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Commodore PET 2001

An all-in-one computer with a 6502 chip, built-in BASIC, keyboard and monitor, shown at the January 1977 Consumer Electronics Show.

The Commodore PET put the processor, BASIC in read-only memory, keyboard and a monochrome monitor in one case. Early models also had a built-in cassette deck.

Chuck Peddle led the design. Jack Tramiel gave him six months to finish it for the January 1977 Consumer Electronics Show. Commodore sold about 219,000 PET machines before ending the line in 1982.

Why it matters

The PET was one of the first all-in-one personal computers sold to the general public. It showed that a person could buy a complete computer and plug it in.

Key facts

  • Demonstrated at the January 1977 Consumer Electronics Show.
  • Used a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor.
  • Included BASIC in read-only memory.
  • About 219,000 sold before the line ended in 1982.
  • Designed by a team led by Chuck Peddle.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Commodore PET", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_PET, accessed October 14, 2026.
  2. Wikipedia, "Commodore International", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_International, background reading, accessed October 14, 2026.