Rare Find: Commodore 128D for Sale – Add a Piece of Computing History to Your Collection


The Commodore 128D is one of the most iconic computers of the 1980s, and it’s no surprise that it still holds a special place in the hearts of many computer enthusiasts today. If you’re looking to add a piece of computing history to your collection, you might be excited to hear that the Commodore 128D is still available for sale.

The Commodore 128D was first released in 1985 as an upgrade to the popular Commodore 128 computer. It featured a sleek new design with built-in floppy and hard drives, making it one of the most powerful and versatile computers of its time. The 128D also boasted a whopping 128 kilobytes of RAM, which was more than enough for most users at the time.

Today, finding a Commodore 128D for sale can be a bit challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. There are several online marketplaces where vintage computers are sold, such as eBay and Craigslist. You may also want to check out specialty retro computer stores or attend vintage computer fairs or conventions where sellers often have rare and unique items for sale.

When purchasing a Commodore 128D, it’s important to keep in mind that these computers are over three decades old and may require some maintenance or repairs before they can be fully functional. However, with their sturdy construction and simple design, they are often relatively easy to fix.

Owning a Commodore 128D is not just about having a cool piece of computing history; it’s also about experiencing the joy and nostalgia of using an authentic vintage computer. Whether you’re reliving your childhood memories or discovering this classic machine for the first time, owning a Commodore 128D is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment.

So if you’re ready to take the plunge into retro computing, start searching for a Commodore 128D for sale today! With its classic design, powerful capabilities, and enduring legacy, the Commodore 128D is a true icon of the computing world.

 

Your Guide to Buying a Commodore 128D: FAQs Answered

  1. How much does a Commodore 128D cost?
  2. Where can I buy a Commodore 128D?
  3. What is the difference between the Commodore 128D and other Commodore computers?
  4. Is the Commodore 128D still available for sale?
  5. What are some of the features of the Commodore 128D?
  6. Are there any accessories available for my Commodore 128D?
  7. Does the Commodore 128D come with a warranty?

How much does a Commodore 128D cost?

The price of a Commodore 128D can vary widely depending on its condition, rarity, and the seller’s asking price. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for a working Commodore 128D in good condition.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you may be able to find non-working or partially working models for less. However, keep in mind that repairing and restoring these machines can be time-consuming and expensive.

It’s important to do your research and shop around before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a fair price. Check online marketplaces such as eBay or Craigslist to see what similar models are selling for, and don’t hesitate to negotiate with the seller if you feel the asking price is too high.

Ultimately, the value of a Commodore 128D is subjective and depends on factors such as its historical significance, rarity, and sentimental value. Whether you’re an avid collector or just looking for a fun piece of computing history to play around with, owning a Commodore 128D is sure to bring joy and nostalgia.

Where can I buy a Commodore 128D?

Finding a Commodore 128D for sale can be a bit challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. Here are a few places where you can try to find one:

  1. Online marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Craigslist often have vintage computers for sale, including the Commodore 128D.
  2. Specialty retro computer stores: There are several online stores that specialize in selling vintage computers, including the Commodore 128D. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right machine for your needs.
  3. Vintage computer fairs and conventions: Attending a vintage computer fair or convention is a great way to meet other enthusiasts and see rare and unique items for sale. You may be able to find a Commodore 128D at one of these events.
  4. Online forums and communities: There are several online forums and communities dedicated to vintage computing, including the Commodore 128D. These communities often have members who are willing to sell or trade their machines.

When purchasing a Commodore 128D, it’s important to keep in mind that these computers are over three decades old and may require some maintenance or repairs before they can be fully functional. However, with their sturdy construction and simple design, they are often relatively easy to fix.

Good luck with your search for a Commodore 128D!

What is the difference between the Commodore 128D and other Commodore computers?

The Commodore 128D is a unique computer in the Commodore family, with several significant differences from other models.

Firstly, the Commodore 128D has a built-in floppy disk drive and hard drive, which was not a standard feature on other Commodore computers. This made it easier for users to store and access their data without having to purchase additional peripherals.

Secondly, the Commodore 128D had a sleeker design compared to other models. It featured a built-in monitor and keyboard, which made it more compact and portable than earlier models like the Commodore 64 or VIC-20.

Another significant difference is that the Commodore 128D had more RAM than any other Commodore computer at the time of its release. It boasted 128 kilobytes of RAM, which was four times as much as the popular Commodore 64.

