The Chameleon64 also runs D64 and T64 images, plus certain CRT images... and a lot more too.
However, like you said, it is a pure C64 cartridge and won't work with a C128.
I can't comment on the 1541 Ultimate as I've never owned one, but I did have a MMC Replay. Once I got the Chameleon64 I put my C128/MMC aside and now I just use a C64C/Chameleon combo.
Don't forget the Spectrum core. I have it loaded on my Chameleon along with the Minimig core, but I've never used a Spectrum and so I don't know what to do with it.
I have both.
The U2 works better at drive emulation but the Chameleon offers a lot more functions and you can actually order it. It took 8 months for me to get the U2 and the Chameleon I got in less than 1 month.
I expect big improvements in the Chameleon in the new few updates. It already has been updated a lot since I got it and works a lot better than it did!
yep, I have it as an reu in my c128dcr. I've disabled my internal drive on the motherboard so I can use the drive on u1541ii as #8.
if you think you want all the goodies on the chameleon, I'd def get an fpgaarcade over chameleon.
If you have a C=64/128 CPU, then much better the 1541U II. You know, you only will emulate the 1541/1571 Disk Drive, in fact you get more, becouse have many others features, and rember, you will run all the soft in the Real Machine.
But if you dont have the C=64/128, then, maybe better and practical the Chameleon 64.
If the 1541U II had the CPU acceleration, together with the REU and floppy drive emulation, I would buy it hands down. I really want and accelerated CPU to use it in the C128d 80 column mode.
However, Like Darrin, I have both a c128 (128d) and a C64C. I really like the idea of an accelerated C64 with REU, VGA and the ability to run separate cores ie Miming.
I do plan to buy one or the other............................