PET 2001

Launched in October 1977, the Commodore PET 2001 (Personal Electronic Transactor) was Commodore’s first personal computer and one of the earliest all-in-one micros available to consumers. It featured a MOS 6502 processor, integrated keyboard, cassette tape drive, monitor, and power supply in a single, futuristic metal case. Initially shipping with 4KB of RAM and Microsoft BASIC in ROM, the PET 2001 was widely adopted in schools, labs, and small businesses thanks to its durability and ease of use. It marked the beginning of Commodore’s dominance in 8-bit computing and is an icon of late-70s industrial computer design.

Notable Features

• First truly all-in-one personal computer with monitor, keyboard, and storage built in
• Used Microsoft BASIC, licensed directly from Bill Gates and Paul Allen
• Metal case and industrial design gave it durability in schools and businesses
• Expansion via IEEE-488 interface was rare but powerful for the time
• No sound or bitmap graphics — used PETSCII characters for visuals and games

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Historical Significance

• One of the "1977 Trinity" alongside the Apple II and TRS-80 Model I
• Popular in education, especially in Canada, Europe, and US institutions
• Laid the foundation for Commodore’s dominance in the 8-bit market (leading to VIC-20 and C64)
• Demonstrated the viability of all-in-one systems for non-technical users
• Early software included BASIC games, word processors, and business tools like VisiCalc

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Collector's Notes

• Rarity: High for early 2001 models with chiclet keyboard and blue casing
• Desirability: Very high – especially first-run units with 4K RAM and original shipping box
• Common Issues:
  • CRT screen burn-in or capacitor failure
  • Chiclet keyboard bounce or broken caps
  • Internal tape drives prone to mechanical wear
• Display Tips: Ideal as a centerpiece with an original Datasette program running, or paired with a CBM floppy unit and period documentation

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	PET 2001
Manufacturer	Commodore
Launched	Saturday, October 1, 1977
Discontinued	1980 (succeeded by PET 4000 and 8000 series)
Launch Price	$795 (4K model), $995 (8K model)
Country	United States
CPU	MOS Technology 6502 @ 1 MHz
Units Sold
Power	Internal PSU with integrated fan (robust and long-lasting)
Expansion	IEEE-488, user port, expansion port, two cassette ports ( one internal, one external )
Sound	None (could toggle external speaker via software for rudimentary beeps)
Storage	Built-in cassette tape drive (600 baud), external IEEE-488 floppy available later
Keyboard	Chiclet-style 73-key keyboard (later replaced with full-size keyboard)
Graphics	Character-based (PETSCII with block graphics)
Display	9-inch monochrome CRT – 40×25 character text mode
ROM	14 KB (Monitor, Microsoft BASIC, character generator)
RAM	4 KB or 8 KB standard (expandable to 32 KB)