Acorn Announces Risc PC 600 CD With Fully Integrated Multimedia Functionality

Cambridge, UK. 18 August, 1994

Following the highly successful launch of the Risc PC in April this year, Acorn Computers is now introducing the Risc PC 600 CD, which comes with a built-in Acorn 300i CD ROM drive, offering customers truly integrated multimedia functionality and low cost, high performance CD ROM capability from the very moment the system is plugged in and powered up.

The CD ROM drive, supplied for Acorn by Cumana, is fitted internally within the Risc PC system, eliminating the need for trailing leads and cables and avoiding using up precious expansion slots. It runs both RISC OS and PC CD ROMs, the latter currently supported either by PC Soft, Acorn's PC emulation software, or by current PC cards. In addition, MPC II titles will be supported when the Risc PC 486 Card is released in the fourth quarter of 1994.

The Acorn 300i CD ROM drive, which costs just £199 (excluding VAT) on top of the standard Risc PC system price, will normally only be available when purchased as part of a complete system, not as an upgrade. It requires at least 3 MB RAM, and can be supplied as part of two models: the Risc PC 600 CD system 5MB 210 HD and the Risc PC 600 CD system 9 MB 420 HD.

However, Acorn has made special arrangements for those who have already bought a Risc PC before the integrated Risc PC 600 CD system was announced. Upon proof of prior purchase of their Risc PC, current users can currently have an Acorn 300i CD ROM drive fitted by their local dealer for £199 (excluding VAT). This offer is open for a limited period only, until Friday 23rd December 1994.

The Acorn 300i CD ROM drive will be available for sale as part of a complete system from the first week of September, or as an upgrade for existing Risc PC users from October onwards.

Founded in 1978, with 1993 revenues of £54.3m, Acorn Computers is the premier supplier of IT solutions to UK education and has been the leading provider of 32-bit RISC based personal computers since 1987. Acorn works closely with a strong community of industry partners, users and software developers to provide innovative technology solutions for the education, consumer, publishing and international markets.

The Acorn Computer Group is a holding company for Acorn Computers Limited, Acorn Australia, Acorn New Zealand, Acorn GmbH and Online Media. Acorn Computer Group owns 43% of ARM Ltd. Online Media, a division of the Acorn Computer Group, was launched in 1994 with the mission to design world class, interactive multimedia products.

© 1995 Acorn Computer Group plc.