The following is a press release
from Commodore, issued shortly before
the release of the Plus/4.  It's
interesting because it shows some of
the thought that went into the Plus/4
-- and some of the changes the concept
underwent before the computer finally
became available to the public.
               -- c.d.

    Commodore Launches New Home        
                Computer Line

                        Commodore introduced a new line of home
computers at the winter CES in Las Vegas, Nevada. Designated the
COMMODORE 264, the series is an addition of multiple models to the
current VIC-20 and COMMODORE 64 products.
  The new COMMODORE 264 line offers several models with BUILT-IN
software, with its basic capabilities strengthened by many features,
including: - 64K RAM (60K available for BASIC programming) - Full
Typewriter-Style Keyboard - Optional Built-in Software - Screen Window
Capability - HELP key - 8 Programmed, Reprogrammable Function Keys -
Four Separate Cursor Keys - Compatibility with most COMMODORE 64 and
VIC-20 Peripherals - 128 Colors (16 primary colors, 8 luminance levels)
  Over 75 BASIC Commands - High Resolution Graphics Plotting -
Split-Screen Text With High-Res Graphics - Graphic Character Set On
Keyboard - Keyboard Color Controls - 320x200 Pixel Screen Resolution -
Reverse and Flashing Characters - 2 Tone Generators - Built-In Machine
Language Monitor (12 commands) The new models will be available for sale
in late spring/early summer.
  In making the announcement, Don Richard, president of Commodore
Business Machines, Inc., said, 'This product line is a logical addition
to the current VIC-20 and COMMODORE 64 family of computers and should
expand the appeal of computer to a broader spectrum of consumers. The
VIC-20 is an ideal starter computer, while the COMMODORE 64 is a
versatile general purpose computer used in the home, office or school. 
The new COMMODORE 264 series now offers full-featured applications
computers with emphasis on simplified programming, excellent graphics
and built-in productivity software.  This makes it useful for the
serious home user, the writer, the financial analyst and the small
business operator.'
  'We expect the COMMODORE 64 and COMMODORE 264 series to dominate the
home computer marketplace in 1984.', said Mr. Richard.
  Several models of the COMMODORE 264 will be offered when the computer
goes on sale in late spring, each with a different built-in software
package.  Although Commodore has not yet announced specific titles,
built-in applications will focus on personal productivity, according to
Sig Hartmann, president of Commodore Software.
  Commodore also plans to have over 30 Commodore software products
available on cartridge, disk, and tape when the COMMODORE 264 goes on
sale.
  Said Sig Hartmann, 'The key area we're emphasizing in software for the
COMMODORE 264 is productivity, covering such areas as household
management, word processing, calculation, business accounting, and
education.  We believe we are in a 'Decade of Increased Productivity'
and microcomputers like the COMMODORE 264 are going to make an important
contribution helping us to get more things done, more things learned,
and more things enjoyed in less time than ever before -- without
sacrificing quality or efficiency.
  'The COMMODORE 264 is the first personal computer offering a selection
of productivity software built into the machine. In other words, by
choosing a COMMODORE 264 with a particular software package built-in,
you can tailor the computer to your own needs.  If you use your computer
to do mostly word processing, you can buy the COMMODORE 264 with
professional word processing built in.  If you need financial
calculation, you can have a built-in spreadsheet...plus...you can use
standard software on cartridge, disk or tape'
  All software built into the COMMODORE 264 will also be available on
plug-in cartridge. For example, someone who buys a COMMODORE 264 with a
built-in word processor can buy an elecrtonic spreadsheet on cartridge,
or vice versa.  In addition, software for the COMMODORE 264 will also be
available on cartridge for the COMMODORE 64.
  'Commodore is putting more 'software on silicon' than any other
company,' Hartmann explained.  'This means putting software on ROM
chips, which Commodore designs and manufactures.  The cost savings which
come from being vertically integrated - in other words, making computer
chips as well as computers - means Commodore can build large software
programs into the computer and also put more software on plug-in
cartridges.
  'We're definitely putting more software on cartridge because cartridge
programs give the user more workspace inside the computer and are
convenient to use, and because Commodore can manufacture cartridge
software at consumer prices', Hartmann added.


        (AND -- here's an early press
        release about MicroIllustrator,
        an excellent graphics package
        that runs well on the Plus/4 in
        Plus/4 versions.)

   COMMODORE INTRODUCES
   MICRO ILLUSTRATOR

 Commodore Business Machines has reached a worldwide
distribution/marketing agreement for the rights to the Commodore 64 and
Commodore 264 versions of the Micro Illustrator.
  Micro Illustrator, designed by Island Graphics, is the most popular
microcomputer 'paint' system in the world, with its user base
approaching 100,000 units.  It provides users having no computer
experience the power to create dazzling graphics for entertainment,
business, program development or artistic expression.  The Micro
Illustrator is most recognized for its ease of use.  The user performs
the various functions by selecting from a menu of icons depicting the
various features.  The selection is performed with either a joystick or
lightpen.  In fact, the user never even has to touch the keyboard except
to name a file.
  Basic functions include the ability to draw freehand using a variety
of brushes, colors, and textures.  Other features include the ability to
generate geometric figures such as lines, circles and boxes.  There is
also a fill feature and magnification mode, in which the user zooms in
on a specific area for fine tuning.
  The Commodore 64 version will utilize all 16 colors of the machine and
will be available in February 1984.  The Commodore 264 version will
exploit the full range of 128 colors and will be available sometime in
April 1984.  Both versions will use either the Commodore joystick, or
optionally, Commodore's new lightpen. Pricing information is not yet
available.
  'We are delighted to be working with Commodore Business Machines',
says Daniel Remer, president of Island Graphics. 'Their distribution and
marketing abilities will bring the Micro Illustrator to many of
thousands of new users.  The Commodore 264 version is going to be the
best there is.'
  Island Graphics is a design and development firm located on Bethel
Islands in California. They specialize in mass market graphics packages
for personal computers.  Island Graphics has developed software for
Atari, Chalkboard, and Koala Technologies, to name a few.