Commodore International

Commodore International was a computer manufacturer which thrived during the early years of the first generation of personal computers. Commodore (as it is commonly known) was one of the "big three" personal computer manufacturers before IBM introduced its IBM PC line of computers.

Key players

• The semiconductor research arm of Commodore International, MOS Technology, later known as Commodore Semiconductor Group (CSG)
• Jack Tramiel, Commodore's shrewd and charismatic founder
• Chuck Peddle, who came to Commodore after Tramiel bought out MOS Technology. Recognizing Peddle's engineering talents, Tramiel explicitly made clear that Peddle would work for Commodore upon MOS Technology's purchase

Key products

In order by their manufacture date:

• MOS 6502, a processor that to this day is ubiquitous as a general use microprocessor
• Commodore PET, Commodore's 1977-era flagship product
• Commodore VIC-20, which continued the 'cute' three letter naming scheme like the PET
• Commodore 64, Commodore's early 1980s era flagship product
• Commodore Amiga, Commodore's mid 1980s era flagship product