Best options Hardware/emulation for C64 experience?

[OldSchoolGamer]

I have been interested in emulating some C64 classics on PC or Dreamcast or PS2 but I am also considering original hardware.

I would like any opinions on what would be my best options either emulation or original hardware. I once owned a C64 but was wondering if any of the systems that followed like the C128 are suitable also? Any advantages or disadvantages etc. Please post any info regarding best options for the fulll C64 experience whether through original hardware or emulation THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!!!!

[Ed Oscuro]

I downloaded WinVICE 1.16 recently. VICE is probably your best choice as it gives you preconfigured executables that each emulate a specific commodore machine, from the green-screen PET to the C124, even the CBM II, Plus 4 and VIC-20. Works great.

[TeddyRuxpin]

[This post is about actual hardware, not emulation.]

The 128 has a 64 mode for support.

Also there's cables you can buy or build yourself for connecting 1541 drives to 486 era and older parallel ports. Or you can get yourself a Pentium II with ISA slots and get a 486 or older ISA controller card with a parallel port and connect the cable that way. I have that setup working. I just disable the card's IDE and floppy controllers so they don't interfere with the onboard ones. The reason you need a 486 or older port is that P1+ onboard parallel ports won't work.

Anyway, with the cord you can either connect a 1541 (and maybe a 1581?) to a PC and transfer disk image and files between your PC and C= disks. You can also use the cable to connect your C= to your PC's parallel port and using the PC as a hard drive for the C=.

Check out this site for info on the cable (X1541) and the software (Star Commander) for PC <-> C= transfers.
http://sta.c64.org