News Indiana bakery still using Commodore 64s originally released in 1982 as Point of Sale terminals — Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg sticks to the basics

[Admin]

The Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg, Indiana proves the modern day efficacy of retro hardware by still using a Commodore 64s for business transactions.

Indiana bakery still using Commodore 64s originally released in 1982 as Point of Sale terminals — Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg sticks to the basics : Read more

 

[Eximo]

I see what you did there.

 

[chemistu]

if they work, they work I guess. I know for a fact BBC model B microcomputers were being used to calibrate some avionics on Concorde right up until it's last flight.

 

[bigdragon]

I love seeing 40+ year old computers still in action. An amazing number of things from 40+ years ago still do their job just fine. Really makes me question why a 4 year old Samsung device seems intent on self destructing or not doing its job.

 

[CaptRiker]

fond memories of my C64 back in the early 80's. also had a C128 then an Amiga 500.
did TONS of early gaming on the platforms.. was really sad when Commodore went belly up in 1994 🙁

 

[magbarn]

I love seeing 40+ year old computers still in action. An amazing number of things from 40+ years ago still do their job just fine. Really makes me question why a 4 year old Samsung device seems intent on self destructing or not doing its job.

It's called planned obsolescence. Even almost 50 year old V'ger is still working in interstellar space lol.

I'm surprised they're (the C64s) still going. I went through about 3 of them in the 80's with heavy gaming. Even the updated white one died on me.

 

[spongiemaster]

How do they print out receipts? Is there a full sized dot matrix printer connected to those? While they may be able to "do the job," I question whether they really can. They obviously can't have a credit card processor connected to those, so if they accept credit cards, they would need a separate device for that. There are dirt cheap options that could replace those and bring the shop into the modern age.

 

[Eximo]

Credit card machines would be separate, yes, they are regulated and change with updated security. Running inventory and sales figures through the Commodore would still be adequate.

 

[King_V]

Alright, this brought a big smile to my face, as, while I was introduced to computers and BASIC programming with the TRS-80 in school, the Commodore 64 was my first home computer, which was later replaced by the C128, remaining in use until 1996, when I finally got an x86-based PC (with a Pentium 133 CPU and Windows 95)

 

[why_wolf]

How do they print out receipts? Is there a full sized dot matrix printer connected to those? While they may be able to "do the job," I question whether they really can. They obviously can't have a credit card processor connected to those, so if they accept credit cards, they would need a separate device for that. There are dirt cheap options that could replace those and bring the shop into the modern age.

Most likely its a two stage process. 1) work up internal record on the C64 and get the final price. 2) input that price on a standalone credit card terminal, customer can have a copy of that receipt.

You see a similar setup at old school diners and some mom n' pop convenience stores that haven't been smoothed talked into an all-in-one POS terminal.