{fb1000000This article has been made up using the press releases that Acorn have released since October. Acorn's first news was that IBM's Blue Micro was to manufacture the Risc PC Cards. Here is what Acorn had to say about the deal:
Commenting on the new announcement, Acorn's Product Marketing Manager, Peter Bondar comments: "Acorn has enhanced the design of the Risc PC 486 card and at the same time concluded its negotiations with IBM. We have always known that our product provided true PC capability and the new partnership with IBM is a strong endorsement of this."
Bondar continues: "The PC 486 card allows us to complement our own operating system, RISC OS. This brought _windows_"Features.Windows", drag and drop and the ability to run DOS applications in a window, in 1988. Our own developments continue apace and we are working with a wide range of partners to provide even more to our users in our native environment. Our users are aware that we have the platform to ensure they can run the best native software, or multimedia solutions on CD ROM, while also having the choice to use applications only available on PCs."
October also saw probably the biggest event in Acorn's Diary, {fb1FF0000_The Acorn World show_"Features.ShowReport"{fb1000000 at Wembley. Acorn called the show "A Unanimous Success!" here's what the suits at Acorn had to say:
"I'm delighted with the success of the show," said Sam Wauchope, Acorn's Managing Director. "Visitor numbers are significantly up on last year and the level of enthusiasm and interest that has been shown this weekend in Acorn's current technologies and future developments has been tremendous. I know that our partners exhibiting alongside us here at Wembley are also extremely pleased and many have already signed up for next year's show."
{saco
Even before the show opened, queues were snaking round the side of the Exhibition Hall and shortly after opening, enthusiasts, teachers and parents, children and grand- parents thronged the aisles and stands.
Practically all the free of charge theatre presentations were fully booked, many well in advance, and over 1000 users signed up for Clan Acorn '94, a club designed to bring enthusiasts closer to those making and designing Acorn computers. Spot members by their new Clan T-shirts! Space for next year's show is already filling rapidly so anyone interested in exhibiting should contact EPS Events on (01295) 788386.
Acorn also got around to 'releasing' the much hyped PC card for the RiscPC, saying that it SHOULD be out by the time you read this, here is a few quotes from the PC Card FAQ:
Q. What is the Risc PC 486 Card and why might someone need one?
A: The Risc PC 486 Card is a card upgrade which slots into one of the two processor slots inside the Risc PC and enables Windows and DOS software to be run on a Risc PC. It consists of a PCB (printed circuit board), a 486 chip and an ASIC which provides the interface between the 486 chip and the Risc PC. Anyone wishing to run Windows and DOS software on Risc PC, in addition to RISC OS software, will need the Risc PC 486 Card.
Q: What Processor Chip will be used?
A: The first 500 units will use the TI 486 SXL chip, which meets the required specific- ation and runs at 33 MHz rather than the 25MHz originally published by Acorn. However, a variety of diff- erent processors can be fitted into this design subject to price, availability and market requirement.
Q: Has Acorn applied to clone the Apple computer operating system?
A: No.
The Acorn Computer Group is a holding company for Acorn Computers Limited, Acorn Australia, Acorn New Zeal- and, Acorn GmbH and Online Media. Acorn Computer Group owns 43% of ARM Ltd. Online Media, a division of the Acorn Computer Group, was launched in 1994 with the mission to design world class, interactive multi- media products.
