Width: 19cm
Height: 18cm
Depth: 29cm
A dimension where size, space, form and aesthetics were paramount...
Where there was no room for the sluggish or weak-of-heart (CPU)...
Introducing...
|
Width: 19cm Height: 18cm Depth: 29cm |
|
|
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 systemsRISCBook mobile systems now also available |
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!
An entry-spec machine (circa 2000 performance, 256Mb RAM, DVD, 64Mb Nvidia graphics, WindowsXP Home)
would cost about 525 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 2.6Ghz performance, 512Mb RAM (or more!), CD rewriter and DVD, Geforce4MX
graphics) would set you back 725ukp inc. The hardcore gamer could go one further and
add a bleeding-edge graphics board on top (or at a later date).
We use AMD Athlon 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 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.
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!
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.
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, 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.
A high end machine (similar to high end SpaceCube) is priced at 899inc VAT and delivery.