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They came from another dimension...
A dimension where size, space, form and aesthetics were paramount...
Where there was no room for the sluggish or weak-of-heart (CPU)...

Introducing...

RISCube and SpaceCube computer systems

RISCBook mobile systems now also available

RISCube64 machines now shipping using AMD's latest Athlon64 processors
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RISCube Ultra redesigned to use Intel Centrino technology to give some of the best RISC OS results we've seen!


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Definition: Normal Computer
Beige box, often in tower format, around 2 foot tall.
Depending on make/model likely to do a reasonable impression of a small jet taking off
May be seen in a "desktop" configuration, still beige, still about 2 foot wide.

Location: Forcibly stored in offices or back bedrooms, where they cannot frighten children or small animals
Definition: SpaceCube
About the size of a stout shoebox
Brushed aluminum look, not out of place next to VCR, TV or Hifi
Low noise due to innovative temperature-controlled cooling

Location: Anywhere you like! Easily portable around the house or to/from work, thanks to small size and low weight

Now that the formalities are over with, let us introduce you to your new friend. The SpaceCube has been designed to offer high levels of performance yet be small, unobtrusive and attractive. Amazingly, you can have style and size, while still having the kind of cutting edge speed that would make a daylight-fearing, teenage Quake-player drooling!

The first question you're likely to ask is, "Why am I reading about this on the web site of a company selling RISC OS software and hardware". Well, if you click here, you will see our wide range of networking products. Programs like UniPrint and others are all about linking together RISC OS machines and their Windows counterparts, in order to get the best of all worlds. Many of you are familiar with the idea of a PC card, which allowed your RISC OS machine access to the Windows world, gaining extra compatibility and flexibility. This is exactly the same thing, except that SpaceCubes are small, full-spec computers in their own right!

The idea for the SpaceCube is to have a machine to which you can attach your printer(s), digital-camera, scanner, CD/DVD etc. and then be able to use these things via your RISC OS machine. It's even possible to drive the SpaceCube completely from your RISC OS desktop (we said it was the Ultimate PC Card!). Of course, there are many other uses for SpaceCubes - there's no reason why you should be a RISC OS user to want one of these! Indeed, we have seen them used as high-spec games machines, or as simple internet access boxes - the beauty is that they can do just what you want.

Before we go any further, we should probably issue a disclaimer - SpaceCube machines are NOT designed for people looking for cheap, low-spec, low-price PCs. If you want that kind of machine, please visit your local PC "superstore". SpaceCubes are for the discerning customer, who values hand-built, individually-tested quality goods. A SpaceCube may cost more than GenericPC 2000, but once you've owned one, you won't want to go back!

Operating System


SpaceCubes can be piloted by Windows or Linux, or indeed no OS at all if you already have what you want. In all honesty, they are probably more useful as Windows boxes, especially if you'd like to use software like UniPrint etc. However, it's your choice - if you wish to avoid Uncle Bill, that's fine by us.

Click here to view full specifications

Pricing


SpaceCube prices vary by specification. We quote prices INCLUDING VAT AND DELIVERY which is important to note when shopping around. It's quite rare in this industry!

An entry-spec machine (circa 2300+ performance, 256Mb RAM, DVD, 64Mb Nvidia graphics, WindowsXP Home) would cost about 499 ukp inclusive. This is ideal for most purposes, although you might want more for the latest games and entertainment software. Even an entry level machine can be upgraded with more RAM, processor, or a 3D gaming AGP graphics card, to give leading edge performance!

A high spec machine (circa 2800+ performance, 512Mb RAM (or more!), CD rewriter and DVD, Geforce4MX graphics) would set you back 699ukp inc. The hardcore gamer could go one further and add a bleeding-edge graphics board on top (or at a later date).
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Standard features


All machines come with networking as standard (now you see how they fit in with RCI's standard product range!) as well as 5.1 surround sound, USB/Firewire etc. Each machine is hand-built, and pre-configured to order. Latest drivers are installed, and rigorous testing is applied to ensure your machine performs to its best.

We use AMD processors, as they offer the best value in terms of performance/value. They out-perform similarly-priced Intel Pentium4's in almost all tests. The only exception to this rule is the RISCube Ultra with its Intel Centrino processor - this CPU originated in laptops and has proven a phenomenal performer - you can read more here

The machines use advanced cooling systems to ensure that heat isn't an issue even in units of this size (indeed, they run cooler than many of their larger cousins).

The machines are backed up by support and personal attention.

