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NetSurf2
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1996-02-28
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<Heard on the Net>
Reported Specifications of the NetSurfer
Reports of the specifications of the NetSurfer have been very mixed,
with some reporters even suggesting it contains 4Mb of Flash ROM.
For a low-cost device this would be impossible!
Here is a "rationalised" list of specifications. These are based on
various press releases from Oracle and Acorn.
Low cost RISC Processor (ARM7500 would seem the obvious choice).
Plug in 14.4Kbs or 28.8Kps modem.
Future fast ATM and cable modem capability.
4-8Mb of on-board RAM (expandable).
PCMCIA capabilities.
Provision for low-cost add on hard disc drive.
Peripheral ports (eg printer).
Display via colour or monochrome LCD, or using standard home television.
Support of standard infra-red remote control or keyboard.
ROM based operating system with built-in multimedia support.
Built-in internet browser with Java support.
Acorn have also announced its new range of "MediaSurfers". These
should not be confused with the "NetSurfer".
The first generation of NetSurfer will probably be fitted with
14.4Kbps modems. This is perfectly adequate for today's Websurfer.
Remember that users would only be able to access one page at a time,
and are only interesting in accessing pages online. Users would also
have no need to download large files (at present) as they have nowhere
to store them. This makes a faster speed modem an unnecessary expense.
For "go faster" freaks, or those willing to pay the extra, a 28.8Kbps
model should be available as a separate model, and would become the
preferred device as the price of the technology falls. Although, it
is more likely that a subscriber would rent a NetSurfer from their
local provider or cable company, with private individuals opting for
the Acorn MediaSurfer.
Tim Rice