Definition: Commodore

One of the first personal computer companies. In 1977, Commodore Business Machines, West Chester, PA, introduced the PET computer and launched the personal computer industry along with Apple and Radio Shack. In 1982, it introduced the Commodore 64 (64K RAM) and later the Commodore 128. These were popular home computers, and more than 10 million were sold.

In 1985, Commodore's new Amiga series offered advanced imaging and video capabilities at affordable prices. A line of IBM-compatible PCs was also introduced, but the Amiga line was Commodore's mainstay until 1994, when the company filed for bankruptcy. See Amiga and Commodore 64.

The Commodore PET

The $595 PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) contained its own tape cassette (on the left) and a whopping 4K of RAM. (Image courtesy of Steven Stengel.)

Amiga and Video Toaster Software

The Amiga and Video Toaster were touted as the most affordable broadcast-quality video editing system on the market. Digital effects were created in the Amiga and converted to the analog tape decks in real time. (Image courtesy of NewTek, Inc.)