Amiga.org
Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: TheDaddy on May 02, 2011, 08:54:27 PM
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Hi everyone,
This is prototype 4 (or 5...don't remember anymore!)...:)
Anyway, it's a fully working prototype.
I have tried to keep it a simple, original design, with clean, modern lines.
Please register your interest by emailing me:
amigarulez@hotmail.com
I need to finish off a few things, get it anodised in either black or white and then it should be ready within...TWO WEEKS! :)
These are hand built so only a few will be made, again first come first served.
Price: I haven't got a clue yet, I have worked on this on and off for years, and a lot of time, money, prototypes and effort has gone into it, will let you know as soon as possible. The first few will probably be made at a loss.
It's entirely made out of brushed aluminium, will be anodised in black or white.
It's very, very light! :)
I am thinking of including a slim DVD-RW (Bluray on request) SATA maybe a picoPSU 160W with it but it all depends if I can get them in numbers...
Tested with x86 miniITX and flex boards (not all of them!) :) and with SAM 440ep, 440Flex and 460ex.
The keyboard is a full size, low profile one and will have empty (black) "Windows keys" (basically no Windows logo) so you can put whatever you like.
Possibility of localised keyboard.
For AmigaOS users I am planning to get the two A silk screened on them, this will depend on cost and I'll keep you informed.
The lettering on the case (X500 PLUS, NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK and SCROLL LOCK should also be silk screened, i.e. no stickers.)
Well...enjoy the photos and thank you for your support. :)
http://loriano.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/welcome_to_the_x500_plus_project.htm
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It's the DeLorean of the Miggy world! :D
Those are pretty sexy!
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Should come with a can of this:
(http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/eLA5cZcnEMYZTRxNbMdVmy6FOJwr-cXOKRM9ZpNUiHScZ8BcVgcqOPSuWAJeSmfmFJTBMv3_OFMQh7XGFJ_9tJxa9SyXBv0gYkLq2BRV26uiPEmxpXwHxhu7I3OWiySV7LwEiMclUfPC9G7_4rHagWstpx-e7qvKGTgmLK8WLLzZDc0iyvPDFIpf0xrek0ALpnRV1TTMLnycS_Hji-EAphjwJwkLJbmCwiXExOft2WOgK76I8h2UkFlRd3hRsMBB03r-PGljiRaM1yZh8ZEyLkkJsis-08GxnqALvHxW34s757BTwaYQ27VNYHHUfIvOIzEkbWZSr4_lDEP_bzNxd_A)
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:-)
It takes the sweet Lord's help to make and assemble them by hand, oh my! :)
Literally pouring my blood in! :) Aluminium might be a lovely and light material but you gotta be careful!
Anyway...hopefully next week I'll get it back anodised in black or white, I'll post the photos when I can. Thanks.
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@jorkany
It's an aluminium prototype...
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Looks amazing cannot wait to see it in black and white.
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Looks amazing cannot wait to see it in black and white.
Thanks, I'll post the photos the minute it's anodised in black or white. :)
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Man, this and the news of the Natami in "play testing" is enough to make me giddy with joy!
Will the Natami fit into this? Including it's expantion cards?
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Yes J
Natami should fit in nicely, including the expansion card.
Thanks :-)
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How much does it weigh? :confused:
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How much does it weigh? :confused:
1.8kg
I'd say with the internal slim DVD/Bluray, and two HD brackets (again in aluminium) and the keyboard about 2.5kg...
Very light :)
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Nice looking little solution for people that like the AIO boxes, good work!
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The Natami logo I designed looks good on the case although I don't like the way the Natami team changes the Caps on the logo and they added the strange squares to the left.
You case design looks great though.
Good Job!!!
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It doesn't have enough Amiga feeling to make me want one but I'm sure there are others out there wanting one. The ODD in the opposit side, a computerbeige paintjobb, white keys and airholes along the top would go a long way though.
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That is seriously cool. Especially those LED lights! The whole thing reminds me of a 1970's kit computer. If only it had some giant switches on it :rolleyes:
How much do they cost to make? What about cpst per unit? Are they going to be mass produced or special orders only? :confused:
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That is seriously cool. Especially those LED lights! The whole thing reminds me of a 1970's kit computer. If only it had some giant switches on it :rolleyes:
How much do they cost to make? What about cost per unit? Are they going to be mass produced or special orders only? :confused:
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Nice...
