August 1982
Commodore 64 released
Commodore released the C64 in August 1982 — an 8-bit home computerAn affordable personal computer marketed for households — the 1980s wave that followed hobbyist kits. that became the best-selling single computer model of all time.
What it was for
The C64 packed 64 KB RAMRandom access memory — fast volatile memory used while programs run., sprite graphics, and a SID sound chip into a sub-$600 package. Millions learned BASICBeginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code — an early programming language designed for ease of learning. and 6502 assembly; demo scene coders pushed hardware limits; game developers shipped on cartridge and disk. Its install base made it a first platform for bedroom programmers before the IBMInternational Business Machines — a major computer and enterprise technology company since the early 20th century. PCPersonal computer — a computer designed for individual use, especially desktop or laptop machines. dominated.
Why it's here
The Commodore 64 put programmable computers in tens of millions of homes worldwide.
Why it mattered
It created a generation of developers who learned on real hardware before university or the web.
What it solved
Families wanted an affordable computer for games and learning, not a $3,000 business machine.
Media
ImageCommodore 64Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Related
- Apple II introducedApril 16, 1977
- IBM PC 5150 releasedAugust 12, 1981
- BASIC runs for the first time at DartmouthMay 1, 1964
- Commodore PET 2001 releasedJanuary 1977