Commodore 64 Makes a Comeback: Could This Inspire Apple’s Next Move?

The Commodore 64 is an iconic computer from the 1980s. Recently, the brand was acquired by a YouTuber who decided to revive it. This is a look back at a once wildly popular computer format that has vanished but may soon make a comeback.

Commodore 64

It’s easy to forget that the Commodore 64 is still the best-selling computer in history to this day. Although not as sleek as the Apple II, it was significantly more affordable. Launched at $600, it was much cheaper than its direct competitor, the Apple IIe, which was priced at $1400. Even better, the price of the Commodore 64 continued to drop over the years, quickly falling to $200. For many, it was their first computer. And YouTuber Christian “Peri Fractic” Simpson was spot on in acquiring the rights to the brand with the intention of bringing it back to life.

You can now pre-order a Commodore 64. It is available in three editions: the BASIC version in its classic beige casing, the Founders version with its translucent amber casing, gold-plated badge, and gold keys, and finally the Starlight version with LEDs and a transparent casing.

This goes beyond a simple reissue. The love for the platform is palpable. Indeed, the computer comes with a file loader shaped like a cassette player, containing over fifty games and demos. The reissue has an HDMI port, supports game transfers via Wi-Fi, and USB. But for me, the most notable feature is that all the old ports are present, allowing you, if you wish, to connect a CRT monitor and any peripheral from that era. The new manufacturer also says that over 99% of the games, peripherals, and cartridges will be compatible.

Playing heavily on nostalgia, numerous products are available such as high-quality t-shirts and mouse pads.

You can also get a modern PC in a Commodore 64 case. This reminds me that this specific format, a computer integrated into a keyboard, has completely disappeared.

A Classic Catalog

What computer formats does Apple currently produce? We have laptops, like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which have not fundamentally changed since the PowerBook revolution (screen folds over the keyboard part with a wrist rest, and a trackpad/trackball in between). Then there are the computers in a tower, like the Mac Pro (although the latest version is basically a Mac Studio). PC gamers particularly love these, often with a penchant for transparent doors showcasing colorful LEDs. Apple has added two computers in a similar format: the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio. Finally, let’s not forget the all-in-one computer, a format dating back to the original Macintosh and still continuing today with the latest iMacs.

The Dominance of the Computer-Keyboard

However, there’s one computer format that has completely disappeared from Apple’s catalog: the computer-keyboard. The story of Cupertino’s company actually started with the Apple II. It’s a fascinating configuration that could deserve a comeback. After all, fashion is cyclical. With the resurgence of the 80s/90s, this form of computer could well be reborn. It consists of a computer entirely located within the keyboard, at the rear part. Thus, the machine requires fewer cables, just one for power and one for the display, which could potentially merge thanks to USB-C or Thunderbolt.

At the dawn of the personal computer era, this format was very popular, even dominant, in the market. Most of the revered computer-keyboards had this architecture. Thus, practically all the popular computers from the 1980s had the same casing integrating the computer and the keyboard.

We especially think of the ZX Spectrum, the series of Amstrad CPCs, the Atari STs, and the marvelous Amigas (may they prevail!). Many of us, at least the older among us, started computing with such machines.

For me, my first computer, not counting my Ordimini, was an Atari 520 STE which had this specific format.

A Mac Nano?

So, why not revive this format? For example, with a Mac Mini integrated into a keyboard, as in this concept called Mac Nano:

The idea is not as far-fetched as it might seem. Indeed, Apple has already filed a patent in this regard. With the latest Mx processors, which are energy-efficient and emit little heat, it would be possible to make a computer of this type in a compact size.

This is all the more interesting as there is already a market: you can find MacBook Pros sold without a screen, used just like the good old Atari ST…

Apparently, these “decapitated” laptops are highly sought after in Asia. To date, there is only one mainstream computer with this format: the Raspberry Pi 400. We have seen a folding computer-keyboard that fits in the pocket, even incorporating a trackpad. There is also a similar Kickstarter project, which shows that this format is not dead and continues to interest people. So what is Apple waiting for?

Do you think this format has relevance today?