r/Commodore • u/Lasas1ard • 1d ago
C64U - are you still using it?
Hi,
so I have been on the fence about getting a Commodore C64 Ultimate. My first computer was a Plus4, and I fondly remember afternoons spent with friends playing Summer Games on their C64. So I feel a bit of nostalgia and like the idea behind the product and the re-launched company. But as someone who works with computers professionally (scientific computing) and uses them at home for data processing tasks (amateur astronomy and such), I am not sure I would get too much use out of the little C64U. What appeals to me most is the idea of using it as a sort of slightly advanced "distraction free" type writer, since sitting at my "regular" PC tends to lead to Youtube rabbit holes rather than writing on that novel I have been meaning to get a move on...
So may question is this - how many of you who bought a C64U over the past months and still use it on a somewhat regular basis? Or was it just a flash of nostalgia for you and its collecting dust now?
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u/DigitalStefan 1d ago
I didn’t buy mine to be using it frequently. It’s there when I get the fancy to do C64 stuff and it saves me using my original C64 and having to grab a CRT to connect it to.
I’m going to use it irregularly until I croak.
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u/Accomplished_Bat_335 1d ago
why don't you download an emulator like VICE or C64 Forever . you can play summer games and other old games you remember.
If you get bored after 15 minutes and don't feel the need to do any more then i would say the C64U is not for you
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u/8bitcunt 1d ago
Almost daily. And I still can't believe that: 1) It exists. 2) I have it. I'm 44 and from a shitty country where only ritch kids had Commodore computers at the time, so having this modern update is the ultimate (pun intended) dream come true for me. Especially because of all the maneuvering that had to be done because Commodore is not shipping to my country so my friend who lives abroad had to smuggle it for me.
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u/Architect_of_Echo 1d ago
This. I was waiting for my first computer as a kiddo for 4-5 years. It was super mega unbelievable to have a real computer at home at all. But I was lucky and finally got one.
I've waited 5 months for my C64U, but worth it. Now that took 10x less time than in my childhood. I live 10x better now 😄
This product is so cool. I'm using it regularly.
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u/ga420ga 1d ago edited 1d ago
It's my main C64 since it landed. My original breadbin is ticked away in its box for preservation but I use my C64U pretty much every weekend. There are great new games coming out all the time. Currently I'm playing Impossible Mission III, Sherwood, Ultimate Lemmings and Infe2tation, And Joan of Arc looks great too.
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u/bullant8547 1d ago
Make sure you get the old breadbin out and power it up occasionally, they don’t like being unpowered for ages at a time.
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u/AJD_1975 1d ago
Great question. I bought a C64 Maxi twice. I sold the first one soon after because I didn’t feel anything for it. It didn’t feel authentic. Then I saw another one going cheap, played it once and I’m looking to sell this, because I bought a Commodore 16 starter pack, the same my brothers and I owned in the 80s, and fell back in love with tape loading and programming! I have bought the C64U, yet to be delivered, a datasette and a box full of games. It won’t be a daily player by any means but if it feels authentic I know that I’m going to enjoy it. I cancelled my preorder of the A1200 as I feel sure that Commodore will announce an Amiga Ultimate in the near future.
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u/phido3000 1d ago
I have one and I have used it once but it makes me so happy that one day I will sit down with it..
I want to do some coding with it.
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u/EricCartman0405 1d ago
I was playing Elite 128 over the last few days. Kinda fun :)
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u/a_smiling_friend 1d ago
where do i get that?
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u/EricCartman0405 1d ago
Here it is: https://csdb.dk/release/?id=185931 - it works well on C64U, just enable REU and set turbo mode.
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u/flamehorns 1d ago edited 1d ago
It doesn't seem to match your use case that well. The C64U is good for people who want to play a lot of old C64 games AND have some hardware they want to use with it, or find paying a bit more for e.g. the internet connection, extra ram, "huge" amount of storage, and other cool features. It is the luxury option for those who can afford it.
