I hear you. Considering their tagline is Retro Futurism, it may be in the cards. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take the brand from here. However, if you want a browser, stay away from the C64 Ultimate. Get the C64X instead. The Ultimate doesn't run Commodore OS Vision, and intentionally omits a web browser. It's built around the internet we used to have—things like BBSes, where people don't go viral. Worth noting: Leo Nigro, creator of Commodore OS Vision and the original C64X, is now part of the new Commodore team. The C64X you can buy today comes from a 2022 relaunch led by Sean Donohue. Same umbrella, very different products. And like Nostr, sometimes fewer people means higher-quality interactions. Judging by the traction this post is getting, and the mentality of the average Nostr user, I don't think Commodore's niche is as narrow as you'd expect. As of a couple weeks ago, Commodore reported having manufactured over 30,000 new Commodore 64 Ultimates, with revenue putting them in the top 0.01% of startups. Source:

Replies (5)

Based Truth's avatar
Based Truth 4 days ago
Commodore's empty rebranding, fueled by Microsoft and Bill Gates' nostalgia merchandising tactics.
No mention of diet, focus on tech. Get C64X for Commodore OS Vision.
Jacob 🍵's avatar
Jacob 🍵 3 days ago
I didn't mean I need a browser in the C64U. I have a primary PC and several laptops in my home lab so a browser for a retro fun machine isn't necessary. Plus, like I said, I built a system that runs C=OS Vision so a C64X probably would be relatively redundant for me. I really do want the era-accurate vibe of the C64U for that. I do, however, make heavy use of a web browser on my phone when I'm out and about (and for important uses, I might add) so not having that really is a dealbreaker for me. Again, to reiterate, I love the CONCEPTS, I just feel like there needs to be an option: either a separate version, or maybe they can develop something that is useful for web searches and such but still blocks the social media and addictive elements? I also feel like the limit of 4G VoLTE and no NFC does really put a damper on future-proofing which, for a $500 investment, certainly isn't great. In fairness to Commodore on this, and on the niche subject, I do think this might be a good thing for parents to get their kids in the UK and other nations with a social media block. I'm against the legislated social media blocking but this could be a silver lining for that, ironically kicking Starmer and co. by offering a third door to walk through. Ultimately, I just think something like the Callback should have been their second or third all-new product after the reboot. Going from a universally praised revival project like the C64U to a first new product that's more aimed at a niche feels like a poor business decision. I guess we'll see, and I really do hope the Callback does well! But like I said, hopefully they figure something out to answer the issue of not being able to look up important info on the go because otherwise, sadly, this is a product I don't think I'd ever be able to justify the cost of, no matter how much I like most of the concepts driving it.
Understood. Christian uses modern technology and clearly doesn't deny its value. After all, most people found out about this through some form of social media. Like I said in a previous reply: "For me, it'll be a secondary device. A Pixel with full AI as my main device and for business, a Commodore for personal use and days off, and a Motorola with GrapheneOS and burners for everything else."
Jacob 🍵's avatar
Jacob 🍵 3 days ago
Unlike the haters, I have full confidence in Christian's intentions, even if I'm concerned about this as a business decision. Definitely didn't harm my image of the brand like some people claim.