Electronic Games (LCD)

ID	Handheld Electronic Games (LCD)
Short Name
Name	Electronic Games (LCD)
Company	Handheld
Description	The following information comes from Death Adder : One of the rarest Commodore machines ever. Only very few units have been built with case, a few (more) without. As opposed to the widely held opinion, this computer is NOT called 'C64 laptop'. Commodore developed this 3 pounds laptop in 1984 and presented it to the public at the Consumer Eletronics Show in January 1985 (Winter CES). In contradiction to what you might think when you first hear of a Commodore laptop, this machine has nearly nothing to do with the Commodore 64 or the Commodore 128 - alas. The factory population was 32k of static CMOS RAM, internally expandable to 64k using standard memory chips. It was externally expandable with another 64k of RAM. Its display was one of the best on the market available at that time, made by Commodore's own optoelectronics division, which was sold off shortly after the C=LCD was cancelled. The resolution in graphics mode was 480x128, and 80x16 in text mode. Although only 16 lines could be displayed simultaneously, the virtual screen size was 25 lines. Like the Commodore 264 series (Plus/4, C16, C116), the Commodore LCD had built-in software, but as opposed to the unfaithful 264 series, the software was by far better. The 96k of CMOS ROM contained the following software, some of which was incomplete in the prototype shown on the Winter CES: - wordprocessor and spreadsheet - both could be worked on using a split-screen display, with the spreadsheet supporting scrolling even in this split-screen format. The spreadsheet engineer stated that it will be faster at moving a thousand cells than Lotus 1-2-3 on an IBM PC. - Address manager and planner - Pocket calculator - Filemanager - Memo pad - Monitor - Terminal program - BASIC 3.6 The main menu offered a few utilities for copying from the internal RAM disk to an external drive, or for downloading over the built-in modem (which was also supported by the BASIC 3.6 by an OPEN statement) or the RS232 port. Both memo pad and calculator (which had also hex and binary mode) could be invoked with a single keystroke at any time without interfering with the running program. The BASIC 3.6 is - with the exception of a few commands which are useless for the CLCD, like COLOR - almost downward compatible with BASIC 7.0. It also supports high resolution graphic commands, just like the Plus/4. The terminal program is of use, indeed, since the CLCD has a built in 300bps auto answer/auto-dial modem. Additionally, the C=LCD has a separate RS232C port, so there is no need to attach a userport-to-RS232C adapter for a 'real' serial port. Commodore also decided to integrate a standard centronics port; rather unusual (at least for that time) is the HP compatible barcode port. Lacking a builtin floppy drive, the LCD came with a serial IEC port, which was compatible with all Commodore serial peripherals. Above that, Commodore showed prototypes of an external 3.5" serial floppy drive, the 1561, which was also battery-powered. A prototypical battery-powered thermal transfer printer with an excellent NLQ image was produced, but didn't make it to the market, either. Although this laptop didn't have an external video output, Jeff Porter stated that his team was thinking about a cartridge for the C=LCD which provided 80 column display for an external video display, using the C128's video chip. Here is an article by Benn Dunnington, from Commodore Info magazine issue #6 (1985) about a CES coverage: "[snip]...Now I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming (where's Herbie when you need him?): there before our eyes is a working model of a Commodore lap computer with a remarkably readable 80 column X 16 line liquid crystal display! I run ouer to a guy demonstrating one of these units to ask a few questions. He turns out to be Jeffrey Porter, one of the co-designers of the LCD (as it is called). We are surprised at how young and intelligent he looks (we have met 'project' types from Commodore before who would not necessarily fit this description). While we take turns vigorously shaking his hand, Jeff explains that he is a former C-64 'hacker' like us, and was recruited by Comnodore to design "the machine you'd want for yourself". What a concept! We stop to read our product sheets,[stop here and read your LCD press sheets] I take_ a close-up photo of the keyboard noticing that it is different from the one shown in the standard press photos in our kit. Jeff explains that the press kit photos are of early mock-ups, and that the close-fitting keys of the unit on display would be used in actual production. We agree that they have a nice feel, and look better than the earlier version. We are slightly disappointed to learn that the LCD is not C-64 software-compatible, but are impressed with the extensive built-in software which looks much more professional than the PLUS/4 built-ins. I knouw a lot of people that will be delighted with the built in MODEM and the on-board terminal software which can emulate both the DEC VT52 & VT100 terminals. I mentally go over some of the other pluses: 5hrs. operation on 4 penlight batteries, only 5lbs. total weight, fits in my briefcase, compatible with all C-64 peripherals, expected price- under $500) I ask Jeff about some items not covered by the press materials; Is the 32K RAM expandable? Jeff thinks it will be, but doesn't say by how much; does the use of the 6502-compatible 65C102 processor mean that the LCD will be able to use Bill Plensch's fabled 65816 Superchip" from Western Design Center [see 'News & Views', iss. #5] ? a smile flickers over Jeff's lips, and his eyes go slightly out of focus as he replies simply, "We're talking about it." We also want to know more about the 3.5" micro-floppy we see hooked up to the LCD. Al we can find out is that it is a "Sony-compatible" drive that hooks up to the serial port of any of the Conmodore computers (the peculiar thing is that, while other 3.5" drives typically store 1/2 to 1 full megabyte, we are told that this unit will only store a measly 170K- just like the 1541 ! "Why" was not explained)." ____________ Bil Herd, ex Commodore Engineer, reports : The LCD project had orders for over 15,000 units in place before it was cancelled. Apparently the Commodore executive who was responsible for this product (Marshall Smith) was convinced during a conversation with a Tandy (Radio Shack) executive that there was no future in LCD notebook computers. Tandy, of course, went on to sell huge numbers of the model 100,102 and 200 LCD notebook computers!