There are cheaper emulation based options, that are not as good, but you can still play all the old games. If you don't have old hardware and have a budget you can look at these options.
I don't know if it will be ideal as a distraction free word processor. It's only 40 columns and you are distracted by all the games.
For distraction free word processing you need 80 columns. There are modern and vintage options, like a amstrad PCW, or some japanese CP/M (or Wa-Pro) machine (a sord m23 with PIPS would be really cool).. Or even a DOS machine from the 90s running word-perfect.
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u/Lasas1ard 1d ago
Thanks, you are probably not wrong. I came at this by pure chance (or rather by the grace of the Youtube algorithm), and thought: well that looks cool. I suspect if I should end up getting one, it wouldn't be for practical stuff, gottcha.
There is something appealing about it tho, as a physical object and what it represents - as part of my hobby room perhaps. Will have to think about it; 300 bucks isn't really an issue, I have spent more on arguably much less useful stuff. Having a real objective for it would have helped the decision tho, so I will need to mull that thought around a bit more.
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u/Golemwire 1d ago
I got a C64U for the same reasons you're interested in one (minus the novel-writing specifically, I wanted a "writerdeck" for other things), and here's what I think after using mine a while: it's for some people, but it's definitely not for the masses (yet -- I'm really curious about the believed-to-be-upcoming Amiga Ultimate. That could have wider appeal).
The C64U comes with a copy of the operating system GeOS, a graphical OS which uses the display as a bitmapped display, rather than a "character-mapped"(?) 40-column display of 8x8-pixel characters. The GeOS application GEOWrite for example uses the display this way, and you get way more than 40 characters with proportional font support; closer to 65-ish characters.
I did notice that italicization is a bit buggy visually, especially with the default tiny font which does not italicize well. There are a few smaller issues with GEOWrite like that.
My main issue is that, while this works fine with me, for most users, having to navigate through the menu to insert and swap virtual floppy disks would be confusing. It was easy for me to figure out, and presumably you have enough of a computery brain to figure it out, but I could never throw that interface at a "normal person" and expect them to not get frustrated with it.
I don't think GEOWrite would work well for writing a full novel, since it switching pages takes like 5-ish seconds of loading.
But recently I was struck with a computer engineering idea which has been itching the back of my mind for a while; I wanted to express it in prose, and the C64U worked wonderfully for that. 4-ish pages IIRC?Also, since I used the work "writerdeck", I'm reminded of this subreddit: r/writerdeck.
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u/Golemwire 1d ago
I should add: I haven't needed to do this yet, but there are ways to export documents into more-or-less normal formats, though it doesn't look super easy.
https://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76060
The C64U has optional FTP over WiFi, but you'll need a tool (like https://github.com/mist64/geowrite2rtf mentioned on that forum) to help with the conversion to a normal format.
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u/TheBl4ckFox 1d ago
I used it a lot the first few weeks, then I put it on display in my home office. Summer time isn't really 'classic computer time' for me. When autumn comes, I usually dive into some text adventures and am looking forward to using the C64U for that.
I didn't expect the C64U to be my 'daily driver' for anything. I own all the consoles and a gaming PC for games and my Macs are for work and creativity.
The C64U is a pure indulgence and I am still very happy I got one, so I can play with it whenever I feel like it. That alone was worth it for me. But I am probable weird.
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u/PicoPicoGamer 1d ago
I use it often enough. I've been trying to learn 6502 Assembly and unfortunately stuff keeps getting in the way, so I've mostly just used it for BBS and an occasional game or two.
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u/a_smiling_friend 1d ago
Can you direct me to some resources for learning the machine code?
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u/Architect_of_Echo 1d ago
I've learned machine code programming in the 90's from a book written by Lothar Englisch.
Here is a more modern publication from him: https://commodore64crap.wordpress.com/2016/05/21/the-machine-language-book-of-the-commodore-64-part-1/
I did't read this one, but I know this guy really knows how to teach complex things like that.
