[net.micro.cbm] CBM at CES: straight from the horses mouth

garyh@iddic.UUCP (Gary Hanson) (01/10/85)

?SYNTAX ERROR
 
      First, my apologies for the following blatant commercial propaganda. I
have no personal finalcial, emotional, or other ties to Commodore. In fact,
I wouldn't be even slightly concerned if they wen belly up right this minute.
Honestly. So, THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR AMUSEMENT PURPOSES
ONLY.  I shall refrain from further comment for the moment, save to say
that the following showed up today on a local BBS. I have no idea of its
prior origin; my guess would be Compu$erve.
 
     Gary Hanson  Tektronix IDG    ...!tektronix!iddic!garyh
 
 
COMMODORE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.

For Immediate Release
=====================

Las Vegas, NV (January 5,1985)



                  Introducing the Powerful Personal Computer
                     The Commodore 128K Personal Computer
                (Expandable Up to 512K for Rapid Data Access)

Commodore International, Ltd. today set a milestone with the introduction of
the new Commodore 128 Personal Computer, the company's most powerful entry into
the personal computer market.

According to Marshall Smith, President of Commodore International, Ltd., "The
Commodore 128 Personal Computer, with expandability, compatibility and new
peripherals, offers by far the superior price/performance system in the
personal computer industry.  We feel confident that these advantages position
the Commodore 128 Personal Computer ahead of the two other leading comparable
computers available."


The Commodore 128 Personal Computer has the following features;
 -   o  128K RAM Expandable to 512K usIng RAM disk option
     o  User selectable 40/80 column full color display.
     o  Ability to run off-the-shelf CP/M software programs such as
        Wordstar (tm), dBaseII (tm), the Perfect (tm) Series.
     o  Compatibility with all Commodore 64 peripherals and over
        6,000 software programs.
     o  92 Key typewriter-style keyboard including a numeric keypad.
     o  Operates with optional mouse controller.


The Commodore 128 Personal Computer has contemporary styling in a light beige
case.  It has a 92 key typewriter-style keybooard with a 14-key numeric keypad,
eight programmable function keys, six individual cursor keys, and a HELP key.
The expandability of up to 512K RAM (in increments of 128K) affords the user
greater data storage with rapid access and manipulation capabilities.  It also
affords software developers a greatly enhanced programming enviornment.
Commodore is actively working with the major third party software developers to
produce programs that utilize the computer's new capabilities.


New peripherals for the Commodore 128 Personal Computer include;

     o  1/2 Megabyte fast disk drive (360K formatted).
     o  RGBI Color Monitor with 40/80 column display.
     o  Monochrome monitor with 40/80 column display.
     o  300 Baud auto-answer/auto-dial modemn
     o  300/1200 auto-answer/auto-dial  modem.
     o  Mouse Controller.


"The Commodore 128 Personal Computer will be available through the majority of
our current retail outlets, allowing the consumer to enter the world of
personal computing in a familiar, non-intimidating environment," commented
Frank Leonardi, Vice President, Marketing at Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

The Commodore 128 Personal Computer will be available in Spring of 1985.


                    =====================================


                  Introducing the New Commodore LCD Computer

Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 1985) -- Today at the Consumer Electronics Show in
Las Vegas, Commodore International, Ltd. introduced the Commodore LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display) personal computer.  This versatile briefcase-size, lightweight
personal computer comes complete with built-in software applications and a 300
baud auto-answer/auto-dial modem.

Weighing in at approximately three pounds, the Commodore LCD has built-in
Commodore 3.6 BASIC, 32K RAM, and one of the largest screens available (80
column by 16 line LCD screen) using innovative new technology.  It features a
72 key keyboard with eight programmable function keys and four cursor keys, and
can run on AA alkaline batteries or an external power supply.

This powerful portable computer is fully compatible with Commodore serial
peripherals including the new 1571 fast disk drive, the 1541 disk drive, the
MPS 802 and MPS 803 dot matrix printers and the DPS 1101 letter quality
printer.

"The Commodore LCD leads the industry by offering more power, greater
flexibility and larger screen imaging at an extremely attractive price,"
commented Frank Leonardi, Vice President, Marketing, Commodore Business
Machines, Inc.

