New machines at Commodore show

COMMODORE launched its two new computers, the 16 and the Plus/4, formerly the 264, at the Fifth International Commodore Show in London last week, following their introduction to the American market at CES (see PCW June 7-13).

The Commodore 16 is designed for the first time user and will be sold in a starter pack consisting of the computer, cassette unit. Introduction to Basic part I and four programs, for £129.99.

The machine offers 16K Ram, with 12K Ram left to the user for Basic programming, 32K Rom, a full stroke keyboard, and a choice of 121 colours. It runs Basic 3.5 with over 75 commands. The keyboard also features a Help key, which will highlight errors made in program lines.

The price and specification of the 16 suggest that Commodore may well intend it to be a successor to the Vic 20, but Gail Wellington, Commodore’s software manager said, “As long as the Vic keeps selling, we’ll carry on providing them.”

The Plus/4 is designed as a machine to appeal to both home and small business users, and has been renamed to highlight the four integral software packages contained in the Rom, according to Commodore.

The four comprise a world processor, spreadsheet. database and business graphics pack, all accessed by use of the function keys.

The machine has 64K Ram (60K free to the user), 32K Rom. full-stroke keyboard. four separate cursor keys, and, like the 16, runs Basic 3.5, and also has a Help key.

It also has a window facility whereby two of the built-in software packages can be viewed at the same time.

The Plus/4 will cost £249.00. Software for the two new machines will be upwardly compatible, but not compatible with the 64 or Vic 20.

Commodore also announced a new range of peripherals for the 16 and Plus/4 — the MSC 801 dot matrix printer, which prints at 38 characters per second in up to seven colours at £399.99, the MPS 802 dot matrix printer ()cps) at £345.00, and the DPS 1101 daisy wheel printer at £399.99. These three are all compatible with the Vic 20 and 64.

A 1542 disc drive will replace the 1541 at the same price — £229.00 — and a new cassette unit, the 1531, designed for the 16 and Plus/4 only. at £44.95.

Both the new machines and all the new peripherals are planned to be available in September.