New RISCube Ultra brings stunning performance, plus other exciting releases at Wakefield
Wakefield 2005 sees a major shake-up in our range of RISCube computer
systems, with the launch of some of the fastest machines to run RISC
OS ever seen. The spearhead of these changes is the release of a
completely revised RISCube Ultra at 999ukp inc VAT and UK delivery.
RISCube Ultra
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The new RISCube Ultra brings Intel's mobile Centrino architecture onto
the desktop, in a radically new machine that eschews old logic that
desktop computers should use "desktop processors". We've demonstrated
our centrino-powered RISCbook range at many user groups and seen how
it outperforms all other current RISC OS machines in most tests. Now
we're finally able to bring this technology to the desktop. It is
important to understand that even though the RISCbook range used
processors rated at only 1.4Ghz, it was visibly faster in major
applications such as Artworks 2 etc. As a rule of thumb, you
double the quoted CPU speed to get some idea of how "fast" it is.
The all-new RISCube Ultra utilises a 1.7Ghz version of the processor,
as well as high speed desktop memory and hard drives. This allows
us to marry together the low-power, quiet running, super-performing
processor technology with high speed desktop components. An ideal
blend.
In keeping with the Ultra name, we're including 1 gigabyte of system
memory, and 160Gb of high speed hard drive. Indeed, thanks to the
near silent operation, the hard drive is about all you'll hear when
it is running!
The full system specifications are as follows:
1.7Ghz centrino-technology processor
1Gb of high speed DDR memory
160Gb hard drive - high speed with 8Mb cache
Fanless graphics for very quiet operation
Floppy drive and 7-in-1 camera media drive
DVD drive with CDRW
Parallel printer port
4x USB2 ports
5.1 surround sound
10/100/1000 networking
RISC OS 4.02 with RCI's performance enhancement techology
(Adjust available for those that require it)
Windows XP Home
The machines run both RISC OS and WindowsXP providing a truly
versatile computing system, capable of running pretty much all
your software. Why buy 2 computers, when you can have one that
does all of this?
Although 1.7Ghz might not sound much by Windows standards,
benchmarks show the centrino-technology processors clearly
beating desktop chips with twice their speed rating. These
are powerhouse processors!
Indeed, our tests show the 1.7Ghz centrino technology
processors giving results 20% faster than the top-of-the-line
500ukp-a-throw desktop chips.
See it for yourself at the show!
Oh, and of course, our machines ship with our UniPrint technology
which allows RISC OS to print to almost *any* printer currently
available (or, indeed, available in the future).
The new centrino-powered RISCube Ultras have been shipping to
customers since mid-April. If you are coming to the Wakefield
show, and are keen to buy a RISCube, remember that for the best
deal order several days in advance, for collection there.
Other changes to the RISCube lineup
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With the arrival of the new RISCube Ultra (above) at 999ukp,
resulting in such significant performance, it was clearly
necessary for us to re-evaluate the rest of our RISCube lineup.
The old 3200 RISCube Ultra and RISCube64 have both now been
discontinued, since they no longer offer any advantages in
price or performance.
We are retaining our 1299ukp RISCube64 Ultra which offers
AMD's latest Athlon64 technology at 3500+ speeds, with all
the bells and whistles (huge hard drive, dual layer DVR +-RW
writing, RISC OS Adjust etc etc).
The "high spec" RISCube now utilises a 2800+ processor (rather
than 2600), whilst the entry level RISCube Standard at 699ukp
utilises a 2300+ processor. We have also improved disc
capacities and other features.
RISC OS Performance Enhancement technology
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For some time now many of our RISCubes have been shipping
with our performance enhancement technology which allows many
RISC OS applications to run up to twice as fast (especially
graphics intensive apps such as Artworks etc). This technology
allows the use of high resolution screen modes (eg. 1600x1200)
with minimal performance hit. It works by allowing RISC OS
to better interface with the graphics hardware in most RISCube
machines, to give a very tangible speed improvement. We haven't
formally announced this before - it is something that
we introduced quietly towards the end of last year.
Updated specifications/prices on website
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We are currently in the process of revamping much of our online
machine publicity, but in the meantime we have updated the RISCube
and SpaceCube section of www.rcomp.co.uk to cover the new range
of machines, prices and options. The website allows you to
"custom build" your machine online to see how different components
affect price, and give you an idea of what your machine is likely
to cost. Of course, we always encourage customers to contact us
directly for final price (which is often a little lower), and
our advice based on your needs and our experience of the machines.
RISCentre media computers and high definition TV/LCDs
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At the Wakefield show we will be demonstrating and launching a
range of new Media Centre computers, running RISC OS of course!
These systems will provide TV, hard-disc recording, time-shifting
(pause live TV), DVD playback, music library facilities, online
radio, photo library and much more. We will also be offering a
range of affordable high definition LCD large-screen displays
to accompany this range.
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R-Comp Interactive
22 Robert Moffat, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6PS
Tel: (+44) 01925 755043 Fax: (+44) 01925 757377
http://www.rcomp.co.uk/
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