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Which one to keep? C64/C128D

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Nicolas 2000

Experienced Member
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Apr 23, 2022
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Belgium
I have two breadbox C64 and a C128D (metal case). I haven't tested them yet, but let's assume all of them work (fingers crossed). I only want to keep one. I have Datasette for the C64, but no floppy drive. The C128D has a built-in floppy drive.

Both are compatible with MSSIAH and my other main interest would be gaming.

Does the C64 offer anything the C128D can't do apart from the -irrelevant to me- Datasette? The only thing I can think of is that its older SID chip sounds different (I slightly prefer it) than the C128D's newer one.

Is the C128D in C64 mode identical to a C64?

The C128D has an internal power supply. Is there any good aftermarket replacement for that one? Or is the original a good, safe design? I still have nightmares of old sloped supplies killing my old C64's and its precious SID back in the day.

With my current knowledge I could keep the C128D and sell both C64. But, I could likely sell the C128D for a lot more than a C64...
 
Does the C128D lack the Datassette port? That would be a negative to me. It's nice to be able to read cassettes I run into in the wild...

To answer your questions otherwise, there are a few very exotic pieces of Commodore 64 hardware that may not work well with the C128 or C128D, but they are very rare indeed. The primary one is the C64's CP/M cartridge which is obviated by the C128's much better native CP/M mode and native Z80A processor.

I think the C128 series is the best 8-bit computer ever made. The native C128 mode, though poorly supported, is excellent. The C64 compatibility is nearly perfect. And, while it's not the best CP/M machine out there, it does serve as a half-decent CP/M machine.

My two cents, anyway.
 
Does the C128D lack the Datassette port? That would be a negative to me. It's nice to be able to read cassettes I run into in the wild...
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Good news: I just discovered its Datassette port on the side. So that's one less reason to keep a breadbox.
 
I also much prefer the 128D to the 64. I like the built-in disk drive, 64 compatibility is excellent, I can run CP/M programs now and then, and the detachable keyboard is very convenient. I imagine there are units with duff PSUs, but mine's run like a champ for (now literally) decades.

You'd get more for the 128D if you sold it, but really, that's because it's just a better Commodore 8-bit machine. Heck, I'd rather use a regular flat 128 than a 64, if for no other reason than 128 mode and the built-in reset.
 
I also understand that the internal C128D power supply fails safe when it does? Or is there also the risk of frying the whole deal?
 
The 128D is garbage compared to a 64 now sell it to me cheap! (just kidding)

128D runs fine as a 64. I'd keep it hands down over a C64 if I had to pick only 1.
 
That's the way forward for me too. I've got both C64's on sale at the moment. If "buyers" would be a bit more serious, they would be gone already. The C128D is staying right here.
 
I obtained a C128Dcr with keyboard about the same time as I obtained a box full of C64's and power bricks. Once I saw that the 128 had a Z80 for CP/m the others were sold or traded.
 
I prefer a 128D over a 128DCR but if I really had to make the choice between a 128 DCR and a C64, I would go for the 128DCR.
 
And if you have like me a metal case version called "128D" instead of "128DCR", where does that leave us? :)

The first of two C64's is likely sold. That's good, that gives me funds to buy more fun stuff at Gotek. I might end up giving the Amiga, C128D and Atari ST some modern media options. For the C128D, I might go the easy route: these days, there are easy, cheapish and properly working SD card solutions using the cassette interface.
 
Nicolas 2000 said:
And if you have like me a metal case version called "128D" instead of "128DCR", where does that leave us?
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The CR stands for "Cost Reduced". Here in Europe it was called so to because it is in fact a 128D with an on board 1571. But it is a simplified 1571, some registers of the 6526 are missing, IIRC?

I prefer the 128D for two reasons: 1) if needed, with a bit of soldering (keyboard connector), the board can be replaced by a board of a common 128 and 2) they are different but if really needed the 1571 board can be replaced with the one of a 1571 drive.

And I hadn't any idea that the 128D, the plastic one, wasn't sold in the US. Living in NL I often run into German 128(D)s. The advantage of these ones: 1) I can switch between the US character set and the German one. 2) I can replace the German one with another set.
 
OK, I assumed they'd have "DCR" on the serial tag at the back, apparently not.

In any case, both C64 are -hopefully- sold now so the 128D(CR) is the 8 bit Commodore wonder that stays in the collection.
 
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