reminds me of when I was a kid in the 80s and my classmates had a commodore and I didn't. Well I caught up pretty well since I managed to convince my mother to buy me an IBM pc in 1992, saying that that was a "real" pc.... Well I pretty much used it for DOS games....^^
This is awesome. This formfactor should never have gone out of fashion. Hope they can get the cost down a bit. That's too much for a computer case and keyboard.
While a cheaper price would be appreciated it's worth keeping in mind how much a mechanical keyboard on its own can cost. You can easily soend upwards of £80 on a mechanical keyboard so looked at in that light this case doesn't feel quite so expensive.
This is the third case of it's type that I've seen recently if I remember right. I'd love to see one based on the old laser xt that can take a full height mini itx gpu. That would make a great PCem or vfio box.
@@aurthorthing7403 I'd love to see something like a BBC Micro or Memotech, I think they'd both make for a great micro style case but have more room for extra hardware.
Thanks Chris for taking me down memory lane to my early adolescence. Playing games and programming BBS software on my C64 with my nerdy friends was a good way to continue to learn computing. My first love will always be my family's very first home computer, the classic 1982 Kaypro II. My father, a pastor, acquired it second hand in 1984 from a funeral director friend, who had upgraded to a Kaypro IV and a Kaypro 10. It was on this Zilog Z80 CPU clocking in at 2.5 MHz with a whopping 64KB running CP/M, having no significant graphics or sound (other than a keyboard bell) that I learned MBASIC programming, dBASE II, and first encountered Turbo Pascal. Its green phosphorescent screen, measuring merely 9 inches diagonally, had a full 80 column display, a solid steel shell and dual 5 and 1/4 inch 191KB Single Sided Single Density disk drives, was a truly magical piece of tech in even in 1984, two years after it's initial release. It's grey and blue shell made it appear very much like Darth Vader's lunch box. Here's an Image: www.1000bit.it/lista/k/kaypro/kaypro2/frontl.jpg I was so fortunate to have parents who were early adopters of this transformational technology and had the patience to share it with two young boys. Thanks again for stirring up fond memories of family and friends during this holiday season. Cheers and stay well!
If only IKEA had a guy like Chris to go step by step in putting together their furniture. As always, great job Chris...I learn something new every time I watch your videos!
I do not understand people who can't seem to figure out how Ikea stuff goes together. Simplicity itself compared to actual industrial CAD drawings done by so-called "engineers" that I've had to deal with for decades. Me: "I can't make that. It doesn't work." Engineer: "What are you talking about? Solidworks says you can!" Me: "You can draw things with Solidworks that are literally impossible to make. You know that, don't you?" Engineer: "Nonsense! Why would Solidworks let me draw something you can't make?" (Repeat ad nausium, ad infinitum.)
This might have taken over the desktop computing to a popular level if available in early days. So neat and simple. I was thinking - this is it, why didn't it come earlier to market !! Your SBCs and this retro computer built really is so satisfying. Thank you for this nice assembling video.
@@brostenen You need to watch The 8-Bit Guy if you want to see some cigarette stained machines, along with everything he does to clean and retro-brite them back.
@@JMcMillen I know that channel, and in 95 percent of cases (pun not intended), it is the bromides that have reacted to oxygene. I know what cigarette smoke stain looks like. I grew up when people smoked inside, and nothing looked like that, except from those hard to reach places, that was never cleaned. You, as a fellow watcher of that channel, know this inside and out.
@@JMcMillen Cigarette smoke is actually easy to get rid of. A damp cloth, and soap water. If you need to retrobright in order to get rid of the colour. Then it is never cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke.
@@brostenen Kindly remember the worst part is cigarettes are not the tobaccos but the chemically induced papers in which they are warped. That stuff is printed on all cigs to prevent runners, and to provide symmetry as art.
It was more exciting because more so in the case of the Sinclair ZX 81 you never knew if the RAM pack wobble would lose all your program, and then there was always waiting for cassette tapes to save or load. Would they work ? The excitement was BREATH TAKING !
@@karlosh9286 Maybe, but for me my excitement was always increased when learning a new command or concept and then make use of it, If I find a way to make a program run faster, that was excitement, seeing an artwork or hearing a music that bypass my expectation of the machine capabilities was a big excitement too. nowadays if someone told you that he found a program that does such and such you may say Oh that's cool and that's it, back in the days, if you were able to make a small utility program or a small text based game you maybe keep talking about it with your friends for a week or month and spend most of your time trying to improve it
The company did an excellent job of recreating the C64 case. While I doubt I would ever use it, would definitely make an interesting conversation piece in an office setting. Thanks again for all of the wonderful work you do and the presenting interesting pieces of computer hardware.
Wow that isn't just slick it's a piece of art. I remember my first C64 and Amstrad machines as well as my trusty ZX Spectrums. This was a trip. Great video Chris can't wait to see what you do next.
