40 Years of the Amiga, from Commodore
18 days ago
- #Commodore Amiga
- #Retro Computing
- #Jay Miner
- The Commodore Amiga was officially introduced in July 1985, marking a significant milestone in computing history.
- Jay Miner, the designer behind the Atari 2600 and Atari 8-bit computers, was instrumental in the Amiga's development.
- Originally conceived as a video game system, the Amiga pivoted to a computer after the 1983 video game crash.
- Financial struggles led Amiga to secure $500,000 from Atari, which later resulted in legal disputes when Commodore acquired Amiga.
- Commodore purchased Amiga for $27 million in 1984, leading to a high-profile launch event in 1985 featuring celebrities like Andy Warhol.
- The Amiga 1000, the first model, featured advanced graphics, multitasking, and expandability, setting it apart from competitors.
- Early marketing emphasized the 'Amiga' brand over Commodore, though this strategy was later abandoned.
- The Amiga 500 and 2000, released in 1987, revitalized the line with more affordable and advanced options.
- Despite its innovations, the Amiga struggled in the 1990s, leading to Commodore's bankruptcy in 1994.
- The Amiga's legacy includes groundbreaking graphics, gaming capabilities, and a dedicated fan base that persists today.