Commodore 128

The Commodore 128 combined an enhanced 8502 computer, highly compatible C64 mode and Z80-based CP/M environment in one machine.

It was Commodore’s most sophisticated 8-bit home computer and preserved compatibility with the huge C64 library.

Notable Features

• Separate VIC-II and VDC chips provide 40- and 80-column displays.
• Three operating environments can be selected at startup.

Historical Significance

• It was Commodore’s most sophisticated 8-bit home computer and preserved compatibility with the huge C64 library.

Collector’s Notes

• Board revision, regional video standard, power supply, keyboard legends and original accessories should be recorded.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Commodore 128
Manufacturer	Commodore
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Discontinued	1989
Country	United States
CPU	MOS 8502 at 2 MHz plus Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Keyboard computer
Power	External or internal mains supply according to model
Networking	Commodore serial networking and third-party network adapters where supported
Operating System	BASIC 7.0, C64 mode and CP/M
Expansion / I/O	C64 ports plus RGBI, IEC burst and expansion
Keyboard	Integrated 92-key keyboard with numeric keypad
Storage	Cartridge, cassette and serial floppy; burst mode with 1571
Sound	SID three-voice synthesizer
Colours	16 colours on VIC-II
Graphics	VIC-II colour graphics plus VDC 80-column display
Display	40-column VIC-II and 80-column VDC outputs
ROM	BASIC 7.0, editor, KERNAL and C64 ROMs
RAM	128KB; expandable through REU
CPU Speed	1 or 2 MHz 8502; 4 MHz Z80