Date Available	January 1985
Type	Computer
Emulators	ccs64 free64 mess vice win64
Alternate Names	Handheld Electronic Games (LCD)
Links
Matches	tgdb 4951 oldcomputers 108

tgdb	4951	{ "id": 4951, "name": "Handheld Electronic Games (LCD)", "altNames": [], "shortName": "lcd", "developer": "Tiger Electronics, V-Tech, Coleco, Bandai, Konami", "manufacturer": "Tiger Electronics, V-Tech, Coleco, Bandai, Konami, Milton Bradley Company", "company": "Tiger Electronics, V-Tech, Coleco, Bandai, Konami" }
oldcomputers	108	{ "type_id": 1, "id": 108, "pages": { "photos": "photos.asp?t=1&c=108&st=1", "hardware": "hardware.asp?t=1&c=108&st=1", "emulators": "emulator.asp?c=108&st=1", "links": "links.asp?c=108&st=1", "docs": "docs.asp?c=108&st=1", "videos": "videos.asp?c=108&st=1", "comments": "forum.asp?c=108&st=1" }, "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/commodore_lcd_1s.jpg", "company_link": "company.asp?st=1&m=26", "company_name": "Commodore", "company_logo": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/logos/commodore_logo.gif", "description": "<font color=\"#666666\">The following information comes from Death Adder :</font>\nOne of the rarest Commodore machines ever. Only very few units have been built with case, a few (more) without. As opposed to the widely held opinion, this computer is NOT called '<a href=\"computer.asp?c=98\">C64</a> laptop'.\nCommodore developed this 3 pounds laptop in 1984 and presented it to the public at the Consumer Eletronics Show in January 1985 (Winter CES). In contradiction to what you might think when you first hear of a Commodore laptop, this machine has nearly nothing to do with the <a href=\"computer.asp?c=98\">Commodore 64</a> or the <a href=\"computer.asp?c=96\">Commodore 128</a> - alas.\nThe factory population was 32k of static CMOS RAM, internally expandable to 64k using standard memory chips. It was externally expandable with another 64k of RAM.\nIts display was one of the best on the market available at that time, made by Commodore's own optoelectronics division, which was sold off shortly after the C=LCD was cancelled. The resolution in graphics mode was 480x128, and 80x16 in text mode. Although only 16 lines could be displayed simultaneously, the virtual screen size was 25 lines.\nLike the Commodore 264 series (<a href=\"computer.asp?c=194\">Plus/4</a>, <a href=\"computer.asp?c=97\">C16, C116</a>), the Commodore LCD had built-in software, but as opposed to the unfaithful 264 series, the software was by far better. The 96k of CMOS ROM contained the following software, some of which was incomplete in the prototype shown on the Winter CES:\n- wordprocessor and spreadsheet - both could be worked on using a split-screen display, with the spreadsheet supporting scrolling even in this split-screen format. The spreadsheet engineer stated that it will be faster at moving a thousand cells than Lotus 1-2-3 on an IBM PC.\n- Address manager and planner\n- Pocket calculator \n- Filemanager \n- Memo pad \n- Monitor \n- Terminal program \n- BASIC 3.6\nThe main menu offered a few utilities for copying from the internal RAM disk to an external drive, or for downloading over the built-in modem (which was also supported by the BASIC 3.6 by an OPEN statement) or the RS232 port.\nBoth memo pad and calculator (which had also hex and binary mode) could be invoked with a single keystroke at any time without interfering with the running program.\nThe BASIC 3.6 is - with the exception of a few commands which are useless for the CLCD, like COLOR - almost downward compatible with BASIC 7.0. It also supports high resolution graphic commands, just like the Plus/4.\nThe terminal program is of use, indeed, since the CLCD has a built in 300bps auto answer/auto-dial modem. Additionally, the C=LCD has a separate RS232C port, so there is no need to attach a userport-to-RS232C adapter for a 'real' serial port. Commodore also decided to integrate a standard centronics port; rather unusual (at least for that time) is the HP compatible barcode port.\nLacking a builtin floppy drive, the LCD came with a serial IEC port, which was compatible with all Commodore serial peripherals. Above that, Commodore showed prototypes of an external 3.5\" serial floppy drive, the 1561, which was also battery-powered.\nA prototypical battery-powered thermal transfer printer with an excellent NLQ image was produced, but didn't make it to the market, either.\nAlthough this laptop didn't have an external video output, Jeff Porter stated that his team was thinking about a cartridge for the C=LCD which provided 80 column display for an external video display, using the C128's video chip.\nHere is an article by Benn Dunnington, from Commodore Info magazine issue #6 (1985) about a CES coverage:\n<i>\"[snip]...Now I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming (where's Herbie when you need him?): there before our eyes is a working model of a Commodore lap computer with a remarkably readable 80 column X 16 line liquid crystal display! I run ouer to a guy demonstrating one of these units to ask a few questions. He turns out to be Jeffrey Porter, one of the co-designers of the LCD (as it is called). We are surprised at how young and intelligent he looks (we have met 'project' types from Commodore before who would not necessarily fit\nthis description). While we take turns vigorously shaking his hand, Jeff explains that he is a former C-64 'hacker' like us, and was recruited by Comnodore to design \"the machine you'd want for yourself\". What a concept!\nWe stop to read our product sheets,[stop here and read your LCD press sheets] I take_ a close-up photo of the keyboard noticing that it is different from the one shown in the standard press photos in our kit. Jeff explains that the press kit photos are of early mock-ups, and that the close-fitting keys of the unit on display would be used in actual production. We agree that they have a nice feel, and look better than the earlier version.