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Beautiful job! I am very interested. I personally think it is great that it is made out of aluminium.
Quote: "a computerbeige paintjobb, white keys and airholes along the top would go a long way though"
Yes, I agree, those things would make it even better!
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Very nice. I've been hacking away at an old C128 case for my FPGA Arcade, but this looks a lot better. My ownly concern with it being aluminium is how easy it will be for me to cut any new holes for the FPGA Aracde and the extender board neatly.
Great work!
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@Crom00 and Duce
Thanks both, appreciated.
I didn't know you designed the Natami logo, good job. :)
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@Kesa
>>How much do they cost to make? What about cpst per unit? Are they going to be mass produced or special orders only?
I haven't done the sums yet but I have worked on this project on and off for 3-4 years...maybe longer (I did the Minimig and 1541U cases in between) I'll have to sit down one day and check, I have also made several prototypes etc...
It depends on how many people are interested, at the moment we are looking at minimum 20 complete cases:
You get the whole case with keyboard (possibly localised) completely out of brushed aluminium, anodised in silver, black or white.
And all the other stuff:
pico PSU 150-160W and external brick
Slim DVD-RW or Bluray (on request)
Reset and ON/OFF switches
Rubber feet
LEDs and cables
2 side USB ports and Audio connectors (headphones and Mic).
2-3 aluminium brackets for DVD-RW and HD/SSD
Thanks
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@ Florida And @Gertsy
Thank you very much.
Being a fan of manufacturers such as Lian Li and Antec (they work mainly with brushed aluminium, and I have bought a few of their cases for my pcs) I thought it had to be aluminium.
Once I get it brushed and anodised it should look like the aluminium on the iMacs.
The case is very light and there is enough space for people to mess around with, I have ordered a Sapphire PURE Fusion MINI E350 with the latest AMD cpu and a PCI-Express card, SSD and it should make for a nice system, dual boot whatever you like with that retro feeling :)
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Very nice. I've been hacking away at an old C128 case for my FPGA Arcade, but this looks a lot better. My ownly concern with it being aluminium is how easy it will be for me to cut any new holes for the FPGA Aracde and the extender board neatly.
Great work!
Thanks Darrin, aluminium is versatile, case usually manufacturers use 0.8-1.3mm thick which is easy to bend, I have chosen 2mm to give it strength but at the same time cutting and drilling with a Dremel should be no problem, I have found it better than steel, oh by the way, I did make a prototype in steel and it weighed a ton! :)
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Thanks Darrin, aluminium is versatile, case usually manufacturers use 0.8-1.3mm thick which is easy to bend, I have chosen 2mm to give it strength but at the same time cutting and drilling with a Dremel should be no problem, I have found it better than steel, oh by the way, I did make a prototype in steel and it weighed a ton! :)
In that case (pardon the pun), add me to your interested list. All I require is the case and the keyboard (I take it that it has a PS2 connector on the inside?). I have a external cased power supply that I can run into the X500 case through a small hole.
I think the key to non-Eurpean sales is going to be weight reduction. :)
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Reminds me of my first computer where I scavenged a keyboard out of a an old Univac.
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Well...you can't please everyone ;)
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In that case (pardon the pun), add me to your interested list. All I require is the case and the keyboard (I take it that it has a PS2 connector on the inside?). I have a external cased power supply that I can run into the X500 case through a small hole.
I think the key to non-Eurpean sales is going to be weight reduction. :)
Hi Darrin,
Sorry for the late reply...I have added you to the list, thanks.
The keyboard is USB.
About the weight reduction...one of the first prototypes was in steel! It weighed a ton! :)
Now it's very light being all alluminium. ;)
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Just a quick update:
Changed the round nose (towards the end of the keyboard) for a corner one, because of production costs but, to me, it looks even better, following the clean lines of the rest, it also makes the case slightly shorter.
