The ARMini, a new ARM-powered RISC OS computer
A Rawnsley
For network/development
Running RISC OS... natively!
R-Comp Interactive, in partnership with a group of RISC OS companies
and enthusiasts, is proud to announce the ARMini computer. Powered by
the latest ARM Cortex A8 architecture, and running a modern RISC OS
operating system, we hope that this new system will excite anyone
looking for a next gen pure-ARM RISC OS computer system.
Whilst we have long offered our high-performance RISCube range of
computers, and RISCBook range of laptops, this is the first time we
have been able to offer a RISC OS computer running on a native ARM
cpu. For many, this is a matter of principal - their computer must be
powered by a "real" ARM-derived CPU - of course, ARM themselves don't
actually manufacture anything, but you get the idea! With existing
ARM-powered RISC OS computers going out of production, there is a hole
in the market which we hope the ARMini can fill, complementing our
other range of systems.
The new computer typically runs software 50-100% faster (ie. up to
twice as fast) as existing pure-ARM solutions, thanks to a faster
processor with improved architecture. This is backed up by an array
of USB 2 ports, and high speed networking. Internal storage is
available in various forms - flash, solid state or conventional drives
can be attached, and there is removable storage (SD and MS card
readers) too. For graphics, both DVI and HDMI are supported for
digital connection to modern LCD monitors and TVs. This ensures a
better quality of picture - sharper and crisper than the VGA analogue
output seen previously on ARM-powered machines.
At the time of writing, we are working with both RISC OS Open Ltd and
RISCOS Ltd, to try and ensure that the system is well supported across
the board. Additionally, we are working with the various RISC OS
software companies to ensure software availability/compatibility.
However, it is important to be realistic. This machine is not a
direct replacement for a RiscPC or even Iyonix, and we don't want
people ordering/buying with that in mind. Whilst most modern RISC OS
applications (Ovation Pro, Techwriter, Artworks, DataPower, Messenger
Pro, NetFetch, NetSurf, Photodesk and so on) should work fine, some
software will need updating and old RiscPC era apps will not work. If
this is likely to be an issue for you, we'd suggest you look at our
RISCube/RISCBook range, which can run a broader range of RISC OS (and
Windows, for that matter) software. However, if you are primarily
interested in modern RISC OS apps, programming or networking, we think
you‘ll find the ARMini an excellent machine, at a fair price.
Availability...
We will be demonstrating the computer at the SW show this weekend, and
you are welcome to bring software along on SD card or USB-drive if
you'd like to test your own code. We have most of the parts in stock
for the first batch, but some are "in transit", and software hasn't
been finalised yet. However, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised
by the system on display at the show, and see that we should be ready
to go soon :)
Website etc...
We've registered the armini.co.uk domain, but haven't yet had an
opportunity to sort out a website (the name was only settled upon this
week!). We'll update people as and when things are finalised.
Ordering...
We don't normally do deposits or pre-order promotions, but in this
case it would be helpful to gauge quantities etc. We'll be doing a
pre-order/deposit scheme, but your deposit will be tied to actual
hardware, so that if anything goes wrong, you won't lose out. We're
also looking at giving early adopters some additional perks, a bit
like "collectors editions" in other media. Hopefully we'll have more
info on this at the show.
--
R-Comp Interactive
22 Robert Moffat, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6PS
Tel: 01925 755043 Fax: 01925 757377 http://www.rcomp.co.uk
--
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