\nWe are slightly disappointed to learn that the LCD is not C-64 software-compatible, but are impressed with the extensive built-in software which looks much more professional than the PLUS/4 built-ins. I knouw a lot of people that will be delighted with the built in MODEM and the on-board terminal software which can emulate both the DEC VT52 & VT100 terminals. I mentally go over some of the other pluses: 5hrs. operation on 4 penlight batteries, only 5lbs. total\nweight, fits in my briefcase, compatible with all C-64 peripherals, expected price- under $500) I ask Jeff about some items not covered by the press\nmaterials; Is the 32K RAM expandable? Jeff thinks it will be, but doesn't say by how much; does the use of the 6502-compatible 65C102 processor mean that the\nLCD will be able to use Bill Plensch's fabled 65816 Superchip\" from Western Design Center [see 'News & Views', iss. #5] ? a smile flickers over Jeff's\nlips, and his eyes go slightly out of focus as he replies simply, \"We're talking about it.\"\nWe also want to know more about the 3.5\" micro-floppy we see hooked up to the LCD. Al we can find out is that it is a \"Sony-compatible\" drive that hooks up to the serial port of any of the Conmodore computers (the peculiar thing is that, while other 3.5\" drives typically store 1/2 to 1 full megabyte, we are told that this unit will only store a measly 170K- just like the 1541 ! \"Why\" was not explained).\"</i>\n____________\n<b>Bil Herd</b>, ex Commodore Engineer, reports :\n<font color=\"#666666\">The LCD project had orders for over 15,000 units in place before it was cancelled. Apparently the Commodore executive who was responsible for this product (Marshall Smith) was convinced during a conversation with a Tandy (Radio Shack) executive that there was no future in LCD notebook computers. Tandy, of course, went on to sell huge numbers of the model 100,102 and 200 LCD notebook computers!</font>", "name": "LCD", "manufacturer": "Commodore", "type": "Home Computer", "origin": "U.S.A.", "year": "January 1985", "built_in_language": "Basic 3.6 + various built-in software", "keyboard": "Full stroke keyboard", "cpu": "Rockwell 65C102", "speed": "2 mHz", "ram": "32 KB (expandable to 128 KB)", "rom": "96 KB", "text_modes": "80 x 16 (25 virtual lines)", "graphic_modes": "480 x 128", "colors": "LCD", "sound": "Unknown", "size_weight": "3 pounds", "io_ports": "User Port, Centronics, Barcode, Serial IEC Port", "os": "Rom Based", "power_supply": "Unknown", "price": "The price was estimated to be $600", "photos": [ { "name": "Commodore LCD ", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/commodore_lcd_1m.jpg", "description": "" }, { "name": "Closed ", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/Commodore_LCD_Closed.jpg", "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thanks to <b>Bil Herd</b></p>" }, { "name": "Keyboard close up ", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/Commodore_LCD_Keyboard.jpg", "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thanks to <b>Bil Herd</b> </p>" }, { "name": "Side view ", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/Commodore_LCD_Side.jpg", "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thanks to <b>Bil Herd</b></p>" }, { "name": "A close-up of the LC... ", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/lcd_screen.jpg", "description": "" } ], "hardware": [ { "name": "1530 C2NTape-recorder", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_c64_tape-recorder-1530-c2n_1.jpg", "description": "> Tape-recorder<br>The classic Commodore tape-recorder !" }, { "name": "CMD SuperCPU", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/C64_SuperCPU.jpg", "description": "The SuperCPU by Creative Micro Devices is an accelerator cartridge for the Commodore 64. It contains an W65C816S processor running at 20 MHz, providing 20 times the performance of the stock 6510 processor! CMD later added a SuperRAM Card option that could include up to 16 MB of additional memory. There is also a v2 version that offers native 128 mode support (also called SuperCPU/128). It is one of the most sought-after Commodore peripherals.<p class=\"petitgris\">Thomas Conté</p>" }, { "name": "CMD RAMLink", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/C64_CMD_RAMLink.jpg", "description": "This RAM expansion unit by Creative Micro Devices was intended to be used as a RAM drive to accelerate disk access. It is externally powered, and thus will preserve the data even when the computer is turned off.<p class=\"petitgris\">Thomas Conté</p>" }, { "name": "Floppy disk unit 1540-1541", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore-diskdrive_1540_1.jpg", "description": "It is connected to the C64 via a serial link.<br>\nIt is very very slow and can store 170 kb per disk." }, { "name": "Quick Data Drive", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/Commodore_64_Quick_Data_1.jpg", "description": "<b>Cheaper and faster than diskettes.</b>\n<br><br>\nThis Quick Data Drive from Dean Electronics is dedicated to Commodore 64 and <$252$>Vic 20</a> systems. It uses a special tape called 'Wafer', of 16, 64 or 128 Kb capacity. This wafer was also used by a product marketed for the <$223$>Sinclair Spectrum</a>, called Wafadrive. Various tests proved that the Q.D.D. was approximately 20 times faster than a normal cassette recorder and 2 or 3 times faster than the Commodore 1541 disk drive. The reason : data transfer routines (called QOS) much more efficient than those of Commodore, and a file management operating system (FMU) much more modern and powerful.