A Question and answer session with Max Tretene, ACube Systems Srl

This is a co-operative effort of AmigaWorld, AmigaRoundTable, and Amigaweb to increase communication and aid in dispersal of information throughout the Amiga community. AW, ART and Amigaweb jointly release these questions and answers which we hope will start an informative dialogue.

Reference: ACube Systems Forum


ACube Systems as a business
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(01) Long term do you see ACube Systems as both a distributor and a reseller?

We see ourselves as a manufacturer and distributor on a long term basis. At the moment we are still acting as a reseller to serve customers that don't have a reseller in their area but we are sure that things will improve soon in this field.

(02) If so can you elaborate on any changes you might make, such as the possible addition of a POS (point of sale) system to the website?

At the moment we are not interested in becoming a reseller, we are more focused in creating a network of reliable resellers in all major countries/areas.

(03) Is there any information you can share regarding usage of your products outside of the Amiga community, or comments about what role the Sam440ep might play in the automotive industry?

Automotive is really a different market than the embedded one. The rules and the requirements for the automotive products are really strict and at the moment we are not interested in entering such a market. On the embedded one, we have some interesting products going on.

(04) How successful have OS4 for classic and minimig been as products?

OS4 for Classic has been really a nice surprise. We did not expect so many Classic Amigas to be still around. Minimig is a small and niche product, it still has a good amount of requests and we are really happy about it.

(05) What made you decide to manufacture and sell the Minimig?

We believed (and still believe) that it is an excellent product that deserved a mass production.

(06) How many Cyberstorm/Blizzard PPC's have successfully been repaired?

Not so many, probably people preferred to wait for a new machine coming out instead of investing in such old hardware, Although I have to say that a 300Mhz Blizzard PPC is really impressive!


ACube Systems products - Sam440ep
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(01) How does the Sam440ep @ 667MHz compare to the MicroGX @800MHz?

Very well, Sam has some important advantages over the Micro. Sam has a fast DDR memory interface, a fast SATA controller, a powerfull M9 graphic chip so the feeling when you use AmigaOS 4.1 is that of a faster system compared to the Micro. Obviously on simple computing power the Micro is more powerful but on overall system performances, Sam outperforms in many areas the Micro.

(02) Is the ATI M9 64 or 128 bit?

128 bit.

(03) Do you have any recommendation on a specific PCI riser card to use?

No.

(04) Can it triple boot OS4.1, AROS, and Linux easily?

Yes.

(05) The board is listed as "HIGH-SPEED USB 2.0 Certified". Is there anything other than software that would prevent implementation of USB2?

OS4.1 needs an EHCI driver to be able to use USB2 on the Sam.

(06) What is the maximum memory it can take/use?

The Sam440ep board can take 512 Mb RAM via a DIMM slot.

(07) Will the Sam440ep system bundle come with the proper I/O ports backplate?

Yes, we're working on it.

(08) For those building their own systems, will there be an ACube Systems official recommendation on parts, including case and a compatibility list?

We have a complete list of cases on our website. Regarding other parts: any widely available component can be used on the Sam, the only limitations are on the specific Operating System supported hardware.

(09) Why was the mini-pci slot removed from the final design?

On the embedded version it is available upon request.


ACube Systems products - Sam440ep-flex
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(01) What is the approximate timetable and cost of the Sam440ep-flex?

Flex will be available before Christmas. Price hasn't been decided yet.

(02) Are bundles planned for Sam440ep-flex, as they are for the Sam440ep?

Yes.


ACube Systems - the future
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(01) Do you plan or consider further extensions to the SAM series?

We have a detailed business and development plan for the coming years.

(02) Have you considered a Sam440ep laptop and would this be feasible?

We have many options for current and future products. Laptop is one of these.

(03) Could you please tell us a bit about how and why the ADS5121/Hellrosa/Efika2 was on display by ACube Systems at Pianeta Amiga?

We, as hardware manufacturer, evaluate many different kind of processors. Since this is a reference board we are studying and evaluating it (as we are doing with other processors).

(04) Is AmigaOS4.x planned for this board?

As far as we know, no.

(05) Are there any plans for MorphOS V2.x for the Sam440ep or Sam440ep-flex?

We contacted the MorphOS team but at the moment they are focused on other developments.

(06) In a perfect world, what would you like to see accomplished with regards to the Amiga, both classic and next generation - hardware and software.

We would like to see new software for Amiga that fills the gap between us and other platforms. A complete web browser, an office suite and all other programs that are needed for everyday use. On the hardware side it would be nice to have some new and powerful accelerator boards for the classic and new more powerful and cheaper NG hardware.

(07) How do you envision your relationship with Hyperion for the future?

We are working together to continue the evolution of the Amiga Operating System and hardware.

(08) What do you think about the NatAmi ( http://www.natami.net ) Is this something ACube Systems might consider getting involved in?

It seems an interesting idea but at this stage we prefer to focus on our own products. But obviously this could change in the future, who knows...

Max Tretene, ACube Systems Srl