Q. Will the new Amiga and new OS allow me to continue using my current Classic Amiga software?
Your current classic Amiga software already runs on your classic Amiga, and OS3.9 will run on existing classic Amigas that meet the minimum specs. The Eyetech AmigaOne PPC 1200 and 4000 are full AmigaOne machines which make use of a classic 1200 and 4000 motherboard to provide backwards compatability when running the classic Amiga operating system.
The Eyetech AmigaOne PPC A1200 and A4000 machines will run classic Amiga applications, including OS3.9 apps. The 68K processor is emulated by the PPC machine, any retargetable libraries are aimed at the graphics and audio resources available on the AmigaOne itself, and the classic Amiga boards provide the hardware dependent resources.
Q. Will the Amiga Digital Environment install natively on a PowerMac?
We have no plans to see the Amiga DE running natively on a PowerMac in the short or medium term. In the long term, everything is an option given a viable market.
Q. Does the Amiga DE run on Classic Amigas without any PowerPC expansion (680x0 only)?
No. The AmigaDE does not support the 68K series of processors or the classic Amiga hardware.
Q. Does the Amiga DE run on Classic Amigas with Phase 5 PowerPC expansion processor cards?
It will not run natively on them but should run hosted on Linux running on top of them. If this is desired, then users should lobby a third party company to provide this as a solution.
Q. Does AmigaOS 3.9 run on x86-based computers?
No.
Q. Can Classic Amiga software be run on a future AmigaOne computer, such as an x86 AmigaOne computer?
We are currently evaluating formally extending the classic Amiga to run within the AmigaDE. If it runs in the AmigaDE, it will run on any machine that supports the AmigaDE, which includes x86 machines. However, even if it can be done (and we will not do it if it does not give us at least the performance of a top of the line classic Amiga), such functionality will not be available until 2002.
Q. Will Classic Amiga Zorro expansion hardware be accessible to the AmigaOne?
No, due to the real estate involved we dont believe it will be possible to include any Zorro slots on the AmigaOne 1200. It might be possible to fit one video passthrough slot on the A4000 version, but this would add to the cost.
Q. How "finished" will the Amiga DE be when the AmigaOne PPC 1200/4000 ships? That is, will it be a beta version or something more?
We intend to ship AmigaDE 1:0, the first consumer version of the Amiga DE.
Q. What is the difference between Amiga OS 3.9 and the Amiga DE?
OS3.9 is the latest iteration of the classic AmigaOS. The AmigaDE is the next generation software product for Amiga. The classic runs on dedicated hardware and implements an 1980s centralised architecture. The AmigaDE is hardware independent and implements an abstractual service based architecture.
Q. What is the estimated street price of the first AmigaOne expansion devices from Eyetech?
Eyetech cannot release firm prices - other than the ballpark figures given in the press release - until the Developer versions are out of test and real production starts. Thats because of the complete volatility in the chip markets at present, the extremely volatile exchange rate and economies of scale and co-operation that will emerge as the project moves forwards.
Q. Why is the AmigaOne nothing more than a PC specification?
The Zico specification is the minimum set required for the AmigaOne certification process. It represents the low end of an AmigaOne product.
Q. Where can I buy these Eyetech products in the U.S?
Several U.S. Amiga dealers are currently talking with Eyetech about carrying their products and offering representation in the States.
Q. I have an A3000 - why has Amiga forsaken me?
Amiga isn't forsaking anyone. The new Amiga company is concentrating on the future, with the Amiga Digital Environment. Actual product reaches the outside world via partner companies who work with us. It is these partner companies, such as Eyetech who create the actual product. It is Eyetech who are behind the design and production of AmigaOne PPC machines that mate with A1200 and A4000 motherboards to provide backwards compatability. They did the market research, they assessed the risk and they are moving ahead with those projects. If enough A3000 owners petition Eyetech, then Eyetech may see that an A3000 system represents a viable product; if not then perhaps a different company again could be persuaded. Sales of machines in Europe were very different from sales on the US, and a US manufacturer might partner with Eyetech to create product better suited to the US market.
Send your questions to faq-amigaone@amiga.com. Updates to this list will be posted one the first and fifteenth of each month.
Raymond Computer
795 Raymond Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55114
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651-642-9891 Fax
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