For many of us who owned Commodore 8-bit computers back in the day, there was more to owning a C64 or C128 than just the games you could play on them. For me, it was more about the day to day sort of work I could do with it. In fact, as the IBM PC clone market was rising up all around (it seemed back then), I didn't even consider purchasing a PC clone until around 1993/94. And even then, the driving //force// behind that decision wasn't because of what was happening in the offices I worked at, but but because I was a huge Star Wars fan and simply wanted to play Star Wars: X-Wing! For everything else computer related, I happily relied on my C128.
Unfortunately, at least for me, I felt pretty much alone in my dedication to my Commodore, as not many people I knew (as the nineties approached) shared my feelings about the C128. However, as I'm reading the back-issues of RUN Magazine, I'm so glad to see that I really wasn't alone. In fact, RUN's Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Brisson, seemed to reflect my attitudes on the Commodore 8-bits quite accurately.
Today, many people have seemed to forgotten how popular the C128 actually was and how many people used them for productive computer work. Unfortunately, much of the "retro" computer enthusiasts out there today only acknowledge the contributions Commodore made to the gaming/demo scene. But Mr. Brisson and I know better.
If you're reading this, Dennis, we had a good run, didn't we?
.
RUNning Ruminations, Issue #53, May 1988
Unfortunately, at least for me, I felt pretty much alone in my dedication to my Commodore, as not many people I knew (as the nineties approached) shared my feelings about the C128. However, as I'm reading the back-issues of RUN Magazine, I'm so glad to see that I really wasn't alone. In fact, RUN's Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Brisson, seemed to reflect my attitudes on the Commodore 8-bits quite accurately.
Today, many people have seemed to forgotten how popular the C128 actually was and how many people used them for productive computer work. Unfortunately, much of the "retro" computer enthusiasts out there today only acknowledge the contributions Commodore made to the gaming/demo scene. But Mr. Brisson and I know better.
If you're reading this, Dennis, we had a good run, didn't we?

RUNning Ruminations, Issue #53, May 1988
Quote:Who says the Commodore eight-bit technology is outdated? It still meets the needs of millions of owners.
Over the Hill?
T. S. Eliot has told us what a cruel month April is, but he failed to tell us what a cruel and unforgiving business computing can be.
Just ask owners of the discontinued PC models that liner the high-technology landscape. Some units end up in the graveyard almost unused (PCjr), while others (VIC-20) come to their final resting place after short, but distinguished service in the computer wars.
With more frequency than a Soviet medal ceremony at the Olympics, rumors surface about the demise of the C-64 and C-128. Commodore's eight-bit computers are considered by many lo be "over the hill," but they've escaped the throes of oblivion more times in the past two years than James Bond. The official company line from Commodore is that they'll continue to manufacture them as long as people continue to buy them.
Why have so many other computers been abandoned? If a computer fails to meet the needs of the consumer, or if the third-party community fails to provide useful and entertaining software for it, then it won't go far.
The success of the 64/128 line reflects the substantial third-party support it's received to date. But there's still plenty of room for development. How many companies are producing C-64 software that takes advantage of the RAM ex panders or the mouse? How many are supporting the capabilities of the 128? Unfortunately, too few. Companies that are supporting the 128 indicate that sales are excellent.
Commodore's most successful eight- bit machine, the C-64, was introduced five years ago, which, in the annals of computerdom, is a long time. Advances in computer technology move at a rapid pace, and, in a world where the newest computers feature live-digit chip numbers, megabytes of memory and processing speed that boggles the mind, eight-bit technology is often ridiculed.
But, I really don't need those "high- tech" features. I've resisted the temptation to hop onto the Amiga or IBM- compatible bandwagon. My C-64 at home and my C-128 at work meet my computing needs just line, thank you. And I'm sure eight-bit computers meet the needs of millions of other users.
On Top of the Hill
So, 10 isn't necessarily better than 8. It depends on the application. Many people want to participate in the computer revolution, and, in their zeal to equip themselves with the latest, fastest, most powerful gadgetry, they fail to ask themselves one important question: "What are my needs?" They're blinded by the shiny new equipment and glitzy software foisted on the public by overzealous manufacturers who are unsure of their market. But, won't Paper Clip on the C-64 meet the needs of the average home computerist better than Word Perfect on the Amiga?
Even in a crowded marketplace, the C-64 and C-128 stand out as the best introductory home computers available. The thousands of new users who are looking for value and a machine that works well needn't look past the Commodore line of eight-bits.
There are many reasons why, even now, you should consider buying a C-64 or C-128:
1. Commodore remains the price-performance leader in the home market.
2. Software made for these computers abounds—home and education applications, personal productivity and tons and tons of games. With its superior sound and graphics capability, the C-64 is the ultimate game machine, and software manufacturers have responded with some great programs.
3. Because it's been in existence for several years now, there's plenty of support for this line of machines. Magazines such as RUN are devoted exclusively to the Commodore eight-bits. A network of user's groups stretches across the country, and there's even an electronic online service —Quantum Link— dedicated solely to Commodore owners.
New doesn't necessarily equal better. Most computer owners want ease of use, convenience and power without a hassle. They don't want to be bothered with plugging in boards to utilize their computer's features. I'm all for progress and for advances that make our lives easier, but sometimes an aging technology is the best technology.
Dennis Brisson
Editor-in-Chief