AresOne
Apple did, why shouldn't we?
The AresOne is a complete PC system specifically assembled to be used with
AROS.
The hardware components were selected to get the most out of the current AROS version,
and to be ready for future improvements (e.g. Gallium 3D). The AresOne is
suitable for Amiga enthusiasts and experienced users, it is not intended
for the average Windows user (please see the
disclaimer below).
Hardware:
The current basic model contains the following components:
- ATX motherboard
- Athlon II X2 3.0 GHz
- 2 GB RAM (DDR3 1333)
- NVidia GF8400GS (512 MB)
- 500 GB HDD
- DVD-RW drive
- Tower case JP Dark Crystal
- 500W power supply
You can certainly also upgrade certain components, please have a look
at the configuration options.
Software:
The AROS Research Operating System is a lightweight, efficient and flexible
desktop operating system, designed to help you make the most of your computer.
It's an independent, portable and free project, aiming at being compatible with
Amiga OS at the API level, while improving on it in many areas.
Additionally to AROS, the AresOne can be pre-installed with
Debian GNU/Linux,
Ubuntu
or Windows, if you wish.
The AresOne also comes with the A-Live X software package, which contains
Cinnamon Writer and a licence key for Frying Pan. We also include a special OEM version
of Amiga Forever
with the package. The latter is useful for UAE since it contains the
required Kickstart and Workbench images (1.3 and 3.x) for UAE plus
50 games and 50 demos. If you need more Amiga Forever, you can also purchase
the full version
for a special price (please configure the AresOne bundle accordingly).
Every AresOne customer gets a licence for the AMC software package,
which can be downloaded at the
AMC website.
Since AROS is still heavily in development, there are still some quirks that
need to be ironed out. Especially the graphics system is going to receive
an overhaul, but it will take some time until Gallium 3D is done. Until
then the NVidia card in the AresOne is used in VESA mode, the mode must be
set with boot options right now (don't worry too much, this can be done
quite conveniently via the GRUB menu). The Nouveau driver for NVIDIA
cards is not 100% done yet, but it already offers 2D acceleration, and the
screen mode can be changed like it should be. Enhanced 2D and 3D acceleration
are being worked on.
SFS can manage partitions up to 128 GB only.
All those quirks are software related and will be dealt with during the
development of AROS. AROS and applications for AROS have seen a lot of
developer love lately, so you can expect improvements and new features
to come rather sooner than later.
A portion of the AresOne profits will be used to fund AROS projects, especially
driver development and licensed application software.
See also:
AresOne 2011.
|