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Amiga computer related discussion => General chat about Amiga topics => Topic started by: Phantom on June 04, 2008, 07:16:14 PM

Title: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Phantom on June 04, 2008, 07:16:14 PM
I'm considering to buy a MiniMig, but I want to know from people that bought it already if it worth the money. I read some reviews from the net, but I hope that users from here have much more to say. Appreciated. :-)
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: bloodline on June 04, 2008, 07:47:24 PM
Quote

Phantom wrote:
I'm considering to buy a MiniMig, but I want to know from people that bought it already if it worth the money. I read some reviews from the net, but I hope that users from here have much more to say. Appreciated. :-)


I would suggest that the minimig is worth it, certainly I would select it over buying another A500, A600 or A2000. But for me it won't be a viable purchase at this time unless it had AGA and a 68020 CPU... (an A1200 trapdoor connector would be nice... Yes I can dream).

If I were in the Market for a 68000 based Amiga, the minimig would be top of my list :-)
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: maffoo on June 04, 2008, 08:03:01 PM
IMO it would be worth buying if it had some kind of hard drive support (even HDF would be nice) as you could then use WHDLoad.

I would personally buy one if it ever got an upgrade to AGA (with 020 or better) and hard drive support, ideally IDE so I could use a compact flash card with it.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: skurk on June 04, 2008, 08:14:38 PM
Quote

maffoo wrote:
I would personally buy one if it ever got an upgrade to AGA (with 020 or better) and hard drive support, ideally IDE so I could use a compact flash card with it.


...or simply a HDF file on the existing SD card.  That should be plausible with today's hardware, shouldn't it?
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: TheDaddy on June 04, 2008, 08:30:26 PM
Oh yes, it's worth it.

And the case for the Minimig I have designed, that is worth buying too! :-D

read my review:
www.loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

There are a few developers sorting a few compatibility issues and promising ADF write etc...

As a game console is brilliant!

Go for it! :-)

EDIT: I forgot to say, support Amiga related developers please. :-)
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Nostalgiac on June 04, 2008, 08:32:21 PM
while it's a marvelous piece of work... I don't see why, you can easily get a couple of spare A500 instead.

ok - some people will call it sexy  :-P
but still, it's an A500 in a "damn small package"

even with AGA & 020... A1200 are cheap  :-(

of course... just my own opinion

ta
Tom UK

PS: wanna dream ? make it emulate an 060/C64d3 .... then we are talking
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: TheDaddy on June 04, 2008, 08:34:04 PM
You are forgetting that the Minimig is new and the A500s and 1200s are old.

>>PS: wanna dream ? make it emulate an 060/C64d3 .... then we are talking

For that there is the Natami, much better than 060/C64d3...
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: amiga_3k on June 04, 2008, 09:09:12 PM
Try hooking your bog-standard A500 to a modern VGA monitor... With the Minimig it's a bit easier...
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: TheDaddy on June 04, 2008, 09:13:02 PM
You are right there...

With an A500 or even an A1200 you need a very EXPENSIVE scandoubler, the Minimig has one inbuilt...

oh and two PS2 connectors for keyboard and mouse AND standard audio/speakers/headphones connector AND SD-Card plus two Amiga/C64/Atari joystick-mouse ports...and it's small... :-)
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Everblue on June 04, 2008, 09:29:49 PM
The only reason that I havent bought a Minimig yet is the fact that the game list that dont work is way too long. Probably has to do with the fact that its not cycle perfect.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Phantom on June 04, 2008, 09:38:35 PM
Thanks guys for your opinions, I really appreciated. But really I don't like the menu either. No subdirectories, only filenames till 8 characters I suppose, all must be written in the root of the SD card. I don't know, but this it can be fixed in a new firmware release, as like more combatibility issues.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Pyromania on June 04, 2008, 09:41:31 PM
Yes, if you can get one.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: straycat on June 04, 2008, 10:03:40 PM
Quote

Pyromania wrote:
Yes, if you can get one.


AmigaKit appear to have them back in stock.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: straycat on June 04, 2008, 10:07:15 PM
Quote

Phantom wrote:
Thanks guys for your opinions, I really appreciated. But really I don't like the menu either. No subdirectories, only filenames till 8 characters I suppose, all must be written in the root of the SD card. I don't know, but this it can be fixed in a new firmware release, as like more combatibility issues.


It's worth considering Minimig development is on-going and compatibility, file system etc should improve soon.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: wolfchild on June 04, 2008, 10:07:39 PM
The minimig is not perfect in many ways, but it's a damn good piece of kit and I would not hesitate to recommend anyone to buy it.

The compatibility problems will eventually be sorted out, and you'll all be able to upgrade by just replacing a file on the SD card and rebooting the MiniMig.

The menu structure is a software matter and, PIC memory permitting, could also be sorted out given time and volunteers.  Likewise for implementing a hardfile on the SD card or using 2GB+ SDHC card (always at the mercy of the PIC's memory).

My only gripe is the custom PCB layout.  If it were widely available in mini-ITX format, then we would have less problems with finding a housing for it.  I admired Illuwatar's mini-ITX design, but there don't seem to be further developments from his side...

Cheers
Edwin
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Darrin on June 04, 2008, 10:25:50 PM
In my opinion it's worth every penny.  I had a lot of fun putting it into an old PC keyboard and testing games that I haven't played for 10 to 15 years!

OK, it's frustrating when a personal favourite doesn't work, but the majority do and the core is constantly undergoing improvement.

I'm glad I bought it and I'll be first in line to buy any improved models that come out at a later date.

