The Commodore PET 4016: A Pioneer in Personal Computing

In the early days of personal computing, one machine stood out as a trailblazer – the Commodore PET 4016. Released in 1977 by Commodore Business Machines, the PET 4016 played a pivotal role in shaping the future of computing.

The PET 4016, short for Personal Electronic Transactor, was one of the first all-in-one personal computers available to consumers. Its sleek design featured a built-in keyboard, monitor, and cassette drive, making it a compact and self-contained system. This integration was revolutionary at the time, as most computers required separate components and peripherals.

Powered by a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor running at 1 MHz, the PET 4016 boasted impressive capabilities for its era. It had a maximum memory capacity of 32 kilobytes (expandable up to 96 KB), which provided ample space for programming and data storage. The green monochrome monitor displayed text and graphics with a resolution of 40 columns by 25 rows.

The PET 4016 ran on Commodore’s own operating system called Commodore BASIC. This user-friendly programming language allowed users to write their own software or load pre-existing programs from cassette tapes or floppy disks. With its integrated keyboard and BASIC interpreter, the PET 4016 made computing accessible to both beginners and experienced users.

One notable feature of the PET 4016 was its chiclet-style keyboard. While not as tactile as modern keyboards, it became an iconic design element synonymous with early personal computers. The keyboard layout included dedicated function keys and special characters essential for programming tasks.

The release of the PET 4016 marked Commodore’s entry into the personal computer market. Despite being initially targeted at educational institutions and businesses, it found popularity among home users as well. Its affordability compared to other systems made it an attractive choice for individuals looking to explore the world of computing.

The PET 4016’s impact extended beyond its hardware specifications. It played a significant role in popularizing personal computing and fostering a generation of computer enthusiasts and programmers. Many early adopters fondly recall their experiences with the PET 4016 as their first introduction to the world of computers.

Although later models surpassed the PET 4016 in terms of features and performance, its influence cannot be overstated. It laid the groundwork for future advancements in personal computing and set the stage for Commodore’s subsequent successes with models like the VIC-20 and Commodore 64.

Today, the Commodore PET 4016 holds a special place in computer history as an iconic machine that kickstarted the personal computing revolution. Its contributions to the industry are undeniable, and its legacy lives on in the hearts of technology enthusiasts around the world.

Whether you experienced it firsthand or are simply intrigued by its significance, exploring the story of the Commodore PET 4016 is a journey into a pivotal moment in computer history.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Commodore Pet 4016: Pricing, Processor, RAM, Features, Parts Availability, and Peripheral Support

1. What is the price of a Commodore Pet 4016?
2. What type of processor does the Commodore Pet 4016 use?
3. How much RAM does the Commodore Pet 4016 have?
4. What are the main features of the Commodore Pet 4016?
5. Where can I find parts for my Commodore Pet 4016?
6. Does the Commodore Pet 4016 support disk drives or other peripherals?

What is the price of a Commodore Pet 4016?

The Commodore Pet 4016 was released in 1980 and is considered a vintage computer. Prices for the computer vary depending on its condition and any accessories included. Generally, a used Commodore Pet 4016 can be found for anywhere from $50 to $250 USD.

What type of processor does the Commodore Pet 4016 use?

The Commodore PET 4016 is powered by a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor.

How much RAM does the Commodore Pet 4016 have?

The Commodore PET 4016 had a maximum memory capacity of 32 kilobytes (KB). However, it’s worth noting that the base model typically came with 8 KB of RAM. The memory could be expanded up to 96 KB through additional hardware upgrades.

What are the main features of the Commodore Pet 4016?