On top of this Amiganews.it member Alblino has already started modifying the X500 PLUS and give a representation of possible colours, have a look at the white version:
http://amiga.ikirsector.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=15490&start=60
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Can you put a UNIVAC logo on it?
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Hi Darrin,
Sorry for the late reply...I have added you to the list, thanks.
The keyboard is USB.
About the weight reduction...one of the first prototypes was in steel! It weighed a ton! :)
Now it's very light being all alluminium. ;)
Errr... USB? Cross me off then unless a USB to PS2 adapter works to connect it to the FPGA Arcade.
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@persia
>>Can you put a UNIVAC logo on it?
No, but I can put an Amiga logo on it...
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I just need to clarify something regarding the above post.
Where I say: "No, but I can put an Amiga logo on it..." it is clear that if it requires permission, permission will be asked.
I have just been contacted by Barry of CommodoreUSA who is reminding me that the Amiga name and logo are licensed to CommodoreUSA.
I hope it's clear. :)
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Oh yeah since they have exclusive world wide rights to "amiga" all in ones?
I guess not! hahahaha
Its cool if you don't include a logo. We can all just do a cusa and put our own sticker on it!
Great work! I love it.
Steven
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Thanks, I just need to check the possible colours, people seem to like it in black or white, I'll post some pics of the final thing soon :)
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It looks like black is going to look even better
http://amiga.ikirsector.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=15490&p=190826#p190826
but the white is not bad either...
They need some tidying up but all in all good job Alblino and his photoshop! :)
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It really is crying out for a UNIVAC label
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/ba/Univac20040113_300px.jpg)
or maybe Digital?
(http://encycl.opentopia.com/enimages/8/7952/Digital_dec_logo.png)
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Nah...more something like this:
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Any news?
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Any news about this case? How is it progressing?
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Wait.....I can get this, as a PC case as well, provided I use a MiniITX???? 8D
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Black is the way to go, although someone should make something like this for an A500. Especially a case that can mount a hcx floppy drive emulator and possibly squeeze in a side car :-)
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i think the the x1000 is brilliant as a "development platform" however i think an "X500" final specification, external aesthetics and design should be considered much more carefully..
1st, i think the PA semi cpu is cool, but i thought apple bought it? and planned to kill it? so switching to another PPC cpu might be more prudent..
2nd, the radeon R700 is kinda getting old.. personally i would use an passively cooled S3 chrome graphics subsystem on the motherboard pcb with dedicated graphics ram with core and core driver support to support CTM programming
3rd, the X1000 boasts 7.1 channel audio? im not sure on how this works but im willing to bet its some sort of software codec (aka a realtec chip) with sound generated at the software driver level.. although not the end of the world i would think it would be more prudent to have dedicated sound hardware on the motherboard.. it would be one big selling point..
4th, i love the Xena chip thing (im not sure on wot that does) but if Aeon are having ideas of custom chips on the mobo then why not go a little further? something like an Texas Instruments OMAP 5? those VLSI chips do just about everything not only audio processing (see above), duel core arm processors, built in powervr gpu, hd video acceleration etc, But mainly the reason i mention it is it also supports all the connectivity u would ever need it has built in such as sata/usb, WIFI the list goes on..
http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/OMAP5-1.png
just my input.. but for the machine to sell it has to appeal as a home computer that covers allot of bases like the original amiga once did.. at the moment the x1000 is very ibm pc architecturey (if thats a word), proper computers are built from the ground up with supporting custom chipsets and to me the X500 could if made properly fill this gap..
on a last note if all the above was to be implimented then the x500 would be a unrivaled platform for graphics, music generation, programming and gaming as well as others.. together with amiga os 4x would be viral.. the pc is failing as a gaming platform maybe a well designed amiga could fill? it could certainly usher in a new era of Bedroom programming if it is done right :-)
im such a nonce lol should not comment on forums when im to tired to read them through first lmao
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so this is the much discussed followup for amigaone500? the daddy is developing a whole new computer now? oooh! so why not develop a custom ppc cpu like natami team does? hop
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Looks nothing like a Amiga 500... Based on colour alone it looks more like a...