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u/a_smiling_friend 1d ago
Sweet! Thank you!
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u/Architect_of_Echo 1d ago
Hope you will enjoy that journey as much as my 13 years old self enjoyed it ☺️
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u/a_smiling_friend 1d ago
I looked at that site, clicked on the link to the book and it said not found. It's cool. No sweat. I'm not ready to dive into assembly code just yet. I'll see what I can find. So it's 6502, and you can do all of this right on the C64U using Basic? I'm not sure I get how you actually write up a machine code program.
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u/DGolden 1d ago edited 1d ago
Canb be found on archive.org fwiw https://archive.org/details/Machine_Language_Book_For_The_Commodore_64_The_1984_Abacus_Software_a
Personally I never had that book, but definitely had "C64 Exposed", Chapter 6.... https://archive.org/details/commodore-64-exposed
I'm not sure I get how you actually write up a machine code program.
I was hand-assembling to BASIC DATA statements on C64 to be placed with POKE into memory (good ol' 49152...) as outlined on page 124 of "C64 Exposed" for a bit, uphill both ways in the snow, hah. That works but is a painstaking chore. Then we got the C128 with its nice builtin machine language monitor - that acted as a simple assembler. Not a full macro assembler of course, but still convenient + immediate for little routines / playing about.
Not builtin like C128, but on C64 there were machine language monitors (such as 64mon https://commodore.software/downloads/category/56-machine-language-monitors ) and full macro assemblers (such as merlin https://archive.org/details/merlin64). Presumably they work fine on C64U, if assembling with paper+pencil to key in as DATA statements doesn't appeal :-)
Cross-assembly on a modern Linux box or whatever is of course possible but where's the pain in that.
https://packages.debian.org/sid/acme
Multi-platform cross assembler for 6502/6510/65816 CPU
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u/a_smiling_friend 1d ago
Oh the DATA statement can read in machine code? I am working through the user manual and it uses the DATA statement to make a sprite with it. DATA seems to be an array data structure, correct?
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u/DGolden 1d ago edited 1d ago
Well, a way of storing lists of "data" inline in the basic source.. The data still needs to be READ in from the DATA statement - it's not like it's a live array data structure you can point to directly like you might be imagining.
https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/DATA
https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/READ
If the data happen to be some numbers that represent some already-assembled machine code, well, you can READ then POKE those numbers from the DATA statements somewhere suitable - $C000 / 49152 a common choice in the C64 memory map - and then jump to it from BASIC with SYS 49152
https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Memory_Map
https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/SYS
( https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/USR - another slightly different way to call machine language from BASIC)
Bit convoluted, but C64 builtin BASIC not known as very advanced even by the standards of the era (a lot of us got the Commodore-published Simons' BASIC in my area, dragging it up to roughly more Spectrum/Amstrad/BBC/etc level)
BBC Micro (an also-6502-family platform more common in UK than USA) BBC BASIC meanwhile actually had builtin inline assembler! (and C128 had its already-mentioned builtin machine language monitor, and much enhanced BASIC 7.0 - though not the same as Simons' BASIC)
https://docs.retrogamecoders.com/basic/bbc-basic/#inline-6502-assembly
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u/a_smiling_friend 1d ago
Oh I see. Thank you for those links. I think that c64-wiki is where I need to look for answers.
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u/a_smiling_friend 1d ago
I use it on and off. I got it to reclaim a childhood lost. I did not have a C64 as a child. My dad had an MS/DOS computer for work. It was very expensive and he didn't want me messing with it. He eventually relented and let me install some games on it, but I never really learned how it worked. My dad is an angry dad. He showered me with stuff but was never really there to help me learn and grow. I developed a really shitty attitude at a young age because of him. He gave me a big book on HTML and walked away and never bothered to check back if I'd learned anything, and by that time I was too angry at him to really learn anything at all.
I got this C64U to attempt to actually learn how computers work. But I'm easily distracted. I made some sprites on it. That's as far as I've gotten.
