its built-in sound chip for creating music or adding sound effects to your projects. It is a fun and unique way to explore the capabilities of this classic computer system!

Make sure you have a compatible monitor that can handle all of the C128’s video modes for optimal performance.

If you’re a proud owner of a Commodore 128, it’s important to ensure that you have a compatible monitor that can handle all of its video modes for optimal performance.

The C128 is known for its ability to run in three different modes – C64 mode, CP/M mode, and native mode – each with different video output specifications. Without a monitor that can handle all of these modes, you may not be able to fully appreciate the capabilities of your C128.

To ensure compatibility, look for monitors with composite video inputs or even better, an RGB input. These types of monitors are more likely to support the C128’s various video modes and provide a crisp and clear display.

Using an incompatible monitor may result in blurry or distorted images, or even worse – damage to your monitor or computer. So, if you want to get the most out of your Commodore 128 and enjoy its advanced features and capabilities, make sure you invest in a compatible monitor that can handle all of its video modes.

Learn about BASIC programming so you can write your own programs for the C128 from scratch or modify existing ones to suit your needs better.

If you own a Commodore 128, one of the best things you can do to get the most out of it is to learn how to program in BASIC. BASIC is the programming language used by the C128’s built-in operating system, and it allows you to write your own programs from scratch or modify existing ones to suit your needs.

Learning BASIC programming may seem daunting at first, but there are many resources available to help you get started. There are numerous books and online tutorials that can teach you the basics of programming in BASIC, and once you have a good foundation, you can start experimenting with your own programs.

One of the great things about programming in BASIC on the C128 is that it allows you to take full advantage of the system’s capabilities. You can create programs that utilize its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, or write programs that take advantage of its CP/M compatibility.

In addition to being a fun and rewarding hobby, learning how to program in BASIC on the C128 can also be practical. It allows you to create custom software for your own use or even sell your programs commercially.

So if you own a Commodore 128 and want to get more out of it, consider learning how to program in BASIC. With some dedication and practice, you’ll be writing your own programs in no time!

Take advantage of user groups and online resources to find new software, tips, tricks, and advice on how best to use your Commodore 128 computer system!

If you’re a proud owner of a Commodore 128 computer system, then you know just how versatile and powerful this machine can be. But as with any technology, it can be challenging to keep up with all the latest software, tips, tricks, and advice on how to get the most out of your system.

Thankfully, there are many resources available to help you stay up-to-date and connect with other Commodore 128 enthusiasts. One great way to find new software and helpful tips is by joining user groups dedicated to Commodore computers. These groups often meet in person or online and provide a forum for sharing knowledge and discussing the latest developments in the Commodore community.

Another excellent resource is online forums and websites dedicated to Commodore computers. These sites often feature tutorials, reviews of new software releases, and discussions about hardware upgrades that can help you get more out of your system. You can also find archives of classic software that may not be readily available elsewhere.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can ensure that your Commodore 128 remains a vital part of your computing experience for years to come. Whether you’re looking for new games to play or want to learn more about programming on the C128, there’s no shortage of information out there waiting for you!