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Acorn A7000

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Acorn A7000
DeveloperAcorn Computers
ManufacturerAcorn Computers
Release date1995 (1995)[1]
Operating systemRISC OS
CPU32 MHz ARM7500
Memory4 MiB - 132 MiB RAM
Dimensions102 mm (4.0 in) (h)
357 mm (14.1 in) (w)
283 mm (11.1 in) (d)
SuccessorA7000+
RelatedRisc PC
Acorn A7000+
DeveloperAcorn Computers
ManufacturerAcorn Computers, Castle Technology[2]
Release date1995 (1995)[3]
Operating systemRISC OS
CPU48 MHz-56 MHz ARM7500FE
Memory8 MiB - 136 MiB RAM
Dimensions102 mm (4.0 in) (h)
357 mm (14.1 in) (w)
283 mm (11.1 in) (d)
SuccessorPhoebe, Iyonix PC, A9home
RelatedRisc PC

The A7000 and A7000+ were Acorn Computers' entry level computers based on the Risc PC architecture. Launched in 1995,[1] they replaced some of the models of the Acorn Archimedes range.[4] After the breakup of Acorn Computers in 1998, Castle Technology bought the rights to continue production of the A7000+.[5] The A7000 used the ARM7500 system on chip which combined the separate ARM CPU, MMU, VIDC20 video chip and IOMD IO controller of the Risc PC into a single chip.[1]

Specifications and technical details[6][7]

  • CPU: A7000, ARM7500 clocked at 32 MHz. A7000+, ARM7500FE, with hardware floating point unit, clocked at 48 MHz or 56 MHz (Castle A7000+).
  • Memory type: 4 MiB FPM (8 MiB EDO A7000+) motherboard mounted and, 1 SIMM slot, supporting a maximum memory size of 132 MiB (136 MiB A7000+).
  • Video subsystem: VIDC20 controller integrated into ARM7500 core, display memory is shared with main memory.
  • Expansion: One Eurocard-sized Podule support in common with Archimedes-series machines. One internal network card socket.
  • Case: One 3.5 inch bay, with floppy drive, one 5.25 inch bay for a CD-ROM. Note, only one of a CD-ROM/DVD-ROM or a Eurocard Podule could be fitted.
  • Ports: RS-232 Serial, Parallel, PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, headphone audio out, DE15 VGA, network (optional).
  • Dimensions, HxWxD: 102 x 357 x 283 mm
  • Operating System: RISC OS 3.60 (A7000), RISC OS 3.71 (A7000+). RISC OS 4 is available as a replacement for the Acorn-implemented versions which came fitted as standard. Alternatively NetBSD[8] or ARM Linux (historically)[9]

Modifications

A user modification (dubbed the A7KP) to rehouse an A7000+ as a portable weighing 5 lbs was seen in 2011.[10]

History

A7000 launched in 1995, featuring a 32 MHz ARM7500 processor.[1] The more advanced A7000+ launched in 1997, featuring a 48 MHz ARM7500FE processor.[3] Acorn Computers was broken up in 1998 and Castle Technology buys the rights to continue A7000+ production.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Chris's Acorns - Acorn A7000
  2. ^ "Acorn announces distribution deal with Castle Technology for RISC based products". Acorn Computers Ltd (Press release). Acorn Computers Ltd. 1998-10-12. Archived from the original on May 6, 1999. Retrieved 2011-01-06. (October 12th 1998), Cambridge, UK-Acorn announced today that it has completed negotiations with Castle Technology for them to distribute Acorn products. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Chris's Acorns - Acorn A7000+
  4. ^ Technical history of Acorn - RPC700 and A7000
  5. ^ a b Chris's Acorns - Castle A7000+
  6. ^ Acorn Risc Technologies - A7000 Factsheet
  7. ^ Acorn Clan Newsletter - A7000+
  8. ^ NetBSD acorn/32 project page
  9. ^ ARM Linux - Overview of Acorn Machines
  10. ^ Heater, Brian (June 23, 2011). "The Acorn A7000+ portable mod is what your MacBook looks like in an alternate universe". Engadget. Retrieved February 27, 2012. [Acorn's] late-period A7000+ desktop has now seen a successful second life at the hands of a British modder as the A7KP. The Acorn's innards have been stuffed into a five pound (relatively) portable setup.