Computer Pioneer, Commodore Founder Jack Tramiel Dies at 83

[T_M_C]

R.I.P
http://www.pcworld.com/article/253473/computer_pioneer_commodore_founder_jack_tramiel_dies_at_83.html

This man played a really really important role in my life by creating the company that created the Commodore 64 home micro.

Which i spent many years programming.

In fact, i would say i learnt the bulk of my programming knowledge from this computer.

And had many years of fun playing the thousands of games released for it.

Very fond memories.

TMC

[fog]

Yeah very sad.  A true legend of the early computer and video game scene with his work at Commodore and Atari.

My first computer was Commodores Vic20 which I started coding on and then onto the C64 and the Amiga.  (Tramiel worked on the rival Atari ST IIRC).

I see from that link that Commodore were originally a typewriter manufacturer and they progressed into home computers.  I always assumed they were a newly formed company started by a maverick Sir Clive Sinclair or Bill Gates type character.

Incidentally if anyone hasn't seen it then the BBC docu-drama based on Sir Clive and his battles with Acorn computers is excellent.  No doubt it's on Youtube.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n5b92

[T_M_C]

Yeh, it goes to show is genious when it came to knowing how to create and sell computers.

First taking his own company Commodore and then Atari to huge success.

I was really suprised to learn he was a holocaust survivor too.  Having been in auschwitz for 5 years.

A really amazing story.  Would make a very powerful film.

Incidentally if anyone hasn't seen it then the BBC docu-drama based on Sir Clive and his battles with Acorn computers is excellent.  No doubt it's on Youtube.

That was one of the best drama's i've seen in years.

I recorded it when it was first shown.

Brought back all those 80's memories.

Brilliant.   

TMC

[fog]

Yeh, it goes to show is genious when it came to knowing how to create and sell computers.

First taking his own company Commodore and then Atari to huge success.

I was really suprised to learn he was a holocaust survivor too.  Having been in auschwitz for 5 years.

A really amazing story.  Would make a very powerful film.

It certainly would.  There are a few books on the history and eventual collapse of Atari so he no doubt features heavily in those.  This news might motivate me to finally read one.  Been meaning too for ages.

[TheKhakinator]

Very sad to hear, had no idea Commodore came from such humble beginnings! Reminds me of Nokia, the Finnish logging company.

[fog]

Very sad to hear, had no idea Commodore came from such humble beginnings! Reminds me of Nokia, the Finnish logging company.

I never knew that either.  I can see the Atari link between typewriters and computers.  Logging and phones?   

[fog]

40 Years of Atari.  A reminder that I must get that book.

http://kotaku.com/5921667/40-years-of-atari-all-at-once-all-for-you

And look what they produce games for now...

Atari's 40th Anniversary	powered by Aeva