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G50TjygLoSg/T0S7pQQ9jWI/AAAAAAAAIm8/9GcZDErRZ0A/s1600/Atari+Falcon+030.png
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Looks nothing like a Amiga 500... Based on colour alone it looks more like a...
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G50TjygLoSg/T0S7pQQ9jWI/AAAAAAAAIm8/9GcZDErRZ0A/s1600/Atari+Falcon+030.png
Possibly, but I am not here to replicate, I don't do replica cases.
1) I don't have the money to invest in injection moulded replica stuff
2) I am only one guy who bashes things together in a garage
I took the A500 plus as inspiration and see what it can come out of banging aluminium and plastic together.
See what you want from the prototype pictures. These are the facts. ;)
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so this is the much discussed followup for amigaone500? the daddy is developing a whole new computer now? oooh! so why not develop a custom ppc cpu like natami team does? hop
Nothing of the sort.
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why not develop a custom ppc cpu like natami team does?
Lol! Whut?
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just being confused by all that gossip apparently originating lately from some italian forums. hearing of some amigaone x500 plus being developed by acube. thought there might be a link. natami- well i know its 68k core.
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so this is the much discussed followup for amigaone500? the daddy is developing a whole new computer now? oooh! so why not develop a custom ppc cpu like natami team does? hop
No, it is a "Amiga-like" case (or perhaps a C128-like, or Dragon-like, or BBC Model B-like) to put your own mobo in and it has been discussed for months.
Before you take the piss out of The Daddy's work you might want to do some research and you'll discover he has already designed, manufactured and sold a custom case for the Minimig and has lots of satisfied customers.
This guy does what he says and he stands by his products.
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Any new pics or a video?The natami doesent have an official case as far as i know.Is there any chance of this becoming the official case.I know they are aware of it.Is it possible for a complete novice to put a board in this or would some soldering or attaching of connectors etc be necessary?
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It's the DeLorean of the Miggy world! :D
Those are pretty sexy!
Sure, if you can afford the 1.21 Jiggawatts to power it up!
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Sure, if you can afford the 1.21 Jiggawatts to power it up!
Jiggy jiggy jiggawatts. I gots some, playa! what WHAT!! Holla!
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It looks like black is going to look even better
http://amiga.ikirsector.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=15490&p=190826#p190826
but the white is not bad either...
They need some tidying up but all in all good job Alblino and his photoshop! :)
What keyboard are you using? Could you save money by working with the same company that AmigaKit gets their Boing Ball keyboards and just using the guts from their keyboard and putting it into your case design? If it was just a discounted purchase of those keyboards without the keyboard casing and cord, then you could get the properly licensed Boing Ball Amiga keys and Help key marked, because you would be buying a product that is already licensed, just without the case and cord.
Just a thought.
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Dave
Thats a good idea for him! I'm prolly going to order the grey one for my peg2.. sucks it has no multimedia keys (which actually work with morphos)
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What keyboard are you using? Could you save money by working with the same company that AmigaKit gets their Boing Ball keyboards and just using the guts from their keyboard and putting it into your case design? If it was just a discounted purchase of those keyboards without the keyboard casing and cord, then you could get the properly licensed Boing Ball Amiga keys and Help key marked, because you would be buying a product that is already licensed, just without the case and cord.
Just a thought.
At the moment the "X500 Plus" as the prototype is known uses a full size keyboard used in laptops.
I am not sure the Logitech (I think Amigakit uses Logitech keyboards) would work in the design, remember that changing the design just for the keyboard means a redesign and a new expensive prototype...
They are all good ideas but I believe it wouldn't fit the design.
I am going to leave the Windows keys on so people can do what they like; put their own sticker on, boing balls, Aros, Linux symbols etc...
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At the moment the "X500 Plus" as the prototype is known uses a full size keyboard used in laptops.
I am not sure the Logitech (I think Amigakit uses Logitech keyboards) would work in the design, remember that changing the design just for the keyboard means a redesign and a new expensive prototype...
They are all good ideas but I believe it wouldn't fit the design.
I am going to leave the Windows keys on so people can do what they like; put their own sticker on, boing balls, Aros, Linux symbols etc...
Is it possible for a complete novice to put a board in this or would some soldering or attaching of connectors etc be necessary?