In terms of software compatibility, the Commodore 128D was designed to be backward compatible with earlier models like the C64. However, it also had an advanced operating system called CP/M built-in, which allowed it to run business software that was not available on other Commodore computers.

Overall, the Commodore 128D was a more powerful and versatile machine than its predecessors. Its built-in peripherals, sleek design, and advanced operating system made it an attractive option for both home users and businesses alike.

Is the Commodore 128D still available for sale?

No, the Commodore 128D is no longer available for sale.

What are some of the features of the Commodore 128D?

The Commodore 128D was a powerful and versatile computer for its time, and it boasted several features that set it apart from other computers of the era. Here are some of the key features of the Commodore 128D:

  1. Sleek Design: The Commodore 128D had a modern and stylish design, with a built-in keyboard and disk drives that were housed in a compact desktop case.
  2. Dual Operating Systems: The 128D featured two operating systems – the familiar Commodore BASIC for running programs, and CP/M for running business software.
  3. Large Amount of RAM: With 128 kilobytes of RAM, the 128D had more memory than most other computers of its time, allowing it to run more complex programs.
  4. Built-in Floppy Drive: The 128D had a built-in floppy drive that could read both 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch disks, making it easy to load and save programs.
  5. Built-in Hard Drive: Unlike many other computers of its time, the 128D also featured a built-in hard drive, which could store up to 170 megabytes of data.
  6. Graphics Capabilities: With support for high-resolution graphics modes and advanced sound capabilities, the 128D was an ideal machine for gaming and multimedia applications.
  7. Expandability: The 128D had several expansion ports that allowed users to add additional hardware or peripherals as needed, including printers, modems, and external disk drives.

Overall, the Commodore 128D was an impressive machine that offered users a wide range of capabilities in a compact and stylish package. Its dual operating systems, large amount of memory, built-in storage devices, graphics capabilities, and expandability made it an ideal computer for both home users and businesses alike.

Are there any accessories available for my Commodore 128D?

Yes, there are several accessories available for the Commodore 128D that can enhance your computing experience. Here are some of the most popular accessories you might consider:

  1. External floppy drives: The Commodore 128D has a built-in floppy drive, but you might want to add an external drive to increase storage capacity or use different types of disks. There are several models of external floppy drives that are compatible with the Commodore 128D, such as the 1571 and 1581.
  2. Joysticks and game controllers: If you plan on playing games on your Commodore 128D, you’ll need a joystick or game controller. There are many different models available, including classic joysticks like the Competition Pro or arcade-style controllers like the Suzo Happ.
  3. Printers: The Commodore 128D has a built-in parallel port, which makes it easy to connect to a printer. There were several dot matrix printers available at the time that were compatible with the Commodore 128D, such as the MPS-801 and MPS-803.
  4. Modems: If you want to connect your Commodore 128D to other computers or online services, you’ll need a modem. There were several models available at the time that were compatible with the Commodore 128D, such as the SwiftLink and Turbo232.
  5. Memory expansions: Although the Commodore 128D already has an impressive amount of memory for its time, you can still expand it further with memory expansions like the REU (RAM Expansion Unit) or SuperCPU.

These are just a few examples of accessories that can enhance your experience with your Commodore 128D. Keep in mind that some of these items may be difficult to find today due to their age and rarity, but they can still be found through online marketplaces or specialty retro computer stores.

Does the Commodore 128D come with a warranty?

It’s highly unlikely that you will find a Commodore 128D with a warranty, as these computers are over three decades old and the original manufacturers no longer exist. The warranty period for these machines has long since expired, and any repairs or maintenance required will need to be conducted by a specialist or experienced individual.

When purchasing a Commodore 128D, it’s important to do your research and ensure that you are buying from a reputable seller who has thoroughly tested the machine and can vouch for its working condition. You may also want to consider purchasing from a seller who offers a return policy in case the computer arrives damaged or non-functional.

It’s important to keep in mind that owning a vintage computer like the Commodore 128D requires some level of technical expertise, as these machines may require repairs or maintenance due to their age. If you’re not comfortable with repairing or troubleshooting your computer yourself, it may be worth seeking out a specialist who can help you maintain your machine over time.

In summary, while it’s highly unlikely that you will find a Commodore 128D with a warranty, there are steps you can take to ensure that you are purchasing from a reputable seller and protecting yourself in case of any issues with the machine. With proper care and maintenance, your Commodore 128D can provide years of enjoyment and nostalgia as an iconic piece of computing history.