COMMODORE SX-64 – DE DRAAGBARE DROOM VAN 1983
Some computers have been on my wish list for years. The Commodore SX-64 is a perfect example of that.
This remarkable system doesn't show up very often on the usual online marketplaces, and when it does, the asking prices are usually quite steep.
When this particular machine appeared at a reasonable price, I decided to place a bid.
To be honest, I expected the price to shoot up at the last moment and that I would simply let it go. Apparently another bidder had different plans, because to my surprise I ended up becoming the new owner.
So the very next day, right after work, I jumped into the car and drove off to pick up this unique machine.
And unique it certainly is. The SX-64 was Commodore's attempt to create a "portable" Commodore 64. Portable by 1983 standards, at least, because carrying more than 10 kilograms under your arm would hardly qualify as a laptop today. 
This particular example is in exceptionally nice condition. Apart from a small crack in the front of the case, which is barely visible, it has survived the last four decades remarkably well.
I also repaired a loose cable connector inside the machine, securing it properly before putting the system through a thorough test 
Fortunately, everything turned out to be working exactly as it should.
While testing the machine, I noticed something else.
The startup screen doesn't use the familiar light-blue Commodore 64 color that most of us know so well. After doing a bit of research, I discovered that this wasn't a fault at all, but a deliberate design choice by Commodore. Because of the relatively small built-in 5-inch monitor, they selected a different color scheme to improve readability.
This SX-64 was manufactured in December 1983 in Japan and makes a wonderful addition to my collection.
It remains fascinating to see a machine that was designed more than forty years ago as the ultimate portable computer. And honestly… it still looks impressive today. 
Specifications of this machineModel: Commodore SX-64 Executive ComputerProduction Date: December 1983Serial Number: GA4005615Country of Manufacture: Japan
COMMODORE PET 2001
Back in December 2024, which is already quite some time ago now, as we're well into June 2026, I came across a listing on Marktplaats for a Commodore PET 2001. What made this one particularly interesting was that it was being sold by the Home Computer Museum in Helmond.
The museum regularly sells duplicate systems from its collection. It's a great way to raise funds and help keep the museum running with the support of its dedicated volunteers.
The PET was listed as being in working condition and offered at a reasonable price. After a bit of bidding, waiting, and hoping for the best, I was lucky enough to win it.
The next challenge was, of course, picking up this more than 45-year-old computer. I took the opportunity to visit the Home Computer Museum at the same time, which made the trip more than worthwhile.
If you're curious, be sure to check out my YouTube Short about the visit.
The listing mentioned that the keys needed to be pressed a little more firmly. Looking back, that description may have been slightly optimistic.
In reality, most of the keys didn't work at all. Fortunately, after a thorough cleaning session and some patient restoration work, the keyboard came back to life beautifully. Today, the PET 2001 responds perfectly and proudly sits among the other computers in my collection.
COMMODORE VIC-1020 EXPENSION CASE
The Commodore VIC-1020 is a rare and intriguing piece of early 1980s Commodore hardware history.
It's a metal expansion chassis designed specifically for the VIC-20, and its main job was to extend the single cartridge slot into five usable expansion slots.
Housed in a sturdy beige metal case that matches the VIC-20's aesthetic, the VIC-1020 not only gave users room for multiple cartridges, like RAM expansions, games, or peripherals, but also featured pass-through power and a clean front-panel design with tidy internal cable routing.
It was especially useful for developers and serious users who needed more flexibility, and it made the VIC-20 feel a bit more like a professional machine.
Though rarely seen today, especially outside Europe and Japan, the VIC-1020 stands as a testament to how Commodore tried to push the VIC-20 beyond its "home computer" label.
For me as a collector, it's a true gem.
COMMODORE PLUS-4
he Commodore Plus/4… a bit of an oddball in the Commodore family, but definitely one with character!
This computer was released in 1984 and was actually intended as the successor to the successful VIC-20 and C64. But instead of building on the C64's popularity,
Commodore decided to go in a completely different direction.
What makes the Plus/4 unique is that it came with four built-in programs: a word processor, spreadsheet, database, and graphics package, hence the name "Plus/4"!
This machine was clearly aimed at business users. Commodore wanted to offer an entry-level computer for office environments.
Under the hood, it runs on the TED chip (instead of the well-known VIC-II and SID chips from the C64), handling both video and sound.
And to be honest: the graphics capabilities are quite decent, but the sound is… well, let's just say "modest."
No booming SID audio here, but you do get clean, colorful visuals.
Unfortunately, the concept didn't really catch on. The Plus/4 wasn't compatible with the C64, which of course was a big drawback for anyone who already owned software or peripherals.
Still, today it's a fun and interesting collector's item.
And s, I finally got one for my own collection too, complete with the original power supply and datasette!
COMMODORE VIC 20 - COLLECTION
Over the past few years I have collected several parts for a Commodore VIC-20. Of course the computer, but also special things such as an expansion board for the cartridges.