\n<br><br>\nThe Q.D.D. is however not more than an advanced tape recorder using a magnetic tape, and the delay to access a specific file still remains higher than with a normal disk drive. Despite its qualities, the Q.D.D. did not meet success because most C64 software was sold on disks or tapes and users had to acquire both Commodore peripherals before investing in a third powerful storage system." }, { "name": "CMD HD-2020Mb hard-drive", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_c64_cmd-hd20_1.jpg", "description": "> 20Mb hard-drive<br>This is a hard drive for the C64 or 128. SWAP-Devicenumber-Buttons let the HD become drive 8 or 9. It can create sub-directories and partitions, including 1541 emulation." }, { "name": "VICMODEMAdvert", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_vicmodem_ad_1.jpg", "description": "> Advert<br>You could already send emails !!" }, { "name": "Wersiboard Music 64", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/C64_Wersiboard.jpg", "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thomas Conté</p>" }, { "name": "Model 64from Sequential Instruments", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_c64_model64.jpg", "description": "> from Sequential Instruments<br>This synthesize fits in the cartridge slot of the C64. It has a MIDI interface with 2 plugs (IN & OUT). It can record 5 different sequences of 6 tracks each, with a total capacity of 4000 notes. But it doesn't have \"step by step\" record mode.<br><br>This thing cost 2260 fr in december 84 (France)." }, { "name": "Model 1525", "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_printer_1525_1.jpg", "description": "It can print all the semi graphic characters of the C64. (30 characters per second) \n" } ], "emulators": [ { "name": "CCS64", "url": "http://www.ccs64.com/", "platform": "Windows", "description": "The best C64 emulator for the PC" }, { "name": "Free64", "url": "http://www.umr.edu/~bmartin/", "platform": "Windows", "description": "A Freeware emulator for MS DOS" }, { "name": "MESS", "url": "http://www.mess.org", "platform": "Windows", "description": "This fantastic emulator can emulate the mlost of the 8-bit Commodore systems" }, { "name": "Win 64", "url": "http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6558/win64.htm", "platform": "Windows", "description": "The Best C64 Emulator for Win95 / WinNT" }, { "name": "Win64", "url": "http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/park/6558/win64.htm", "platform": "Windows", "description": "Good Commodore 64 for Windows" }, { "name": "Mac Frodo", "url": "http://internetter.com/titan/macfrodo/", "platform": "Apple", "description": "The MAC OS version of Frodo, one of the best C64 Emulator" }, { "name": "Power 64", "url": "http://www.infinite-loop.at/Power64/index.html", "platform": "Apple", "description": "Emulator for PPC Macintoshes" }, { "name": "SID PLay", "url": "http://stud1.tuwien.ac.at/~e9426444/sidplay/", "platform": "Apple", "description": "A player for C64 Musics" }, { "name": "ccs", "url": "http://www.funet.fi/pub/cbm/crossplatform/emulators/unix/", "platform": "Unix / Linux", "description": "C64 emulator for Unix" }, { "name": "Frodo for Amiga OS", "url": "http://www.uni-mainz.de/~bauec002/FRMain.html", "platform": "Amiga OS", "description": "The best C64 Emulator for Amiga" }, { "name": "VICE for Amiga OS4", "url": "http://amidog.se/amiga/vice/", "platform": "Amiga OS", "description": "This AmigaOS4 version is ported by Mathias \"AmiDog\" Roslund " }, { "name": "c64.gr", "url": "http://www.c64.gr/", "platform": "Other platform", "description": "C64 online emulator. Play favorite games in your browser!" }, { "name": "C-ONE", "url": "http://c64upgra.de/c-one/", "platform": "Other platform", "description": "Hardware emulator (re-configurable computer)" }, { "name": "Frodo for PalmOS", "url": "http://frodopalm.sourceforge.net/", "platform": "Other platform", "description": "Frodo for PalmOS" }, { "name": "VICE", "url": "http://viceteam.bei.t-online.de/", "platform": "Other platform", "description": "Emulates the C64, C128, VIC20, all the PET models and the CBM-II under Unix, MS-DOS, Win95/NT, OS/2, Acorn RISC OS or BeOS !! " }, { "name": "Web C64", "url": "http://www.dreamfabric.com/c64/", "platform": "Other platform", "description": "The 64 as a Java applet in your Browser. Excellent !" }, { "name": "C=64 Emulator for OS/2 Full Screen", "url": "http://home.hccnet.nl/w.m.brul/emulator/index.html", "platform": "OS2", "description": "Freeware emulator for OS/2" } ], "links": [ { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=96", "name": "Commodore - C128 - C128D", "description": "Excellent and beautifully designed site, full of games to download. A must" }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=98", "name": "Commodore - C64", "description": "C64 online emulator. Play favorite games in your browser!" }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1138", "name": "Commodore - C64 Aldi", "description": "News, Gaming, Music, Museum, Links etc." }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1086", "name": "EDS - C64 EDC", "description": "Info about the C64 and successors, C64 emulators and the SID chip. Also contains C64 programs and a forum. In Swedish only." }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1293", "name": "Commodore - C64 Golden Jubilee", "description": "All your fave C64 game endings under one roof." }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=998", "name": "Commodore - C64C", "description": "New publications, hardware and software for the Commodore 128/128d and C64" }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1136", "name": "Commodore - C64G", "description": "Commodore Service Manuals & other stuff" }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=655", "name": "Commodore - Educator 64", "description": "many of Robert Baker's early original magazine articles, programs and programming tips (not free)" }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=524", "name": "Commodore - SX/DX 64 - Executive computer", "description": "Many games with screenshot comparisons, download and magazines" }, { "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1291", "name": "Commodore - VIC-1001", "description": "The source for all Your Commodore 64 Gaming and News needs ! Quite impressive !!!" }, { "url": "http://www.c64.com/", "name": "C64.COM", "description": "For all your C64 cartridge needs... and