A few years ago I mounted a micro ATX with a fast unlocked processor and SSDs in an old HP mini tower. Was even able to use the old W98 keyboard, mouse and early model HP flat screen display. It sits in my living room and gets lots of looks, but no one ever asks to use it. They probably think it would take forever just to boot. It's actually my fastest computer.
- - - Vitamin D3 for Chris (the host of ExplainingComputers) - - - Guys please keep posting in comments that Chris need to get Vitamin D3. in a dose of atleast 4000 i.U(international Units) or 100nano Gramms, per day, ATLEAST. Vitamin D sources: UV-B light or Sunlight on Body-skin, Pills Nutrition Suplements or oil drops. Also in foods like Fish,Eggs,Milk and some other foods. ----> Search for Dr. Michael F. Holick . Also Chris(and actualy we all) must stop Sugar consumption. Sugar and all other Sweet things contain FRUCTOSE. This Sugar(Fructose) is poisening our Bodies and even cause Cancer or Heart deseases. All this is proven by science and is Data based. ---->Search videos of Prof. Robert H.Lustig. All people who live far away from Equator are Vitamin D deficient. All people who eat sweet stuff are poisened by the Fructose(sugar). share and post it as often as possible. I hope he will read this and take some actions.
I will always miss my N64 It was my first computer for gaming and also where I learned how to program basic. I even worked in the factory that made the chip's for it later in life though it wasn't commodore anymore. Thanks for taking me back to earlier day 's Chris. Love this and love your channel.
Also note: the keyboard has a USB header that could be adapted over to a USB A cable and connected to any computer. That would be perfect for my computer desk which is made to look like a retro arcade standup machine. Thank you for making this video and showing this blast from the past
If I were to build a PC, I would have to get this case. The idea of having it inside the keyboard area, and saving space... wonderful. Thanks for showing us this case!
Honestly I've seen far more boring cases cost far more, and at least the Keyboard is made of quality parts and not a borderline worthless showpiece (like so many of these modern released "mini retro computers" with fake keyboards)
This video last seventeen minutes, about as long as it took to load a decent Commodore 64 game from tape, before the advent of 'turbo loaders'. As to the case... nice. But a 'touch' pricey.
And if you plugged in a game on a cartridge the game was loaded instantly (because it isn't "loaded", it was already there on a ROM chip), which is something unmatched by computers today.
I would love one of these case, especially because it has Cherry switches. It really needs to adaptable to SBC type boards as well and the 'my64' people are apparently doing that with a kit for the Pi4 and one other board I forgot the name of. However I don't see the price coming down unless production ramps up to RPI400 levels.
I agree. Back then the little we had was very exciting. Today we have so much more, but things are very boring!!! All the phones, all the laptops, and all the desktops look and work alike. We can do so much more. Yet the excitement is no longer there.
Imagine time travel back to the 80ies and secretly changing the Commodore 64 of a random child with this thing. Imagine when the boy the starts preinstalled modern games on it. Imagine when dad comes by and opening it up and finds top notch 2020 hardware in it.
Great job Chris. As they say, people will buy most things if the product brings back old memories and this case does that indeed. Looking at the case layout I could easy made a it compatible for a raspberry Pi 4. A 3D printed I/O shield that would let you mount the Pi is really all you need. Along with a some wiring changes you would have a “ MyPi64” The only downside is your now have a raspberry pi 400 that cost you a heck of lot more. $$$$
This video brings back so many memories. I love this video review. I think you covered everything needed. I know from past videos you take great care and this video reflects that. Content is right on! I think the the case itself is a wonderful idea. I'd hate to think of the computational difference between the commodore 64 and this its motherboard and processor you have here. Fantastic. Thanks for all that you do!
Those complaining about the price; this is likely to appeal to those at least in their 40s, kids left home, and who would likely be prepared to pay extra to own a computer that looks like one from their childhood.
Depends... Was gonna say, I got a mini itx mobo from newegg for ~$100 USD, just got a AMD athlon 220ge for ~$56 USD on eBay, got two 16gb RAM sticks in Amazon for ~$95 USD and a low profile cooler (which could go fanless -- thank goodness) again off Amazon for ~$40, USD
Yeah unfortunately when you manufacture small custom runs of products it can be expensive, you also have to remember that these products are mostly privately funded by a small group of enthusiasts, and all the research and development that it took to actually get the product to market, I doubt if they will even make a profit hopefully they will at least break even.
This would make a great gift for someone who is of a certain age :-) I would personally use the Raspberry Pi 400, but this gives you that almost-authentic feeling... great video as ever!
Very cool- I actually owned one of the 2011 original cases that was made by Commodore USA. A very fun case, and I installed an intake fan in the right side panel to help with the airflow. Unfortunately the keyboard broke, and by that time Commodore USA went out of business so I couldn't order a replacement. Thanks for letting me know this was re-released, as I will contact My Retro Computer to see they'll sell me a new keyboard component!
My part in retro computing is my favorite keyboard of all time, a genuine IBM model M still used with my two modern desktop PCs. They definitely built them to last back then.
