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Amiga Corporation has finally released pictures of their much anticipated new generation Amiga computer. First let's take a look at where the Amiga has been, and where it's headed. You might recall that, like the iMac today, the Amiga computer was the "Think Different" computer of the 80's. It's rumored that the original Amiga Inc., choose its name so that they could be listed alphabetically before that other computer company that began with an A.
The original Amiga computer wowed many people during those early computer fairs with its advance color and sound. The OS, which did true-multitasking, was also very advanced for its time (modest OS RAM footprint, true multitasking, shared libraries, etc.). The Amiga line was know as game machines or video graphic machines. The Video Toaster, a product that lead the DTV revolution, along with Lightwave, first appeared on the Amiga. Unfortunately for the Amiga, Commodore's (which owned the Amiga at this point) marketing was very bad. It was like pre-Jobs Apple. In addition, Commodore was very slow to release new machines and to upgrade the platform. In the end, market share in America decreased and Commodore folded. The remainder of the Amiga technology was shuffled around by several different companies and groups. Recently, the assets were purchased by Gateway, a surprise move to many. With its experience in mail-order (and now retail), not to mention the manufacturing capabilities, what will Gateway do? Over time, they began to put together a new Amiga Inc., that seemed like the "Original Amiga Inc." (Including bouncing beach balls.)
Amiga Inc., has been promising a "new" Amiga for some time now. Gateway's president was quoted as saying the new Amiga would be more of an Internet Appliance for home control, than a traditional computer. Amiga's president quickly added "Well.. Amiga would be a computer after all."
On July 9, 1999 Amiga announced that the new Amiga OS would be based on the Linux kernel. Amiga and Corel announced on July 22 a working relationship to port Corel's products to the Amiga. Coincidentally, this came just after Corel announced discontinued support for Mac Word Perfect.
Amiga's home page now has a picture of the new Amiga MMC. Let's hope the MMC will be changed to a more jazzier name in the future. The machine looks like a cross between the 20th Anniversary Mac and the Mac TV. It's charcoal gray and comes in two pieces. The bottom part is shaped like an Apple Pippin/Web TV, while the monitor screams "Designed by Apple." So what is it? Is it a computer? A network computer? An internet box? A set-top box? A linux box?
It's hard to say at this point. My guess is that Gateway will market the product as a cheap Linux machine for the masses. Although built on Linux, Amiga Inc., will try to put on a more "user-friendly" face on top of the Linux kernel, aka Mac OS X. (Note : Mac OS X is built on the BSD kernel, not the Linux kernel.)
It's hard to say how this machine will affect the iMac market. My guess is it won't. The iMac market loves it's colors, one piece design, and round curves. The Amiga MMC, would have to offer super graphics (Better than Voodoo 3?), an easy Linux interface, as well as a low price to do well. I think cheap machines made by eMachines that run Linux will be the competition for the Amiga MMC.
I'm sure this new machine will be great news to the many loyal Amiga users around the world, but I wonder if Amiga Inc., can pull off the biggest comeback in the history of computers. Job's 'new' Apple ranks as number one in my book. Let's wish Amiga Inc., good luck, and hope some users "Really Think Differently." More machines that run an alternative OS (alternative to Microsoft's) is good for the market.
The new Amigas will come in two designs. The MMC mentioned above, and a standard ATX case design. How original.
Here are some of the key features of the MMC :
DVD, 3D card, ethernet, digital and analog AV ports, USB ports, 2 HD slots, 2 PCI slots, 7 USB ports, open bay for Zip/Jazz. Designed by Pentagram design firm. Powerful CPU - TBA, 32MB RAM, NEW ATI chipset TBA, Dolby output, Options : 56K modem, 100 ethernet, HomePNA, wireless networking, Firewire (???) Linux and Java based OS, OpenGL 3dAPI.
One last comment. Amiga's president went "shopping" for a better OS. I wondered if he considered Be Inc.?
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