RISCube computer systems


Many of our customers will already be familiar with RISC OS computer systems. Indeed, they may well already have RISC OS desktop computers, or have had them in the past. RISCubes are aimed first and foremost, at these people. They are the first Small-Form-Factor (SFF) machines running RISC OS, allowing the use of your favorite RISC OS applications, documents and even games.

When you turn a RISCube on, you have a choice - RISC OS or Windows. If you select the RISC OS option, you boot straight into the RISC OS desktop, ready to run your software at StrongArm speeds and beyond. Even a "standard" specification RISCube will out-perform a StrongArm RiscPC in almost every test, whilst a high specification machine will give speeds nearly twice that of a StrongArm RiscPC!

But of course, sometimes you may wish to boot into Windows. Perhaps your kids have games which only work on Windows, or you need to use special services which aren't RISC OS compatible. No problem - just turn on your RISCube and click the Windows option! It is like having two complete computer systems, but for the price of one!

RISCube market positioning


We are very conscious that there are companies producing excellent desktop ARM-based RISC OS machines, and we would urge those looking for a stand-alone RISC OS computer to check out the Iyonix and the Omega.

So where do the RISCube machines fit in? Well, the first answer is that there are currently no other Small-Form-Factor RISC OS machines. A lot of users are looking for smaller computers, whilst keeping good performance. They want something attractive, and not bulky. The RISCube is aimed at these users.

Secondly, the RISCube is targetted at RISC OS users looking for a Windows machine (for whatever reason). The RISCube combines RISC OS and Windows into one small package, giving you the best of both worlds.

Finally, the RISCube is for anyone looking to consolidate their computing into a single solution. Few of us these days have room for several computers - the RISCube provides the perfect solution.

Advantages of a RISCube over traditional RISC OS systems


Firstly, a RISCube can run our UniPrint printing solution. Any printer with WindowsXP drivers can be attached to the RISCube, and printed from RISC OS. This means you can do high-resolution photo-printing from PhotoDesk on RISC OS, print to some of the more obtuse multi-function printers, or drive cheap colour lasers, as well as the usual raft of inkjets and lasers.

Secondly, you can take advantage of Windows drivers for accessing USB and other devices such as scanners, cameras, video cameras, pen-drives, CD-writers and so on. Data can be transferred easily between Windows and RISC OS, and often devices can be accessed directly from RISC OS!

Additionally there will be times when you need to run Windows-specific software, for whatever reason. The RISCube allows you to do this. Unlike PCcards and other solutions from the past, the RISCube runs full WindowsXP using real hardware, giving full speed/compatibility.

Finally, the RISCube runs RISC OS 4/Adjust, ensuring wide-ranging software compatibility. The hardware architecture offered mirrors that of a RiscPC, so that your existing software works as before. There is no need to upgrade software etc. to run on the RISCube.

Click here to view full specifications

Pricing

PRICES INCLUDE VAT AND DELIVERY
A standard specification RISCube (circa 2300 processor, 256Mb DDR RAM, 40Gb hard disc, high speed CD Rewriter + DVD, and floppy drive) costs 699inc VAT and delivery.

A high end machine (similar to high end SpaceCube) is priced at 899inc VAT and delivery.

NEW!

RISCube Ultra with Intel Centrino 1.7 CPU (outperforms 3400+ traditional CPUs!), 1024Mb (1Gb) RAM, 160Gb harddrive and CD Rewriter/DVD is now available, priced at 999inc VAT and delivery. . This system achieves stunningly low noise levels (especially given the high spec and performance) due to the efficiency of the processor which generates very little heat (it could probably be passively cooled, but we use a small pretty-much inaudible fan just to be on the safe side - reliability is paramount).

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Latest News

High end machines now include a 7-in-1 combo floppy/media card reader, allowing you to read/write both floppy discs, and various camera etc discs. These media cards can be SmartMedia, Compact Flash (types 1 and 2), MultiMedia Card, Sony Memory Stick, Secure Digital or Microdrive. These discs are also used by things like MP3 players, some laptops, handheld PDAs and so on. However, we believe most RISCube owners will enjoy the ease at which they can transfer images to/from digital cameras, making photo-editing in RISC OS wonderfully smooth, and the bundled UniPrint software allowing easy photo printing!

The latest RISC OS Adjust version is now shipping on machines too!

Ordering/More information

For more information, call us on 01925 755043, or write to:
R-Comp Interactive
22 Robert Moffat
High Legh
Knutsford
Cheshire, WA16 6PS

E&OE © R-Comp Interactive 2005.   All rights reserved.