more!" }, { "url": "http://www.c64.gr/", "name": "c64.gr", "description": "Hear the tunes from your fav C64 games like you've never heard them before!" }, { "url": "http://www.c64files.com/", "name": "c64files.com :: the ultimate C64 portal!", "description": "Are you a sportgaming fan? Then this site is definitely for you! Over 1000 sportgames available for download. Lots of manuals, reviews, covers, adverts, screenshots, hints&tips, world records + a lot more!" }, { "url": "http://folkvagn.commodore64.org", "name": "Commodore 64 -", "description": "Awesome website ! Presents all the weird systems imagined by Commodore." }, { "url": "http://www.c64endings.co.uk/", "name": "Commodore 64 Game Endings", "description": "Binaries for 8 bit Commodore computers" }, { "url": "http://www.staggs.pair.com/c64/", "name": "Commodore 64 Nostalgia", "description": "Emulators of C64, C128, PET and VIC 20" }, { "url": "http://www.commodorescene.org.uk/", "name": "Commodore Scene Magazine and Importing Service", "description": "Discussion about Commodore micros" }, { "url": "http://www.devili.iki.fi/Computers/Commodore/", "name": "Commodore Service Manuals", "description": "This is a bulletin board run on a Commodore 64!" }, { "url": "http://home.comcast.net/~c64proglib", "name": "Commodore-64 Programmer's Library" }, { "url": "http://www.hut.fi/~msmakela/cbm/netresources.html", "name": "Commodore-related Net Resources" }, { "url": "http://speccy.altervista.org/", "name": "Good Old Games" }, { "url": "http://www.ozemail.com.au/~gvincent/", "name": "Greg and David's C64 Web page" }, { "url": "http://www.talent.demon.co.uk/64/", "name": "HV C64 CD's - The ultimate CD set full of software for the C64" }, { "url": "http://www.lemon64.com/", "name": "LEMON 64" }, { "url": "http://www.mayhem64.co.uk/main.htm", "name": "Mayhem64" }, { "url": "http://remix.kwed.org", "name": "Remixes of music from C-64 games" }, { "url": "http://s64.emuunlim.com/", "name": "Stadium 64" }, { "url": "http://www.hut.fi/~msmakela/cbm/", "name": "The Commodore 8-bit WWW server" }, { "url": "http://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/", "name": "The Secrets Weapons of Commodore" }, { "url": "http://sta.c64.org/sc.html", "name": "The Star Commander homepage" }, { "url": "news:comp.binaries.cbm", "name": "comp.binaries.cbm" }, { "url": "news:comp.binaries.cbm", "name": "comp.emulators.cbm" }, { "url": "news:comp.sys.cbm", "name": "comp.sys.cbm" }, { "url": "TELNET://RENAISSANCECITYBBS.DYNDNS.TV:23", "name": "Renaissance City BBS" } ] }

tgdb

4951

{
    "id": 4951,
    "name": "Handheld Electronic Games (LCD)",
    "altNames": [],
    "shortName": "lcd",
    "developer": "Tiger Electronics, V-Tech, Coleco, Bandai, Konami",
    "manufacturer": "Tiger Electronics, V-Tech, Coleco, Bandai, Konami, Milton Bradley Company",
    "company": "Tiger Electronics, V-Tech, Coleco, Bandai, Konami"
}

oldcomputers

108

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    "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/commodore_lcd_1s.jpg",
    "company_link": "company.asp?st=1&m=26",
    "company_name": "Commodore",
    "company_logo": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/logos/commodore_logo.gif",
    "description": "<font color=\"#666666\">The following information comes from Death Adder :</font>\nOne of the rarest Commodore machines ever. Only very few units have been built with case, a few (more) without. As opposed to the widely held opinion, this computer is NOT called '<a href=\"computer.asp?c=98\">C64</a> laptop'.\nCommodore developed this 3 pounds laptop in 1984 and presented it to the public at the Consumer Eletronics Show in January 1985 (Winter CES). In contradiction to what you might think when you first hear of a Commodore laptop, this machine has nearly nothing to do with the <a href=\"computer.asp?c=98\">Commodore 64</a> or the <a href=\"computer.asp?c=96\">Commodore 128</a> - alas.\nThe factory population was 32k of static CMOS RAM, internally expandable to 64k using standard memory chips. It was externally expandable with another 64k of RAM.\nIts display was one of the best on the market available at that time, made by Commodore's own optoelectronics division, which was sold off shortly after the C=LCD was cancelled. The resolution in graphics mode was 480x128, and 80x16 in text mode. Although only 16 lines could be displayed simultaneously, the virtual screen size was 25 lines.\nLike the Commodore 264 series (<a href=\"computer.asp?c=194\">Plus/4</a>, <a href=\"computer.asp?c=97\">C16, C116</a>), the Commodore LCD had built-in software, but as opposed to the unfaithful 264 series, the software was by far better. The 96k of CMOS ROM contained the following software, some of which was incomplete in the prototype shown on the Winter CES:\n- wordprocessor and spreadsheet - both could be worked on using a split-screen display, with the spreadsheet supporting scrolling even in this split-screen format. The spreadsheet engineer stated that it will be faster at moving a thousand cells than Lotus 1-2-3 on an IBM PC.\n- Address manager and planner\n- Pocket calculator \n- Filemanager \n- Memo pad \n- Monitor \n- Terminal program \n- BASIC 3.6\nThe main menu offered a few utilities for copying from the internal RAM disk to an external drive, or for downloading over the built-in modem (which was also supported by the BASIC 3.6 by an OPEN statement) or the RS232 port.\nBoth memo pad and calculator (which had also hex and binary mode) could be invoked with a single keystroke at any time without interfering with the running program.\nThe BASIC 3.6 is - with the exception of a few commands which are useless for the CLCD, like COLOR - almost downward compatible with BASIC 7.0. It also supports high resolution graphic commands, just like the Plus/4.\nThe terminal program is of use, indeed, since the CLCD has a built in 300bps auto answer/auto-dial modem. Additionally, the C=LCD has a separate RS232C port, so there is no need to attach a userport-to-RS232C adapter for a 'real' serial port. Commodore also decided to integrate a standard centronics port; rather unusual (at least for that time) is the HP compatible barcode port.