For Commodore fans looking to move away from physical floppy drives, the Pi1541-III “Hat” is a sleek solution that enables vintage software access without the need for disks. This versatile device, which emulates the classic Commodore 1541 floppy drive, was recently reviewed by George on his YouTube channel, where he shares an unboxing and initial impressions.
George explains his motivation for picking up the Pi1541-III: compatibility. Frustrated with the limitations on his current SD2IEC drive, he researched alternatives and learned that the Pi1541 offers unparalleled compatibility with programs across the Commodore line. This version 3 model, encased in a dark, compact shell, harmonizes visually with Commodore’s 264 series, including the C16 and Plus/4, George’s first computer and primary setup.
The Pi1541-III “Hat” mounts on a Raspberry Pi (George plans to use the 3B+), leveraging modern processing power to emulate the 1541’s functions. George notes that this device removes the hassle of handling physical disks while offering broad compatibility with Commodore programs—a major draw for retro enthusiasts who want reliability.
In his preview, George shares his excitement for this stylish solution that complements his Plus/4 and promises better compatibility for running old favorites. Stay tuned for his in-depth testing results in the next installment as he explores how this powerful device performs with classic Commodore systems.
