Commodore's back with gaming PCs

One of the best known computer brands of the 1980s, Commodore, is back at CeBIT 2007.

The name is most commonly associated with the Commodore 64 computer, which hit the market in 1982 and went on to become the best-selling computer of all time, according to some estimates. That machine was on show at CeBIT, but these days, the name is being attached to a new generation of gaming PCs.

[ Video: Commodore back at CeBIT 2007 | Talkback: Has the time come for Commodore's return? Share your memories of the legendary personal computer brand ]

"That's really where the essence of the Commodore brand is, and there's huge potential, and that's the idea now," said Bala Keilman, CEO of Commodore Gaming. "At Commodore, we feel the time is right now. Gaming is such a mass phenomenon worldwide, and the variety of consumers that it talks to is really a broad demographic. The Commodore brand is really a good brand to speak to consumers on that level."

There will be four basic models of PC available, and consumers will be able to pick between multiple skins. Additional skins to suit almost any gaming taste will also be available via Commodore Gaming's Web site.

The machines will also be preloaded with a Commodore 64 emulator and more than 50 classic games.

Commodore will begin selling Intel-based gaming PCs from next month. They'll be available online first and then in shops in Europe in May. Then the company will look further afield.

"It's from America, huge in America, a lot of fans there, so that's where we want to go very soon afterward. We're not holding back, we're already preparing plans for that, and we'll see," Keilman said. "Hopefully, it will be coming around summertime. I don't want to preempt anything, but the U.S. will be the next big focus, and then we'll see."