Commodore 64C Beige Paint Lets You Go Crazy with a Classic Computer Color

Back in the 1980s, computers were largely shades of beige or grey plastic. While this look might seem dated by today’s standards of slim, glass and metal devices, there’s no question that these retro color schemes immediately bring back fond memories of the early days of personal computing. Well, now it turns out that you can paint whatever you want in the color of the classic Commodore 64.

Polish company Retrohax sells this spray paint that’s aptly named “Commodore 64C Beige.” It’s actually the color of the C64C, which came out in 1986, rather than the exact color of the original 1982 C64, but it’s close enough for me. The spray paint produces a nice satin beige finish, though priming is recommended to ensure good adhesion.

Retrohax also offers classic computer paints in Atari XE/ST Grey and Amiga 500 Beige. Unfortunately, due to flight restrictions, the paint is currently only available in Poland, but its makers hope to ship it to other countries at some point. For now, maybe we can find some off-the-shelf beige paint that’s similar in color.

I think this stuff would look great on all kinds of modern devices. I’m considering painting the aluminum parts of my iMac with this, or maybe the back of my iPhone. What would you paint with this stuff?

[via CoolMaterial]

Mini Commodore 64 Gets Another Launch Date

We’ve expected to see the tiny, retro Commodore 64 game console land for us to buy for a while now. We first talked about it back in October 2017 when it was promised for early 2018. That window later turned into March 2018, and still no launch happened. Now the 50% scale Commodore 64 called THEC64 Mini is promised for an October 9, 2018 launch.

The machine will come with a joystick, two USB ports, and the console itself. The USB ports can be used to connect joysticks, a keyboard, perform firmware upgrades, or to load your own software. When you connect a keyboard to one of those ports you can use the console like a home computer with C64 BASIC programming capability.

The system offers 720p HD output via HDMI, but a CRT filter is offered for those who want real old-school graphics. You can also save games, something we would have killed for growing up. There will be 64 games pre-installed on the console including many of the cool ones from back in the ’80s that I wanted so badly. Sadly, I don’t see the flight simulator the kids were always playing in Sears back in the day.

Pricing and retailers aren’t announced for the US yet, but in the past, it was rumored to cost just $69.99. That price, coupled with its new October release date should make this a killer Christmas gift for retro computer and gaming fans.

[via THEC64.com]

The C64 Mini brings its nostalgia to the US on October 9th

You no longer have to toy with importing The C64 Mini if you just have to relive a childhood spent mashing on a Commodore 64's keys. Retro Games has announced that its '80s revival will reach North American retail stores on October 9th. This versio...

These Raspberry Pi Cases Make Tiny Retro Computers

If you’re a fan of classic computer systems from the 1980s, then check this out. These custom-made cases let you build a working Raspberry Pi computer system that looks like a mini version of iconic retro systems.

RetroPiCases makes miniature cases based on the Commodore 64, VIC-20, Amiga 500, BBC Model B, and my personal favorite, the Atari ST – which was the last great computer system that didn’t run either Windows or Mac OS if you ask me.

Each 3D-printed case perfectly fits a Raspberry Pi board (be sure to read the descriptions on Etsy to see which board it requires), and provides proper access to its ports, and some cases include an LED power light as well.

The cases sell for about $20 to $35 (USD) each, not including the cost of the Raspberry Pi board itself. Naturally, I think these would be best when loaded up with Emulation Station and system appropriate software so you can use it to run classic computer software.

 

Building a Tiny Commodore PET

The Commodore PET 2001 was one of the very first personal computers I remember ever seeing. The green-screened 8-bit system wasn’t very powerful, but I always loved its iconic all-in-one design. I always wanted to own one if just to put it on display, but I don’t really have the space to spare. Then I saw The Ruiz Brothers and Phillip Burgess’ awesome build – a tiny PET that I could finally own.

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This miniature replica of the PET was made using a custom 3D-printed case, along with a green CharliePlex LED Matrix, which allows it to display tiny messages or images on the screen.

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The tiny screen has 144 LEDs, and is controlled using the Adafruit Feather, a teensy and lightweight prototyping board. I wonder if it would be possible to get a PET emulator running on this thing. After all, it runs at 48 MHz and has 256kB of flash RAM. The original PET 2001 had a 6502 that ran at 1MHz and had a maximum of 32kB of RAM.

If you want to build a tiny PET for yourself, head on over to Adafruit’s website to see all the parts you need, along with detailed instructions.

New Amiga 1200 Case Has Expansion Slots and Different Colors: Hull Overhaul

Still playing or messing with the good old Amiga 1200? Then check out Philippe Lang’s Kickstarter. Philippe and his crew at A1200 are working on new cases for Commodore’s classic computer. Not only do they dress up the 1200’s old bones in new colors, the cases will also have slots for add-ons and expansions.

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A1200 will offer 12 standard case colors. They’ve decided on black, white and transparent; the remaining nine are still up for discussion. You’ll be able to order different colors for the top and bottom halves if you like. It’s also offering limited edition colors such as gold, silver and bronze.

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The new case’s practical features include a CF card slot, an LCD display window and mounting holes for the Raspberry Pi and MiST FPGA. Also, the plastic that will be used to make the case is UV-protected so that it won’t acquire the yellow tint that has plagued many old device cases.

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Pledge at least about $90 (USD) on Kickstarter to receive A1200’s new and improved Amiga 1200 case as a reward.

[via Boing Boing]

Phones of Future Past

Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. In the past 20 years we’ve had to say goodbye to so much. Which makes seeing them again an absolutely exhilarating feeling. The Commodore conceptual smartphone is an ode to a tech-lover’s oldest friend. Built to serve the future, but actually a window into a golden past, the phone is sure to give you “dem feels”.

Designer: Giving Shape

Author: Sarang Sheth

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(Phones of Future Past was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Mini Atari 2600 and Commodore 64 LEGO Kits: 8-Bit Bricks

Now that he’s conquered the world of tiny LEGO Macintosh and iMac computers, LEGO builder Chris McVeigh (aka Powerpig) has headed further backwards in time to create LEGO kit versions of the Atari 2600 and C64 personal computer.

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These awesome little kits accurately capture the spirit of these seminal parts of consumer electronic history. The Atari 2600 kit sells for $42.50(USD). It’s assembled from 130 pieces, and includes two tiny joysticks and three little cartridges. When complete, the console measures about 3.75″ wide x 1″ tall x 2.5″ deep.

The Commodore 64 kit (also $42.50) is a bit less complex, and is made from 82 bricks. But that doesn’t make it any less perfect. I can imagine connecting my 1530 C2N Datasette player and loading up a copy of Attack of Mutant Camels. The C64 is also a bit bigger than the 2600, measuring 5″ wide x 1″ tall x 2.5″ deep when assembled.

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Great job, Chris! Keep ‘em coming. I’ll definitely bite when you make me an Atari 800 and an Apple ][.