Acorn A7000

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

The A7000 and A7000+ were Acorn Computers' entry level computers based somewhat on the Risc PC architecture.

Launched in 1995, the A7000 was considered a successor to the A5000, fitting into Acorn's range between the A4000 and Risc PC600, featuring a 32 MHz ARM7500 system-on-a-chip (SoC) and either 2 MB, 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard, with a single memory slot permitting up to 128 MB of additional RAM. In performance terms, the A7000 was described as being three to four times faster than the A4000 and slightly faster than a Risc PC 600 model without video RAM fitted,[4] also having comparable MIPS and Dhrystone performance ratings to 66 MHz Intel 486DX2 systems.[5]

Unlike the Risc PC, the A7000 had been "designed with the rigours of school life in mind", aiming for "a 7-year classroom lifespan".[6] The machine's case was similar to the Acorn Online Media set-top box design incorporating the same SoC, and the product was considered to have been "created specifically to satisfy the education market".[7]

The A7000+ was launched in 1997 and featured a 48 MHz ARM7500FE SoC, thus being "the first time an ARM-based Acorn has shipped with hardware floating point as standard".[8] On-board RAM was upgraded to a standard 8 MB, with the same single memory slot capable of holding 128 MB of RAM, but with the memory speed doubled to 32 MHz from the 16 MHz of the A7000. This apparently brought the machine's general performance into line with a 40 MHz Risc PC700 with 1 MB of video RAM, permitting various display resolutions and colour depths that were not possible on the earlier model. Despite using a related SoC to the earlier model, the A7000+ was upgraded to the extent that it was apparently almost sold as the A8000.[9]

After the breakup of Acorn Computers in 1998, Castle Technology bought the rights to continue production of the A7000+.[10]

Specifications and technical details[]

The ARM7500 system-on-a-chip combined into a single chip an ARM704 CPU, memory management unit, a video controller "similar but not identical to the VIDC20", much of the functionality of the Risc PC's I/O controller, plus support for PS/2 keyboards and joysticks.[6]

Acorn A7000 [11] Acorn A7000+ [12] Castle A7000+ Notes
CPU ARM7500 @ 32 MHz ARM7500FE @ 48 MHz ARM7500FE @ 56 MHz The FE in the ARM7500FE identifier indicates integrated floating point hardware.
Memory type 4 MB FPM 8 MB EDO RAM mounted on motherboard. Additionally 1 SIMM slot, supporting an additional 128 MB.
Video subsystem VIDC20-like video controller Video 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 drive. Only one of a CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive or a Eurocard Podule could be fitted.
Ports RS-232 Serial, DB25 Parallel, PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, 3.5mm headphone audio out, DE15 VGA 8P8C 10Base-T network (optional).
Dimensions H × W × D: 102 × 357 × 283 mm
Operating system RISC OS 3.60 RISC OS 3.71. RISC OS 4 is available as a replacement. Alternatively NetBSD[13] or ARM Linux (historically).[14]

Modifications[]

A user modification (dubbed the A7KP) to rehouse an A7000+ as a portable weighing 5 lb (2.3 kg) was seen in 2011.[15]

References[]

  1. ^ 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.
  3. ^ Chris's Acorns - Acorn A7000+
  4. ^ Matthewman, David (September 1995). "Codename Kryten". Acorn User. pp. 31–33. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  5. ^ ARM7500 (PDF) (Technical report). Acorn Computers Limited. July 1995. p. 2. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  6. ^ a b "The A7000" (PDF). Acorn in 1995. Beebug Limited. 1995. pp. 4–6. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Acorn in 1995 - an overview" (PDF). Acorn in 1995. Beebug Limited. 1995. p. 3. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  8. ^ "Launch Pad A7000+" (PDF). Clan Newsletter. Acorn Computers Limited. 1997. pp. 7–8. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  9. ^ Kreindler, Jack (July 1997). "Using is believing". Acorn User. pp. 26–27. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  10. ^ Chris's Acorns - Castle A7000+
  11. ^ Acorn Risc Technologies - A7000 Factsheet
  12. ^ Acorn Clan Newsletter - A7000+
  13. ^ NetBSD acorn/32 project page
  14. ^ ARM Linux - Overview of Acorn Machines
  15. ^ 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.

External links[]

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