Commodore 900

The Commodore 900 (also known as the C900, Z-8000, and Z-Machine)[2][3] was a prototype microcomputer originally intended for business computing and, later, as an affordable UNIX workstation.[4][5][6] It was to replace the aging PET/CBM families of personal computers that had found success in Europe as business machines. The project was initiated in 1983 by Commodore systems engineers Frank Hughes, Robert Russell, and Shiraz Shivji.[7] Manufacturing was to commence in 1985 at Commodore International's West Germany plant,[8][9] but only fifty prototypes were made and sold as development systems before the project was cancelled.

Commodore 900
Also known asC900, Z-8000, Z-Machine
DeveloperCommodore
ManufacturerCommodore
TypeDesktop
Units shippedFifty prototypes built
Media1.2 MB 5.25" floppy disks[1]
Operating systemCoherent
CPUZilog Z8001 @ 10 MHz[1]
Memory512 KiB RAM[1]
Storage20 MB hard drive[1]
Display1024×800
GraphicsMOS Technology 8563
SoundNone
PredecessorCommodore PET

The C900 was a 16-bit computer based on the segmented version of the Zilog Z8000 CPU.[10][4] It ran Coherent, a UNIX-like operating system.[11][4] Two versions of the machine were developed: a workstation with 1024×800 pixels graphics powered by a MOS Technology 8563 VDC, and a server with text-only display.[12][11][4]

The C900's case is similar to the Amiga 2000's but slightly larger.

References
  1. LeBold, Diane (September 1985). "Commodore Announces Unix®-Compatible Business System". Commodore Microcomputers. Vol. 6, no. 37. Contemporary Marketing, Inc. p. 10. ISBN 0-88731-047-8. ISSN 0744-8724. Retrieved 2020-10-16.
  2. "Commodore 900: The Unix-like workstation/server that was eclipsed by Amiga – VintageComputer.ca". Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  3. Frank Hughes (1985-03-01). Commodore c900 Hardware Spec.
  4. "Commodore Info Page - Brochures: Commodore 900 [en]". www.commodore-info.com. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  5. Mini-micro Systems. Cahners Publishing Company. 1985.
  6. Predicasts Technology Update. Predicasts. 1985.
  7. Bagnall, Brian (2006). On the Edge: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Commodore, Variant Press. Page 434. ISBN 0-9738649-0-7
  8. Commodore high-performance micros out: Unix-compatible C900 based on Zilog CPU, Computerworld, 6 May 1985, page 57
  9. Enterprise, I. D. G. (1985-05-06). Computerworld. IDG Enterprise. p. 57.
  10. "Commodore 900 Computer : This is Z Page". www.zimmers.net. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  11. "Commodore 900 Computer : This is Z Page". www.zimmers.net. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  12. "Secret Weapons of Commodore: The CBM 900". www.floodgap.com. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
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