THE 64 - Computer and Handheld Console

[darkborn]

New update from TheC64.
Before some starts weird comment regards absence of any slots at the back side. consider this:
"To be clear, anything and everything could change as the work continues, so please don’t assume anything just yet as we transition towards the final specification."

 

[pmprog]

New update from TheC64.
Before some starts weird comment regards absence of any slots at the back side. consider this:
"To be clear, anything and everything could change as the work continues, so please don’t assume anything just yet as we transition towards the final specification."

Wow, why is their case larger than the original breadbin? Especially as they have even less to put in it

 

[darkborn]

Wow, why is their case larger than the original breadbin? Especially as they have even less to put in it

Maybe because it is more ergonomic?
Maybe they plan more surprises to put in
It is not definite design, anyway afaik.

 

[rSl]

 

[darkborn]

Nothing new there, just a video showing the same. Although, gadgets with logo (cap and wallet) are cute.

 

[levi]

Non-functional prototype then? I guess we saw one of those when the Pyra keyboard mule went round the world, and look where we are now.

 

[darkborn]

Non-functional prototype then? I guess we saw one of those when the Pyra keyboard mule went round the world, and look where we are now.

Not comparable.
Pyra needs precise, miniature keyboard, lighten keycaps, bells and whistles that are not needed here.
TheC64 Mini already exists (and is selling very well).
They'll put same AllWinner SOC in there, maybe updated version of same board. Software (firmware) will be updated for sure, now it depends would they unlock "features for advanced users" at GUI.
There are those few hardware parts that should differ: keyboard, USB hub, maybe SD card slot or port (+adapter) for old cartridges. But those are just dumb hw add-ons mostly, and there is a plenty of space to put inside whatever they need/want.
[doublepost=1550496734,1550496397][/doublepost]And new update (18th February):
They are doing it for real.

With the recent release of photographs and video of the prototype of the full-sized THEC64, it seems there has been a rumour going around that this is a 'fake', constructed using original C64 parts.

While we are flattered that our recreation is so close to the original that some might think this, I'm afraid the similarity is only skin deep.

As you can see in these photos, our new key designs retain the outward appearance of the original keycaps, while also taking advantage of 30 years’ worth of development in keyboard technology.

 

[ClockworkCoder]

I'm not sure what quite warrants the "30 year's worth of advancement in keyboard technology" based on superficial appearances... the keycaps look a bit cheap and flimsy to my eyes.

 

[darkborn]

I'm not sure what quite warrants the "30 year's worth of advancement in keyboard technology" based on superficial appearances... the keycaps look a bit cheap and flimsy to my eyes.

I had to borrow this, from fb thread on the same subject:

 

[ClockworkCoder]

Thanks for the newsflash. I backed the full keyboard version back in 2016 and was at first looking forward to a December 2016 release announcement (that was their anticipated release date). Yes, I eventually got a Mini, but the keys on that are painted and flake off if you're not careful, so I'm naturally sceptical about it until they give us something final.

 

[levi]

I'll hold my breath until someone types on that thing. One of the keys rocked when he moved the unit over, suggesting it was just resting on a plastic part, and when he pressed that space bar I heard the flexing of plastic rather than a keyboard action, but maybe that's just me. I'll probably try to hold my tongue if they release more videos without actually using the keyboard, but for me, until I see someone typing on it, it's unproven.

 

[darkborn]

but the keys on that are painted and flake off if you're not careful

Now you make me laugh! I am using it all the time (not just me, thousands), never heard of that! Mind you, I am not gentle with that. But not a scratch there, nor peeling off. I just tried to scratch it off with my nail... ROFL
[doublepost=1550511164,1550511058][/doublepost]

I'll hold my breath until someone types on that thing.

Yeah because... it is rocket science and we're living in 19th century... hold on, you're talking about... keyboard?

 

[ClockworkCoder]

Happy to have entertained you @darkborn

It's not like I'm deliberately dissing them or anything. I was simply never particularly interested in the mini version (the joystick sucks too much for me to use it often), and haven't been overly impressed with anything other than they do continue to try.

I'm careful with my mini and doubt it will scratch the way I handle it. However I saw reviewers who have had problems with that.

 

[darkborn]

However I saw reviewers who have had problems with that.