\nLacking a builtin floppy drive, the LCD came with a serial IEC port, which was compatible with all Commodore serial peripherals. Above that, Commodore showed prototypes of an external 3.5\" serial floppy drive, the 1561, which was also battery-powered.\nA prototypical battery-powered thermal transfer printer with an excellent NLQ image was produced, but didn't make it to the market, either.\nAlthough this laptop didn't have an external video output, Jeff Porter stated that his team was thinking about a cartridge for the C=LCD which provided 80 column display for an external video display, using the C128's video chip.\nHere is an article by Benn Dunnington, from Commodore Info magazine issue #6 (1985) about a CES coverage:\n<i>\"[snip]...Now I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming (where's Herbie when you need him?): there before our eyes is a working model of a Commodore lap computer with a remarkably readable 80 column X 16 line liquid crystal display! I run ouer to a guy demonstrating one of these units to ask a few questions. He turns out to be Jeffrey Porter, one of the co-designers of the LCD (as it is called). We are surprised at how young and intelligent he looks (we have met 'project' types from Commodore before who would not necessarily fit\nthis description). While we take turns vigorously shaking his hand, Jeff explains that he is a former C-64 'hacker' like us, and was recruited by Comnodore to design \"the machine you'd want for yourself\". What a concept!\nWe stop to read our product sheets,[stop here and read your LCD press sheets] I take_ a close-up photo of the keyboard noticing that it is different from the one shown in the standard press photos in our kit. Jeff explains that the press kit photos are of early mock-ups, and that the close-fitting keys of the unit on display would be used in actual production. We agree that they have a nice feel, and look better than the earlier version.\nWe are slightly disappointed to learn that the LCD is not C-64 software-compatible, but are impressed with the extensive built-in software which looks much more professional than the PLUS/4 built-ins. I knouw a lot of people that will be delighted with the built in MODEM and the on-board terminal software which can emulate both the DEC VT52 &amp; VT100 terminals. I mentally go over some of the other pluses: 5hrs. operation on 4 penlight batteries, only 5lbs. total\nweight, fits in my briefcase, compatible with all C-64 peripherals, expected price- under $500) I ask Jeff about some items not covered by the press\nmaterials; Is the 32K RAM expandable? Jeff thinks it will be, but doesn't say by how much; does the use of the 6502-compatible 65C102 processor mean that the\nLCD will be able to use Bill Plensch's fabled 65816 Superchip\" from Western Design Center [see 'News &amp; Views', iss. #5] ? a smile flickers over Jeff's\nlips, and his eyes go slightly out of focus as he replies simply, \"We're talking about it.\"\nWe also want to know more about the 3.5\" micro-floppy we see hooked up to the LCD. Al we can find out is that it is a \"Sony-compatible\" drive that hooks up to the serial port of any of the Conmodore computers (the peculiar thing is that, while other 3.5\" drives typically store 1/2 to 1 full megabyte, we are told that this unit will only store a measly 170K- just like the 1541 ! \"Why\" was not explained).\"</i>\n____________\n<b>Bil Herd</b>, ex Commodore Engineer, reports  :\n<font color=\"#666666\">The LCD project had orders for over 15,000 units in place before it was cancelled. Apparently the Commodore executive who was responsible for this product (Marshall Smith) was convinced during a conversation with a Tandy (Radio Shack) executive that there was no future in LCD notebook computers.  Tandy, of course, went on to sell huge numbers of the model 100,102 and 200 LCD notebook computers!</font>",
    "name": "LCD",
    "manufacturer": "Commodore",
    "type": "Home Computer",
    "origin": "U.S.A.",
    "year": "January 1985",
    "built_in_language": "Basic 3.6 + various built-in software",
    "keyboard": "Full stroke keyboard",
    "cpu": "Rockwell 65C102",
    "speed": "2 mHz",
    "ram": "32 KB (expandable to 128 KB)",
    "rom": "96 KB",
    "text_modes": "80 x 16 (25 virtual lines)",
    "graphic_modes": "480 x 128",
    "colors": "LCD",
    "sound": "Unknown",
    "size_weight": "3 pounds",
    "io_ports": "User Port, Centronics, Barcode, Serial IEC Port",
    "os": "Rom Based",
    "power_supply": "Unknown",
    "price": "The price was estimated to be $600",
    "photos": [
        {
            "name": "Commodore LCD ",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/commodore_lcd_1m.jpg",
            "description": ""
        },
        {
            "name": "Closed ",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/Commodore_LCD_Closed.jpg",
            "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thanks to <b>Bil Herd</b></p>"
        },
        {
            "name": "Keyboard close up ",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/Commodore_LCD_Keyboard.jpg",
            "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thanks to <b>Bil Herd</b> </p>"
        },
        {
            "name": "Side view ",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/Commodore_LCD_Side.jpg",
            "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thanks to <b>Bil Herd</b></p>"
        },
        {
            "name": "A close-up of the LC... ",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/photos/lcd_screen.jpg",
            "description": ""
        }
    ],
    "hardware": [
        {
            "name": "1530 C2NTape-recorder",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_c64_tape-recorder-1530-c2n_1.jpg",
            "description": "&gt;&nbsp;Tape-recorder<br>The classic Commodore tape-recorder !"
