Commodore International Ltd. Launches New Campaign Targeting First-Time Computer Purchasers with a New Hardware-Software System

CHICAGO -- June 1, 1986 -- PRN-Mediawire -- Commodore International Ltd. (NYSE: CBU), which has the largest installed base of microcomputers in the world, is targeting first-time computer purchasers with a new hardware/software system that answers the neophyte's most-asked questions: "What will it do for me?" and "Why isn't it easy to use?"

At the heart of the new system is the sleekly designed Commodore 64C computer, a restyled version of the reliable C64 workhorse that has sold almost 6 million units -- more than any other microcomputer. Redefining and expanding the capabilities of this venerable low-priced computer is a new graphics-based operating system and applications that finally free the novice user from learning technical jargon and programming commands. Graphics Environment Operating System (GEOS) represents the first time a personal computer available for less than $250 offers the easy-to-use "point and click" icon interface found on today's most advanced machines. A program disk containing the new operating system and applications is included with every 64C and can be purchased separately for $59.95 by current Commodore 64 owners.

Recognizing that more and more computer users are turning to on-line services to increase the usefulness of their computers, Commodore also is including with the 64C software that permits users to access QuantumLink, a telecommunications network dedicated solely to the educational, recreational and productivity needs of Commodore computer households.

"By offering a hardware and software package that provides the capabilities of much more expensive systems but pricing it for the home market, we have redefined the family computer," said Nigel Shepherd, general manager, Commodore North America. "This is the computer solution for individuals and families who delayed purchasing a computer because they wondered about price, performance and ease of use.

"This is the risk-free computer that people have been asking for, based on a system that has proven itself in the worldwide marketplace. We have included only the most-requested features and applications, so customers need not fear they are paying extra for something they will never use. We have kept the price low so most families can afford to buy it and have extended our existing customer services to offer on-line support through Q-Link."

The key operational feature of the 64C is GEOS, which contains a user-friendly, mouse-driven graphic interface similar in appearance, function and general performance to those found on more expensive 68000 microprocessor-based machines. Inexperienced users immediately will feel comfortable using the pull-down menus and icon selection of programs.

The feature-laden GEOS program disk contains the most-requested productivity software used in home and office -- word processing. GEOS also includes a paint/design program and such popular desktop utilities as a calculator, address book, calendar and alarm clock. Rounding out the package is QuantumLink telecommunications software, which opens an electronic window to the world of information, education and recreation.

An added bonus for consumers is the inclusion of a highly regarded educational program developed by Minnesota Educational Computing Corp. There are plans to bundle other programs in the future to introduce 64C owners to the wide range of products available from today's leading software vendors.

The productivity programs on the GEOS disk answer the question, "What is a computer good for?" For instance, adults can use the easy-to-use geoWrite word processor to write reports and business letters while children can compose book reports for school.

Greeting cards, newsletters and even business presentations can be created by combining the design features of geoPaint and the text capabilities of geoWrite.

Adults and children also can use QuantumLink's telecommunications service for fun and information. Users can read the day's latest financial news from Reuters, the headlines and weather forecasts in the USA Today News Service or a digest of the latest soap-opera happening. Students can research term papers using Grolier's Academic American Encyclopedia while adults order stereos or computer peripherals from Compu-Store or Protecto Enterprises. Entire families can play trivia contests or compete against other on-line families throughout the United States and Canada in a variety of games, including "Habitat," a new color fantasy-world game developed exclusively for QuantumLink by Lucasfilm Ltd. Everyone can save money by previewing best-selling software or downloading public-domain programs.

The restyled 64C resembles the attractive, sloped design of the C128 computer. The new machine has all the key features of the popular C64, including the same 66-key keyboard layout with eight programmable function keys and a nine-octave, three-voice sound capability that, when used with available software, can duplicate a variety of musical instruments. The screen display includes a full-text editor, 16 colors for backgrounds, borders and characters and high-resolution graphics.

Designed to be completely compatible with the original Commodore 64 proprietary operating system, the 64C can use any of the thousands of software packages currently available for educational, recreational or productivity needs.

Commodore expects independent software developers to design and adapt hundreds of new programs for GEOS because it offers extensive system-level support for easy-to-use features such as icons, pull-down menus, dialogue boxes, etc., and because all computers in the existing installed C64 base can run GEOS.

"Because of the high cost of writing software, developers must be sure there is a large installed base of users available to buy their products before they will commit the vast sums necessary to fund a project," said Shepherd. "With the introduction of GEOS on the 64C and its compatibility with almost 6 million computers in people's homes today, software companies can feel comfortable that a huge market for GEOS-compatible products will rapidly develop.

"We will market the 64C through mass-market retailers because of their proven sales record for the C64 and C128," added Shepherd. "We believe dealers will enjoy improved margins on the 64C while generating additional revenue through the sales of peripherals like monitors, modems, printers, mice and cables, software, supplies and accessories. We think they will be particularly pleased that the 64C substantially enhances the power and attractiveness of the product line without in any way making existing products obsolete."

/CONTACT: Alan Penchansky of Geltzer & Co., 212-575-1976, for Commodore/