As the middle 1980's rolled around, Commodore had learned some hard lessons about
making promises they couldn't keep (CP/M compatibility in the Commodore 64), and about
producing machines that weren't compatible or even comparable with the machines they
were purported to be upgrading (the 264 series).With these lessons in mind, Commodore engineers produced a computer that would be their crowning achievement. A computer that is both hardware and software compatible with the immensely popular Commodore 64. A computer capable of running hundreds of popular CP/M business titles using a built in Z-80 processor. A computer that is a true upgrade over its predecessors, sporting 128k of memory, RGBI monitor compatibility for sharp video output, a keyboard to rival that of their business computers, and a significant upgrade to their built-in BASIC interpreter and operating system. That computer? The Commodore 128!
Just as their advertisements repeated, the Commodore 128 is really three computers
in one! When initially turned on, the computer comes up in its native "Commodore 128
mode". In this mode, the sharp RGBI video output, 128k of memory, 2mhz 8502 processor,
advanced BASIC 7.0, machine language monitor, and access to dozens of extra keyboard
keys all become available. Commodore also took advantage of this opportunity to correct
some of the hardware limitations of the VIC-20 and C64 to make the Commodore 128s serial
port as fast as possible.
If the computer is turned on while a CP/M operating system boot disk is in a disk drive, however, the computer will switch to its 1-4mhz Z-80 processor and run as an established business computer in "CP/M mode". In this mode, titles such as WordStar, Turbo Pascal, and other business software can be run on a Commodore home computer.
If the computer is turned on with a particular key held down, the computer will use the 6510 emulation mode of the 8502 processor to boot to "Commodore 64" mode. In this mode, the computer is indistinguishable in either hardware or software, from that popular computer. With very few exceptions, all the thousands of games and other programs written for the Commodore 64 can be run without modification.
ROM: MANY kilobytes
Video: MOS 8564 "VIC-II", MOS 8563 CTRC
Keyboard: Full-sized 93 key QWERTY
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