Commodore
By Brian Bagnall
- Release Date: 2012-04-01
- Genre: Computers
Description
Filled with first-hand accounts of ambition, greed, and inspired engineering, this history of the personal computer revolution takes readers inside the cutthroat world of Commodore. Before Apple, IBM, or Dell, Commodore was the first computer manufacturer to market its machines to the public, selling an estimated 22 million Commodore 64s. Those halcyon days were tumultuous, however, owing to the expectations and unsparing tactics of founder Jack Tramiel. Engineers and managers with the company between 1976 and 1994 share their memories of the groundbreaking moments, soaring business highs, and stunning employee turnover that came with being on top in the early days of the microcomputer industry. This updated second edition includes additional interviews and first-hand material from major Commodore figures like marketing guru Kit Spencer, chip designer Bill Mensch, and Commodore co-founder Manfred Kapp.
Reviews
Wow! What an enlightening, exciting and inspiring journey.
5By Allen.WilsonThis was such an amazing adventure to go on, I couldn't stop reading. Two days and now I am done, yearning for the sequel.. If you love computers and history, this is a must read. Thanks Brian for putting this together and taking me back.A no-stone-left-unturned look
5By abandonedwestWhile some refer to this version as the "second edition" of On The Edge, really it is significantly more. Almost completely re-written with a host of additional interviews, photos, and new information, this is more of a re-invention, although it comes at the expense of any mention of the Commodore Amiga which was covered extensively in the first edition (supposedly the Amiga and all that followed will be covered in a new companion book by the same author, although it has not been officially announced). What you do get is an absolutely exhaustive look at the rise of Commodore through humble beginnings on up through the glory years of the early 80s, told through an almost overwhelming array of interviews and anecdotes. This is a book for "true believers" in the church of Commodore, or anyone looking for a peerless look into the "wild west" age of 8-bit computing and one of its key early players. Highly recommended.