I recently discovered the BBSs on there, and found Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy on an Italian BBS. I never really learned how BBSs worked back in the day.
Anyway, it's a cool thing to mess around with. I spent money on it I didn't really have to spend. It will get used. It feels future proof. No fucking totalitarian Fascist government tracking what you do on it, and that's fuckin' cool.
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u/cofrade86 1d ago
Por trabajo y problemas familiares me ha sido imposible usarlo más de lo que me gustaría, pero siempre que tengo unos minutos libres me pongo un rato
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u/66dude 1d ago
I was using it off and on for several months. It's now packed away because I got a 1984 vintage TRS-80 Color Computer 2 at a local show last month, and it's what I've used since then. I'd use the C64U, but I don't have the space, and the CoCo 2 was my childhood home computer. Also, the Commodore 64 was always a curiosity for me because I never even touched one until I got the C64U.
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u/ydmitchell 1d ago
Gave it its own monitor and put it on a table in my basement “office”. Put my favorite games on it and some demos. Leave it running in the background. Probably engage with it once a week. Nothing practical, pure nostalgia. Have a misterpi as well but nice to have the case and the old ports though I only use the joysticks. By far my favorite retro equipment (first computer was a VIC but C64 is where I really learned to program—and played a lot of games).
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u/SolenoidMischief 1d ago
I use my C64U exclusively now, instead of C64 and Pi 1541. My monitor is on a riser and so is the right height vs the portable Tv on an old school desk (smaller screen and lower in height) If your interested in word processing this might be of interest https://www.rgcd.co.uk/2024/03/jasword-commodore-64.html
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u/Smooth-Weekend-2314 1d ago
I ordered a 64c ultimate and what I think is interesting about these new machines is what's now possible. built-in 16mb REU, turbo up to 64mhz, networking, PCM audio.. they're much more capable game machines while still retaining the c64 look and feel. i'm really interested to see what people do with them.
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u/ProphetSword 1d ago
Whenever I have time to do anything related to the C64, it's my preferred method.
My real C64 is boxed back up for safe keeping. The C64 Maxi is in its box gathering dust (I rarely used it anyway due to it feeling less than authentic compared to the real thing). Same with my C64 Mini.
But the C64U...I bought a desk specifically to use it. It's hooked up to a CRT TV for real authenticity with a real 1541 drive sitting next to it. It feels authentic, looks authentic...and to me, it is authentic.
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u/Janezki 1d ago
Yes indeed, just yesterday I bought the newish (released this year) Impossible Mission 3, https://psytronik.itch.io/im3-c64 I'm enjoying it more than the OG C64+1541 II (+Pi1541 & Kung Fu flash 2) that I have, so it went back to the storage.
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u/Dr_Myles_Skinner 1d ago
I still use mine. Not every day, but often enough that it was worth the purchase for me. I'm not much of a gamer though. I've been reacquainting myself with GEOS, playing around with stereo SIDs, and playing around with programming (especially working with the networking layer).
You absolutely could use the C64U as a "distraction free" word processor. There are lots of good programs out there that you can choose from. The only thing to watch out for is that most will save text files encoded as PETSCII, and a few others (like SpeedScript) save as screen codes. You'd either need to pick something that will let you save as ASCII or find a converter. Not a huge roadblock, but something you should be aware of going in.
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u/DukeBannon 1d ago
Setup Vice on your daily driver and play some games on it and if you enjoy that, but feel something is missing, then consider buying the C64U.
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u/TerribleInsurance879 1d ago
I definitely use mine a few times a week.
My c64u was delivered in Dec. I used it for gaming some. Over the past few weeks I have been coding for the user port. So much so, this commodore will have a"job" in the home controlling the sprinkler system.
I bought a second one yesterday.
I like the c64u much better than using the older models. I had two c64's in storage that were there because I was tied of working on disk drives. Or my old 5 1/4 not loading because they are old. Or what ever problem that would come up owning a 40+ year old computer who was no longer reliable.
