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{{System | {{System | ||
|name=Acorn Archimedes | |name=Acorn Archimedes | ||
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|manufacturer=Acorn Computers Ltd | |manufacturer=Acorn Computers Ltd | ||
|released=1987 | |released=1987 | ||
|discontinued=1992 | |||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Acorn Archimedes''' was [[Acorn Computers Ltd]]'s first general purpose home computer based on their own 32-bit ARM architecture RISC CPU. The name is also commonly used to describe computers which were based on the same architecture, even where Acorn did not include 'Archimedes' in the official name. | The '''Acorn Archimedes''' was [[Acorn Computers Ltd]]'s first general purpose home computer based on their own 32-bit ARM architecture RISC CPU. The name is also commonly used to describe computers which were based on the same architecture, even where Acorn did not include 'Archimedes' in the official name. | ||
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The A3000 used an 8 MHz [[ARM architecture|ARM]]2 and was supplied with 1 MB of RAM. Unlike the previous models, the A3000 came in a single-part case similar to the [[Amiga 500]] and [[Atari ST]] computers, with the keyboard integrated in the base unit. This kind of housing consumes a lot of desktop space, a problem that Acorn tried to overcome by offering a monitor stand that attached to the base unit. The new model only sported a single [[expansion slot]], which was physically different from that of the earlier models, although electrically similar. | The A3000 used an 8 MHz [[ARM architecture|ARM]]2 and was supplied with 1 MB of RAM. Unlike the previous models, the A3000 came in a single-part case similar to the [[Amiga 500]] and [[Atari ST]] computers, with the keyboard integrated in the base unit. This kind of housing consumes a lot of desktop space, a problem that Acorn tried to overcome by offering a monitor stand that attached to the base unit. The new model only sported a single [[expansion slot]], which was physically different from that of the earlier models, although electrically similar. | ||
In 1991, the A5000 was launched. It featured the new 25 MHz ARM3 processor, 2 or 4 MB of RAM, either a 40 MB or an 80 MB [[hard drive]] and a more conventional two-part case. Its enhanced video capabilities allowed the A5000 to comfortably display [[VGA]] resolutions of up to 800×600 pixels. It was the first Archimedes to feature a High Density capable [[floppy disc]] drive as standard. This supported various formats including [[DOS]] and [[Atari]] discs. A later version of the A5000 featured a 33 MHz ARM3, 4 or 8 MB of RAM, an 80 or 120 MB hard drive and a revised OS (RISC OS 3.10). | In 1991, the A5000 was launched. It featured the new 25 MHz ARM3 processor, 2 or 4 MB of RAM, either a 40 MB or an 80 MB [[hard drive]] and a more conventional two-part case. Its enhanced video capabilities allowed the A5000 to comfortably display [[VGA]] resolutions of up to 800×600 pixels. It was the first Archimedes to feature a High Density capable [[floppy disc]] drive as standard. This supported various formats including [[MS-DOS]] and [[Atari]] discs. A later version of the A5000 featured a 33 MHz ARM3, 4 or 8 MB of RAM, an 80 or 120 MB hard drive and a revised OS (RISC OS 3.10). | ||
The A5000 ran the new 3.0 version of RISC OS 3.0. As previously, earlier machines were capable of being upgraded to the new RISC OS 3, though some needed help[http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/32bit_Upgrades/Simtec_ROS3_ROMCarrier.html], as well as the ARM3 CPU[http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/32bit_Upgrades/Simtec_ARM3FPA.html]. Earlier models could also benefit from the video performance of the A5000 via a third party upgrade[http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/32bit_Upgrades/CC_ColourcardGold.html]. | The A5000 ran the new 3.0 version of RISC OS 3.0. As previously, earlier machines were capable of being upgraded to the new RISC OS 3, though some needed help[http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/32bit_Upgrades/Simtec_ROS3_ROMCarrier.html], as well as the ARM3 CPU[http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/32bit_Upgrades/Simtec_ARM3FPA.html]. Earlier models could also benefit from the video performance of the A5000 via a third party upgrade[http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/32bit_Upgrades/CC_ColourcardGold.html]. | ||