Back in 2019 I built a shrine of sorts for the Commodore 64 that included an Ultimate 64 (U64) motherboard and a very cool smoke-gray Plexilaser clear case, complete with blue interior lighting.
At the time, my intention was to also use a Mechboard, which was a now-defunct keyboard replacement project that provided a brand new mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX key switches and metallic/painted backplate. The Mechboard fits into any breadbin or 64C Commodore 64 computers with the help of some brackets. It was (is) a total Ferrari keyboard replacement for what was originally a functional but modest "Ford Pinto."
One problem I soon discovered was the mechboard was not compatible with the Plexilaser case. So, an original cost-reduced (shudder) Pinto keyboard went into place instead.
For the past 3+ years I’ve very much enjoyed that computer, and with the recent Ultimate 64 firmware update I’ve been using it a lot more.
And it does look really cool at night in a dark room with the LED light strip shining through the “COMMODORE” I had etched into the top area.
I realize this is me bending over backwards to find an excuse to change it and ditch it.
But I find the machine so fragile I’m kind of afraid to travel with it for fear it might get destroyed in the process. And now that the U64’s WiFi module is working, it really is the ideal machine to take with me when I go to my cabin on Hood canal, or need to bring a C64 to SEA-CCC (SCCC), or wherever.
I decided at long last to take the plunge on a new SX-64 themed case. (I would link to iComp's store but Jens' site is so slow you'd think I provided a dead link.) The shipping cost from Germany was knee-bucklingly brutal - almost as much as the case itself! - but I can’t wait to put it all together.
I’m just waiting for a dual-tone LED light from Corei64 out of Canada, which is en-route. The snazzy LED can be one color for power, another color for when the internal drive is active. Hopefully I can do the build all in one sitting this weekend. Woo hoo!
(I’m probably going to sell the Plexilaser case. At the time I bought it when they were brand new they weren't being sold to US customers. But I begged and pleaded (and accepted all shipping risks) until they said Yes. Looks like anyone can get them now, though.)