individual Computers: Big news update
Date 3-Feb-2006 20:43:53
Topic: Hardware News
| MMC64 sold out
The flashcard reader for the C64 by Oliver Achten is selling constantly to fans of the Commodore 64 computer. In the past days, the last units have been shipped to our worldwide trade partners. All dealers now have a small stock, so hopefully there will be no shortage. Even when prices in online auctions for the MMC64 are already rising (one has been sold for more than 70,- EUR!), there's no reason to spend more than the recommended retail price of 49,- EUR. A new production run has already been started. We hope to continue to deliver to our resellers without any interruption.
MP3@64: C64 plays back MP3 files in CD quality
As an expansion to MMC64, Oliver Achten has finished his second product. Individual Computers is proud to produce this gadget as well: The MP3-module uses a DSP for MP3-decoding and a separate DA-converter with 20 bits resolution for best audio quality. The output comes either through two Cinch connectors, or through a CD-audio connector that's also used by CD-rom or DVD-rom units. Even with output being possible on active speakers, we recommend using good HiFi equipment, so the excellent audio quality can actually be heard. This has already been proven at the scene-party tUM*05: During the party which was co-sponsored by individual Computers, the "streamed music competition" was played back on a C64. The maximum bitrate of 320kbit was used by several entries to that competition, and MP3@64 has played them back with no problems. MP3@64 is available right now, and costs 49,- EUR.
MMC64: New bios, new plugins
The new version V1.01 of the MMC64 bios is now available on the support page of our website www.ami.ga. This update is necessary for running the new plugins: The D64 reader can now read a disk into a D64 image and save it to the MMC/SD card after pressing the R key. The second new plugin is necessary for the MP3 module. Please download the plugin before you buy the module, because MP3@64 comes without a disk!
Indivision flickerfixer available again
To a large order from Software Hut USA, we have made a new production run of Indivision flickerfixers/scandoublers, because our product is the only one that is compatible with the "Video Toaster" genlock interface. Software Hut is selling Indivision under the name "Toastscan" in the US. Many of the components for Indivision are out of production, two of the key components had to be ordered from a chip-broker in the US. The connectors for the monitor port of the Amiga are very scarce, and even the logic chip had to be bought from a recycling-company. During production, the laser mask (an important tool during SMD assembly) turned out to be unusable, so a new one had to be produced. The constant problems and delays have driven the price of Indivision very high: The recommended retail price of 139,- EUR is currently beaten by many of our resellers, although almost two thirds of the produced units are already sold. Since none of the key components is RoHS-compliant (lead-free), a new production run cannot be done. After the current production run is sold, Indivision will not be produced any more.
New Catweasel driver for Linux
Karsten Scheibler has written a new driver for the Catweasel MK3 and Catweasel MK4 floppy controllers. His Kernel-driver, which runs under Kernel V2.4 and V2.6, moves many lowlevel-functions to user space programs. With this approach, Karsten Scheibler wants to achieve better portability of his source code to other systems. We're supporting him with the necessary hardware. The first version of the new driver can be downloaded from the author's site http://unusedino.de/cw/ .
Buddha for Phoenix-Amiga
Starting march 2006, there will be a special version of the Buddha IDE controller for the Phoenix Amigas. Phoenix is a motherboard that fits into the case of the Amiga 1000. The proprietary front-slot of that board is usually marked with "do not connect anything on this slot" - this slot is what our special version of the Buddha controller will use. Another special version will be available at the same time for the Amiga 500. Both have the same price of 49,90 EUR and will not be available at our retail partners because of the low quantity available. Please eMail us directly for details about availability and shipment cost.
Clockport-adapter soon back in stock
Starting march of this year, another product for Amiga 1000 and Amiga 500 will be available again: The clockport adapter for the 68000 processor socket. After pre-orders, we have already produced a small amount of these adapters in fall 2004. We have recieved frequent requests for these adapters that offer two clockports for expansions like the Silversurfer, Delfina or the Subway USB card by E3B. The adapters will be available at our retail partners for 29,90 EUR starting march 2006.
Keyrah: New feature
The USB converter for Commodore keyboards has created lots of positive feedback after the announcement in december 2005. On popular request, we have added support for Amiga 600 keyboards, and will also document how to turn an SX-64 keyboard into a USB keyboard with Keyrah. Of course, we cannot endorse anyone taking perfectly working computers apart for Keyrah. Only use keyboards from defective computers, please!
Individual Computers is creating jobs
We never made a secret of producing single parts in Eastern Europe or even Asia to reduce cost. Unfortunately, PCB production in the Czech Republic time and again delivered parts that didn't meet our quality requirements. To ensure the quality of our products there was no other possibility than to completely relocate PCB production back to Germany. Of course we made sure, that our PCBs will continue to have special colors in the future - you will be surprised! Up to now our printed retail boxes were made in China, but we're currently evaluating possibilities to make them in Germany, as our neutral boxes and the colour-printed leaflets are already made in Germany at competitive prices.
Since january of this year, individual Computers has employed two software developers who will contribute to regular software updates for our products. We're also hoping to reduce development times of new products, as fewer jobs have to be outsourced.
All prices mentioned include 16% VAT, shipment will be added. Prices at our retail partners, especially outside Germany, may vary.
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