The Commodore LCD makes computing convenient for today's business traveler or
student on the move.   The broad range of built-in applications include word
processing, file management, spreadsheet, address book, scheduler, calculator,
memo pad and communications software making this the ideal lightweight portable
computer for home or office.

The Commodore LCD will be available during the first half of 1985.

COMMODORE INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
CES Booth #825, East Hall
Las Vegas Convention Center

                     Commodore adds power and performance
                 to its product line with NEW PERIPHERALS...
                                ...AND A MOUSE

                         For Immediate Release
=====================

Las Vegas, NV (January 5,1985) Commodore International, Ltd. introduces a new
line of high performance peripherals to enhance the capabilities of its new and
exciting microcomputers.  These peripherals include a fast disk drive,
monochrome and color monitors, modems and a mouse.

Commodore 1571 Disk Drive
=========================

The Commodore 1571 is an improved performance 5 1/4 inch floppy disk drive.
The drive offers increased storage (1/2 megabyte 360K formatted), fast data
transfer rate and multiple operating modes.  In the Commodore 64 mode it
operates at an average of 300 cps; in the Commodore 128 mode, it operates at an
average of 2000 cps and it is capable of reading most CP/M formatted programsn
Designed for productivity applications, the 1571 double sided disk drive
supports "daisy chaining" for adding drives and peripherals.

Commodore 1901 Monochrome Monitor
=================================

Commodore introduces the 1901 Monochrome Monitor, an 80 column monitor suited
for productivity applications such as wordprocessing, database and
spreadsheets.

Commodore 1902 RGBI/Composite Monitor
=====================================
The Commodore 1902 1902 RGBI/Composite monitor complements the Commodore 128
Personal Computer system.  It provides better resolution than most standard
television sets or monitors, supports both 80 and 40 column color display, and
requires no special cables or interfaces.  This monitor is compatible with all
computers using RGBI or composite output, as well as with videocassette
recorders.

Commodore 1660 Modem/300
========================

The Commodore 1660 Modem/300 is a direct-connect modem which operates at 300
baud and features auto-answer, auto-dial and a built-in speaker.  The Commodore
1660 Modem/300 is an inexpensive , yet powerful way to access a wide range of
information services and telecommunications networks when used with the
Commodore 64, Plus/4 or Commodore 128 Personal Computer.

Commodore 1670/Modem 1200
=========================

Commodore's newest entry to the world of telecomputing is the 1670 Modem/1200,
a 1200 baud direct-connect telephone interface which provides high speed data
communication over conventional phone lines as-well as compatibility with
Commodore's 300 baud modems.  The Commodore 1670 Modem/1200 features
auto-answer/auto-dial, auto baud and parity.  A built-in speaker allows the
user to hear the call being dialed with either touch tone or rotary dialing.

Commodore Mouse
===============

The Commodore mouse is an easy-to-use device which simplifies data input and
manipulation on the new Commodore 128 personal computer.  By moving the Mouse
on a flat surface the user can control the direction of the cursor on the
screen.  The Commodore Mouse allows the user to select menu options without
having to type commands and to "paint" pictures on the screen using brush-like
strokes.

These new additions complement Commodore's already strong line of peripherals
including the 1541 disk drive, the 1702 color monitor, the MPS 802 and MPS 803
dot matrix printers, the DPS 1101 letter quality printer, and the Commodore
1600 Modem which add value to all of Commodore's microcomputers.

For Immediate Release
=====================

                             Commodore Introduces
               -            The Perfect Line (tm)
           Applications Software for the CBM 128 Personal Computer

Las Vegas, NV (January 5,1985) -- Commodore International, Ltd. introduces
applications software which supports the capabilities of the new Commodore
128's CP/M option -- the popular PERFECT (TM) Series by thorn EMI Computer
Software, Inc.

The PERFECT Series, which is currently enjoying strong success in the personal
computer marketplace in the MS-DOS format, is comprised of PERFECT WRITER (TM),
PERFECT CALC (TM) and PERFECT FILER (TM).  It is fully integrated, allowing the
programs to share data.  All of the programs feature pop-up menus in simple
English, split screen windows and automatic formatting for printing.  In
addition, PERFECT WRITER, PERFECT CALC and PERFECT FILER share the same
commands making them easily accessible to the user.