        },
        {
            "name": "CMD SuperCPU",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/C64_SuperCPU.jpg",
            "description": "The SuperCPU by Creative Micro Devices is an accelerator cartridge for the Commodore 64. It contains an W65C816S processor running at 20 MHz, providing 20 times the performance of the stock 6510 processor! CMD later added a SuperRAM Card option that could include up to 16 MB of additional memory. There is also a v2 version that offers native 128 mode support (also called SuperCPU/128). It is one of the most sought-after Commodore peripherals.<p class=\"petitgris\">Thomas Conté</p>"
        },
        {
            "name": "CMD RAMLink",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/C64_CMD_RAMLink.jpg",
            "description": "This RAM expansion unit by Creative Micro Devices was intended to be used as a RAM drive to accelerate disk access. It is externally powered, and thus will preserve the data even when the computer is turned off.<p class=\"petitgris\">Thomas Conté</p>"
        },
        {
            "name": "Floppy disk unit 1540-1541",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore-diskdrive_1540_1.jpg",
            "description": "It is connected to the C64 via a serial link.<br>\nIt is very very slow and can store 170 kb per disk."
        },
        {
            "name": "Quick Data Drive",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/Commodore_64_Quick_Data_1.jpg",
            "description": "<b>Cheaper and faster than diskettes.</b>\n<br><br>\nThis Quick Data Drive from Dean Electronics is dedicated to Commodore 64 and <$252$>Vic 20</a> systems. It uses a special tape called 'Wafer', of 16, 64 or 128 Kb capacity. This wafer was also used by a product marketed for the <$223$>Sinclair Spectrum</a>, called Wafadrive. Various tests proved that the Q.D.D. was approximately 20 times faster than a normal cassette recorder and 2 or 3 times faster than the Commodore 1541 disk drive. The reason : data transfer routines (called QOS) much more efficient than those of Commodore, and a file management operating system (FMU) much more modern and powerful.\n<br><br>\nThe Q.D.D. is however not more than an advanced tape recorder using a magnetic tape, and the delay to access a specific file still remains higher than with a normal disk drive. Despite its qualities, the Q.D.D. did not meet success because most C64 software was sold on disks or tapes and users had to acquire both Commodore peripherals before investing in a third powerful storage system."
        },
        {
            "name": "CMD HD-2020Mb hard-drive",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_c64_cmd-hd20_1.jpg",
            "description": "&gt;&nbsp;20Mb hard-drive<br>This is a hard drive for the C64 or 128. SWAP-Devicenumber-Buttons let the HD become drive 8 or 9. It can create sub-directories and partitions, including 1541 emulation."
        },
        {
            "name": "VICMODEMAdvert",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_vicmodem_ad_1.jpg",
            "description": "&gt;&nbsp;Advert<br>You could already send emails !!"
        },
        {
            "name": "Wersiboard Music 64",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/C64_Wersiboard.jpg",
            "description": "<p class=\"petitgris\">Thomas Conté</p>"
        },
        {
            "name": "Model 64from Sequential Instruments",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_c64_model64.jpg",
            "description": "&gt;&nbsp;from Sequential Instruments<br>This synthesize fits in the cartridge slot of the C64. It has a MIDI interface with 2 plugs (IN & OUT). It can record 5 different sequences of 6 tracks each, with a total capacity of 4000 notes. But it doesn't have \"step by step\" record mode.<br><br>This thing cost 2260 fr in december 84 (France)."
        },
        {
            "name": "Model 1525",
            "image": "https://www.old-computers.com/museum/hardware/commodore_printer_1525_1.jpg",
            "description": "It can print all the semi graphic characters of the C64. (30 characters per second) \n"
        }
    ],
    "emulators": [
        {
            "name": "CCS64",
            "url": "http://www.ccs64.com/",
            "platform": "Windows",
            "description": "The best C64 emulator for the PC"
        },
        {
            "name": "Free64",
            "url": "http://www.umr.edu/~bmartin/",
            "platform": "Windows",
            "description": "A Freeware emulator for MS DOS"
        },
        {
            "name": "MESS",
            "url": "http://www.mess.org",
            "platform": "Windows",
            "description": "This fantastic emulator can emulate the mlost of the 8-bit Commodore systems"
        },
        {
            "name": "Win 64",
            "url": "http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6558/win64.htm",
            "platform": "Windows",
            "description": "The Best C64 Emulator for Win95 / WinNT"
        },
        {
            "name": "Win64",
            "url": "http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/park/6558/win64.htm",
            "platform": "Windows",
            "description": "Good Commodore 64 for Windows"
        },
        {
            "name": "Mac Frodo",
            "url": "http://internetter.com/titan/macfrodo/",
            "platform": "Apple",
            "description": "The MAC OS version of Frodo, one of the best C64 Emulator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Power 64",
            "url": "http://www.infinite-loop.at/Power64/index.html",
            "platform": "Apple",
            "description": "Emulator for PPC Macintoshes"
        },
        {
            "name": "SID PLay",
            "url": "http://stud1.tuwien.ac.at/~e9426444/sidplay/",
            "platform": "Apple",
            "description": "A player for C64 Musics"
        },
        {
            "name": "ccs",
            "url": "http://www.funet.fi/pub/cbm/crossplatform/emulators/unix/",
            "platform": "Unix / Linux",
            "description": "C64 emulator for Unix"
        },
        {
            "name": "Frodo for Amiga OS",
            "url": "http://www.uni-mainz.de/~bauec002/FRMain.html",
            "platform": "Amiga OS",
            "description": "The best C64 Emulator for Amiga"
        },
        {
            "name": "VICE for Amiga OS4",
            "url": "http://amidog.se/amiga/vice/",
            "platform": "Amiga OS",
            "description": "This AmigaOS4 version is ported by Mathias \"AmiDog\" Roslund "
        },
        {
            "name": "c64.gr",
            "url": "http://www.c64.gr/",
            "platform": "Other platform",
            "description": "C64 online emulator. Play favorite games in your browser!"
