Before Bill Gates, Jack Tramiel Brought Commodore Computing To Our Homes
For some Americans, the word ‘Commodore’ conjures memories of vintage computers with bulky keyboards, screeching modems, and 8-bit video games that hooked an entire generation. Long before Bill Gates dreamt of bringing a personal computer into every home, Jack Tramiel introduced the American households to Commodore PC.
People have vivid memories of writing BASIC programs on Commodore PC involving complex code and machine language. Commodore machines were a household staple despite all the hassles and bought real computing to the American living rooms. Of course, no one can forget how the kids stayed up all night to play the 8-bit video games.
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Born in 1928 in Poland, Jack Tramiel was an Auschwitz survivor. After reaching the United States in 1947, he built his life from scratch. Like a blessing in disguise, his experience in concentration camp taught him valuable life lessons that helped him steer through the rough ups and downs in his life.
Jack Tramiel founded the Commodore Business Machines in 1954. In the first ten years, the company focused on typewriters, electric machines, and electronic calculators. The 1960s are known for integrating advanced technologies in everyday life, especially the offices and industries. Hence, the Commodore name quickly gained popularity on the back of robust, reliable, and handy machines that helped lay the foundation of the digital age.
In 1977, the company made strides into the computing arena with multiple launches. Commodore started manufacturing their processors after purchasing chip manufacturer MOS Technology in 1976. The development paved the way for PET and VIC-20 models that bought colossal success to the company. Then in 1981, Jack announced the VIC-II video chip that supported 64KB of RAM.
Finally, in 1982 CES, the Commodore C64 was unveiled, and the rest is history. Right from the beginning, the C64 held the limelight due to its low price, powerful performance, gaming support, and programming potential. Surprisingly, people could buy a personal computer at regular shops instead of high-end electronics outlets. No wonder around 17 million units of Commodore C64 were sold by 1994.
Software developers were in love with the C64 and churned out thousands of programs and codes. Gamers were awestruck by the performance of the VIC-II and SID chips that delivered unmatched graphics and aural experience. Gamers made C64 a household name as kids were addicted to 8-bit games.
Commodore 64, the most successful PC of all time, was a revelation unto itself. At the time, it boasted of impressive specifications being offered at an unbelievable price. The 64 KB of RAM at disposal ensured everything ran smoothly, including impressive graphics and immersive sound. Most importantly, the price of $595 meant everyone, kids and adults, can aspire to own a Commodore 64.
Consumers couldn’t get enough of the Commodore 64, and the PC became an icon of the 1980’s era. Besides countless applications, emulation is still a massive part of the experience. The C64 lives on even today as enthusiasts build new software, add-ons, and upgrade the hardware with modern HDMI ports.
Countless applications and emulators compatible with today’s operating systems are available for the C64 fan base. Joystick adapters, floppy disk drive, and storage adapters further added to the appeal. In 1984, the Commodore SX-64 was launched with improved graphics, sound chips, and aesthetics. However, by the 1990s, competitors launched more affordable PCs, and sales of C64 declined until the company declared bankruptcy in 1994.
The rise of Commodore can be compared to that of Apple and Google today. But what makes it truly inspiring is the times – it bought computing to the ‘Average Joe.’ It was more than a personal computer – rather, it was a cultural movement that transformed an entire generation. The kids who played 8-bit video games on Commodore went on to build the supercomputers of the 1990s, the internet, and smartphones of today.
Even though Jack Tramiel passed away in 2012, he gave birth to an ever-inspiring technological pursuit that is still relevant. The C64 lives on with a huge enthusiast community. Jack Tramiels’ is one story that the tech industry will repeatedly witness – a visionary entrepreneur beating all odds to transform the industry with a revolutionary product.
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