PERFECT WRITER features a built-in spelling checker, a thesaurus, and powerful
editing features at the touch of a single key.  PERFECT CALC is a powerful
program featuring all of the traditional spreadsheet functions, along with
several new enhancements, and PERFECT FILER is a sophisticated data base program
that makes it easy to keep track of files and information.  Thorn EMI has
incorporated the best features of any competitive product today -- and then
made them perfect.

The PERFECT Series parallels Commodore's policy of providing high performance
software at affordable prices.

The PERFECT Series of software operates on the new Commodore 128 Personal
Computer in the 80 column CP/M mode.  Additional PERFECT Series titles are
currently under development.


                   ========================================


                      Commodore Introduces JANE 2.0 (tm)
                           Picture Driven Software


Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 1985) -- Commodore International, Ltd. introduces
JANE 2.0, an easy, powerful, icon-based software program produced by
Arktronics Corporation for the Commodore 128 Personal-Computer.  JANE 2.0 is a
fully integrated program featuring word processing, spreadsheet and filing
functions, and can be used by the computer expert and novice alike.

The popular JANE (tm) system featuring JANEWRITE (tm), JANECALC (tm), and
JANELIST (tm), employs simple, hand-held pointing devices like a joystick or a
mouse to do away with complex command words and eliminate keyboard frustration.
This enables the user to address each command with a set of pictures.  Everyday
objects such as scissors and a glue jar for "cut and paste,"  a camera for
"copying," and built-in "templates" in JANECALC and JANELIST programs make this
product easy to use.

JANEWRITE is a sophisticated word processor with many functions and great
flexibility; JANECALC is a spreadsheet/calculator and JANELIST is an electronic
filing cabinet allowing the user to keep track of data in a "file card" manner.

JANE supports complete graphic display of all menu choices and user input
through a series of pop-up menus and colored windows.  Work being done in any
of the JANE functions appears in a "window" on the computer screen.  On line,
progrssive HELP instructions are available at any time and at any level of the
system.

"JANE 2.0 is the type of high performance integrated software approach which
perfectly complements Commodore's hardware direction and technology," commented
Marshall Smith, President, Commodore International, Ltd.

JANE 2.0 will be available upon release of the Commodore 128 Personal Computer
in Spring 1985.
m===========================================



General Features:

  - Built in Software Applications
  - Built in Modem for Communications
  - 80 Column Screen Perfect for Word Processing
  - Runs on Batteries or External Power
  - Automatic Power Down that Saves Batter Life
  - Comes Complete and Ready to Use
  - Fits Easily Into Most Briefcases
  - A Must for Anyone on the Move


Built In Applications Software:

  - Word Processing
  - File Manager
  - Spreadsheet
  - Address Book
  - Scheduler
  - Calculator
  - Memo Pad
  - Communications Software


General Features:

  - Built in 300 Baud Automatic Modem
  - Built in BASIC
  - Built in System Utilities
  - Real Time Clock/Calendar
  - CMOS Technology (runs on batteries)
  - Upper and Lower Case Character Set
  - Built in Commodore Graphics Character Set
  - RAM Disk Capabilities


Keyboard:

  - Typewriter Style Keyboard
  - 72 Key Keyboard
  - 8 Programmable Function Keys
  - 4 Individual Cursor Keys


System Characteristics:

  - 65C102 8 Bit Microprocessor
  - 1 MHz Clock Speed
  - 32K CMOS Random Access Memory (RAM)
  - 96K CMOS Read Only Memory (ROM)
  - Complete Expansion Bus (256K Address Lines)
  - Machine Language Monitor
  - BASIC 3.6


Display:

  - 80 columns by 16 lines (Liquid Crystal Display)
  - (480 x 128 Pixels in Graphics Mode


Sound:

  - Simple Beeper


Input/Output Ports:

  - Serial I/O Port
  - RS232-C
  - Centronics Parallel Port
  - Modular Phone Jacks for Direct Connect Modem
  - Bar Code Reader Port (HP Compatible)
  - Expansion Port


Recommended Peripherals:

  - 1541 Single Disk Drive
  - Commodore DPS1101 Letter Quality Printer
  - Commodore MPS 801, 802 and 803 Dot Matrix Printers
  - Commodore Battery Powered Printer
  - All Commodoore 64 Serial Peripherals are Compatible


System Switches:

  - Power Switch
  - Reset Switch


Physical Dimensions:

  - Briefcase Size
    * Height:  2.1 Inches
    * Width:  10.5 Inches
    * Depth:  11.7 Inches
    * Weight: Approximately 3 Lbs.