        },
        {
            "name": "C-ONE",
            "url": "http://c64upgra.de/c-one/",
            "platform": "Other platform",
            "description": "Hardware emulator (re-configurable computer)"
        },
        {
            "name": "Frodo for PalmOS",
            "url": "http://frodopalm.sourceforge.net/",
            "platform": "Other platform",
            "description": "Frodo for PalmOS"
        },
        {
            "name": "VICE",
            "url": "http://viceteam.bei.t-online.de/",
            "platform": "Other platform",
            "description": "Emulates the C64, C128, VIC20, all the PET models and the CBM-II under Unix, MS-DOS, Win95/NT, OS/2, Acorn RISC OS or BeOS !! "
        },
        {
            "name": "Web C64",
            "url": "http://www.dreamfabric.com/c64/",
            "platform": "Other platform",
            "description": "The 64 as a Java applet in your Browser. Excellent !"
        },
        {
            "name": "C=64 Emulator for OS/2 Full Screen",
            "url": "http://home.hccnet.nl/w.m.brul/emulator/index.html",
            "platform": "OS2",
            "description": "Freeware emulator for OS/2"
        }
    ],
    "links": [
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=96",
            "name": "Commodore - C128 - C128D",
            "description": "Excellent and beautifully designed site, full of games to download. A must"
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=98",
            "name": "Commodore - C64",
            "description": "C64 online emulator. Play favorite games in your browser!"
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1138",
            "name": "Commodore - C64 Aldi",
            "description": "News, Gaming, Music, Museum, Links etc."
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1086",
            "name": "EDS - C64 EDC",
            "description": "Info about the C64 and successors, C64 emulators and the SID chip. Also contains C64 programs and a forum. In Swedish only."
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1293",
            "name": "Commodore - C64 Golden Jubilee",
            "description": "All your fave C64 game endings under one roof."
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=998",
            "name": "Commodore - C64C",
            "description": "New publications, hardware and software for the Commodore 128/128d and C64"
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1136",
            "name": "Commodore - C64G",
            "description": "Commodore Service Manuals &amp; other stuff"
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=655",
            "name": "Commodore - Educator 64",
            "description": "many of Robert Baker's early original magazine articles, programs and programming tips (not free)"
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=524",
            "name": "Commodore - SX/DX 64 - Executive computer",
            "description": "Many games with screenshot comparisons, download and magazines"
        },
        {
            "url": "computer.asp?st=1&c=1291",
            "name": "Commodore - VIC-1001",
            "description": "The source for all Your Commodore 64 Gaming and News needs ! Quite impressive !!!"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.c64.com/",
            "name": "C64.COM",
            "description": "For all your C64 cartridge needs... and more!"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.c64.gr/",
            "name": "c64.gr",
            "description": "Hear the tunes from your fav C64 games like you've never heard them before!"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.c64files.com/",
            "name": "c64files.com :: the ultimate C64 portal!",
            "description": "Are you a sportgaming fan? Then this site is definitely for you! Over 1000 sportgames available for download. Lots of manuals, reviews, covers, adverts, screenshots, hints&amp;tips, world records + a lot more!"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://folkvagn.commodore64.org",
            "name": "Commodore 64 -",
            "description": "Awesome website ! Presents all the weird systems imagined by Commodore."
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.c64endings.co.uk/",
            "name": "Commodore 64 Game Endings",
            "description": "Binaries for 8 bit Commodore computers"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.staggs.pair.com/c64/",
            "name": "Commodore 64 Nostalgia",
            "description": "Emulators of C64, C128, PET and VIC 20"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.commodorescene.org.uk/",
            "name": "Commodore Scene Magazine and Importing Service",
            "description": "Discussion about Commodore micros"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.devili.iki.fi/Computers/Commodore/",
            "name": "Commodore Service Manuals",
            "description": "This is a bulletin board run on a Commodore 64!"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://home.comcast.net/~c64proglib",
            "name": "Commodore-64 Programmer's Library"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.hut.fi/~msmakela/cbm/netresources.html",
            "name": "Commodore-related Net Resources"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://speccy.altervista.org/",
            "name": "Good Old Games"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.ozemail.com.au/~gvincent/",
            "name": "Greg and David's C64 Web page"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.talent.demon.co.uk/64/",
            "name": "HV C64 CD's - The ultimate CD set full of software for the C64"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.lemon64.com/",
            "name": "LEMON 64"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.mayhem64.co.uk/main.htm",
            "name": "Mayhem64"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://remix.kwed.org",
            "name": "Remixes of music from C-64 games"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://s64.emuunlim.com/",
            "name": "Stadium 64"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.hut.fi/~msmakela/cbm/",
            "name": "The Commodore 8-bit WWW server"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/",
            "name": "The Secrets Weapons of Commodore"
        },
        {
            "url": "http://sta.c64.org/sc.html",
            "name": "The Star Commander homepage"
        },
        {
            "url": "news:comp.binaries.cbm",
            "name": "comp.binaries.cbm"
        },
        {
            "url": "news:comp.binaries.cbm",
            "name": "comp.emulators.cbm"
        },
        {
            "url": "news:comp.sys.cbm",
            "name": "comp.sys.cbm"
        },
        {
            "url": "TELNET://RENAISSANCECITYBBS.DYNDNS.TV:23",
            "name": "Renaissance City BBS"
        }
    ]
}