COMPUTER, DESKTOP - COMMODORE 64

c. 1982 - 1992
Overview

Rectangle plastic computer console . On top is a key board made up of four rows of buttons. Numbers, letters and words on keys. Under this is the space bar. To the right a vertical row of four buttons. Brand top left corner and a silver sticker with text. Top right button is a red light with text next to it. At back a cartridge port and five assorted cable ports. On right side two ports, power cable port and power switch. Text label on bottom

Historical information

In the 1980s Mr Ken Brown purchased a Commodore 64, programming books and software to teach himself how to use a computer and to do computer programming. At the time the City of Armadale and the City was introducing computers and Ken did not know how to use a computer. The computer, manuals and software were used at his home on Albany highway. The computer was also used by other family members to play games.
The Commodore 64 was the first mass produced home computer. Was produced between 1982 and 1992 and is considered the highest selling computer in history.
The Commodore C64 was a home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International. The C64 name came from its 64 kilobyte of RAM. Retailing at US$595 (equivalent to $1545 USD in 2018), it was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the highest-selling single computer model of all time. Selling 17 million units worldwide during its life time. Between 1983 and 1986, the C64 outsold its competitors companies IBM PC Compatibles, Apple Computers and Atari 8-bit. This was achieved through selling at regular retail stores rather than electronics only and computer specialist stores. Proximately 10,000 software titles were made for the C64 including office productivity applications, development tools and video games. It was discontinued in April 1994, however remains popular in society today with collectors and computer enthusiasts. In 2018, the C64 mini 'retro' console was announced, introducing a new generation to the wonders of the C64.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-33-COA2008.2A
Material
Width
40.3000 cm
Height or length
8 cm
Depth
20.5000 cm
Inscriptions and markings

Brand [C= commodore 64] Silver lable [BRUINING HEADLAM / computers / PERSONAL BUSINESS / SALES & SERVICE / PHONE 381 2988] bottom label [C= commodore / C64 / Allg. Gen.n. DBP-Vfg. 529/70 / 5V=;9V~ 15W / SER.NO.U.K.B1219859 / MADE IN ENGLAND]

Place made
England
United Kingdom
Year
c. 1982 - 1992
Statement of significance

This object is part of a collection that represents how technology has evolved over time and how those changes have impacted on daily life. These changes can relate to common professions or jobs that have either disapeared or appeared i.e. Blacksmiths or electricians. They can relate to how technology has made jobs or tasks easier or more convienient i.e. doing the washing by hand vs an electric washing machine.

Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Object’s condition or completeness
Rare or representative
Well provenanced
City of Armadale - History House

City of Armadale - History House

Organisation Details
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Side view of Commodore 64 computer console, shows a keyboard with 4 rows of keys. Console tapers from the back to the front

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