Power Requirements:

  - Power Requirements: 4 AA Alkaline Batteries
  - Power Consumption:  500 Miliwatts
  - Automatic Power Down
  - NiCad Battery Backup

Color:

Light Beige



Preliminary Specifications:  Commodore 128 Personal Computer
============================================================



System Unit Overview

General Features:
  - Built in BASIC
  - Built in Machine Language Monitor
  - Built in System Utilities
  - Upper and Lower Case Character Set
  - Built in Commodore Graphics Character Set
  - Fast Smooth Scrolling
  - Fast Serial CP/M Compatible Disk Drive
  - External Power Supply
  - Advanced Color and Sound
  - Television Hookup


Keyboard

  - Typewriter Style Keyboard
  - 92 Key Keyboard
  - 14 key numeric keypad                 - 8 Programmable Function Keys
  - 6 Individual Cursor Keys
  - Help Key
  - 40/80 Column Key


3 Different Modes of Operation:

  - C64 Mode - Fully Compatible with C64 Software and Peripherals
  - C128 Mode- 128K 40 and 80 column color display
  - Z-80 Mode- CP/M Plus, Access to large library of software



     COMMODORE 64 MODE
     =================

       - 64K Random Access Memory (RAM)
       - 16K Read Only Memory (ROM)
       - BASIC 2.0
       - 6510 Compatible Microprocessor
       - 1.02 MHz Clock Speed
       - Video Output:
          * Chroma Luma
          * Standard NTSC Composite Video
       - Audio Output
       - 40 Columns x 25 lines
       - 320 x 200 Pixels
       - 16 colors
       - 8 Sprites
       - Fully Compatible with C-64 Software



     COMMODORE 128 Mode
     ==================

       - 128K Random Access memory (RAM)
       - 48K Read Only Memory (ROM)
       - BASIC 7.0
       - 8500 Microprocessor
       - Video Output:
          * RGBI
          * Chroma/Luma
          * Standard NTSC Composite Video
          * RF/TV
       - Audio Output
       - 40 Columns x 25 lines (320 x 200 Pixels)
       - 80 Columns x 25 lines (640 x 200 Pixels)
       - 16 Colors
       -Fast Serial Transfer Rate



     Z80 MODE (CP/M Plus)
     ====================

       - CP/M Plus Operating System Version 3.0
       - 128K Random Access Memory (RAM)
       - Z8+0 Microprocessor
       - 2 MHz Clock Speed
       - Disk Based Operating System
       - Video Output:
          * RGBI Output
          * Chroma/Luma Output
          * Standard NTSC Composite Video Output
          * RF/TV
       - Audio Output
       - 40 Columns x 25 lines  (320 x 200 Pixels)
       - 80 Columns x 25 lines  (640 x 200 Pixels)
       - 16 Colors
       - Fast Serial Transfer Rate
       - CP/M Format Compatible Fast Disk Drive option



Input/Output
============

  - Serial I/O Port
  - Expansion Port
  - 8 bit User Port
  - Cassette Port
  - 2 Game Ports
  - NTSC Composite Video/Audio Port
  - Digital RGBI Port
  - RF Television Port
  - Power Connector



Recommended Peripherals:

  - 1571 Format Selectable 5 1/4" Fast Single Disk Drive
  - 1902 Digital/Composite Color Monitor
  - Commodore DPS 1101 Letter Qualility Printer
  - Commodore MPS 9801,802, 803 Dot Matrix Printers
  - Commodore 1660 or 1670 Modem (300/1200 baud)
  * All Commodore 64 Peripherals are Compatible.
,