Wow, thanks EC this is an amazing case for a Ryzen build I want to do.
3 года назад
When I was teenager my family was too poor to buy me a C64. I was using my cousin's C64 for only 1 week a year. I thirsted it for 3 years till I was gifted a C64. I am 43 now and the design and the price tag including all components you put inside gave me the same feeling and excitement I felt when I saw C64 for the first time. First paragraph seems like a sad story to most people since a teenager could not reach to his only desire but it was that desire made these things valuable and exciting. Thank you Chris and makers of this case. As a person once used C64, I liked it and found it very exciting.
With this I can only agree. I love the feel of switched keyboards like this. But over many years they wrecked my fingers, and I can now only type comfortably on one for a few minutes.
I remember xmas morning around 1982 sliding out my new Vic-20 from its cardboard cover and lifting the lid off its polystyrene box, removing it from the protective plastic bag and Oh, that new microcomputer smell, aaahhhhhh.
Now that I watched all of it, this looks amazing. Putting an ITX mainboard inside with an unpoulated socket should allow for upgrades as well. I could totally see this working on a small desk as a desktop computer with a Zen2 APU inside.
Now you have done it Chris. Emptied my pockets. But for Real that was a great review. Many people will likely buy this. After Seeing it on your channel
Very cool, I am to young to remember that retro style, but always cool to experience these type of videos. I enjoy "sleeper" builds, that look retro and have the latest hardware inside.
Me too... i was looking for a non-functioning unit in good condition for an ITX build while doing actual C64 stuff on FPGAs. Just yesterday i stumbled across the "maxi" at a local store for sale and couldn't resist. At a price of 80€ including a Competition Pro i can now consider the options...
Love this video. It was the Commodore 64 that got me started on technology. I played a few terrible games and learned how to program a computer for the first time. Love this retro stuff. Thanks Chris.
I was just watching an old Outer Limits episode in which a mad Scientist made past timelines slip into the future........Then your latest masterpiece appeared! I was more than a little unnerved looking at a C64 chassis booting ubuntu! great as always Chris and I love your comment about "if only you could see what is happening at the back". We all know that quantum decoherence takes place around the "tricky bits that you can't see" and i have often ended up with that flimsy IO shield engaging itself in a a unique way that violates the laws of physics and interspersing itself between the molecules of plastic. Lovely way to end the night here in Japan. Thanks Chris!
My heart has speeded up a lot! C64 was my first computer, when I was a child - in the full version with both diskettes and tapes. Hope to find this case in good price in Poland one day :)
Quantum physics tells us that what is in the box is both an actual Commodore 64 and an ordinary house brick. You'll never know for sure which one it is until you actually look inside.
Hi Chris, thank you for the truly inspirational video. When I return home next month I will order the retro case. I particularly love the keyboard which brings back the memory of countless hours using Digital VT100 terminals. The VT100 had those same tactile keys. Very nostalgic. Best wishes.
I don't know about the vents on the bottom, looks to me like the fan would just suck air from the closest bottom vent and blow it out with no cooling to the motherboard.
I absolutely love it! I remember working all summer in Grade 10 so I could afford a C-64, diskette drive, etc. The next year the school board hired me on contract to write educational programs for their C-64s.... anyone remember sprite graphics? Great memories... and I even happen to have an Asrock J5005 ITX motherboard looking for a home. Also love Cherry Blues! Perfect!
A great video that brings back fond memories of days gone by. I would say putting one of these together would be a wee bit pricey, but, as a conversation piece it can't be beat!
@@randymessick386 You may find at the end of the day that an old Intel Atom Mini-ITX motherboard is cheaper and more powerful than the Pi4, even when overclocked.
My first initiation to computers was on a Commodore 64. That was 38 years ago.I still have an original Commodore 64 Computer with all its original peripherals in my collection to this day.
One of the peculiar challenges with small form factors is airflow, while I think its neat that you can install a itx board, I do worry about airflow, especially with this type of shell design. I am also aware this is a niche product that will scratch that itch of nostalgia for those seeking this form factor design. As always thanks for sharing your time, and I look forward to future content. Cheers from WA-USA
I told a lot of my friends that since hardware is getting smaller, there’s going to be a time where the commodore is going to come back in modern form and here it is!
Back in 2012 when this was originally sold by Commodore USA pre-built units included Commodore OS, a linux distro preloaded with lots of retro games and apps, shareware, demos and emulation options. It also included FreeDOS launchers. Something like that may be available for pre-built units in 2021. It also had lots of programming options as well as a few dialects of BASIC.
@@AussieAmigan i can't recall that they split up the brand region-wise, but if something like that hit the market in Europe i would have bought that... but i remember that they tried hard to milk the cash cow with a smartphone dressed in Commodore logos...
@@anno5936 The phones weren't Commodore USA, but perhaps another license holder, as there have been several over the years. BTW the Commodore OS Linux Distro I am referring to was released with this trailer. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Y94Khr_bqNs.html