Remember, it's support for the existing designs that is driving people to make improvements for the future.  If you can aford it then buy a board, support the principal of the Minimig and encourage further development.   :-)
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: hektic on June 04, 2008, 10:59:50 PM
I've just bought one from Amigakit, I think it's great!

OK so it's not cheap considering current "emulation issues" ... but if it's possible to get %100 compatabilty via software updates alone it's a BARGAIN!



Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: barney on June 05, 2008, 03:15:53 AM
Hey, "thedaddy", how much does that Minimig case you designed cost?  Let me know, because I may be looking into buying one in the very near future.  thanks

Barney
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: TheDaddy on June 05, 2008, 07:09:18 AM
Hi,

The case is in prototype stage, the prototype itself has cost me, until now, several hundreds pounds (GBP), when I receive it in the next 2 weeks, the development costs woud have surpassed £1500 easily (just for the prototype). This for a single individual/developer is a massive amount of money, remember that to design the case and finance this project I had to sell my car, pc and borrow some extra cash.

Once I have the prototype I will take photographs, maybe a video and publish it. To start with I will have a limited amount of cases available for sale so first come, first served.

As someone mentioned, the Minimg motherboard is very peculiar, it has ports on all sides so this is a custom design just for the Minimig v1.1.

Specs:

Accomodates and encloses the Minimig version 1.1, as sold by ACube/Vesalia/Amigakit, completely.

Plastic case with accessibility to:

SD-Card (bevelled slot to be confirmed)
Mouse and keyboard
Amiga joystick/mouse
VGA port
Audio connector
Serial port
DC IN (Power) port
Reset switch (through hole)
Menu switch (through hole)

Included:
Rubber feet
Ventilation slots
Holes for visual access to LEDs (power and drive)
Easy Assembly/Disassembly system
Motherboard pillars (x2)
Instructions leaflet

Colour: Gloss White (iMac/iPod like)
RoHS compliant product

Options:
RFI and EMI shielding (at extra cost)

Final price to be announced very soon, just remember that the cost of a mini-itx case (which needs to be hacked and modified to accomodate the Minimig motherboard) is easily between £50 and £100.....I'll do my best.

Thank you,

 :-)
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: alexh on June 05, 2008, 07:53:14 AM
I would say, no it isnt worth it. €130 for a crippled A500?
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: alexh on June 05, 2008, 07:54:23 AM
Quote

Darrin wrote:
and the core is constantly undergoing improvement

Nice joke.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: TheDaddy on June 05, 2008, 07:57:30 AM
With some work from the people on this site we should have a fully functional A500, but also remember that it can be other things too, Atari for example, C64 or Vic20.

When I bought my GP2X, development was slow but then people started releasing C64, Amiga, Sega etc.. emulators and they worked pretty well. :-)
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Everblue on June 05, 2008, 08:24:57 AM
Quote

hektic wrote:
I've just bought one from Amigakit, I think it's great!

OK so it's not cheap considering current "emulation issues" ... but if it's possible to get %100 compatabilty via software updates alone it's a BARGAIN!






Its not possible to get 100% compatability unless its cycle perfect.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Andeda on June 05, 2008, 08:55:22 AM
Yes it is, the list of supported games is much longer than not supported games, so go ahead and buy it, you won't regret it
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Sig999 on June 05, 2008, 10:09:06 AM
I'm keeping an eye on it - but I don't think it's ready for prime time yet.

It has a 'coolness' factor to it - but right now it can't do what I want - which is develop.  I can do that on either UAE or my the A2000 on the other desk.

Maybe someday it will be a cool replacement.
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: RedskullDC on June 05, 2008, 10:26:33 AM
Hi Phantom,

Quote

Phantom wrote:
I'm considering to buy a MiniMig, but I want to know from people that bought it already if it worth the money. I read some reviews from the net, but I hope that users from here have much more to say. Appreciated. :-)


Personally, I think you would get better value for money buying a general purpose FPGA development board.
The S3-400 on the board (IMHO) will not leave you lots of room for expansion.

The Altera DE1 at $150 can easily run Minimig with a 68k softcore, with room to spare.

The Digilent Nexys2-1200 with and SD adapter and PS-2 ports would be another inexpensive target. I'm working on a port to this particular board at the moment.

If you just want a modern A500 equivalent, and have no interest in tinkering, then the normal Minimig is still worthwhile.

Hope this helps,
Red
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: chengineer on June 05, 2008, 12:51:24 PM
I like the minimig project; but then again, my A600 with 2GB HDD loaded with whdload games is even smaller than a minimig with keyboard and everything. O.k. no VGA support; but I can connect the A600 to my tv in the living room.  
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Darrin on June 05, 2008, 03:30:52 PM
Quote

alexh wrote:
Quote

Darrin wrote:
and the core is constantly undergoing improvement

Nice joke.


I was under the impression that aCube had loaded you a freebie to work on an updated core after you said you could add additional function sif only you had one.  Is this not correct?
Title: Re: So, is MiniMig worth buying?
Post by: Hattig on June 05, 2008, 10:18:22 PM
To be fair, the A600 is very old hardware now and when it breaks, that's it. You maybe be fortunate and have it for another 10 years of course :)

There's also a limited amount of A600s (and A500s, etc) going around. Which makes me think of millions of Amigas ending up in landfill, being crushed by earthmovers, etc. :(

In addition, the programmable nature of this hardware means that you may, one day, be able to emulate other systems on it. First it will be the Atari ST, then the Megadrive, and other 68000 machines, and probably a few 8-bit machines to boot. Hopefully, speaking of booting, we will have a bootmenu to select the type of system you want by this stage.

Oh, and TheDaddy, I'm impressed by the amount of effort and money you've put into your project!