RISCOSbits at Wakefield in Bradford

RISCOSbits will be bringing not one, not two, but three NEW systems to the Wakefield in Bradford Show, all based on our innovative and ultrafast NVMe drivers, produced in conjunction with RISC OS Open and Stader Softwareentwicklung, and now adopted by RISC OS Open for integration into RISC OS itself.

The first is a new machine in the PiHard range of compact systems, taking advantage of the small footprint that using NVMe drives allows. The eNVy.Me machine is a compact 1 litre system, housed in a custom electric blue aluminium and acrylic case, hosting an overclocked Compute Module 4 with 2GB RAM, coupled with a 128GB NVMe drive.

The case has a clear acrylic ‘pop-off’ lid for easy access to the internals of the system – ideal for upgrading it – including all the main components, several usable connectors for externally controlled devices, and the GPIO. Standard ports on the outside of the case include 4x USB 2.0 ports, a HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, and a USB-C port that can be used for 5v power in and data, plus a wide-ranging barrel connector for power in.

Like all machines based on the Compute Module 4, it can be upgraded to add more RAM, and even built in fast eMMC storage. Various other upgrades are available, including active cooling to allow further overclocking, and increased storage capacity via NVMe (up to 2TB) or eMMC.

With a show price of 199ukp, this beauty of a beast won’t be around for long.

The second model is a new machine in the FAST range, coupling the fast speed of the NVMe drive with a black aluminium Mini ITX case, similar to the ones used in the FAST FIRE.

The machine hosts a 2GHz 4GB Compute Module with built in twin drive system, comprising a 32GB eMMC drive, with a 256GB NVMe drive included as standard. Using 4K Sector drives, this can be easily expanded to up to 2TB. Whilst it’s not quite as superfast as the SATA version of FAST, and not quite as expandable, it is a highly capable machine that positively zips along, and provides 4x USB 2.0 ports (including two at the front/side), twin HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, and comes complete with a 12v power supply. With a show price of 279ukp we really do expect the limited show stock of this machine to fly!

The third model isn’t so much a ‘system’ but an NVMe DIY kit with all you need to build your own RISC OS NVMe-capable computer. Including a case, motherboard, Compute Module, NVMe drive, and pre-configured SD card, the kit just needs assembling (instructions are included) and it’s ready to go! These kits will be available at an introductory price of 99ukp on the day. You can even try to win one, pre-built, in the WROCC raffle!

In addition, RISCOSbits will be bringing along a few FAST FIRE systems – the fastest RISC OS computer to date! At 349ukp, these are premium SSD systems and even faster than any NVMe-based machines.

There will be a limited number of PiRO Qube NVMe machines available – tiny machines with super powers! With a twin drive system comprising a 32GB eMMC and a 128GB NVMe drive and 4GB RAM, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better specced machine at such a low price anywhere else. Originally released in late summer last year, even with the addition an of NVMe drive, the price has remained stubbornly low at only 179ukp, offering amazing value for money. As the Archive Magazine review of the original PiRO Qube suggested ‘you can’t build it yourself any cheaper’…

We’ll have our expandable Chimera twin-head system available to buy, running both Linux and RISC OS at the same time. With both heads having 256GB NVMe and oodles of RAM, this is a true powerhouse machine. With prices as low as 469ukp, this machine is incomparable.

All of our systems incorporate multiple integrated USB ports, 4k video support up to 60hz, HDMI audio, and Gigabit Ethernet. No need for all those dongles dangling from the side, and no USB hubs stuffed into the case.

All of our systems come with a 2GB bundle of FREE software (plus links to much more!) to get you going straight out of the box. Plus we can offer free advice on peripherals to complement your RISCOSbits system, such as USB optical drives, external hard drives and even WiFi drivers!

In addition to the computer systems described above, RISCOSbits will have a range of cheaper systems and peripherals available on the day.

Sadly, it’s been impossible to keep up with demand for our VENOM systems, and we won’t have any available on the day – we’ve already sold out of our show stock. And beyond…

Pop along, have a chat, and check out our excellent hardware at low, low prices. And remember, if it isn’t available to take it away, we can probably make exactly what you want. To severely misquote a famous baseball film with Kevin Costner, ‘if you come and ask, we will build it…’

And don’t forget, the early bird catches the discounted worm, so don’t miss out by delaying!

If you’re up and about early, and you’re coming to the show, take advantage of our Early Bird offers!

Pop along to our stand before we go to do our Theatre Slot at 11.30am for extreme discounts on your next RISC OS system!

You have one hour to make super savings!

Have you come up with a system on a tray – bit like a laptop?

Not quite sure what you mean there, Colin. Do you have a picture or link to something you have in mind?