The Commodore Personal Electronic Transactor (PET) was a groundbreaking series of personal computers produced by Commodore between 1977 and 1982. Along with the Apple II and TRS-80, the PET was part of the second generation of personal computers that targeted home users, changing the face of personal computing.
The PET was powered by the 6502 processor from MOS Technology with an initial memory of 4 kilobytes and was priced at $495.00. Its next-generation computers included the Commodore VIC-20, an 8-bit computer with 5 kilobytes of memory, launched in 1980, and the famed Commodore 64, introduced in 1982, boasting 64 kilobytes of memory, and was the most popular computer from Commodore.
The Commodore PET came to life in the midst of a tumultuous period of the pocket calculator market in the 1970s. Commodore separated itself from the competition by seeking a more affordable CPU from MOS Technology, which eventually led to the creation of the PET series.
FAQ
What is the Commodore PET?
The Commodore PET is a series of personal computers manufactured by Commodore between 1977 and 1982.
When was the Commodore 64 released?
The Commodore 64 was launched in January 1982 as an 8-bit computer with 64 kilobytes of memory.
What processor did the Commodore PET use?
The PET was based on the 6502 processor from MOS Technology.
Conclusion
The Commodore PET was an iconic series of personal computers that sparked the evolution of home computing. With a rich history of innovation and affordability, the PET series left a lasting legacy that can still be seen today.