At that time my school was still using CP/M software (we had a couple of Research Machines 380Z computers along with our new, but limited in number BBC Micro computers). Considering the amount of business software for CP/M, I can see why it was included in the C128. Also, the BASIC was a vast improvement (Although I still preferred to use SIMONS BASIC in C64 mode just because I was used to it), had extra RAM and an 80 column display.
All in all, the C128 was leap forward from the C64, and yet it remained almost 100% compatible with the software and hardware.
As far as I'm concerned it was a great machine, but it came out just before the big leap into 16bit computing.
That said, I'm drooling over that announced C65 FPGA clone in a lookalike case. I hope it actually happens.
Edit:
And it had a keypad!!!