The Commodore PET 4016 was a groundbreaking personal computer for its time, offering several notable features. Here are some of its main features:

1. All-in-One Design: The PET 4016 featured an integrated design that combined the monitor, keyboard, and cassette drive into a single unit. This compact and self-contained design made it easy to set up and use.
2. MOS Technology 6502 Processor: Powered by a 1 MHz MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, the PET 4016 had sufficient processing power for various computing tasks.
3. Memory Capacity: The PET 4016 came with a maximum memory capacity of 32 kilobytes (expandable up to 96 KB). This memory space allowed users to store programs, data, and perform complex calculations.
4. Green Monochrome Monitor: The built-in green monochrome monitor displayed text and graphics with a resolution of 40 columns by 25 rows. While not visually stunning by today’s standards, it was sufficient for most applications at the time.
5. Commodore BASIC: The PET 4016 ran on Commodore’s own operating system called Commodore BASIC. This user-friendly programming language allowed users to write their own software or load pre-existing programs from cassette tapes or floppy disks.
6. Chiclet-Style Keyboard: The PET 4016 featured a chiclet-style keyboard with dedicated function keys and special characters essential for programming tasks. While not as tactile as modern keyboards, it became an iconic design element of early personal computers.
7. Expansion Capabilities: The PET 4016 had expansion capabilities that allowed users to connect additional peripherals such as disk drives, printers, modems, and more through its expansion ports.
8. Affordable Price Point: Compared to other personal computers available at the time, the PET 4016 was relatively affordable. This affordability made it accessible to educational institutions, businesses, and home users alike.

These features, along with its pioneering all-in-one design and user-friendly interface, contributed to the PET 4016’s popularity and its lasting impact on the personal computing industry.

Where can I find parts for my Commodore Pet 4016?

Finding parts for vintage computers like the Commodore PET 4016 can be a bit challenging due to their age. However, there are still a few avenues you can explore to locate the necessary components:

1. Online Auctions and Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and other online marketplaces often have vintage computer parts listed for sale. Keep an eye out for listings specifically mentioning Commodore PET parts.
2. Retro Computing Communities: Joining forums, discussion boards, and social media groups dedicated to retro computing enthusiasts can be a valuable resource. Fellow collectors and enthusiasts may have spare parts or be able to point you in the right direction.
3. Vintage Computer Stores: Some specialty stores or online retailers focus on selling vintage computer parts and accessories. These stores may have a selection of Commodore PET components available.
4. Electronic Surplus Stores: Local electronic surplus stores or online surplus retailers sometimes carry old computer components. While it may require some digging, you might stumble upon the parts you need.
5. Repair Services: Contacting vintage computer repair services or technicians who specialize in retro computing could be helpful. They may have access to spare parts or know where to find them.
6. Online Classifieds and Forums: Check out classified ad websites specific to your region or country where individuals sell used items. Additionally, dedicated retro computing forums often have sections where members buy, sell, or trade vintage computer hardware.

Remember that availability may vary depending on the specific part you’re seeking and its rarity. It’s also worth noting that some components might require repair or refurbishment due to their age.

When searching for parts, it’s essential to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of sellers before making any purchases. Ensure that the seller has a good reputation and provides accurate descriptions of the items they are selling.

Good luck with your search for Commodore PET 4016 parts!

Does the Commodore Pet 4016 support disk drives or other peripherals?

Yes, the Commodore PET 4016 did support disk drives and other peripherals. While the original PET 4016 model was released with a built-in cassette drive for data storage, Commodore later introduced additional peripherals to enhance its capabilities.

One of the most popular peripherals for the PET 4016 was the Commodore 2040 dual floppy disk drive. This external device allowed users to store and access data on floppy disks, which provided faster and more reliable storage compared to cassette tapes. The PET 4016 could connect to the disk drive via an IEEE-488 interface, commonly known as the “PET bus.”

In addition to disk drives, Commodore offered other peripherals for the PET series, including printers, modems, and networking interfaces. These peripherals expanded the functionality of the PET 4016 and enabled users to perform tasks such as printing documents or connecting to remote systems.

It’s worth noting that while these peripherals were available for use with the PET 4016, they were typically sold separately from the base system. Users could choose which peripherals they wanted based on their specific needs and budget.

Overall, by supporting disk drives and various other peripherals, the Commodore PET 4016 offered users flexibility in expanding their computing capabilities beyond its initial configuration.