As you can see, there is quite a bit of color difference. So it's definitely time for a retro-bright action. For that I have to wait until the sun shines again. Of course I will take new pictures.
The VIC-1010 is an optional expansion to the VIC-20 manufactured by Commodore.
It plugs into the back of VIC-20's expansion port, providing six more ports along the top.
The expension module is quite a rare and special device that I did not known to exist before I found one this is an item the makes the set quite complete.
COMMODORE 128
I now also have the Commodore 128 in my collection. This is the successor of the Commodore 64. According to Wikipedia the Commodore 128 has also broken sales records, but not on the scale that the Commodore 64 has managed to achieve.
Besides this version I also have the other version of it. The Commodore 128 D, which consisted of a desktop-like cabinet containing a disk drive (hence the addition D) and a separate keyboard. See my other pictures. The one I have now in my collection needs some care. I think I will Retro bright this one later this year.
AMIGA 500
If there is one computer that truly felt like a glimpse into the future, it has to be the Commodore Amiga 500.
When it arrived in the late 1980s, it felt as though we had suddenly jumped years ahead of the 8-bit world we had grown up with.
The Commodore 64 had already impressed us with colorful graphics and amazing sound, but the Amiga took everything to a completely different level.
Suddenly there were thousands of colors, smooth animations, multitasking, and audio that sounded more like a professional studio than a home computer.
It was hard to believe all of this was coming from a machine sitting on an ordinary desk.
ZX-81 SINCLAIR
The Sinclair ZX81 is one of those computers that reminds you just how far technology has come. When Sinclair released it in 1981, it offered an affordable way for ordinary people to step into the world of home computing.
Looking at it today, with its flat membrane keyboard and very modest specifications, it may seem incredibly simple.
But back then, this little machine opened the door to programming, gaming, and discovering what computers could do.
With only 1 KB of memory available, creativity wasn't optional, it was essential!
COMMODORE C16
A Computer that I also owned in my youth is the Commodore C16. Like a number of other computers, this is a repurchase after I had previously dumped it to the recycling center over time (how could I…).
WEB-IT
This computer was designed and build by Web Computers International. The Commodore brand was licensed to them by ESCOM. It is actually a small windows 3.11 installed PC.
Built in flash-drive, modem, TV-out, VGA-out, touch-pad with optional pointer. The software was Windows based including a Lotus office suite, Netscape, and a C64 Emulator.
PHILIPS P2000T
A while ago I came into possession of a Philips 2000T computer by chance.
Because it is a Dutch brand, I could not resist the temptation to add it to my collection.
I could not find a suitable cable so I ended up making one myself to connect the computer to my monitor.
finally I could test the computer and yes, after all those years I worked perfectly.
LASER 310
A odd computer in my collection is this Laser 310 computer.
After a seach with Google for the right power adapter I found a 9 volt adaptor that is normally used for the Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES) which is a good replacement of the original adaptor for the Laser 310.
So I could now connect it and see how it actually boots. The standard startup screen is Basic V2.0 so simular to the commodore 64 basic.
COMMODORE 64C
In addition to the breadbox model, there was also a more modern version of the Commodore. The 64C.
COMMODORE VIC20
nother computer in my collection is the commodore VIC20, this one I got from a former colleague several years ago.
It is one of the early models with the two pins power supply and the original keyboard font as used on the predecessor the Pet computer.
Over time somehow, I lost the original power supply so needed to look for an alternative.
Browsing on eBay I was able to find and buy a replacement one to make the computer operational again.
It was good to see that after out of use for many many many years it was now back to live again.
Having no software for it at that moment I also started my search on the internet for some game cartridges games to make it complete and thereby extending my collection again.
COMMODORE 128D
Today was a sunny day and I was enjoying a beautiful summer moment in my back-garden with a nice cup of coffee and browsing on the internet.
There I stumbled on an adverb for a Commodore 128D. It was not stored under the best conditions but according to the seller in good working condition.
I took this computer apart and did a good cleaning and retro bright as it was really very very dirty and yellowed. But the fist clean-up looks promising, and I did some further test with the machine, and it is indeed in good working condition and a great addition to my Commodore retro collection.
COMMODORE 64
As many I my interest in computers and programming started when I was a teanager.
In 1984 I bought my first computer, a commodore 64, I know the exact date as I still own it. On the back of the computer still a label of the shop is on the back of it.
At that time in the Netherlands Game-World was a well known electronic store where it all happened.
In 2021 I refound the interest in this retro computer when I was cleaning up
I connected my old computer to see if it was still working. For a few moments it was..
However doing this I learned the hard way It is not the best thing to do.. Thas is connecting an old power supply that was laying around for more than 30 years.. It fried my Commodore.. So this one became my first restoration project.
Thanks to google and al lot of retro fans that share their experience on the internet I was able to find new replacement parts and fix my computer. I did not clean or retrobright this one as I want to keep it as I remembered. So see the image here the one and only original i.e. for me.
I remember the many hours fun day's and night's me programming on this machine.
