Commodore PET

The Commodore PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) was one of the earliest personal computers on the market, released by Commodore Business Machines in 1977. It played a significant role in the early days of the personal computing revolution. Here's an overview of its history:

1. Development and Release: The Commodore PET was developed by Chuck Peddle, who had previously worked on the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor. The PET was designed to be an all-in-one personal computer, featuring a built-in keyboard, monitor, and cassette tape drive for data storage. It was officially unveiled at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 1977 and began shipping later that year.

2. Hardware: The original Commodore PET, known as the PET 2001, featured a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor running at 1 MHz, 4 kilobytes of RAM (expandable to 32 kilobytes), and a built-in 9-inch monochrome monitor with a resolution of 40x25 characters. It also included a full-size keyboard and a cassette tape drive for loading and saving programs. Later models of the PET introduced improvements such as larger memory capacities, better graphics capabilities, and floppy disk drives for storage.

3. Software: The Commodore PET was primarily used in educational and business settings, where it was used for tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, and programming. It came with built-in software such as BASIC programming language interpreters and productivity applications. Additionally, a wide range of third-party software was developed for the PET, including games, educational software, and utilities.

4. Success and Impact: The Commodore PET was one of the first personal computers to achieve widespread commercial success, particularly in the educational market. Its all-in-one design, built-in software, and relatively affordable price made it an attractive option for schools and businesses. The PET also helped establish Commodore as a major player in the personal computer industry, laying the foundation for future successes such as the Commodore 64.

5. Legacy: Although later models of the Commodore PET were eventually overshadowed by more advanced personal computers such as the Apple II and the IBM PC, its legacy lives on as one of the pioneering computers of the late 1970s. It played a crucial role in popularizing personal computing and making computers more accessible to a wider audience. Today, the Commodore PET is remembered fondly by retro computing enthusiasts, who continue to preserve and celebrate its legacy.