| Launched By | Commodore |
| Type | 8-bit Microcomputer |
| Launch | January 1977 |
| Discontinued | 1987 |
Commodore were a company previously known for their calculators, and had acquired chip company, MOS in 1976 to ensure they had a steady supply of integrated circuits for them. MOS's Chuck Peddle became Commodore's chief engineer and persuaded Commodore head, Jack Tramiel to enter into the microcomputer market, and the PET was born.
The Commodore PET was part of what BYTE Magazine dubbed the "1977 Trinity", alongside the Apple II and Tandy's TRS-80.
Latest PET posts
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Popular PET games
Air Attack
1979
Android Nim
1979
PET Emulation
Emulating the PET can be done using the VICE emulator, which is available on many platforms and as well as the PET, will also emulate all of Commodore's 8-bit machines. One thing to be aware of when emulating the PET is that all the numbers were in the numeric keypad (there wasn't a separate row on the top of the main keyboard), so if you find that numbers aren't working, try the numeric keypad. (If you have one... )
| System | Emulator | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows / Mac OS / Linux | MAME/MESS | Preliminary Support. Setname: pet |
| Windows / MacOS / Linux / more | VICE | Also emulates VIC-20, C64, Plus/4 and C128 |
Emulator information last updated 1st April 2020
PET Tech Specs and further details
| Name | PET |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Processor | MOS 6502 |
| Developed by | Chuck Peddle, John Feagans, Bill Seiler |
| Memory | 4K, 8K, 16K, 32K, 96K RAM depending on model |
| Display Output | Built-in monitor |
| Display Size (characters) | 40x25 (lo-res), 80x25 (hi-res) |
| Colours | Monochrome |
| Audio | Beeper |
| Storage | Cassette, 8" Floppy Disk, 5.25" Floppy Disk |
| Input | Built-in Keyboard |
| Cost | $795 at launch |
| Additional Names | Known as CBM in some parts of Europe due to Philips having a trademark on the name PET |
| Models | PET 2001, PET 4000, SuperPET 9000 |
| Dedicated Publications | Commodore PET Users Club Newsletter, PET Gazette, The PET Paper |