The Risc PC was the successor to the
A5000. It was first released on the 16th of April 1994. The casing of the machine had nice curves, and you had to remember that this was a time when even Macs were grey boxes. The Risc PC ran off a Strong
ARM chip and was designed to run
Risc OS though it was usually shipped with
Windows installed as well. Risc PCs have (as of 2003) been replaced by the
Iyonix though there is a thriving second-hand and 're-tuned' trade in Risc PCs. The down and dirty stats of Risc PCs are as follows:
2 x 32-bit DMA EASI expansion slots
6 x 32-bit EASI expansion slots
16 million colour capability (800x600 display)
Max resolution of 1600x1200 display (256 colours)
Internal Genlock port
1 to 2 CD drives (newer models switched to DVD)
2 memory sockets for 72 PIN Fast Page SIMMs
PS/2 keyboard
3 Button mouse
IOMD custom I/O chip
VIDC20a custom video controller
16 bit - 44.1 KHz Audio
3.5mm stereo output
RS 232 serial port
Parallel printer port
Switchable PSU from 110V - 240V (50Hz or 60Hz)
Hard drive capacity of up to 256GB
The RiscPC was initially shipped with Risc OS 3.7 installed, but was been updated as new versions released. The RiscPC was last shipped with Risc OS 4.5, though you could also request Linux or Windows preinstalled on the Hard Disc if you so wished thanks to Aleph1 Ltd.
RIP RPC, 1996-2003
As of November 2003 the Risc PC was discontinued by the last producer Castle Tech due to an inability to source key parts and the rising popularity of the Iyonix. 1996-2003 that's good going for a single design of computer.