1. Not old. Vintage. :)

Commodore 64 That Launched 42 Years Ago Is Still Being Used

Discussion in 'SIG: 8-Bit News and Development' started by Timothy Kline, Dec 20, 2024.

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  1. by Timothy Kline
    Timothy Kline

    Timothy Kline Administrator Staff Member

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    https://wccftech.com/commodore-64-being-used-in-a-doughnut-shop-42-years-after-its-launch/

    From article:

    The myth that older hardware lasts longer because companies were focused on making their products durable at the time can be applied to the latest discovery. Even after being 42 years old, a couple of Commodore 64 computers are still being used in a fully operational bakery shop located in Indiana. Some companies are often lambasted for not transitioning to the latest technology, but using older hardware as cash registers has not created problems for a local business either.

    As reported by Techspot, a person called Tony Lyon has posted evidence on X that the Commodore 64 is still being used, albeit in a more rudimentary capacity. Photos posted on the micro-blogging social network show that a Hilligross Bakery located in Brownsburg, Indiana, is operating two of these units as cash registers. It might appear strange that machines that are more than four decades old are still in use, but we doubt that punching in a few doughnut orders will require much processing resources.

    Readers should note that the images were taken in 2010 but re-surfaced on X, but the Commodore 64 units were visible in another photo that was taken in 2021. The use of generations-old equipment has not had a negative effect on the bakery’s customer service or operations, as the establishment has garnered a solid 4.7-star rating on Google Maps and a 4.4-star rating on Yelp. If one still wants to own a Commodore 64 for whatever reason, these are available at eBay for between $100 and even $1,250.

    When it first launched, the Commodore 64 was available for $595 and remains the highest-selling individual computer of all time, with sales estimated to be between 10 and 17 million units. The hardware specifications comprise of a 1MHz CPU and 64KB RAM, with the memory count likely inspiring its official name.

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  2. by Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine
    Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine

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    It's nice they are still being used, if they can do the work, then why not. There is however a 'a time and a place' regarding them. A little bakery using one, novel, sweet and probably won't be noticed much. But you use one in a Computer shop or high-end entertainment shop and if seen, you can be sure the customers would wonder about the values of the person running the shop.

    It sends a message asking why is the shopkeeper not keeping up with the times.

    I'd say that it's an item best used behind the scenes unless it's a shop where tech is not the focus.

    That's just the old manager in me.

    The fact they are still being used is brilliant, but considering the problems of a failure, I'd keep them for retro entertainment only. I'd certainly not use and have no instant back-up.

    Interesting article Tim, thanks for posting.

    You keep the old TV shop ticking over, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Xmas, I'm sure I say that from all of us on here, but lets share the old greetings folks, for one and all.

    Paul..
     
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  3. by Andy Barr
    Andy Barr

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    Here, here, Paul.
    A lot of sense there - and a very interesting post from Tim.
    Many thanks.
    All the best to you and yours, Tim.
    Always a pleasure, mate.
    Have a fantastic Christmas and all the best for the New Year, guys.
     
  4. by AlexDrito
    AlexDrito

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    And the "breadbin" C64s employed in the doughnut shop can also be used to keep the doughnuts warm while the clients wait for the bill... I also wonder where the bills are stored for administration purposes (a simple diskette in a .SEQ file?) - how can you interface a printer or accounting software?
     
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  5. by Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine
    Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine

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    If only picture one had been clearer, we could have seen the interface (if there is one). Seems there's two C64's, side by side but I don't see a drive or a cart in the back of either. If it's opening those till drawers below them, there must be an interface in the rear. I presume there's a Drive out of sight which could store the data and boot the software / drivers for the drawer interface. No printer in view either, maybe it just stores the data on the drive.

    Certainly a neat thing, but not very practical if the data is needed for tax purposes.

    You really need EPOS tills..(Electronic Point Of Sale if anyone is wondering)
     
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