I saw facts that dozens were paid to make false negative critics. Others are just parrots, repeating false claims. Like you.
Btw I'm using my old Quickshot and wireless PS2 gamepad with Mini all the time. Still using Mini's joystick here and there. But it will sucks for you anyway, so what's the point of arguing. Just stick with your 30+ old hw. Scr*w HDMI, Carousel and XXI Century.

 

[ClockworkCoder]

I fail to understand your negative tone @darkborn or even what your point is. Defending in something you believe in is good. To a point. Without criticism however, there would also be little impetus to improve.

I like the C64 mini, but just don't love it as much as I'd hoped, and am leaning more towards the Ultimate64 or some other FPGA alternative. The mini is more of a toy/novelty to me.

By the way, I'm slightly curious why anyone would pay to have negative reviews made. Do you have any links or info on that? Generally, as you say, the reviews have been positive. Even the one I mentioned where they had a damaged keyboard.

 

[darkborn]

I fail to understand your negative tone @darkborn or even what your point is. Defending in something you believe in is good. To a point. Without criticism however, there would also be little impetus to improve.

I dont mind for criticism, it is needed for sure. If it is not false. For example, Mini's joystick is of bad quality, some of them have serious issue: stick easily break. Or: multiple-disk games are pita to set it up.
But: those rumours like colour peeling off, enormous delay of joystick (sound...) and such are just not true, those are made of malicious intentions.

I like the C64 mini, but just don't love it as much as I'd hoped, and am leaning more towards the Ultimate64 or some other FPGA alternative. The mini is more of a toy/novelty to me.

C64 is toy for a decades, in 90+% user cases. What do you expect of 40y old gaming machine? I, for example, want to plug it at modern HDMI HD TV display, to save my gaming session in 2 clicks, to choose game instantly from menu or USB stick, regardless is it .crt, .d82 or custom made Vice snapshot. I want to playing with from my sofa, using wireless gamepad or keyboard.
Beside, I am using it for casual programming, it is much easier then using old hardware (I have couple of them).
With all respect to my breadbin, I will not spare hundreds of bucks for Ultimate64 etc to have Frankenstein cyborg-mummy on steroids.

By the way, I'm slightly curious why anyone would pay to have negative reviews made. Do you have any links or info on that? Generally, as you say, the reviews have been positive. Even the one I mentioned where they had a damaged keyboard.

It is old story that you probably missed.
Long story short, people were paid to spread FUD against TheC64, in attempt to ruin project, possibly to take it over.
£1000/month is serious money. We are talking about stolen half million quids from Vega+ "project".
Of course, everybody involved is washing his/her dirty hands now, but leaked emails and bank statements proved at least part of it.
Here, few links, something for your enlightenment and amusement (make your popcorn and enjoy):
http://retro-computers.co.uk/where-are-they-now/chris-merriman/
http://retro-computers.co.uk/levy-leaks/alexandra-billington/
http://retro-computers.co.uk/levy-leaks/tanya-adele-cook/
http://retro-computers.co.uk/lee-spills-the-beans/
http://retro-computers.co.uk/david-levy-admits-he-has-no-rights-to-the-c64-project/

 

[ClockworkCoder]

. What do you expect of 40y old gaming machine? I, for example, want to plug it at modern HDMI HD TV display

I never had a C64 when I was young, but cut my teeth programming on the Acorn Electron. Part of me would like to play some of the games I missed, but a bigger part would like to play around with assembler on it and see what I can make with it (as such it would be more of a tool for me, albeit with an added dash of nostalgia). Modern computers are fantastic, but sometimes it's also good to go back to basics.

 

[crazyhorse]

Just got a mini with a new release competition pro joystick.Really enjoying it.Works great with a usb keyboard and now you can add your own games easily.

The full sized version is close to release as well.

 

[levi]

I should post these before the 12th day of christmas, but now I've waited until the official offer the slightly spamtastic sponsor of that channel is running has run out, I feel a bit more comfortable posting them.



Seems my skepticism about the keyboard above was largely misplaced, which is nice. There is a benefit of these over emulation just by having a genuine keyboard layout without having to open the on screen keyboard so often.

 

[ClockworkCoder]

Seems my skepticism about the keyboard above was largely misplaced, which is nice. There is a benefit of these over emulation just by having a genuine keyboard layout without having to open the on screen keyboard so often.

Indeed, it's a surprisingly fun device to own. I'll be interested in the types of mods that come out for it...