New ARCie and ARMicro computers at Wakefield Show

[A Rawnsley]

R-Comp Interactive is pleased to announce the launch of two new
computer systems at the Wakefield RISC OS Computer Show.

First, and already shipping, is the ARCimedes (spelling is correct),
or ARCie as he's affectionately known. The name is derived from that
of the chassis, and as RISC OS people, how could we *not* create a
system from a case called the Arc?!

With the ARCie, we've thought long and hard about what we would want
from something with a name that has so much RISC OS history. Whilst
our first inclination would be to design a pure-ARM system, current
motherboards rather dictate against use in the larger chassis. The
ARC chassis represents a small/mid tower offering which is something
our RISCube range has traditionally failed to offer, so we decided
that the ARCie should offer a the functionality we love from the
RISCube, taken to the max. After all, any ARCie should offer the
absolute best tech available, right?

Naturally, that means that every ARCie includes solid state drive
technology to ensure the fastest possible startup and application
responsiveness. Our first customer-ARCie boots from cold in less than
10 seconds, which is faster than our RiscPCs. However, almost every
RISCube we sell now uses solid state disc technology, so on its own
that's not hugely exciting - an ARCie needs more...!

Remembering our Archimedes namesake and his Eureka moment in the bath,
we decided that ARCies should embrace another high end element -
liquid cooling for the lowest temperatures, quietest operation and
solid, reliable build (such cooling is firmly attached to the chassis,
which we feel is better for transport and avoids working against
gravity). This method of cooling is a logical extension of the
system used in RISCubes, which pipes heat away from the processor and
blows it out of the case. For the ARCie, we do something similar, but
are able to use the natural "heat rises" principle to take the heat
and exhaust it out of the system. Of course, if anyone prefers air
cooling, that's no problem at all.

With cooling taken care of, the ARCie can then offer maximum
performance. As such, the systems offer high end CPUs, and allow
clock speeds past 4Ghz (warrantied overclocking available as standard
if you wish), to ensure the absolute best RISC OS experience
available, since RISC OS performance scales directly with clock speed.

To give you some idea of just how fast an ARCie is, the show demo
model (which we built to an approximate "sub-1000ukp" sale price) is
the first machine we've seen to break 1000 points in the "deskbogo"
benchmark. As a point of reference, a SA-RiscPC scores about 100, an
Iyonix about 290, and current-gen "off the shelf" PCs may be in the
500-650 range (although it'll depend on model, obviously). It's very,
very quick.

We also focus on the minor details - each component is carefully
selected, right down to things like the modular power supply, to
ensure the neatest cabling (unrestricted airflow), fan speed control
for lowest noise, removable drive trays (clear airflow, again, and
easy expansion) and so on. We'll probably have the side panel off at
the show, so you can take a peak for yourself.

The ARCie offers a large number of USB2 and USB3 ports, HDMI, DVI, VGA
and other connectivity options, gigabit networking, wireless (if
required) and high quality audio. If you so desire, we can even
include the latest "Thunderbolt" connectivity. Basically, this is
cutting edge computing that you simply wouldn't find in high street
stores or "big name" mass-market vendors. Optimised just like our
RISCubes, it delivers the best "out of the box" experience we can
produce. Simply put, the ARCie offers one of the best systems
currently available, giving superb results in RISC OS, or Windows (7
or XP available, but we're not fans of Win8 thus far).

Available in two physical sizes, ARCies start at 899ukp, with models
designed for different depths of pockets available at 999, 1099, 1199
etc. However, we've taken steps to ensure that all models offer the
high end features mentioned above, as it wouldn't be an ARCie without
the latest technology!



For those looking for something rather different, we'll also be
showing a prototype of the ARMicro (although the name A3142 has also
been suggested...), a "single box" computer reminiscent of BBC or
A3000 designs. By incorporating a keyboard and touchpad (supporting
middle and right clicks too!) into the chassis design, the computer
offers a one-box approach that should feel very familiar for RISC OS
users. And yes, this will be ARM-powered as the name suggests. Our
goal is to make this system more affordable, so it will be powered by
a modified Pi setup (hence the A3142 moniker) with a decent amount of
high-speed storage. The computer can be hooked up to a flat panel TV
or DVI/HDMI-equipped monitor and you're ready to go.

Naturally this system will include all the benefits of our well-
received Pi-Plus support scheme, and may be an ideal replacement for
older RISC OS computers, if you're wanting to stay "pure ARM".


Meanwhile, our ARMini/ARMiniX range will continue to offer premium
"pure-ARM" performance and specification, forming a "top-to-bottom"
line up of RCI computer systems for both the ARM-purist, and those
needing a mixed platform setup for practicality.


We look forward to showing you more at the Wakefield 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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