Commodore 900

The Commodore 900 was a Z8001-based Unix workstation and server project developed in Germany. Workstation prototypes used a high-resolution display while server versions targeted multi-user applications.

It was cancelled as Commodore redirected resources toward Amiga, leaving only a small number of prototypes.

Notable Features

• The system ran the Coherent Unix-like operating system.
• Workstation and headless server prototypes used different enclosures and display hardware.

Historical Significance

• It was cancelled as Commodore redirected resources toward Amiga, leaving only a small number of prototypes.

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 900
Manufacturer	Commodore
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Discontinued	1990s
Country	United States
CPU	Zilog Z8001 at 10 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Unix workstation/server prototype
Power	External or internal mains supply according to model
Networking	Commodore serial networking and third-party network adapters where supported
Operating System	Coherent Unix-like operating system
Expansion / I/O	Serial, parallel, disk and network interfaces
Keyboard	Detached keyboard and mouse
Storage	Hard disk and floppy storage depending on prototype
Sound	Basic audio only
Colours	Monochrome
Graphics	High-resolution bitmapped graphics on workstation version
Display	Monochrome workstation display
ROM	Boot firmware
RAM	512KB or more depending on prototype
CPU Speed	10 MHz