Jack Tramiel, Father of Commodore 64, dies.

[ApolloBoy]

Maybe now the world will find out what happened to the rest of the prizes from the Swordquest competitions... Supposedly they were in his office as decorations.

Along with the warehouse next door full of unsold 7800s

"Sure, 1987 would be a fine year to bring out 3-year old sub-NES technology!"

Not this myth again...

Plus if you look into why the 7800 was delayed, it turns out it wasn't actually Tramiel's fault but rather Warner Communications, the previous owner of Atari. The 7800 is most definitely not "sub-NES technology" either, it's actually more capable in some respects, especially in the sheer number of sprites it can push and its larger color palette.

I used to believe that myth too but now I think Tramiel deserves a lot of credit for helping turn Atari around in the late 80s.

[ExedExes]

Not this myth again...

Plus if you look into why the 7800 was delayed, it turns out it wasn't actually Tramiel's fault but rather Warner Communications, the previous owner of Atari. The 7800 is most definitely not "sub-NES technology" either, it's actually more capable in some respects, especially in the sheer number of sprites it can push and its larger color palette.

I used to believe that myth too but now I think Tramiel deserves a lot of credit for helping turn Atari around in the late 80s.

Points well taken. I only heard what the GCC guys had to say on a podcast not too long ago and they were playing up the angle that it was *all* Jack nixing the 7800.

However, I searched and found http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/19 ... -thinking/ over on AtariAge saying that there were not only issues with Warner and the failed 5200 against the Colecovision, but also plans for another computer like-console predating the XEGS that also launched in 1987 and figuring out how to keep the 2600 user base satisfied as well as recovering from the 5200 flop and of course all the work of getting Atari's consumer division back on its feet after that. Basically there was a lot going on and the 7800 just wasn't going to be anyone's priority right away. It was just unfortunate that the major shakeup happened over there and I always think what if the 7800 did make it out in '84? Plus, I can see the hardware is comparable to the NES in some aspects.

I just love the 7800 and I wish it did better. I had that before I had an NES even.

[pankakes123]

Truly an awesome guy. Rest in peace.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

The guy who made the Super Solvers games died too. I don't know if you guys played those when you were younger but they were great edutainment.

[Jrecee]

Ok, so what would be the first step in getting a commodore 64 and some games, knowing nothing about it?

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Ok, so what would be the first step in getting a commodore 64 and some games, knowing nothing about it?

A Commodore 64 (any working model will do, be sure it has the power supply) and a working 1541 floppy drive (make sure it comes with all the cables). The earlier Commodore 64s can output via any of your standard console RF out boxes.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Ok, so what would be the first step in getting a commodore 64 and some games, knowing nothing about it?

Look on craigslist or similar sites. Try to find someone selling a complete package: computer, floppy drive, all cables, some games, joystick. You don't need a monitor (nor should you really bother looking for one, in my opinion) as it will hook to television. If you really wanna check out the entire C64 library you will need a datasette player (for games on cassette tape!) eventually, I haven't gotten around to purchasing one of those yet. Seems like most games are on floppies or carts.

[Menegrothx]

Ok, so what would be the first step in getting a commodore 64 and some games, knowing nothing about it?

All you need is a power supply and a C64 if you have a model 1 Master System, as the C64 uses the same AV cables. And a joystick and either a floppy drive or the datasette tape driver. Id suggest floppy as tape games can be unreliable and take a lot of time to load.

[Jrecee]

Few more questions

1. How much would I be looking at spending for the needed parts? Minus the tape deck and a monitor (I have an old tv begging to be hooked up to a vintage computer, used to be used with my Atari ST) There's a pretty big range of prices, but they seem cheap. . . too cheap. Like, I should have had one of these a long time ago cheap.

2. Is there a particular version I should be looking at? Something that loads faster vs older models, or anything like that?

3. Do you guys buy most your games, or just download and transfer them using one of those carts?

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Few more questions

1. How much would I be looking at spending for the needed parts? Minus the tape deck and a monitor (I have an old tv begging to be hooked up to a vintage computer, used to be used with my Atari ST) There's a pretty big range of prices, but they seem cheap. . . too cheap. Like, I should have had one of these a long time ago cheap.

2. Is there a particular version I should be looking at? Something that loads faster vs older models, or anything like that?

3. Do you guys buy most your games, or just download and transfer them using one of those carts?

1. I spent about $70 for a boxed C64 II and a fully tested and calibrated 1541 floppy drive. Was a bitch to ship though, so add another 50 on top of that. I later sold it for about the same price.

2. The C64II is a bit less dated looking but has trouble doing the synthesized voices. The sound is also slightly different but not by much.

As far as load times get an Epyx fastload cart. The C64's floppy controlling software is utter shit, but fastload carts are cheap and can cut your loading times in half.

3. I bought all my games since they're dirt cheap, even complete and mint. Sometimes those old floppies just don't work anymore though and you end up with a dud.