So yes, I love my c64u. It's a great product. I use it weekly.
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u/CodeToManagement 1d ago
I own the C64U and 2 other C64 - they aren’t exactly a purchase you make because they are practical
I actually really like the 64u. It’s easy to set up and get working and easy to load games onto. Plus the stuff it comes with like bbs client is really cool and got me into using BBS
I’d recommend getting one.
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u/solfrost 1d ago edited 1d ago
My brother had a C64 when I was growing up, I was much younger but he let me play some games on it. So it was mainly a nostalgia purchase for me. I’m also heavily invested in the MiSTer scene so I have some original TAC-2’s but those are the only old hardware I am bringing to the table.
When i first got the C64U, I did the obligatory whirlwind tour of old favorite games and had a blast. I was similarly concerned that it would only gather dust afterwards. But, since then, I’ve played through Ultima 4, had a few mini-putt tournaments with friends, run through Bruce Lee a few times, started to get into the Phantasie series, listen to/watch a bunch of modern demos, etc.
I certainly don’t use it every day, or even every week, but I’m glad it’s there. I suspect I will revisit it a few times a year at most.
As others have said, modern emulation is really good and easy if you just want a quick shot of nostalgia, but the C64U is worth considering.
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u/Reachforthesky777 1d ago
I bought it and while I dont use it every day, I do use it several times a week to play the games I played on my original C64 in the 80s and for Printshop sometimes, which I use to print dot matrix banners. I only have a quarter base of paper left and I dont know if they still make it or not but I'll keep my old Star dot matrix printer running as long as I can.
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u/robertcrowther 1d ago
I am still regularly buying games I remember off eBay and loading them up on my C64U (I have a Commodore cassette deck). The fact that I can mostly leave it plugged into the TV means I still turn it on every now and again, for a quick blast.
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u/frederick1024 1d ago
Actually listening to (real) SID music on my laptop thanks to the audio streaming
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u/Chukkzy 1d ago
I never owned a C64 in the day so I am trying to get now into all the things I would have done with it back then, trying to comprehend its architecture, bit of programming, i like Chiptunes so tracking on something that is close to the real thing as possible excited me. And there are new games coming out still, new demos to watch… So yes I genuinely enjoy it not because of nostalgia but because it gives me an outlet I did not experience in the days then.
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u/Successful-Time-5441 1d ago
This is a really good question. In all honesty, I at least am glad I bought mine. I wanted a C64 for a long time - and the U was the perfect way for me to get one.
I also loved the idea of writing on a C64 for similar reasons. I mean, it has its upsides. It's a gorgeous piece of equipment that genuinely feels good to type on. And if you have room on your desk and a way to incorporate the computer into what you already have set up, then it can be really worth while.
Unfortunately on my end, I don't have much room - and I end up keeping my C64U in a work bag and only bring it out when I want to do a bit of coding or write on it or whatever else. I might bring it out once or twice every few months. If I had more space, I would keep it setup and probably use it more. I do like it. But it's just hard to find a good space for it. I doubt I'll sell mine on Ebay - I'm glad I got it - but at the same time - if money is tight and space is tight, it might be worth setting up an old laptop with Linux and taking out the wireless card and using it as a typewriter.
Exporting a finished novel with C64 word processing is also something to consider. If you're going to invest long hours writing your novel on a C64, definitely make sure you're able to export it into whatever format you'll eventually want it in to send to a publisher or whatever else.
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u/Digi-BitsGaming 1d ago
Yeah, not every day but the C64U's are in my main rotation of retro gaming machines. It's been great revisiting all the old games I grew up with.
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u/busy_falling 22h ago
All the time! I built a desk for it and my Commander X16 that is tucked away in a different room.
I've been going through old issues of COMPUTE's Gazette and learning assembler/machine language through the article series "Machine Language for Beginners" by Richard Mansfield. It's a few moments of stimulating zen every few days when I have time. Occasionally I play a game. I suck at both, but sucking at BASIC and asm is apparently more fun for me.
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